Nature Lover's 4-Day Itinerary for Mysore and Ooty

1. Day 1: Mysore Palace
   30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Mysore Airport

   In the morning, explore the Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. The palace has a beautiful blend of Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles of architecture. Afterward, head to the Brindavan Gardens, which is famous for its musical fountain show in the evenings. In the afternoon, visit the Regional Museum of Natural History, exhibiting the flora and fauna of South India. In the evening, take a stroll in the Karanji Lake Nature Park, which is home to a variety of birds and animals.

2. Day 2: Bandipur National Park
   2 hours (47 miles) from Mysore Palace

   In the morning, drive to Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve. It has the second highest tiger population in India and is also home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and several species of birds. Take a Jeep Safari to explore the wildlife and nature. In the afternoon, drive to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an extension of the Bandipur National Park. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary on foot or by Jeep. In the evening, head back to Mysore and enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner.

3. Day 3: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   3 hours (85 miles) from Mysore Palace

   In the morning, drive to Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations". Explore the Ooty Botanical Gardens, which dates back to the 19th century and is spread across 55 acres of land. The garden has a variety of exotic and indigenous plants and trees. In the afternoon, visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. You can get a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the peak. In the evening, head back to Ooty and take a stroll in the charming Ooty Lake.

4. Day 4: Pykara Waterfalls
   1 hour 30 minutes (30 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   In the morning, drive to Pykara Waterfalls, which is located in the Pykara village. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a serene atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Pykara Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing. In the afternoon, drive to the Needle Rock Viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. In the evening, head back to Ooty and enjoy a cup of locally grown tea.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, you can visit the St. Philomena's Church in Mysore, which is one of the largest churches in South India. You can also take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor, which offers stunning views of the Nilgiri Mountains. For adventure enthusiasts, you can also go trekking in the Nilgiri Mountains or take a hot air balloon ride in Mysore.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mysore Palace (2 hours, INR 200)
• Brindavan Gardens (2 hours, INR 60)
• Regional Museum of Natural History (1 hour, INR 20)
• Karanji Lake Nature Park (1 hour, INR 25)
• Bandipur National Park Jeep Safari (3 hours, INR 1,500)
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Tour (2 hours, INR 500)
• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30)
• Doddabetta Peak (1 hour, INR 10)
• Ooty Lake (1 hour, INR 15)
• Pykara Waterfalls (1 hour, INR 50)
• Pykara Lake (1 hour, INR 300 for boating and fishing)
• Needle Rock Viewpoint (1 hour, INR 10)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,770