4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Ooty in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    10 minutes (4.6 km) from Ooty Lake

    Start your trip with a bird’s eye view of Ooty at the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. Enjoy a scenic drive up to the peak and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and plains. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a short trek to the peak. There’s a telescope house at the top of the peak to get a closer look at the scenery. Take your time to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy the cool breeze.

  2. Day 2: Government Botanical Garden
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Doddabetta Peak

    Stroll through one of the oldest botanical gardens in India with over 650 species of plants and trees. You’ll find a diverse collection of flowers, cacti, ferns, and bonsai trees. The well-manicured lawns and fountains make for a perfect picnic spot. The garden also has a fossil tree trunk that’s over 20 million years old. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the garden, taking pictures, and enjoying the fresh air.

  3. Day 3: Pykara Lake and Waterfall
    30 minutes (19.5 km) from Government Botanical Garden

    Relax by the tranquil Pykara Lake and take a boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. You can also visit the Pykara Waterfall nearby and take a dip in the refreshing water. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 55 meters and is a popular picnic spot. The area is also home to a large population of wildlife, including elephants and deer. Keep your camera handy to capture some amazing shots of the flora and fauna.

  4. Day 4: Ooty Tea Factory and Museum
    25 minutes (4.5 km) from Pykara Lake and Waterfall

    No trip to Ooty is complete without sampling some of its famous tea. Head to the tea factory and museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region and witness the manufacturing process firsthand. You can also taste and purchase some fresh tea from the on-site shop. The museum displays antique tea-making equipment and photographs from the colonial era. Sip on some tea while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding tea gardens.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Doddabetta Peak (2-3 hours, free)
  • Government Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, ₹30 per person)
  • Pykara Lake and Waterfall (3-4 hours, ₹5 per person for entry, boat rides start at ₹200 per person)
  • Ooty Tea Factory and Museum (1-2 hours, ₹10 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹275 per person
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