Exploring Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kodaikanal: A Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary

Saturday, November 11: Bangalore to Ooty

Start your journey from Bangalore to Ooty, a scenic hill station known for its tea gardens and pleasant weather. In the morning, depart from Bangalore and enjoy the beautiful landscapes during the 7-hour drive. Once you reach Ooty, check-in to your hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, explore the famous Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of exotic flora. Take a boat ride in the serene Ooty Lake in the evening and witness the captivating sunset.

• Travel from Bangalore to Ooty: Approx. cost INR 2,000 per person (via car), Time spent: 7 hours
• Botanical Gardens: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Ooty Lake: INR 10 per person for boat ride, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• The Breakfast Hub: A cozy cafe located in the heart of Ooty, serving delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
• Spice Lane: A popular restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international dishes for lunch. Enjoy their flavorful biryanis, butter chicken, and spicy curries. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
• Cloud Nine Rooftop Restaurant: Situated on a rooftop, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the hill station while serving delectable dinner options ranging from sizzling barbecues to mouthwatering pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 600 rupees per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Savory Restaurant, known for its South Indian breakfast delicacies like idli, vada, and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, try The Village, a rustic restaurant serving traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine like thali meals, biryani, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Barbeque Nation, a popular grill and buffet restaurant offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Ooty. This cozy cafe offers a range of breakfast options, from freshly brewed coffee to delicious sandwiches and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in a cozy ambiance. Their menu includes a variety of delicious dishes like noodles, fried rice, and dumplings. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Nahar's Nilgiri Restaurant. Known for its tasty Indian and Continental dishes, this restaurant offers a wide array of options to satisfy your taste buds. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Coffee Day. This popular chain offers a variety of coffee options and a range of breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Nahar Retreat and Spa. This restaurant serves a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Shinkows. This Chinese restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Savoury Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, dine at King's Cafe, offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, try out Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and mouth-watering Continental and Italian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Fat Fanny's Cafe, a cozy and quaint café known for its delicious breakfast options. Enjoy a hearty meal with dishes like fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the popular vegetarian restaurant Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowrishankar, offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and warm ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Barbeque Nation, a barbecue and grill restaurant known for its extensive buffet and live grilling experience. Indulge in an array of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Diem, a charming cafe known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try Earl's Secret, a cozy restaurant serving mouth-watering continental and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant, a popular spot known for its authentic Chinese dishes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, November 12: Ooty Exploration

Embark on a full day of exploring the attractions in Ooty. In the morning, visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri range, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring the Tea Museum to learn about the art of tea production. In the evening, enjoy a serene walk through the picturesque Rose Garden, known for its numerous varieties of roses.

• Doddabetta Peak: INR 10 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: INR 10 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Rose Garden: INR 30 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, November 13: Ooty to Coimbatore

Leave Ooty in the morning and travel to Coimbatore, often referred to as the "Manchester of South India." Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and refresh. Start the afternoon by visiting the iconic Dhyanalinga Temple, a serene and spiritually uplifting place. In the evening, explore the bustling streets of Coimbatore and indulge in some local shopping at the textiles and jewelry markets.

• Travel from Ooty to Coimbatore: Approx. cost INR 1,000 per person (via car), Time spent: 3 hours
• Dhyanalinga Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Shopping in Coimbatore: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Tuesday, November 14: Coimbatore to Kodaikanal

On your final day, leave Coimbatore and make your way to the enchanting hill station of Kodaikanal. After checking in to your hotel, begin your day with a visit to the stunning Pillar Rocks, where you can admire the towering rock formations amidst lush greenery. Spend the afternoon boating in the serene Kodai Lake and exploring the nearby Bryant Park. In the evening, head to the Coaker's Walk for a leisurely stroll and panoramic views of the valley.

• Travel from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal: Approx. cost INR 1,500 per person (via car), Time spent: 4-5 hours
• Pillar Rocks: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Kodai Lake: INR 34 per person for boat ride, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Bryant Park: INR 30 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Coaker's Walk: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Apart from the popular attractions, there are a few hidden gems and local favorites in these locations that you might enjoy exploring. In Ooty, visit the Avalanche Lake, a serene and less crowded spot surrounded by lush forests. In Coimbatore, don't miss a visit to the Marudamalai Temple, known for its religious significance and tranquil atmosphere. And in Kodaikanal, take a detour to the Silver Cascade Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading down from the hills.

For the best hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.