7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Bengaluru - Mysore - Ooty - Bengaluru

Day 1: Monday, November 13 - Arrival in Bengaluru

Welcome to Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India! Start your trip by exploring the historical sites and beautiful gardens in the morning. Visit the iconic Bangalore Palace and stroll through the serene Lalbagh Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, explore Cubbon Park, a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. As the evening sets in, head to MG Road for some shopping and enjoy the famous street food.

• Bangalore Palace: ₹300, 2 hours
• Lalbagh Botanical Garden: ₹50, 2-3 hours
• Cubbon Park: Free, 1-2 hours
• MG Road: Budget varies, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try MTR - Mavalli Tiffin Room, a famous South Indian restaurant known for its authentic dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Nagarjuna, a popular Andhra restaurant that serves delicious biryanis and spicy curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Vidyarthi Bhavan, a legendary eatery famous for its crispy masala dosas and mouthwatering chutneys. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.

Day 2: Tuesday, November 14 - Mysore Exploration

Start your day early and drive to Mysore, a city famous for its rich heritage and grand palaces. In the morning, visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. After that, explore the Mysore Zoo, which houses a diverse collection of wildlife. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains.

• Mysore Palace: ₹75, 2-3 hours
• Mysore Zoo: ₹80, 2-3 hours
• Brindavan Gardens: ₹20, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• The Jaganmohan Palace Cafe is a charming restaurant located near Mysore Palace, serving delicious South Indian breakfast items such as idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
• Pai Vista is a popular restaurant in Mysore that offers a wide variety of cuisine options for lunch, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• Oyster Bay is a waterfront seafood restaurant in Mysore, known for its fresh seafood platters and delicious coastal dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.

Day 3: Wednesday, November 15 - Ooty Arrival

Today, head to the picturesque hill station of Ooty. After a scenic drive, reach Ooty in the morning. Start your day with a visit to the enchanting Botanical Gardens, famous for their vast collection of exotic plants. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills. Spend the evening exploring the bustling commercial street known as Charing Cross.

• Botanical Gardens: ₹30, 1-2 hours
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: ₹300 for a round trip, 2-3 hours
• Charing Cross: Budget varies, 2-3 hours

Day 4: Thursday, November 16 - Ooty Sightseeing

Discover more of Ooty's natural beauty today. Start your morning with a visit to the serene Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating and admire the scenic surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the Government Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties. End the day with a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest vantage point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering panoramic views of Ooty.

• Ooty Lake: ₹20, 2 hours
• Government Rose Garden: ₹30, 1-2 hours
• Doddabetta Peak: ₹10, 1-2 hours

Day 5: Friday, November 17 - Ooty Adventure

Get ready for some adventure in Ooty! Start your day by visiting the popular Avalanche Lake, surrounded by lush green forests and stunning landscapes. Enjoy some water activities and picnic by the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Pykara Waterfalls, where you can take a boat ride and witness the cascading waterfalls up close. Spend the evening wandering through the charming streets of the Ooty Market.

• Avalanche Lake: ₹150 for entry and activities, 3-4 hours
• Pykara Waterfalls: ₹15 entry fee plus boat ride fees, 2-3 hours
• Ooty Market: Budget varies, 2-3 hours

Day 6: Saturday, November 18 - Return to Bengaluru

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful hill station of Ooty and head back to Bengaluru. On your way back, make a stop at Bandipur National Park and take a thrilling safari to spot wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and deer. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Bengaluru. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local markets for souvenirs.

• Bandipur National Park Safari: ₹300, 3-4 hours

Day 7: Sunday, November 19 - Explore Bengaluru

On your last day, explore more of Bengaluru's vibrant culture and attractions. Start the day with a visit to the innovative Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, perfect for children and adults alike. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent ISKCON Temple and experience its spiritual ambience. Finally, end your trip by exploring the lively food street at VV Puram and indulging in some delicious local delicacies.

• Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: ₹40, 2-3 hours
• ISKCON Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• VV Puram Food Street: Budget varies, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Nandi Hills near Bengaluru for a stunning sunrise or the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for nature lovers. In Mysore, don't miss the chance to explore the Chamundi Hills and the vibrant Devaraja Market. In Ooty, take a scenic drive to explore the beautiful Emerald Lake and enjoy a serene boat ride. These hidden gems and local favorites will add more charm to your family-friendly trip.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out kayak.com to find the best prices and deals.