2-Day Nature Itinerary for Ooty and Coonoor

  1. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    30 minutes (9.6 km) from Ooty

    Start your day with a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. Enjoy the scenic drive up the winding roads surrounded by lush greenery. At the top, you'll get a panoramic view of the valley and surrounding hills. There's also a telescope house where you can take a closer look at the view. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.

  2. Day 1: Botanical Garden
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Doddabetta Peak

    Next stop, Botanical Garden. It's a sprawling garden spread over 55 acres with various species of colourful flowers, plants and trees. It also has a fossil tree that's said to be about 20 million years old. You can take a leisurely stroll amidst the serene surroundings and soak in the natural beauty. It's a heaven for nature lovers and a great place to spend a peaceful afternoon.

  3. Day 1: Pykara Lake and Waterfalls
    1 hour (23 km) from Botanical Garden

    End your day with a visit to Pykara Lake and Waterfalls. The lake is serene, and the waterfalls are spectacular. You can take a boat ride in the sparkling blue-green waters of the lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The waterfalls have multiple cascades, and the water gushing down the mountains creates a mesmerising sound. It's a perfect spot to relax and refresh after a day filled with nature's delights.

  4. Day 2: Sim's Park
    30 minutes (18.5 km) from Coonoor

    Start your day with a visit to Sim's Park. It's a charming garden with unique varieties of plants and trees. You can take a stroll and explore the different sections of the park with varieties of flowers, ferns, and shrubs around every corner. There's also a small lake with colourful ducks. It's a splendid place to enjoy nature and breathe in fresh air.

  5. Day 2: Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint
    20 minutes (10 km) from Sim's Park

    Next stop, Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint. It's a natural rock formation that resembles a dolphin's nose. You'll get a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding hill ranges. You can also visit the Catherine Falls, visible from the viewpoint. It's a great spot for photography and one of the best places to enjoy the views of the Nilgiris.

  6. Day 2: Tea Factory and Tea Estate
    30 minutes (14 km) from Dolphin's Nose

    End your day with a visit to a Tea Factory and Tea Estate to learn about tea production and taste some delicious tea. Coonoor is famous for tea production, and you can see the entire process of how tea leaves are picked, processed and packed. You can also stroll through the lush green tea estate with scenic views of the valley. It's a perfect spot to relax and savour the taste of the world-famous Nilgiri tea.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Doddabetta Peak (1 hour, free)
  • Botanical Garden (1 hour, INR 30)
  • Pykara Lake and Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 200)
  • Sim's Park (1 hour, INR 30)
  • Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint (30 mins, free)
  • Tea Factory and Tea Estate (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 260

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can visit other tea estates, like the Highfield Tea Factory or explore more viewpoints like Lamb's Rock. You can also take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor and enjoy the scenic journey. However, if you have less time, you can skip the tea estate or one of the viewpoints. Make sure to carry comfortable walking shoes, a jacket, and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable in the hills.

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