Budget-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary for Ooty and Coonoor: Must-Visit Places & Cafés

Day 1: Explore Ooty

Ooty, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shinkows Noodle Bar

Start your day with a budget-friendly and tasty breakfast at Shinkows, known for affordable classic breakfast options and excellent local noodles.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Botanical Gardens

Visit the Government Botanical Gardens to admire a vast variety of flora, offering a peaceful walk and great photo opportunities. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Ooty Lake

Spend some relaxing time at Ooty Lake, where you can rent a paddle boat or stroll along the lakeside park. Open 8am to 6pm.
INR50 (boat rental), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nahar's Sidewalk Café

Enjoy a budget-friendly South Indian lunch at Nahar's, popular for its dosas and thalis in a charming setting near the lake.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Doddabetta Peak

Drive to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views of the hills. Open 9am to 5pm. Entry is free but transport costs apply.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea Garden Visit

Visit a nearby tea plantation for a quick tour and to sample local teas, an inexpensive and enjoyable cultural experience.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret Café

End your day with a reasonably priced dinner at Earl's Secret Café, known for continental dishes and a cosy ambiance.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Discover Coonoor

Coonoor, India on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tea Nest Café

Start with a filling breakfast featuring local snacks and tea at Tea Nest Café, well-loved by travellers for affordable and fresh meals.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Sim's Park

Stroll through Sim's Park, a beautifully maintained botanical garden with rare plant species and walking paths. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Coonoor Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride

Take a scenic toy train ride from Coonoor to Lovedale station, part of the UNESCO world heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Check timings and book in advance.
INR100, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Open Kitchen

Have a budget-friendly lunch at Open Kitchen, known for homely dishes, including Indian and some continental options.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Visit Dolphin's Nose viewpoint for spectacular cliff views over the Catherine Falls and surrounding valleys. Entry free, short hike required.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea Shop Experience

Relax at a local tea shop near the station to savour freshly brewed Nilgiri tea before heading back.
INR50, 0h30m

6:00pm

Return Travel or Dinner

If time permits, enjoy a light dinner at a local eatery before departure or return to Ooty or onward destination.
INR200, 1h0m