Ooty Family Friendly Itinerary for July 2023

  1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
    10 minutes (3.2 km) from Ooty Lake

    The Ooty Botanical Gardens, spread over 22 hectares, is a hub of botanical diversity housing more than 600 species of plants. In July, the gardens are in full bloom with a variety of flowers like marigolds, petunias, and dahlias. Take a stroll and enjoy the lush greenery or have a picnic with your family. The garden also has a fossil tree trunk that is estimated to be more than 20 million years old.

  2. Day 1: Doddabetta Peak
    20 minutes (9.3 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    Doddabetta Peak is the highest mountain peak in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,637 meters. The view from the peak is breathtaking, especially during monsoons when the valleys are covered in mist. There is a telescope house at the top that offers an even better view of the surroundings. Take a family photo at the peak, grab some local snacks from the vendors, and enjoy the cool breeze.

  3. Day 2: Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls
    40 minutes (21.4 km) from Doddabetta Peak

    Pykara Lake is a serene and beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. You can take a boat ride, go fishing, or have a picnic by the lake. A short distance from the lake is the Pykara Falls, a two-stage waterfall that cascades down from a height of 55 meters. The falls are especially beautiful during monsoons and are a great spot for family photos. You can also try the local street food from the vendors.

  4. Day 2: Government Museum
    25 minutes (11.2 km) from Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls

    The Government Museum in Ooty is a treasure trove of history and culture. The museum has a collection of tribal artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and weapons from the ancient and colonial periods. You can also learn about the history of tea plantations in the Nilgiris. The museum is a great place to visit with kids to introduce them to local history and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for telescope house)
  • Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls (2-3 hours, INR 5 per person for boat ride, street food prices vary)
  • Government Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 50 per person
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