3 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary from Chennai to Ooty in May 2023

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   0 minutes from Ooty Lake
   Explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, including ferns, orchids, and medicinal plants. The garden also features fountains, a Toda tribal hut, and a charming Italian-style garden. You could visit the gardens early in the day (9 a.m) to avoid the crowds and have a peaceful walk.
2. Day 2: Government Rose Garden
   10 minutes (2 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens,
   Take a stroll or relax at the stunning Government Rose Garden, spread over 10 hectares and featuring more than 20,000 rose plants. The garden also includes a greenhouse that is home to exotic plants and flowers. The best time to visit the Rose Garden is May as the flowers are in full bloom and offer a beautiful sight.
3. Day 3: Ooty Lake
   15 minutes (3.2 miles) from Government Rose Garden
   Spend your last day in Ooty boating at the picturesque Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. You can rent a paddle or motorboat and take a ride around the lake. Also, if you're interested in fishing, the lake has a wide variety of fish populations like trout and carp, which you can catch.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 60-100 per person)
• Government Rose Garden (1-2 hours, INR 30-50 per person)
• Ooty Lake Boating (1-2 hours, INR 340-450 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 430-600 per person

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you could add a visit to the Pykara waterfall, the Doddabetta Peak or go on a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. If you have less time, you could skip Government Rose Garden to visit other attractions like the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary or the St. Stephen's Church. Make sure to check opening hours, especially for Government Rose Garden, which is closed on Tuesdays.