Two Days of Fun-Filled Adventure: Ooty and Kodaikanal Itinerary for Families

  1. Day 1: Ooty
    Starting Point: Chennai
    Distance from previous location: 530km (9 hours)

    Begin your day with a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountain Range. Be sure to arrive at dawn to catch the breathtaking views of the sun rising above the misty mountains. Next up, head to the Botanical Garden that houses a wide variety of native and exotic flora. Explore the different sections within the garden including Italian Garden, Toda Hill, and the Lower Garden. For lunch, enjoy a picnic at the Ooty Lake. Take a boat ride on the serene lake or try your hand at fishing. After lunch, visit Thread Garden that boasts of a unique collection of flower arrangements made entirely from threads. The day ends with a visit to the Toy Train Museum that deserves to be on the must-visit list of every ardent locomotive-lover.

  2. Day 2: Kodaikanal
    Starting Point: Ooty
    Distance from previous location: 250 km (6 hours)

    Begin your day with a visit to the Kodai Lake to enjoy a scenic boat ride. Next, visit Bryant Park, a beautiful park with plenty of manicured lawns and walking paths. The park is perfect for a morning stroll among the gorgeous flowers and lush greenery. Thereafter, head to the Pillar Rocks that offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the stunning rock formations. For lunch, try some scrumptious South Indian cuisine at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Dolphin’s Nose, a cliff that looks like a dolphin's nose from a distance, maybe you will be able to spot the shape too. Lastly, visit the Bear Shola Falls, a small waterfall surrounded by forests, that is a perfect way to end your journey.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, free)
  • Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, INR 20/person entry fee)
  • Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, INR 750-1000 for a family of four)
  • Thread Garden (30-45 minutes, INR 30/person entry fee)
  • Toy Train Museum (1-2 hours, INR 50/person entry fee)
  • Kodai Lake (1-2 hours, INR 34/person entry fee)
  • Bryant Park (1-2 hours, INR 30/person entry fee)
  • Pillar Rocks (30-45 minutes, INR 10/person entry fee)
  • Dolphin's Nose (1-2 hours, INR 10/person entry fee)
  • Bear Shola Falls (30 minutes-1 hour, INR 10/person entry fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: approximately INR 1059-1294 for a family of four

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Pykara Falls in Ooty and taking a trip to the Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal. With less time, you could skip some of the above-listed attractions or combine them to experience more places in shorter amount of time. While travelling with family, ensure to carry extra clothing, water, and snacks especially when visiting outdoor attractions.

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