Ooty and Coonoor 4-Day Itinerary – October 21-24, 2023
Saturday, October 21: Arrival in Ooty
Morning: Arrive in Ooty and check into your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating amidst the serene surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and soak in the picturesque views of the surrounding hills.
Afternoon: Visit the Government Botanical Gardens, a sprawling garden showcasing a variety of exotic plants and flowers. Take a guided tour of the garden and learn about the different species of plants found in this region.
Evening: Head to the Ooty Rose Garden, known for its stunning collection of roses. Take a romantic walk through the garden while admiring the vibrant colors and fragrant aroma of the flowers.
Ooty Lake: Entrance Fee: INR 10, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Government Botanical Gardens: Entrance Fee: INR 30, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Ooty Rose Garden: Entrance Fee: INR 20, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Diem, located near Ooty Rose Garden. This charming cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, such as freshly baked pastries and hearty English breakfast. The average cost for a meal is about INR 250 per person.
For lunch, visit Earl's Secret, a cozy restaurant known for its delectable multi-cuisine menu. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like biryani and pasta while taking in the beautiful views of Ooty. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
For dinner, Indulge in the flavors of South India at Nahar Sidewalk Cafe. This restaurant offers a range of authentic local dishes like dosas and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Sunday, October 22: Ooty Sightseeing
Morning: Start your day by visiting Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates from the observation tower.
Afternoon: Explore the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea in the Nilgiri region. Take a guided tour and enjoy a tea tasting session to experience the flavors of Ooty tea.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the Ooty Town, lined with colonial-era buildings and local shops. Browse through the markets and pick up some souvenirs or local handicrafts.
Doddabetta Peak: Entrance Fee: INR 10, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Tea Museum: Entrance Fee: INR 10, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Ooty Town: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Diem, a cozy little cafe known for its delicious coffee and fresh baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Sidewalk Café, a trendy restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Nahar Restaurant, a popular local eatery known for its authentic South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Coonoor Exploration
Morning: Take a scenic toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Mountains and lush green tea estates along the way.
Afternoon: Explore Sim's Park, a well-maintained botanical garden in Coonoor. Admire the variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers while strolling through the park. Don't miss the annual fruit and vegetable show held here in May.
Evening: Visit the Dolphin's Nose viewpoint, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Catherine Falls and the surrounding valleys. Enjoy the cool breeze and take memorable photographs.
Toy Train Ride: Cost: INR 205 (approx.), Time Spent: 1 hour
Sim's Park: Entrance Fee: INR 15, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Dolphin's Nose: Entrance Fee: INR 5, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
The Culinary Cottage: Enjoy a cozy breakfast at this quaint cafe known for its delicious homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Sidewalk Cafe: Indulge in a leisurely lunch at this charming eatery offering a variety of local and international dishes. The outdoor seating provides a perfect spot to enjoy the pleasant weather. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant: Savor authentic Chinese cuisine for dinner at this popular restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Departure from Ooty
Morning: Visit the Pykara Lake and Waterfalls, known for its tranquil surroundings and cascading waterfalls. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills.
Afternoon: Head to the Emerald Lake, a serene and picturesque lake situated amidst tea plantations. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
Evening: Depart from Ooty with beautiful memories.
Pykara Lake and Waterfalls: Entrance Fee: INR 15, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Emerald Lake: Entrance Fee: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Ooty is the Garden Café, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, check out the Green Leaf Restaurant, located in Coonoor. This restaurant offers a variety of multi-cuisine options and a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
End your day with a flavorful dinner at the Nahar Restaurant in Ooty. This restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine and has a rustic charm that adds to the dining experience. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Take a detour from the usual tourist spots and explore the lesser-known Catherine Falls in Coonoor, a stunning waterfall nestled amidst the lush green forests. The trek to the falls is adventurous and rewards you with breathtaking views. For wildlife lovers, a visit to the Mudumalai National Park is highly recommended. Embark on a jungle safari to spot elephants, tigers, and various species of birds and animals. Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine and try the famous Ooty chocolates and freshly brewed Nilgiri tea.