Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary to Ooty in December 2023

Friday, December 1: Exploring Ooty Town

Start your trip in Ooty by visiting the beautiful Ooty Lake in the morning. Enjoy a boat ride on the serene lake while taking in the scenic surroundings. Afterward, head to the Government Botanical Gardens, known for its vast collection of exotic plants and flowers. Spend the afternoon exploring the gardens and having a picnic with your family. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling streets of Ooty Town, filled with local shops and eateries.

• Ooty Lake: Boat ride estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
• Government Botanical Gardens: Entry fee estimated cost - INR 30, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ooty Town: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 2: Discovering Pykara and Shooting Point

Start your day by visiting the picturesque Pykara Lake in the morning. Enjoy boating and take a short trek to the Pykara Waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, head to the scenic Shooting Point, known for its breathtaking views. Spend the afternoon capturing beautiful family photos and enjoying a picnic amidst nature. In the evening, visit the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, to witness a stunning sunset.

• Pykara Lake: Boating estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Pykara Waterfalls: Entry fee estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Shooting Point: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Doddabetta Peak: Entry fee estimated cost - INR 10, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 3: Exploring Tea Gardens and Toy Train Ride

Start your day by visiting the lush tea gardens of Ooty in the morning. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process and savor some freshly brewed tea. Afterward, experience the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the Toy Train. Enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes of Ooty, including the famous viaducts and tunnels. In the afternoon, visit the Wax World Ooty, a museum showcasing wax statues of famous personalities. End your day with a visit to the scenic Rose Garden, home to a variety of colorful roses.

• Ooty Tea Gardens: Guided tour estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train): Ticket estimated cost - INR 150, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Wax World Ooty: Entry fee estimated cost - INR 30, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Rose Garden: Entry fee estimated cost - INR 30, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, December 4: Exploring Avalanche and Emerald Lake

Start your day by visiting Avalanche Lake, a serene and less crowded lake located amidst the Nilgiri Mountains. Enjoy the tranquility and indulge in activities like boating or fishing. In the afternoon, head to Emerald Lake, known for its pristine beauty and scenic surroundings. Spend the afternoon picnicking, bird-watching, or simply relaxing by the lake. In the evening, visit the St. Stephen's Church, a colonial-era church that showcases stunning architecture.

• Avalanche Lake: Boating estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Emerald Lake: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• St. Stephen's Church: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Ooty, don't miss out on the hidden gem of Needle Rock Viewpoint, located near Gudalur. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is perfect for a family picnic. Another local favorite is the Toda Tribal Village, where you can learn about the indigenous Toda community's unique lifestyle and traditional crafts. These offbeat attractions will provide a memorable and enriching experience for your family.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.