Ooty Family-Friendly Itinerary (June 2023)

  1. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    13 minutes (5.2 miles) from Ooty Lake

    Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Mountains at an altitude of 2,637 meters. You can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the highlands, valleys, and rivers of the Nilgiris from the viewpoint. There are also a few tea shops near the peak that serves traditional tea varieties.

  2. Day 2: Ooty Lake
    22 minutes (9.2 miles) from Doddabetta Peak

    Ooty Lake was artificially constructed in 1824 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ooty. It offers paddleboat rides on the lake and gardens on which visitors can picnic. You can also find a children's park that is perfect for families with little ones. The lake presents boating, horse riding and toy train rides for the visitors.

  3. Day 3: Government Botanical Garden
    7 minutes (1 mile) from Ooty Lake

    The Government Botanical Garden is sprawling over 55 hectares and is home to thousand of species of plants and flowers. A few glasshouses with medicinal, decorative and aromatic plant collections are worth visiting, and don't miss the Toda tribal hut where you can see pictures of the tribe.

  4. Day 4: Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)
    8 minutes (2.3 miles) from Government Botanical Garden

    Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, popularly known as "toy train" and experience the picturesque landscapes of Ooty. It travels through beautiful villages, bridges, and tunnels before arriving in Coonoor, a scenic hill station. Simply an iconic experience for families who want a memorable ride in Ooty.

Time and Costs Estimate

  • Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, free)
  • Ooty Lake (2-3 hours, INR 15-30 per person for paddleboats or toy train ride)
  • Government Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, INR 20-50 per person)
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway (5-6 hours, INR 30-300 per person depending on ticket class)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 65-380 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit Sim's Park or Dolphin's Nose which are close of Coonoor. However, if your schedule is limited, eliminating Doddabetta peak can cut travel time and opening up your schedule may lead to visits to surrounding areas. Also, it's recommended that you carry umbrellas and jackets since the climate in Ooty is unpredictable, and make sure to check for openings and closing timings of the attractions before heading out.

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