5-Day Scenic Circular Trip from Thondi to Ooty, Hogenakkal, Pichavaram and Back

Day 1: Travel to Ooty

Thondi to Ooty, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Thondi Bakery

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast items such as idli, dosa, and filter coffee to fuel your day before the long drive to Ooty.
INR200, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive from Thondi to Ooty

Start your scenic 7-hour drive through Tamil Nadu’s lush landscapes to the hill station of Ooty.
Cost of private taxi approx. INR4000, 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Ooty

Settle into your accommodation and freshen up for an evening stroll.
Varies, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Ooty Lake

Enjoy boating or a relaxing walk around this beautiful artificial lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
INR150 for boat ride, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Experience a cozy dinner with colonial charm offering continental and Indian cuisine in the heart of Ooty.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Ooty Attractions

Ooty, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Culinarium

Taste fresh baked goods and hearty breakfast options in a quaint setting.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the Government Botanical Gardens featuring rare plants, beautiful flowers and centuries-old trees.
INR30 entry fee, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows

Enjoy authentic Chinese and Thai food, a rare and celebrated gem in Ooty.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Doddabetta Peak

Visit the highest point in the Nilgiris offering panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
INR20, 2h0m including travel

4:00pm

Tea Museum

Learn about tea processing and sample local teas at this informative museum.
INR50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or nearby restaurant

Relax and dine with local Nilgiri delicacies like mushroom curry or varkey biscuits.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ooty to Hogenakkal Falls

Ooty to Hogenakkal, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your journey and activities at Hogenakkal.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive from Ooty to Hogenakkal

Enjoy a 3.5-hour scenic drive descending from the Nilgiris to the famous Hogenakkal Falls.
Taxi approx. INR2500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery near Hogenakkal

Sample freshly caught river fish and South Indian staples close to the waterfalls.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hogenakkal Falls Boating

Take a coracle boat ride on the river around the spectacular waterfalls. Best experienced in the afternoon for ideal water levels.
INR400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Hogenakkal area

Walk and enjoy the scenic rocky terrain and view the waterfalls from numerous vantage points.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy spicy South Indian thalis or river fish specialties to end your day.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Hogenakkal to Pichavaram

Hogenakkal to Pichavaram, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse or nearby cafe

Fuel up on South Indian breakfast like pongal or idli before heading out.
INR200, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive from Hogenakkal to Pichavaram

Prepare for a 4-hour drive heading southeast toward the famous mangrove forests of Pichavaram.
Taxi approx. INR3000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch in Pichavaram

Check into accommodation near the mangrove forest and enjoy a coastal Tamil Nadu meal.
INR600, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Ride in Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Take a peaceful guided boat tour through one of the world’s largest mangrove forests, observing rich flora and fauna.
INR300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at the beach near Pichavaram

Enjoy calm sea breezes and sunset views on the nearby beach.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Taste fresh seafood dishes and traditional South Indian flavors for dinner.
INR500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Thondi

Pichavaram to Thondi, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the journey back to Thondi.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive from Pichavaram to Thondi

Begin your 4-hour drive back to Thondi, concluding your scenic and cultural trip.
Taxi approx. INR3000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Thondi local restaurant

Enjoy a final meal featuring local delicacies such as Chettinad chicken or fish curry.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax and Explore Thondi

Spend your afternoon visiting nearby beaches or markets at your leisure before trip end.
Free, Flexible
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