7-Day Shoestring Budget Trip to Coorg, Wayanad, Ooty, and Coonoor
Thursday, August 31: Coorg
In the morning, visit Abbey Falls and enjoy the picturesque view and the sound of cascading water. Afterward, head to the Madikeri Fort, which offers a glimpse into Coorg's history. In the afternoon, explore the coffee plantations and indulge in a coffee tasting session. As the evening approaches, visit Raja's Seat, a scenic garden offering panoramic views of the sunset.
Abbey Falls: INR 30, 1-2 hours
Madikeri Fort: INR 25, 1-2 hours
Coffee Plantations: Free, 2-3 hours
Raja's Seat: INR 5, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Coorg Cuisine, where you can savor traditional Coorgi dishes like kadambuttu and pandi curry. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Coorg Dhaba and indulge in delicious North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering butter chicken and garlic naan. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit The Fern Tree. This restaurant offers a cozy ambience and serves a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and continental. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, September 1: Wayanad
Spend the morning exploring the Edakkal Caves, known for their prehistoric carvings. Afterward, visit the Pookode Lake for a serene boat ride surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and spot various species of flora and fauna.
Edakkal Caves: INR 40, 2-3 hours
Pookode Lake: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Banasura Sagar Dam: INR 20, 1-2 hours
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 20, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a tasty breakfast at The Cobbler's Cafe, located near Edakkal Caves. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked goods and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to ClayHut Village Restaurant. Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a delicious dinner at Jubilee Restaurant. Known for its mouthwatering Indian dishes, this restaurant offers a wide range of options to please your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, September 2: Ooty
Start your day by visiting the Government Botanical Gardens and admire the vast variety of plants and flowers. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills. Explore the Ooty Lake and enjoy a tranquil boat ride in the evening.
Government Botanical Gardens: INR 30, 1-2 hours
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: INR 205, 2-3 hours
Ooty Lake: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Diem, known for their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Savor a delectable lunch at Nahar Restaurant, offering a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, head to Earl's Secret, a cozy restaurant serving Chinese, Indian, and Continental cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, September 3: Coonoor
Start your day with a visit to Sim's Park, a beautifully landscaped garden with rare plant species. Afterward, head to Dolphin's Nose, a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates. In the afternoon, explore the Highfield Tea Factory and learn about the tea-making process. End your day with a visit to the Catherine Falls and enjoy the natural beauty.
Sim's Park: INR 30, 1-2 hours
Dolphin's Nose: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Highfield Tea Factory: Free, 1-2 hours
Catherine Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Diem, a cozy café known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Naoumiya, a popular restaurant offering a variety of local dishes such as biryani, dosa, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Culinarium, a fine dining restaurant known for its elegant ambience and delectable fusion cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Coorg
Return to Coorg and spend the day exploring the Dubare Elephant Camp. Enjoy an elephant ride, learn about their conservation, and participate in feeding and bathing the elephants. In the evening, visit the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, and witness the serene atmosphere of the Tibetan Buddhist temple.
Dubare Elephant Camp: INR 20, 2-3 hours
Namdroling Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Coorg Cuisine and enjoy their delicious South Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
For lunch, try the Bamboo Biryani at Taste of Coorg. This restaurant offers authentic Coorgi cuisine and the average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Raintree Restaurant which offers a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Wayanad
Return to Wayanad and spend the day trekking to the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and heart-shaped lake. In the evening, visit the Soochipara Falls and take a refreshing dip in the cascading water.
Chembra Peak: INR 500 (guide required), 4-6 hours
Soochipara Falls: INR 50, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 6: Ooty
Return to Ooty and spend the day exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Emerald Lake. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the tranquility. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and enjoy a tea tasting session. End your day with a visit to the Avalanche Lake and soak in the natural beauty.
Emerald Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Tea Museum: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Avalanche Lake: INR 15, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Hungry Monkey Cafe, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and excellent coffee. Enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes with various toppings for around Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try out Earl’s Secret, a charming restaurant nestled amidst tea gardens. Indulge in their scrumptious South Indian thali, which includes a variety of traditional dishes, for approximately Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Shinkow’s Chinese Restaurant, a popular eatery offering a wide range of delectable Chinese cuisine. Satisfy your taste buds with their flavorful noodles and dumplings, with an average cost of Rs. 400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path experiences, visit the Irupu Falls near Coorg, which offers a tranquil setting and beautiful views. In Wayanad, explore the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known gem for wildlife enthusiasts. In Ooty, take a detour to the scenic Pykara Lake and enjoy a boat ride amidst lush greenery. Coonoor's hidden gem is the Hidden Valley, a serene spot with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.