Four Days Itinerary for Mettupalayam and Ooty

  1. Day 1: Nilgiri Mountain Railway
    Estimated time: 1 hour (10.2 km) from Mettupalayam railway station

    Experience the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that runs through the Western Ghats. The train takes you through breathtaking scenery including tea plantations, tunnels and bridges. Start your journey early in the morning to avoid the rush. The train stops at Coonoor where you can visit Sims Park and Dolphin's Nose.

  2. Day 2: Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak and Tea Museum
    Estimated time: 1 hour (14.3 km) from Coonoor railway station

    Visit the Botanical Garden in Ooty, one of the oldest and largest in India, with over a thousand plant species. Take a walk through the garden, marvel at the greenery, and get some fresh air. Next up is Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiris range. The view from the top is unmatched, so bring a camera! Finally, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a nice cup of tea.

  3. Day 3: Pykara Lake and Waterfalls, Shooting Point
    Estimated time: 1 hour (22 km) from Ooty town

    Enjoy the serene and scenic Pykara Lake. Go boating on the lake or take a horse ride nearby. Next, head over to the Pykara Waterfalls. The falls are a sight to behold, so be sure to bring a raincoat. Lastly, visit the Shooting Point where many Bollywood movies have been shot. It's a nice place to visit and take some pictures.

  4. Day 4: Avalanche Lake and Emerald Lake
    Estimated time: 1 hour (22 km) from Ooty town

    Admire the beauty of the Avalanche Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Take a nature walk through the forest and breathe in the fresh air. Then, head over to the Emerald Lake, another picturesque spot with crystal clear water. Take a dip if you dare or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2-3 hours, INR 80-400)
  • Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, INR 30-60), Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, INR 10-50), Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10-100)
  • Pykara Lake (2-3 hours, INR 5-10), Pykara Waterfalls (1-2 hours, INR 5-10)
  • Avalanche Lake (2-3 hours, INR 10-20), Emerald Lake (2-3 hours, INR 10-20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 160-990

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit some other places like the Government Rose Garden, St. Stephen's Church, or the Ooty Lake. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can also visit Mudumalai National Park. If you have less time, skip some of the attractions mentioned above but don't skip the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Remember to always check the opening and closing times of the attractions before you head out. Lastly, carry a light jacket and bunch of umbrellas as the weather can be unpredictable in the hills.

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