Visit the Great Penance which is an open-air bas-relief monolith depicting Hindu mythology. Proceed to the Shore Temple that sits on the Bay of Bengal and is believed to be one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
Explore the Government Museum which contains fascinating exhibits on Tamil culture and history, emphasizing the South India dynasties reign. Move on to the Fort St. George which is home to the Tamil Nadu government and also has a museum. The Fort St. George museum holds priceless memorabilia of British influence that were used by the East India Company.
The Coaker's Walk is a beautiful pedestrian path that presents a spectacular view of mountains, dense forests, and some waterfalls. Proceed to the Bear Shola Falls which is a seasonal waterfall located in the middle of the woods and has a rich biodiversity.
Take a tour of the Brian Tea Factory which was established in 1940 and has an excellent collection of tea that is grown in the Nilgiris. Move on to the picturesque Ooty Lake which is a major tourist attraction in Ooty. You can enjoy boating here or take a horse ride around the lake.
Explore the Meenakshi Amman Temple which is considered the most iconic and majestic temples in India. It has been around since 6th century AD, and is home to 33,000 sculptures. Then head to the Gandhi Museum which is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. The museum holds a vast collection of photos and writings of Gandhi that reflect his lifelong struggles and dedication.
If you have an extra day to spare, you can consider visiting the Rameswaram Temple, which is approximately 5 hours (173 miles) from Madurai. You can also spend an entire day touring the Mudumalai National Park, which is approximately 3 hours (85 miles) from Ooty. If you have less than 5 days, consider skipping either Kodaikanal or Madurai.