Exploring Offbeat Hill Stations in South India

Day 1: Yercaud Adventures

Yercaud, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pomological Station

Start your day with some delicious local breakfast specialties, including ragi mudde and traditional South Indian coffee.
Head east towards the Yercaud Lake area.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yercaud Lake

Spend the morning relaxing by the serene Yercaud Lake, or enjoy a boat ride on its tranquil waters.
Walk around the lake for about 10 minutes.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff Top Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal while overlooking the hills with dishes like biryani and fresh vegetables.
Drive 15 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lady's Seat

Visit Lady's Seat, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the hills and valleys, perfect for a siesta.
A quick 10-minute ride to the viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Silk Farm

Learn about silk production and buy some local silk products as souvenirs.
Drive for 20 minutes.
INR 200, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Sri Saravana Bhavan

Relish a traditional South Indian plate with a delightful thali dinner.
10 minutes drive from Silk Farm.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kotagiri Exploration

Kotagiri, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ayyappan Tea Stall

Enjoy a local breakfast featuring idli and chutney over a cup of steaming tea.
Drive to Kotagiri, approximately 2 hours from Yercaud.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Elk Hill Murugan Temple

Explore this beautiful temple located on a hill, known for its stunning views and tranquil environment.
Just a few minutes away from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kotagiri Tiffin Center

Try the special parottas or dosa for lunch amidst the locals.
A short 10-minute drive.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Doddabetta Peak

Hike up to South India’s highest peak and absorb the breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills.
Drive for about 30 minutes.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tea Estate Tour

Engage in a guided tour through lush tea gardens and learn the process of tea cultivation.
Return 20 minutes to Kotagiri.
INR 200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Tea Factory

Dine at a picturesque restaurant while enjoying tea-flavored dishes.
5 minutes drive from Tea Estate.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Coonoor Charm

Coonoor, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sundown

Start your day with warm baked goods and fresh fruit at a lovely café.
Drive from Kotagiri to Coonoor, about 30 minutes.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take a ride on this charming train that offers stunning views of the hills and valleys.
Walk to the train station nearby.
INR 300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Coonoor Market

Taste local snacks, fruits, and vegetables from the vibrant market stalls.
Take a quick 10-minute walk.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Sim's Park

Stroll through this botanical garden famous for its diverse flora and serene ambiance.
Walk 15 minutes from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Dolphin's Nose

Visit this viewpoint for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape; a perfect photo opportunity!
Drive for about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Humming Tree

Enjoy a delicious meal of local fish curry paired with coconut rice.
Drive back to Coonoor for 30 minutes.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kodaikanal Serenity

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Savor a hearty breakfast while admiring Kodaikanal's lush landscapes.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Coonoor.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy boating and cycling around Kodaikanal Lake amidst scenic beauty.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast.
INR 600, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff

Enjoy mountain views while featuring fresh sautéed vegetables and grilled chicken.
5-minute walk from the lake.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Coaker's Walk

Experience a picturesque walk along the parapet with expansive views of the valley below.
A short 10-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Pillar Rocks

Visit these magnificent giant cliffs that offer stunning views; take lots of photos!
20 minutes drive.
INR 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Astro Park Restaurant

Relish a fun evening with dinner options like tandoori chicken and paneer tikka.
Drive back for 30 minutes.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Mukurthi National Park

Udhagamandalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Taj Savoy

Delight in a lavish breakfast buffet featuring South Indian and Continental dishes.
Drive 1 hour to Udhagamandalam.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Mukurthi National Park

Embark on a thrilling trek through this stunning park, home to unique wildlife and beautiful scenery.
30-minute drive from breakfast.
INR 200, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Wellesley Bungalow

Enjoy lunch with delightful options that include homemade pies and fresh salads.
Drive back to Udhagamandalam for 30 minutes.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Botanical Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through these expansive gardens featuring rare flora.
A short drive of 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nahar's Nilgiri's Lodge

Enjoy grilled dishes while overlooking the hills from the restaurant balcony.
Drive back to your lodging for 10 minutes.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Ooty Delights

Ooty, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Relax over breakfast with mouth-watering pancakes and fresh fruits in a vintage setting.
Drive 30 minutes from Udhagamandalam.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens filled with exotic and indigenous plants.
15-minute drive.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Take a short hike to the highest point in the Nilgiris for breathtaking views.
20 minutes away by car.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant

Savour authentic Chinese delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive back to Ooty for about 30 minutes.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Ooty Lake

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the lake with options for boating and photography.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Royal Wahoo

End your trip with a delightful meal featuring nilgiri roast chicken.
Drive back to the restaurant for 10 minutes.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability