Exploring Bangalore, Ooty, and Coonoor: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary
Saturday, September 9: Arrival in Bangalore
Welcome to Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India! Start your trip by exploring the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden in the morning. Enjoy a leisurely walk among the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. In the afternoon, visit the innovative Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, where kids can learn about science and technology through interactive exhibits. In the evening, take a stroll at Cubbon Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
Head to MTR for a delicious South Indian breakfast of crispy dosas and fluffy idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try the authentic North Indian flavors at K.C. Das. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ebony, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy their diverse menu featuring international and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 10: Explore Bangalore's Cultural Heritage
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bangalore by starting your morning with a visit to the magnificent Bangalore Palace. Explore the opulent interiors and picturesque gardens. In the afternoon, head to the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Wrap up your day with a visit to the vibrant and bustling Malleswaram Market, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs and sample local delicacies.
Bangalore Palace: Estimated cost - INR 230 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room), known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a hearty lunch, head to Vidyarthi Bhavan, a legendary restaurant famous for its crispy dosas and mouthwatering filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Koshy's, a historic restaurant serving a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Monday, September 11: Journey to Ooty
Today, embark on a scenic drive from Bangalore to Ooty. Upon arrival, take a rejuvenating boat ride in the serene Ooty Lake in the morning. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and lush landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the Government Botanical Garden, home to a vast collection of exotic plants. End your day with a visit to the Thread Garden, a unique garden created entirely with thread artworks.
Ooty Lake: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person for boat ride, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Government Botanical Garden: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thread Garden: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Ooty is Cafe Diem, which offers a cozy ambiance and a variety of freshly baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Nahar Nilgiri Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Earl's Secret, a charming restaurant nestled in the hills of Ooty, offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Exploring Ooty's Natural Beauty
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ooty by visiting the enchanting Doddabetta Peak in the morning. Enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills from the summit. In the afternoon, take a toy train ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding tea plantations. End your day with a visit to the picturesque Rose Garden, home to thousands of colorful rose varieties.
Doddabetta Peak: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Toy Train Ride on Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Estimated cost - INR 205 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Rose Garden: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 13: Sightseeing in Coonoor
Today, make a day trip to the charming hill station of Coonoor. Start your morning with a visit to Sim's Park, a botanical garden known for its diverse plant species. Enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque tea estates and learn about the tea-making process at the Highfield Tea Factory. Don't miss the scenic views from Lamb's Rock. Return to Ooty in the evening.
Sim's Park: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Highfield Tea Factory: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Lamb's Rock: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Culinarium. This cozy breakfast spot offers a variety of hearty options such as fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to the popular Cafe Diem. This charming cafe serves a range of sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Don't miss their delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Earl's Secret. This intimate restaurant offers a menu of Indian and continental cuisine. Enjoy their signature dishes like Butter Chicken and Quattro Formaggi Pizza. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, September 14: Explore Ooty's Heritage
Discover Ooty's colonial heritage by starting your morning with a visit to the picturesque St. Stephen's Church. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and serene ambiance. In the afternoon, explore the historic Ooty Botanical Gardens, established in 1848. Take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the impressive collection of plants and flowers. End your day with a visit to the Tribal Museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes in the region.
St. Stephen's Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Ooty Botanical Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tribal Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Friday, September 15: Return to Bangalore
It's time to bid farewell to the serene hills of Ooty and return to Bangalore. Use this day to relax, reminisce about your trip, and enjoy some free time exploring Bangalore at your own pace. You can visit the famous Bangalore Fort, take a walk at the lively Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, or indulge in some shopping at the vibrant Commercial Street.
For a unique experience, visit the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore, where you can learn about astronomy and enjoy captivating shows. Another hidden gem is the Nandi Hills, located just outside Bangalore, offering breathtaking views and a perfect spot for a family picnic. Don't miss the delightful experience of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train ride, where you can soak in the scenic beauty of the Nilgiri Hills.
Check out hotel and flight prices for your Bangalore-Ooty-Coonoor trip here.