7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Bengaluru, Mysore, Ooty & Kerala

Monday, May 20: Arrival in Bengaluru

Start your trip in Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India. In the morning, visit the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling garden with a variety of plants and a glasshouse. In the afternoon, explore the innovative exhibits at the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, perfect for a family outing. In the evening, enjoy a walk along Brigade Road, a bustling street known for its shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Brigade Road: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, May 21: Mysore

Head to the historic city of Mysore. In the morning, explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, a stunning architectural marvel. Afterward, visit the Mysore Zoo, home to a wide range of exotic animals. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Devaraja Market, where you can find fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts.

• Mysore Palace: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Mysore Zoo: Estimated cost - INR 80 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Devaraja Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Mysore is Hotel Vinaya Bhavan, known for their delicious Masala Dosa and piping hot filter coffee. The average cost for a breakfast here is about INR 150 per person.
• If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try the iconic RRR Restaurant. Their unlimited thali meals with a variety of South Indian dishes are a local favorite. Expect to spend around INR 250 per person for a filling lunch.
• For a delightful dinner experience, head to Olive Garden. This rooftop restaurant offers a mix of Indian and continental cuisines, with stunning views of Mysore city. The average cost for a dinner here is about INR 500 per person.

Wednesday, May 22: Ooty

Travel to the hill station of Ooty, known for its scenic beauty. In the morning, embark on a picturesque toy train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, enjoying the stunning views of the Nilgiri Mountains. After reaching Ooty, visit the popular Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of plant species. In the evening, take a boat ride on Ooty Lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

• Toy Train Ride: Estimated cost - INR 290 per person, Time spent - 5-6 hours
• Botanical Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ooty Lake: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, May 23: Ooty

Continue exploring the beauty of Ooty. Start your day with a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Government Rose Garden, home to thousands of varieties of roses. In the evening, take a peaceful walk through the lush tea plantations and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Doddabetta Peak: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Government Rose Garden: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tea Plantations: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, May 24: Wayanad

Travel to the serene district of Wayanad in Kerala. In the morning, visit the stunning Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Afterward, explore the Edakkal Caves, ancient caves known for their prehistoric rock carvings. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride on the serene Pookode Lake.

• Banasura Sagar Dam: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Pookode Lake: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, May 25: Wayanad

Explore more of Wayanad's natural beauty. Start your day with a visit to Soochipara Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, experience the wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful sunset at the scenic Karapuzha Dam.

• Soochipara Falls: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 110 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Karapuzha Dam: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, May 26: Departure from Kozhikode

End your trip in Kozhikode (Calicut), a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the beautiful Kozhikode Beach, known for its scenic beauty and iconic lighthouse. In the afternoon, explore the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers. Bid farewell to Kerala with a traditional Malabar cuisine dinner before heading to the airport for your departure.

• Kozhikode Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Malabar Cuisine Dinner: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kerala, make sure to visit the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, where you can experience a relaxing houseboat cruise amidst nature. Another hidden gem is the Athirapally Falls, often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India," offering a spectacular sight. Locals also love the quaint hill station of Vagamon, known for its lush green meadows and beautiful landscapes.

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.