Magical South India Journey: Coorg, Ooty, Lepakshi, Hassan, Udupi
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Coorg
Embark on your enchanting South India journey in beautiful Coorg. Start your morning with a visit to Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Spend your afternoon exploring the coffee plantations and indulge in a coffee tasting experience. In the evening, visit Raja's Seat, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Coorg valley.
Abbey Falls: INR 50, 2 hours
Coffee Plantations: Free, 3 hours
Raja's Seat: INR 20, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Coorg Canteen, a local favorite known for their delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Taste of Coorg, a charming restaurant that serves authentic Coorgi cuisine. Try their signature dish, Pandi Curry, made with tender pork and traditional spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Raintree Restaurant, located in a beautiful outdoor setting. Indulge in their mouthwatering seafood dishes like Fish Curry and Prawn Masala. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, March 25, 2024: Ooty
Travel to the "Queen of Hill Stations," Ooty. Start your morning by taking a scenic toy train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of exotic plants. As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Ooty Lake.
Toy Train Ride: INR 300, 2 hours
Botanical Gardens: INR 30, 2 hours
Ooty Lake: INR 200, 1 hour
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot in Ooty is Café Diem, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Nahar Restaurant, serving traditional South Indian cuisine like dosas and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the popular Earl's Secret, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024: Lepakshi
Discover the ancient wonders of Lepakshi. Start your morning by visiting the magnificent Veerabhadra Temple, known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Lepakshi Nandi Bull, a colossal monolithic sculpture. Wrap up your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Hanging Pillar, an architectural marvel.
Veerabhadra Temple: Free, 2 hours
Lepakshi Nandi Bull: Free, 1 hour
Hanging Pillar: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Swathi Delicacy. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of South Indian breakfast options such as dosas, idlis, vadas, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Vinayaka Veg Restaurant. This vegetarian eatery is known for its flavorful thali meals and authentic South Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Nisarga Veg. This restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian delicacies including North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024: Hassan
Continue your journey to Hassan, known for its rich historical heritage. Start your morning by exploring the awe-inspiring Hoysaleswara Temple, adorned with intricate sculptures. In the afternoon, visit the Shettihalli Church, a hauntingly beautiful partially submerged church. End your day with a visit to the peaceful Gorur Dam, offering serene views of the Hemavathi River.
Hoysaleswara Temple: INR 30, 2 hours
Shettihalli Church: Free, 1 hour
Gorur Dam: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Swathi Delicacy, a popular breakfast spot in Hassan. Enjoy their delicious dosas and idlis, and experience the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Amaravathi Restaurant. They serve a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryanis, curries, and thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Vasudev Adiga's, a well-known restaurant that offers a range of North Indian and South Indian delicacies. Choose from their extensive menu of dosas, parathas, curries, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Thursday, March 28, 2024: Udupi
Conclude your journey in Udupi, renowned for its cultural and religious significance. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the afternoon, explore Malpe Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters. As the day ends, witness the spectacular sunset at St. Mary's Island, a group of pristine basalt rock formations.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: Free, 2 hours
Malpe Beach: Free, 3 hours
St. Mary's Island: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Mitra Samaj in Udupi. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes like idli, vada, and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Woodlands Restaurant in Udupi. Known for its vegetarian thali meals, this restaurant serves a delectable spread of rice, chapati, curries, and sweets. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Diana Restaurant in Udupi. This popular establishment specializes in seafood delicacies like prawn curry, fish fry, and crab masala. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Coorg, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known Chelavara Falls, a hidden gem tucked away in the Western Ghats. In Ooty, venture off the beaten path to Emerald Lake, a serene and picturesque spot away from the tourist crowds. In Lepakshi, explore the beautiful Veeranna Betta, a small hill offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In Hassan, visit the tranquil Kedareshwara Temple, known for its pristine architecture. In Udupi, experience the serenity of Kapu Beach, a tranquil shoreline away from the bustling crowds.