A Family-Friendly 8-Day Itinerary for Ooty

1. Day 1: Pykara Lake and Boathouse
   30 minutes (14.5 km) from Ooty

   Enjoy boating and see the Pykara Falls in the backdrop. Kids can play in the children's park or feed ducks.

2. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak
   20 minutes (10.5 km) from Pykara Lake

   Hike to the top of the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

3. Day 3: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   20 minutes (8.1 km) from Doddabetta Peak

   Explore the serene gardens with lush greenery and colourful flowers. Kids will love the fossil tree trunk and the Toda hill houses.

4. Day 4: Thunder World
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   A fun, indoor amusement park with exciting rides, horror shows and a 5D cinema. Kids will love the virtual reality games.

5. Day 5: Avalanche Lake
   1 hour (25.5 km) from Thunder World

   Spend a day at the scenic lake surrounded by mountains, and enjoy activities like boating, fishing and camping. Carry your picnic basket.

6. Day 6: Tribal Museum
   40 minutes (16.7 km) from Avalanche Lake

   Learn about the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris and their rich culture. See their unique artefacts, paintings and costumes on display.

7. Day 7: Tea Factory and Museum
   20 minutes (7.6 km) from Tribal Museum

   Visit the century-old tea factory to see how tea is processed and sample different flavours. Learn about the history of tea in India at the museum.

8. Day 8: Rose Garden
   30 minutes (10.8 km) from Tea Factory and Museum

   Smell the fragrant roses and enjoy the scenic views in the well-maintained garden. See the colourful flower arrangements and fountains.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Pykara Lake and Boathouse (2 hours, INR 20 for boating)
• Doddabetta Peak (2 hours, INR 10 entry fee)
• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30 entry fee)
• Thunder World (3 hours, INR 350 entry fee)
• Avalanche Lake (6 hours, INR 500 for boating)
• Tribal Museum (1 hour, INR 20 entry fee)
• Tea Factory and Museum (2 hours, INR 100 entry fee)
• Rose Garden (1 hour, INR 30 entry fee)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1060 per person (excluding any accommodations or transportation)

Useful Tips

This itinerary can be adjusted based on the season and interests of your family. Consider visiting viewpoints such as Dolphins Nose or Emerald Lake. Avoid crowded places by visiting early in the day. For a longer trip, take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor and explore the charming town.