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

Day 1: Departure & Travel to Ooty

Thondi to Ooty, India on April 29, 2025

10:00pm

Start Road Trip from Thondi

Begin your scenic night drive from Thondi heading northwest towards Ooty, enjoying the cooler night temperatures for a comfortable journey.
INR0, 8h0m

6:00am

Arrive at Ooty and Breakfast at Town

Have a hearty breakfast at Garden Restaurant, open from 7 AM, known for its south Indian delicacies including dosas and fresh filter coffee to energize your day.
INR300, 1h0m

7:00am

Relax and Check-in Hotel

Check in at a cozy hotel like Sterling Ooty Fern Hill Resort to freshen up and rest after the night drive.
INR3500, 2h0m

Day 2: Exploring Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on April 30, 2025

9:00am

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the lush and extensive botanical gardens featuring rare plants and beautiful landscapes, open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR30, 1h30m

11:00am

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take the iconic toy train from Ooty station to Coonoor for scenic views of the Nilgiri hills; the ride takes about 1.5 hours each way and trains operate from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR150, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring continental and Indian cuisine in a charming colonial setting, open from 12 PM to 10 PM.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Head to the highest peak in the Nilgiris for panoramic views of the Western Ghats, open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shinkow's

Dine at Shinkow’s for authentic Chinese cuisine, open until 9 PM, perfect for an early dinner after a full day of sightseeing.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Ooty to Hogenakkal

Ooty to Hogenakkal, Tamil Nadu, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the road trip to Hogenakkal Falls.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Ooty to Hogenakkal Falls

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive east towards the stunning Hogenakkal Falls.
INR0, 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Hogenakkal Falls

Enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls known as the 'Niagara of India'; boating and coracle rides are available from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Try local Tamil Nadu cuisine at a nearby restaurant offering fresh river fish and vegetarian dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax or Explore Nearby Areas

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the falls or exploring nearby villages.
INR0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Overnight Stay Nearby

Check into a guesthouse near Hogenakkal for a comfortable overnight stay.
INR2000, Overnight

Day 4: Hogenakkal to Pichavaram

Hogenakkal to Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast before starting the day’s drive.
INR250, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Travel about 4 hours southeast to the unique Pichavaram mangrove forest known for its boat lagoon tours.
INR0, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Have lunch with seafood specialties at this popular spot near Pichavaram, perfect to refresh after the drive.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Boat Tour in Pichavaram Mangroves

Take a tranquil boat ride through the mangroves to explore the ecosystem; tours operate from 9 AM to 4 PM.
INR400, 2h0m

3:30pm

Nature Walk and Bird Watching

Walk along trails to enjoy bird watching and the peaceful natural environment.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive Back to Thondi

Begin the approximately 3.5-hour drive back to Thondi to conclude your trip.
INR0, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Thondi

Enjoy local Tamil cuisine at a recommended restaurant like Hotel Saravana Bhavan to end your day.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Relax in Thondi

Thondi, Tamil Nadu, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast focusing on local flavors and fresh ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Beach Time at Thondi

Spend your morning unwinding at the peaceful Thondi beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
INR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Seafood Restaurant

Savor freshly caught seafood at a beachside eatery like Sea View Restaurant, open until 3 PM.
INR450, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Ramanathapuram Zamindar Palace

Explore this historic palace nearby for a cultural insight into the region’s history.
INR50, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax or Shopping

Spend your afternoon shopping for local crafts or relaxing at your hotel.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Enjoy a final dinner with traditional Tamil dishes to end the memorable trip.
INR400, 1h0m