7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Coorg, Waynad, Ooty, and Kodaikanal in October 2023

1. Day 1: Coorg
   3 hours (120 km) from Mysore Airport

   Start the day with a visit to the Namdroling Monastery, the second largest Tibetan settlement in India. After lunch, head to the Dubare Elephant Camp to learn about elephant conservation and enjoy a ride on one of these majestic creatures. End the day with a visit to the Abbey Falls and take a refreshing dip in the pool below.

2. Day 2: Wayanad
   3 hours (114 km) from Coorg

   Begin the day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, known for their pre-historic carvings and scenic views. After lunch, head to the Pookode Lake for a scenic boat ride and nature walk. End the day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India, and enjoy a stunning sunset.

3. Day 3: Ooty
   3 hours (110 km) from Wayanad

   Start the day with a visit to the Ooty Lake for a boat ride and scenic views. After lunch, head to the Botanical Gardens and admire the exotic flora and fauna. End the day with a visit to the Dodabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, and marvel at the stunning panoramic views.

4. Day 4: Ooty
   30 minutes (10 km) from previous location

   Start the day with a visit to the Tea Museum and learn about the history and production of tea in the region. After lunch, head to the Pykara Waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the pool below. End the day with a visit to the St. Stephen's Church, a beautiful colonial-era church with stunning stained glass windows.

5. Day 5: Kodaikanal
   7 hours (270 km) from Ooty

   Start the day with a visit to the Dolphin's Nose, a stunning viewpoint with a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, head to the Pillar Rocks and marvel at the towering rock formations. End the day with a visit to the Coaker's Walk, a scenic walking path with stunning views of the valley.

6. Day 6: Kodaikanal
   30 minutes (10 km) from previous location

   Begin the day with a visit to the Kodaikanal Lake for a boat ride and scenic views. After lunch, head to the Bryant Park and admire the stunning flower displays. End the day with a visit to the Green Valley View, also known as Suicide Point, for a stunning sunset view.

7. Day 7: Kodaikanal
   1 hour (40 km) from previous location

   Start the day with a visit to the Berijam Lake and enjoy a scenic nature walk. After lunch, head to the Bear Shola Falls and take a refreshing dip in the pool below. End the day with a visit to the Kurinji Andavar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is known for its stunning views of the Palani Hills.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider include the Madikeri Fort in Coorg, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad, the Mudumalai National Park in Ooty, and the Pine Forest in Kodaikanal. Side trips to consider include a visit to the Nagarhole National Park and a tea plantation tour. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a local guide for additional insights and recommendations.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Namdroling Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Dubare Elephant Camp (2 hours, INR 1000 per person)
• Abbey Falls (2 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Dodabetta Peak (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Pykara Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 5 per person)
• St. Stephen's Church (1 hour, free)
• Dolphin's Nose (2 hours, free)
• Pillar Rocks (2 hours, INR 5 per person)
• Coaker's Walk (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Kodaikanal Lake (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Bryant Park (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Green Valley View (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Berijam Lake (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Bear Shola Falls (2 hours, free)
• Kurinji Andavar Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1275 per person