Ooty and Kodaikanal 6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

September 28 - October 3, 2023

Thursday, September 28: Arrival in Ooty

Start your trip by arriving in the beautiful hill station of Ooty. In the morning, visit the Botanical Gardens and marvel at its diverse collection of plants and flowers. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride on Ooty Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling Commercial Street and indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Botanical Gardens: INR 30 per person, 2 hours
• Ooty Lake: INR 10 per person for boating, 1-2 hours
• Commercial Street: Variable costs, 2-3 hours

Friday, September 29: Ooty Sightseeing

Embark on a full day of sightseeing in Ooty. In the morning, explore the picturesque Doddabetta Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Government Rose Garden, home to thousands of varieties of roses. As the evening approaches, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and revel in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills.

• Doddabetta Peak: INR 10 per person, 2-3 hours
• Government Rose Garden: INR 30 per person, 1-2 hours
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: INR 205 per person for a first-class ticket, 2-3 hours

Saturday, September 30: Ooty to Kodaikanal

Head from Ooty to Kodaikanal, another enchanting hill station. In the morning, visit the Coakers Walk and enjoy a leisurely stroll along its scenic path. In the afternoon, explore the Pillar Rocks, a set of three giant rock pillars providing breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride on the tranquil Kodaikanal Lake and witness the beauty of the setting sun.

• Coakers Walk: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Pillar Rocks: INR 30 per person, 1-2 hours
• Kodaikanal Lake: INR 20 per person for boating, 2-3 hours

Sunday, October 1: Kodaikanal Nature Exploration

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kodaikanal. In the morning, visit the Bear Shola Falls, a serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the Bryant Park and enjoy a picnic amidst colorful flowers and well-maintained lawns. As the evening approaches, take a soothing walk around the serene Kodai Lake and enjoy the cool breeze.

• Bear Shola Falls: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
• Bryant Park: INR 30 per person, 1-2 hours
• Kodai Lake: Free entry, 1-2 hours

Monday, October 2: Kodaikanal Sightseeing

Continue your exploration of Kodaikanal. In the morning, visit the mesmerizing Pine Forest and take a peaceful walk amidst towering pine trees. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Kodaikanal Solar Observatory and learn about astronomical research. As the evening sets in, visit the Green Valley View, also known as Suicide Point, and admire the stunning views of the valley.

• Pine Forest: INR 20 per person, 1-2 hours
• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Green Valley View: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Departure

Wrap up your trip to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Spend the morning exploring the local markets and picking up some last-minute souvenirs. In the afternoon, depart from Kodaikanal with wonderful memories of your family-friendly hill station adventure.

• Local Markets: Variable costs, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Guna Caves near Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal. These caves hold a mystical charm and are believed to have been featured in a popular Tamil movie. Another hidden gem is the Toda Village near Ooty, where you can learn about the indigenous Toda tribe and their traditional lifestyle. Both attractions offer insights into the local culture and are perfect for families seeking off the beaten path experiences.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, click here.