4-Day Itinerary for Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal, and Mysore in May 2023

1. Day 1: Coorg
   3 hours 45 minutes (140 km) from Bangalore

   Get ready for a day immersed in the lush landscapes of Coorg. Start your journey by visiting the Madikeri Fort, a 17th-century fort that was once the center of political and administrative power. Afterward, head over to the Raja's Seat, a scenic spot that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Finally, visit the Abbey Falls, one of India's most beautiful waterfalls, known for its picturesque combination of flowing water, lush greenery, and rocky terrain.

2. Day 2: Ooty
   4 hours 40 minutes (240 km) from Coorg

   Get ready to explore Ooty, also called the Queen of Hill Stations in South India. Start your day by visiting the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Then, head over to the Ooty Lake, a peaceful haven that offers boating and walking options and is surrounded by dense forests. Finally, visit the Government Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden spanning across 55 acres with a variety of exotic flora and fauna, making it the perfect location to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Day 3: Kodaikanal
   7 hours 20 minutes (260 km) from Ooty

   Discover the surreal beauty of Kodaikanal, known as the "Princess of Hill Stations." Start your day by visiting the Bryant Park, a botanical garden known for its hybrids and grafts of flowers. Then, head over to the Pillar Rocks, towering granite cliffs situated 122 meters high and tapered to a pointed shape, providing a fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes. Finally, visit the Kodaikanal Lake, a beautiful man-made lake located in the heart of the city, offering several activities such as boat rides, horse riding, and cycling.

4. Day 4: Mysore
   8 hours 10 minutes (300 km) from Kodaikanal

   Experience the rich heritage and culture of Mysore, the land of palaces and royalty. Start by visiting the iconic Mysore Palace, a magnificent palace built-in 1912 and one of the largest palaces in India. Then, head over to the Brindavan Gardens, a sprawling garden located below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, featuring musical fountains that are a treat for the eyes. Finally, visit the Chamundi Hills, a spiritual location that offers scenic views of the city from the top, as well as the Chamundeshwari Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in South India.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Madikeri Fort (1 hour, Free)
• Raja's Seat (1 hour, INR 5 per person)
• Abbey Falls (1.5 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Doddabetta Peak (1 hour, Free)
• Ooty Lake (45 minutes to 1 hour, INR 11 per person for boating, INR 30 for cycling)
• Government Botanical Garden (1.5 to 2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Bryant Park (1 hour, INR 30 per person)
• Pillar Rocks (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Kodaikanal Lake (1 to 1.5 hours, INR 34 per person for boating, INR 125 for horse riding)
• Mysore Palace (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Brindavan Gardens (1.5 to 2 hours, INR 20 per person, plus an additional INR 30-60 for musical fountain show)
• Chamundi Hills (1 to 1.5 hours, Free)
• Chamundeshwari Temple (1 to 1.5 hours, Free)

Useful Tips

If you have more time:

• Coorg: Visit the Talacauvery and Bhagamandala temple complex, which are two significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
• Ooty: Visit the Tea Museum, which showcases the history and evolution of tea planting in the Nilgiri Mountains.
• Kodaikanal: Trek Coaker's Walk to witness panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
• Mysore: Visit the St. Philomena's Church, one of the most important historical buildings in the city.

If you have less time:

• Coorg: Skip the Madikeri Fort and spend more time at Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat.
• Ooty: Skip Government Botanical Garden and spend more time at Doddabetta Peak and Ooty Lake.
• Kodaikanal: Skip Bryant Park and spend more time at the Pillar Rocks and Kodaikanal Lake.
• Mysore: Skip Chamundi Hills and spend more time at Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens.