3-Day Adventure Itinerary: Ooty, Madikeri, Kodekenal

Sunday, October 22: Ooty

Start your adventure in Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations." In the morning, head to the beautiful Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating and paddle around amidst the scenic surroundings. Afterward, visit the Government Botanical Gardens, home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. In the afternoon, take a thrilling ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains. Wrap up your day by exploring the bustling Ooty Bazaar, where you can find local handicrafts and delicious street food.

• Ooty Lake: Estimated cost: ₹150, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Government Botanical Gardens: Estimated cost: ₹30, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Estimated cost: ₹205, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Ooty Bazaar: Estimated cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A warm and cozy breakfast spot in Ooty is Cornerstone Café, serving delicious pancakes and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, visit Shinkows Restaurant, known for its delectable Chinese cuisine and great ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Nahar Restaurant, offering a variety of Indian and Continental dishes with a stunning view of the Ooty Lake. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Monday, October 23: Madikeri

On day two, venture to Madikeri, a picturesque hill station in Karnataka. Start your morning by exploring the awe-inspiring Abbey Falls and soaking in the beauty of the cascading water. Afterward, visit Raja's Seat, a charming garden offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. In the afternoon, head to the Dubare Elephant Camp, where you can get up close and personal with elephants, enjoy a river rafting experience, and learn about wildlife conservation efforts. Conclude your day with a visit to the Madikeri Fort, which showcases the rich heritage and history of the region.

• Abbey Falls: Estimated cost: ₹15, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Raja's Seat: Estimated cost: ₹5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Dubare Elephant Camp: Estimated cost: ₹650, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Madikeri Fort: Estimated cost: ₹20, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a selection of breakfast items such as sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit East End Hotel, a popular local restaurant known for its authentic Coorg cuisine. Indulge in dishes like pork curry, bamboo shoot curry, and pandi curry (pork curry made with Coorg spices). Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Taste of Coorg, a charming restaurant that offers a variety of Coorg specialties including akki roti (rice bread), pandi curry (pork curry), and kodambuttu (rice dumplings). Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Tuesday, October 24: Kodekenal

On the final day, explore the captivating landscapes of Kodekenal, also known as the Scotland of India. Start your morning by embarking on a thrilling trek to Dolphin's Nose, a stunning viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. After the trek, visit the picturesque Catherine Falls and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, head to Kodanad View Point, a hidden gem that provides mesmerizing vistas of the cloud-covered mountains. Conclude your adventure by visiting the Kodanad Tea Estate, where you can learn about tea production and sample some delightful tea.

• Dolphin's Nose: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Catherine Falls: Estimated cost: ₹10, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Kodanad View Point: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Kodanad Tea Estate: Estimated cost: Free (for tours), Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure enthusiasts, a visit to the Valparai Forest Reserve is a must. This hidden gem offers exciting opportunities for wildlife spotting, trekking, and birdwatching. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Madikeri. Explore the sanctuary on a safari and encounter various wildlife species in their natural habitat. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic local cuisine at small eateries in Madikeri, where you can indulge in traditional delicacies like Coorg Pandi Curry (pork curry) and Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls).

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.