7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Coorg, Mysore, Ooty, and Coonoor
Friday, October 6: Arrival in Coorg
Welcome to Coorg! Start your trip by exploring the breathtaking Abbey Falls in the morning. Enjoy the refreshing mist and the sound of cascading water amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Dubare Elephant Camp where you can interact with elephants and even take an elephant ride. End the day with a visit to Raja's Seat, a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the sunset.
Dubare Elephant Camp: Estimated Cost - INR 1000 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Raja's Seat: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Coorg Foodland for a delicious South Indian breakfast with options like idli, dosa, and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try The Fort Mercara Restaurant which offers a wide variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Taste of Coorg and indulge in authentic Coorgi cuisine like Pandi Curry (pork curry) and Kadambuttu (rice dumplings). Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, October 7: Exploring Coorg
In the morning, visit the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple. Admire the stunning Tibetan architecture and witness the monks chanting. Afterward, head to the Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, the origin of the river Cauvery, and explore the temples in the area. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the coffee plantations and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Coffee Nook: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Coffee Nook, located within Coorg's coffee plantations. They offer a wide range of breakfast options, including local favorites like dosas and idlis, as well as continental dishes. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹200 per person.
Fortune Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Fortune Restaurant in Coorg. They serve delicious South Indian thali meals with a variety of curries, rice, and bread. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹300 per person.
Coorg Cuisinette: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Coorg Cuisinette, a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Coorgi cuisine. Try their signature dishes like pandi curry (pork curry) or coorgi koli saaru (chicken curry) for a truly local experience. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, October 8: Journey to Mysore
After breakfast, drive to Mysore. Start your day by visiting the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the opulent halls and admire the grand architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant Devaraja Market, known for its spices, silk, and local handicrafts.
Mysore Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 40 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Hotel RRR in Mysore, known for its delicious South Indian fare. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Enjoy a traditional thali lunch at Vinayaka Mylari in Mysore, famous for its fluffy dosas and aromatic curries. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Indulge in a dinner at Tiger Trail in Mysore, offering a variety of North Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Sightseeing in Mysore
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, famous for its symmetrically arranged fountains. Enjoy a boat ride on the KRS Dam Reservoir and marvel at the musical fountain show in the evening. In the afternoon, explore the historic Mysore Zoo, home to a variety of exotic animals. End the day by taking a heritage walk in the quaint neighborhood of Mysore and admire the colonial architecture.
Brindavan Gardens: Estimated Cost - INR 15 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Mysore Zoo: Estimated Cost - INR 60 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Leaf, a charming café known for its freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Raghavendra Tiffin Centre, a popular local eatery serving authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering masala dosa. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Tiger Trail, a cozy restaurant offering a range of Indian and continental dishes. Try their delectable biryani or savor the flavors of their tandoori platter. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Exploring Ooty
Head to Ooty, the "Queen of Hill Stations." Start your day by visiting the enchanting Botanical Gardens, showcasing a wide variety of flora. In the afternoon, take a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the Toy Train, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. In the evening, explore the bustling Ooty Lake and enjoy a boat ride amidst the serene surroundings.
Botanical Gardens: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Estimated Cost - INR 205 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Ooty Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its delicious spread of pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Foodie's Paradise: For lunch, head to Foodie's Paradise and indulge in a variety of Indian and international cuisines. They offer a buffet with an extensive selection of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Spice Garden: For dinner, visit Spice Garden, a cozy restaurant serving authentic South Indian dishes. From dosas to biryanis, their menu offers a range of flavorful options. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Discovering Coonoor
Take a short drive to Coonoor, a picturesque hill station. Start your day with a visit to Sim's Park, a beautifully maintained botanical garden. Enjoy a scenic drive to Lamb's Rock, offering panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills. In the afternoon, explore the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at Highfield Tea Factory. End the day with a visit to Dolphin's Nose, a viewpoint with stunning vistas.
Sim's Park: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Lamb's Rock: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Highfield Tea Factory: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Dolphin's Nose: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, October 12: Return to Coorg
Head back to Coorg for the final day of your trip. Spend the morning exploring the enchanting Nagarhole National Park, known for its rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Take a jeep safari and try to spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the breathtaking Talakaveri Temple, the source of the river Cauvery. End your trip with a relaxing walk through the coffee and spice plantations.
Nagarhole National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 1500 per person, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Coffee and Spice Plantations: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Coorg, don't miss out on the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe, where you can visit the Namdroling Monastery and experience the Tibetan culture. In Mysore, make sure to visit the Melody World Wax Museum, a unique museum showcasing wax statues of famous musicians. In Ooty, take a scenic drive to Avalanche Lake and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Coonoor offers the Hidden Valley, a lesser-known spot with stunning views and hiking trails.