Ooty and Wayanad Adventure Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Ooty Lake

   In the morning, explore the 55-acre Ooty Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of rare and exotic plants and trees. The gardens also have a fossil tree trunk and a 20-million-year-old fossilized leaf. For lunch, head to Quality Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian fare. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Thread Garden which showcases a beautiful collection of floral art made entirely from thread. In the evening, take a stroll around Ooty Lake and enjoy the scenic views.

2. Day 2: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   3 hours (85.3 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Start early and head to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a jungle safari to see elephants, tigers, leopards, and other wild animals. For lunch, stop at the nearby Bamboo Restaurant which serves delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Edakkal Caves, known for their prehistoric rock art. In the evening, explore the beautiful Soochipara Waterfalls and enjoy the stunning views.

3. Day 3: Chembra Peak
   1 hour 30 minutes (41.9 miles) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

   Start the day early and head to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it. Carry plenty of water and snacks for the trek. After the trek, head to the nearby Uravu Bamboo Grove and learn about bamboo handicrafts. For lunch, stop at the nearby Wilton Restaurant which serves delicious local cuisine. In the evening, visit the nearby Pookode Lake and enjoy a boat ride.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Mudumalai National Park, a short drive from Ooty which is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, and sloth bears. You can also visit the famous tea estates in Ooty and enjoy a cup of fresh tea while taking in the stunning views. A side trip to the nearby Bandipur National Park is also recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30)
• Thread Garden (1 hour, INR 20)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 30 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 40 for Indians and INR 80 for foreigners)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2-3 hours, INR 50 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners)
• Chembra Peak Trek (4-5 hours, INR 500 for a group of 10 people)
• Uravu Bamboo Grove (1 hour, INR 50)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 10 for entry and INR 50 per person for boating)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 8200 (excluding transportation and accommodation)