7-Day Family-Friendly Natural Hill Retreat in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats Starting from Kilakarai

Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Village

Kilakarai, India on April 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Maalin

Begin your trip with traditional South Indian breakfast at Hotel Maalin, known for its tasty idlis and non-vegetarian options, giving a true coastal Tamil Nadu flavor to delight the whole family.
INR150, 1h

10:30am

Explore Kilakarai Old Mosque and Beach

Visit the historic Kilakarai Jumma Masjid and enjoy a peaceful walk on the nearby Kilakarai Beach, ideal for family relaxation and learning about local culture.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Meeran Cafe

Tuck into fresh seafood specialties and traditional meals at Meeran Cafe, perfect for experiencing coastal Tamil cuisine.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Coonoor

Embark on approximately a 6-hour scenic drive inland towards Coonoor in the Western Ghats, crossing through plains to the hills, preparing for hill station experiences.
Taxi fare INR3500, 6h

8:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel in Coonoor

Check into a family-friendly hotel such as the Shevaroys Resort, which provides comfortable lodging amidst nature. Have dinner at the hotel restaurant serving a mix of local and continental dishes.
INR4500 (room + dinner), Rest of the evenng

Day 2: Coonoor Nature Day

Coonoor, India on April 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast prepared with local and continental options to energize your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sim’s Park

Explore the well-manicured Sim’s Park botanical garden, home to a wide variety of exotic plants, birds, and a children's play area. Open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm.
INR30, 1h30m

10:45am

Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Drive to Dolphin’s Nose for breathtaking views of the Nilgiris and the Catherine Falls, perfect family photo opportunity.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tea Nest Cafe

Enjoy fresh, homemade healthy meals paired with exquisite local teas at Tea Nest Cafe surrounded by tea estates.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Lamb’s Rock

Short drive to Lamb’s Rock, a peaceful viewpoint with panoramic hill views. Ideal for an easy walk and nature appreciation.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Hotel and Relax

Take some downtime to enjoy your hotel’s amenities or local market experience in Coonoor.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe

Casual dining offering a variety of Indian and continental cuisines in a family-friendly environment.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 3: Kotagiri Tea Trails

Kotagiri, India on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel before the short drive to Kotagiri.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kotagiri

Travel roughly 1 hour to Kotagiri, known for its tranquil atmosphere and tea plantations.
INR600 taxi fare, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar

Enjoy a family-friendly trek at Rangaswamy Peak, with panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains, ideal for nature lovers and kids alike.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Nose

Relax with a lunch featuring local and continental fare at this charming spot frequented by locals and visitors.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Tea Plantation Walk and Visit

Take an easy guided walk through local tea estates for insights into tea production, with fresh air and beautiful views. Usually arranged in afternoons by appointment.
INR200 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Kotagiri Market

Spend time browsing Kotagiri’s craft shops and fruit stalls, perfect for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Coonoor

Return to Coonoor for an evening of rest and leisure.
INR600, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a comforting dinner at your hotel with varied options suitable for all ages.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 4: Valparai Wilderness

Valparai, India on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early and filling breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a full day in Valparai.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Valparai

A picturesque 3 to 4-hour drive through winding roads and lush forests bringing you deeper into the Western Ghats wilderness.
INR2000 taxi fare, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Valparai Resort

Check into a family-friendly resort like the Valparai Club and enjoy lunch surrounded by tea gardens.
INR4500 for room + meal, 1h

1:30pm

Visit to Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a guided nature walk or jeep safari within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, ideal for spotting wildlife like elephants and exotic birds. Safari timings vary; best to confirm locally.
INR1000 per person approx., 3h

4:30pm

Tea Plantation Visit

Take a short walk through nearby tea plantations, witness tea picking and processing while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at Resort

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful surroundings with family-friendly activities and games.
Free, Rest of the day

7:30pm

Dinner at Resort

Dine at the resort restaurant offering local and continental dishes specially prepared for families.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 5: Palani Hill Temple

Palani, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy your final breakfast amidst the serene tea gardens before departing to Palani.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Palani

Drive approximately 3 to 4 hours descending from the hills towards Palani town, known for its sacred hill temples.
INR2000 taxi fare, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Eat traditional Tamil Nadu southern meals with freshly prepared dishes in a family-friendly local eatery near Palani Temple.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Palani Murugan Temple

Explore the holy Palani Murugan Temple atop the hill, accessible by walking the steps or cable car, offering spiritual significance and sweeping views. Temple timings: 5:00am to 9:00pm.
Free (Cable car: INR150), 2h

4:30pm

Palani Museum and Local Nature Trails

Visit the temple museum showcasing religious artifacts and then enjoy light nature trails nearby to relax and enjoy fresh hill air.
INR50, 1h30m

6:30pm

Drive to Coimbatore

Drive back to Coimbatore for convenient departure or overnight stay, approximately 2 hours.
INR1500 taxi fare, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at The Granary, Coimbatore

Enjoy an elegant final dinner featuring authentic South Indian delicacies in a warm ambiance.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 6: Munnar Nature Escape

Munnar, Kerala, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a full breakfast before heading out to Kerala's famous hill station Munnar, very close to the Western Ghats area.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Travel approximately 3 hours through scenic routes from Coimbatore to Munnar, crossing state lines into Kerala’s beautiful hill country.
INR2500 taxi fare, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Enjoy tasty South Indian vegetarian dishes in this family-friendly restaurant well-known for its quality.
INR400, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Visit the Munnar Tea Museum to learn about tea history and processing, an engaging experience for children and adults alike. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 1h

2:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the nearby national park known for the Nilgiri Tahr and spectacular landscapes. Open 7:00am to 5:30pm; last entry by 4:30pm.
INR500 approx., 2h

4:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Check into a family-friendly resort in Munnar, such as Tea County Munnar, to rest and enjoy the cool hill station air.
INR5000, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Savour freshly prepared Indian and continental food, suitable for the whole family.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 7: Return to Kilakarai

Kilakarai, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast in the hills before the long journey home.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive Back to Kilakarai

Long scenic drive about 8 hours returning across Kerala and Tamil Nadu plains back to your starting point, Kilakarai, concluding the family-friendly trip.
INR4000 taxi fare, 8h

4:00pm

Arrival and Rest

Arrive back in Kilakarai and unwind after the wonderful nature and hill experience across Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats.
Free, Rest of day