7-Day Family Trip Itinerary Covering Kodaikanal, Munnar, and Ooty in South India

Day 1: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cloud Street

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh sandwiches and healthy smoothies to start your day in Kodaikanal.
INR500 approx, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

A famous star-shaped lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for boating and leisurely walks. Open 7:00am-7:00pm.
INR120 per boat ride, 2h0m

12:00pm

Bryant Park

Well-maintained botanical gardens showcasing a variety of plants and flowers, a nice spot to relax and enjoy nature. Open 8:00am-6:00pm.
INR30 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Muncheez

Try the local and continental dishes including wood-fired pizzas and fresh vegetable platters in a family-friendly setting.
INR600 approx, 1h0m

3:00pm

Coaker's Walk

A scenic pedestrian path offering panoramic views over the valleys and hills. Great for an evening stroll.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Explore fascinating astronomical instruments and learn about solar studies. Open 10:00am-5:00pm, check ahead for any closures.
INR50 per person, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy fresh South Indian delicacies in a cozy, family-friendly restaurant with soothing ambiance.
INR500 approx, 1h0m

Day 2: Kodaikanal Nature & Waterfalls

Kodaikanal, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastry Corner

Savor fresh baked goods, cakes and aromatic coffee to fuel your day.
INR300 approx, 1h0m

9:00am

Silver Cascade Waterfall

A beautiful waterfall on the way to Kodaikanal providing spectacular photographic opportunities. Best to visit in the morning.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Guna Caves (also called Devil’s Kitchen)

Explore the mysterious limestone caves surrounded by dense forest, known for its dramatic cliffs. Open daylight hours; wear sturdy shoes.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Offers a range of vegetarian dishes including South Indian thalis and fresh juices, perfect for a family meal.
INR400 approx, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bear Shola Falls

A quiet waterfall set inside a forest reserve; great for nature lovers and bird watchers. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Kodaikanal Market

Shop for handmade chocolates, local spices, and unique souvenirs in the bustling market area.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cloud Street

Return to this popular eatery for an international menu with great desserts, ideal after a full day of exploring.
INR600 approx, 1h0m

Day 3: Travel to Munnar

Kodaikanal to Munnar, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Simple, wholesome breakfast at your accommodation to start the travel day prepared.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Approximate 6-hour scenic drive (140 km) through Western Ghats hills, with stops for photos and refreshments.
Transportation cost varies, 6h0m

2:30pm

Check-in to hotel in Munnar

Relax after the journey and freshen up. Suggested hotels: Tea County Munnar or Parakkat Nature Hotels & Resorts.
Varies by hotel, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Munnar Market

Explore local markets for tea, spices and handicrafts to get a first feel of the hill town.
Free to browse, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Family-friendly restaurant serving authentic Kerala dishes like appam and stew.
INR500 approx, 1h0m

Day 4: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a refreshed morning meal at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Tata Tea Museum

Learn about tea processing and the history of tea plantations in Munnar. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR15 entry per person, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Tea Plantations at Kolukkumalai

Visit the highest tea plantation in the world with breathtaking panoramic hill views. The rough road requires a 4x4 vehicle.
Transport approx INR1500-2000 for jeep ride, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine in a clean and comfortable setting.
INR400 approx, 1h0m

4:00pm

Mattupetty Dam & Lake

Perfect spot for boating and spotting goats and elephants in surrounding hills. Open 8:30am-5:00pm.
INR150 for boat rides, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bigy’s Cafe

Highly rated cafe offering fusion dishes and good coffee, relaxing atmosphere for families.
INR600 approx, 1h0m

Day 5: Munnar Nature & Wildlife

Munnar, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to get ready for an active day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Visit to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, beautiful rolling hills and blooming Neelakurinji flowers (seasonal). Open 8:30am-4:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
INR150 entry, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel

Return to hotel for lunch and rest.
Included or INR400 approx, 1h0m

2:00pm

Blossom Hydel Park

Family park with walking trails, a children's playground and picnic areas.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel spa or garden

Unwind with a massage or leisurely stroll through hotel gardens after a full day.
Optional spa costs vary, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan or nearby

Enjoy another authentic Tamil vegetarian meal, perfect for family sharing.
INR500 approx, 1h0m

Day 6: Travel to Ooty

Munnar to Ooty, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with hotel breakfast for travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Ooty

Approx. 4-5 hours drive covering around 110 km through beautiful Western Ghats terrain.
Transportation fare varies, 5h0m

1:00pm

Check-in to hotel in Ooty

Settle into your hotel such as Sterling Ooty Elk Hill or Hotel Lakeview for comfortable family stay.
Varies by hotel, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a fine dining experience with colonial-style decor and a menu featuring Indian and continental dishes.
INR900 approx, 1h30m

4:00pm

Botanical Gardens Ooty

Explore this 22-hectare garden with exotic flora and a beautiful glasshouse. Open 8:30am-6:00pm.
INR30 entry, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Shinkows

A family favorite for Chinese cuisine, known for tasty momos and fried rice.
INR600 approx, 1h0m

Day 7: Ooty Sightseeing

Ooty, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start fresh and energised with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Ooty Toy Train Ride

Enjoy a scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor and back. Operates 9:15am (Ooty to Coonoor) with prior booking recommended.
INR250-500 per person, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Return for another delicious meal with scenic ambiance.
INR900 approx, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Doddabetta Peak

The highest point in the Nilgiris with panoramic views of the landscape. Open 7:00am-6:00pm.
INR30 entry, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Ooty Lake

Return to the lake for a peaceful sunset walk or paddle boat ride before dinner.
INR120 per boat ride, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Nova Modern Cuisine Restaurant

Enjoy modern dishes blending local flavors with international touch, suitable for family dining.
INR700 approx, 1h0m

Day 8: Departure Day

Ooty, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Rose Garden

If time permits, explore Ooty Rose Garden featuring thousands of varieties of roses. Open 8:30am-6:00pm.
INR30 entry, 1h0m

11:00am

Checkout and depart

Proceed with your onward travel arrangements or return journey home.
Varies, End