Welcome to Ooty, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Begin your honeymoon by checking into a romantic hotel, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend the morning leisurely exploring the hotel's amenities and enjoying a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the lush botanical gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and serene atmosphere. As the evening sets in, head to the Ooty Lake and enjoy a romantic boat ride, surrounded by the tranquil waters and scenic beauty.
Botanical Gardens: Cost estimate - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Ooty Lake: Cost estimate - INR 400 per couple, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Diem: Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Cafe Diem, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable menu options. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Earthen Oven: For a delightful lunch experience, head to Earthen Oven, a charming restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant, offering a diverse menu featuring Indian and international delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Saturday, December 30: Exploring Ooty's Tea Estates
Start your day with a visit to one of Ooty's famous tea estates. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final product. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while soaking in the scenic beauty of the rolling tea plantations. In the afternoon, embark on a romantic nature walk through the Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. Witness panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and breathe in the fresh mountain air. As the day comes to an end, visit the Rose Garden and immerse yourselves in the fragrance and beauty of the blooming roses.
Tea Estate Visit: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Doddabetta Peak: Cost estimate - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Rose Garden: Cost estimate - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Coffee Day, located near Ooty's tea estates. Enjoy a range of breakfast options, from freshly brewed coffee to hearty sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Nahar Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Indulge in flavorful dosas, biryanis, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a romantic dinner at Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday, December 31: Discovering Ooty's Wildlife
On this adventurous day, head to the Mudumalai National Park, located on the outskirts of Ooty. Embark on an exciting jungle safari to witness the diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery of the national park. In the afternoon, visit the Government Botanical Garden, known for its vast collection of exotic plants and trees. Take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured lawns and soak in the natural beauty. As the evening approaches, enjoy a cozy candlelight dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of traditional Tamil cuisine.
Mudumalai National Park: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person for safari, Time spent - 4 hours
Government Botanical Garden: Cost estimate - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Candlelight Dinner: Cost estimate - INR 2,000 for a couple, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Diem, a charming café known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Nahar's Sidewalk Café, a popular restaurant serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Earl's Secret, a cozy restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and European flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, January 1: Exploring Ooty's Surroundings
Start the new year by venturing out of Ooty to explore its surrounding attractions. Begin with a visit to the enchanting Pykara Lake, where you can enjoy a boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. Afterward, head to the Pykara Waterfalls and witness the cascading waters amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Avalanche Lake and indulge in activities like fishing or simply relax by the tranquil lakeside. As the day winds down, enjoy a romantic evening at a local viewpoint, such as the Needle Rock Viewpoint, and witness the breathtaking sunset over the hills.
Pykara Lake: Cost estimate - INR 200 per couple for boating, Time spent - 2 hours
Pykara Waterfalls: Cost estimate - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Avalanche Lake: Cost estimate - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Needle Rock Viewpoint: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Diem, a charming cafe known for its freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Nahar which offers a wide range of South Indian delicacies such as dosas, idlis, and spicy curries. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at the picturesque Earl's Secret, a cozy restaurant nestled in the heart of Ooty. They specialize in Continental and Indian cuisine, with dishes like grilled steaks and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, January 2: Departure from Ooty
As your honeymoon in Ooty comes to an end, spend your last morning indulging in a relaxing couple's spa session, rejuvenating both your body and mind. Afterward, check out from the hotel and bid farewell to this beautiful hill station. Depart from Ooty with cherished memories of your romantic getaway.
Couple's Spa Session: Cost estimate - INR 4,000 for a couple, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A cozy cafe nestled in the heart of Ooty, serving delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and crispy waffles. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional South Indian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and extensive vegetarian menu. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the Ooty landscape. Delight in a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Besides the popular attractions, Ooty hides some off the beaten path gems that locals adore. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Toda Huts, traditional homes of the indigenous Toda tribe, and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Another local favorite is the Emerald Lake, located a short distance from Ooty. This serene lake offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, perfect for a romantic picnic. Finally, don't miss out on the chance to savor the famous Ooty chocolates, available in various flavors, a delightful treat to take back home.