Relaxing 7-Day Itinerary from Ooty to Trivandrum in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   3 hours (86 miles) from Coimbatore International Airport

   Stroll through the colorful Ooty Botanical Gardens in the morning. Head towards the Doddabetta Peak for some breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy an authentic South Indian meal for lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe. Spend the evening at the Kalhatty Waterfalls.

2. Day 2: Coonoor
   1 hour 15 minutes (20 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Drive to Coonoor, a quaint hill station. Visit Sim’s Park, a botanical garden with a collection of rare trees and plants. Go on a toy train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. End the day with a peaceful walk through the tea gardens.

3. Day 3: Munnar
   6 hours (160 miles) from Coonoor

   Travel to Munnar, a picturesque hill station. Visit the tea museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Go for a scenic walk around the Mattupetty Dam, and visit the nearby Echo Point for a unique experience. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

4. Day 4: Thekkady
   3 hours (85 miles) from Munnar

   Spend the morning at the Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary known for elephants and tigers. Take a boat ride on the Periyar lake for a chance to spot wildlife. Visit the Spice Plantation in the afternoon to learn about spices and herbs.

5. Day 5: Kovalam Beach
   4 hours (110 miles) from Thekkady

   Travel to Kovalam and relax on the beautiful beaches. Spend some time at the Vizhinjam lighthouse for panoramic views. Take a stroll through the Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach in the evening.

6. Day 6: Poovar Island
   12 minutes (5 miles) from Kovalam Beach

   Take a boat ride to Poovar Island for a peaceful day amidst nature. Take a dip in the sea or backwaters. Visit the Thirparappu Waterfalls for a refreshing experience. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner.

7. Day 7: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   40 minutes (10 miles) from Poovar Island

   Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, an ancient temple known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Spend the afternoon at the Kovalam Art Gallery or the Natural History Museum. End the day with some shopping at the local markets.

Recommendations

Consider adding a visit to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Trivandrum for a chance to see a wide range of flora and fauna. Another side trip to consider is a visit to the nearby Ponmudi Hill Station. To maximize your fun, make sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine, such as appam and stew, dosa, and puttu. Additionally, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and light clothing for the trip.