5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Mysuru and Ooty

1. Day 1: Mysuru Palace and Chamundi Hill
   Estimated time and distance from the airport: 30 minutes (7 miles)

   Start your day with a visit to the 600-year old Mysuru Palace, one of the most famous historical and cultural landmarks of India. Then, head to the Chamundi Hill for a scenic view of the city and to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple.

2. Day 2: KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 45 minutes (16 miles)

   Explore the KRS Dam, an architectural marvel that provides water to the entire district. Then, visit the Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains, colorful flowers, and boating activities.

3. Day 3: Ooty Botanical Gardens and Ooty Lake
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4 hours (95 miles)

   Visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of rare and exotic plant species. Then, head to the Ooty Lake for a relaxing pedal-boat ride or a serene walk around the lake.

4. Day 4: Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Avalanche Lake
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 miles)

   Board the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway train for a picturesque journey through the mountains and tea plantations. Then, visit the Avalanche Lake for a perfect picnic spot or a peaceful hike.

5. Day 5: Doddabetta Peak and St. Stephen's Church
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour (15 miles)

   Head to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills range and enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Then, visit the St. Stephen's Church, a historic and stunning Gothic-style church.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mysuru Palace (2-3 hours, ₹200 per adult)
• Chamundi Hill (1-2 hours, free)
• KRS Dam (1-2 hours, free)
• Brindavan Gardens (2-3 hours, ₹60 per adult)
• Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, ₹30 per adult)
• Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, ₹10-₹20 per person per ride)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2-3 hours, ₹205-₹1305 per adult)
• Avalanche Lake (2-4 hours, free)
• Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, ₹10 per adult)
• St. Stephen's Church (1-2 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: ₹525-₹1555 per adult

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Mysuru Zoo or Government Museum. For a unique experience, take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. If you have less time, omit the KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens and consider a visit to the Railway Museum or wax museum in Mysuru, or the Tea Factory and Museum tour in Ooty.