6-Day Road Trip from Mangalore to Tirupati, Ooty, and Wayanad: Scenic Drives and Cultural Delights

Day 1: Mangalore to Tirupati

Mangalore to Tirupati, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Coastal Coffee Shop, Mangalore

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast like idli and filter coffee before starting the long drive.
INR150, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Tirupati

Begin your approximately 9-hour drive covering 520 km via NH75 and NH44; stop for refreshments as needed.
Fuel cost varies, 9h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Tirupati Hotel

Settle into your hotel and freshen up for the evening visit.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple

Explore the famous Tirupati temple complex in the evening when it is less crowded; darshan times typically till 8pm.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bhimas Paradiso

Relish vegetarian Andhra cuisine known for spicy flavors in this popular restaurant near the temple.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 2: Tirupati Temples Tour

Tirupati, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast included with your stay preparing for a day of temple visits.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Kapila Theertham Waterfall and Temple

Explore this beautiful temple by the waterfall, open from 6:00am to 8:00pm; perfect for light trekking and sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Chandragiri Fort

Tour the historic fort and museum located about 10 km from Tirupati, open 9 am to 6 pm.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sri Lakshmi Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Andhra thali in a clean and popular restaurant near town center.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Ooty

Start approximately 6-hour scenic drive (250 km) south to Ooty via NH44 and NH181.
Fuel cost varies, 6h0m

8:30pm

Check-in Hotel Ooty

Rest after your journey and get ready for an early start next day.
Varies, 1h0m

9:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a cozy dinner at your hotel with continental or local South Indian dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Explore Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Earl’s Secret

Savor breakfast at this quaint restaurant located in Fernhills Palace serving both Indian and Western dishes.
INR450, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Botanical Gardens

Explore beautifully maintained gardens with exotic plants, fountains, and a serene walk, open 8am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

10:15am

Ooty Lake Boating

Enjoy pedal boating or row boating in Ooty Lake, open 9am to 6pm and perfect for family fun.
INR150, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows

Have Chinese and South Indian delicacies in one of Ooty’s oldest and best-known eateries.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ride Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)

Take the scenic toy train to Coonoor and back to enjoy breathtaking views, book your tickets in advance; train runs roughly 11am and 2pm departures.
INR250, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Unwind and freshen up after your railway tour.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Dinner featuring local cuisines or continental options.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 4: Ooty to Wayanad

Ooty to Wayanad, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a continental or South Indian breakfast before driving to Wayanad.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Wayanad

Begin your approximately 3.5-hour drive (85 km) to Wayanad, taking NH766 offering scenic views.
Fuel cost varies, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Wayanad Hotel

Settle in your lodging and prepare for afternoon exploration.
Varies, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Coffee Grove Restaurant

Dine on Kerala-style meals with fresh coffee nearby.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Edakkal Caves

Explore the ancient petroglyph caves, open 9am to 4pm; a moderate hike is required to reach the site.
INR50, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy an evening safari spotting elephants and other wildlife; usually from 3pm to 5pm.
INR300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Sample Kerala delicacies with coconut and spices at your hotel restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Explore Wayanad

Wayanad, Kerala, India on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy and fresh vegetarian options to start your day.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Pookode Lake

Enjoy boating and walking around the scenic freshwater lake, open 8am to 6pm.
INR60, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Banasura Sagar Dam

Tour India’s largest earth dam, a picturesque spot ideal for pictures and mild treks.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Rahman’s Spice Garden

Try flavorful Malabar cuisine in the midst of spice plantations.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Afternoon safari in the sanctuary (open 6am to 6pm, safaris start around 2pm) to see diverse flora and fauna.
INR450, 2h30m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and cool weather.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at 1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant

Dine with local-style dishes and nostalgic decor in Kalpetta.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 6: Wayanad to Mangalore

Wayanad to Mangalore, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up on a fresh hearty breakfast before the return journey.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Mangalore

Drive back approximately 130 km (3.5 to 4 hours) via NH766 and NH75, enjoying final scenic views.
Fuel cost varies, 4h0m

12:00pm

Arrive in Mangalore and Lunch at Giri Manja’s Restaurant

Try coastal Mangalorean seafood specialities to complete your trip.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tour Panambur Beach

Relax or stroll around the famous beach before heading home.
Free, 2h0m