5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Ooty, Munnar, and Alappuzha in July 2023

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

   Start the day at the Ooty Botanical Gardens, which boasts a variety of beautiful flora and fauna to explore. Take a leisurely stroll with your family and enjoy the morning air. For lunch, head to Willy's coffee pub to enjoy some delicious local food. In the afternoon, head to Ooty Lake, which offers scenic views and boat rides.

2. Day 2: Ooty Doddabetta Peak
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Ooty Lake

   Drive up to the highest peak in the Nilgiri mountain range, Doddabetta Peak, for panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. You can also visit the nearby Tea Museum, which offers insights into the history and cultivation of tea in the region. For dinner, try the local cuisine at Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant.

3. Day 3: Munnar Tea Plantations
   3 hours (89 miles) from Ooty Doddabetta Peak

   Begin the day with a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. Visit the Lockhart Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tea-tasting session. In the afternoon, go for a walk through the lush green tea gardens or visit the Munnar Rose Garden. For dinner, head to the popular Royal Dosa Hut for some delicious South Indian food.

4. Day 4: Munnar Elephant Safari
   30 minutes (11 miles) from Munnar Rose Garden

   Head to the Elephant Junction in the morning for an unforgettable experience of riding an elephant. After lunch, visit the nearby Kundala Lake for a scenic boat ride. In the evening, head to the Top Station Viewpoint for a stunning view of the Western Ghats. For dinner, try the local cuisine at Al Buhari Restaurant.

5. Day 5: Alappuzha Backwaters
   4 hours (111 miles) from Munnar Elephant Safari

   Take a scenic drive to Alappuzha, also known as the Venice of the East, to explore its famous backwaters. Take a houseboat ride through the canals and lagoons, and enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters. In the evening, visit the Alappuzha Beach to witness a stunning sunset. For dinner, try the seafood at Cassia restaurant.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. You can also take a day trip to the hill station of Kodaikanal from Ooty, which offers scenic views and a variety of outdoor activities. To maximize your fun, try out the adventure activities on offer in Ooty, such as zip-lining and mountain biking.

You may also want to consider taking a day trip to the Athirappilly Waterfalls near Kochi from Alappuzha. These magnificent waterfalls are located amidst lush green forests and offer a great experience for nature lovers.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ooty Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 30)
• Willy's coffee pub (1.5 hours, INR 800)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, INR 10)
• Doddabetta Peak (2.5 hours, INR 10)
• Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 200)
• Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 500)
• Lockhart Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 400)
• Munnar Rose Garden (1 hour, INR 30)
• Kundala Lake (2 hours, INR 200)
• Elephant Junction (2 hours, INR 600)
• Top Station Viewpoint (2 hours, INR 10)
• Houseboat ride (6 hours, INR 10,000)
• Alappuzha Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Cassia restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,810