4-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Ooty Local Highlights

Ooty, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shinkows

Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast known for its steamed momos and noodles, popular among locals and tourists alike. Open from 7am to 10:30am.
INR250, 1h

9:30am

Visit Government Botanical Gardens

Explore the 22-acre gardens displaying exotic and indigenous plants, beautiful lawns, and a musical fountain. The gardens open at 7:00am and close by 6:00pm.
INR30, 2h

11:30am

Stroll around Ooty Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk or paddle boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by the Nilgiri hills. Boating is available from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR60 for boating, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Earl’s Secret

Dine in an old colonial bungalow offering authentic Hyderabadi and South Indian cuisine with a lovely garden ambiance. Open 12pm to 3pm.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ooty Rose Garden

Witness a vibrant collection of 20,000 varieties of roses, ideal for photography and leisurely strolls. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR30, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Ooty Market

Shop for local chocolates, spices, handmade candles, and woollens that are famous in Ooty’s market. Shops generally remain open until 7pm.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Culinarium

Enjoy contemporary Indian and European dishes in an intimate setting with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Coonoor Day Trip

Coonoor, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Ooty

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s excursion to Coonoor.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Coonoor

Travel 20 km downhill to Coonoor by taxi or bus, a scenic 45-minute drive through tea plantations.
INR800 for taxi round trip, 45m

9:00am

Visit Sim’s Park

Explore the 12-hectare botanical garden with rare plants, seasonal flowers, and a small waterfall. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h

11:30am

Coonoor Tea Factory Tour

Learn about tea processing, from leaf plucking to packaging, and sample fresh Nilgiri tea.
INR100, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Cantonment Cafe

Enjoy meals made with fresh local produce and spices in a relaxed atmosphere. Opens at 11am to 3pm.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Nilgiris and Catherine Falls from this famous cliff viewpoint.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Ooty

Head back to Ooty by taxi or bus for an evening at leisure.
Included in taxi fare, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Garden Tandoor

Indulge in North Indian tandoori delicacies in a cozy environment. Open till 10:30pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 3: Heritage and Peaks

Ooty, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Diem

Savour light continental breakfast items and excellent coffee. Open from 7 am.
INR350, 1h

8:30am

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride to Coonoor

Board the UNESCO heritage steam train for a charming and scenic journey through the Nilgiri Hills. Tickets should be booked in advance. The train runs early morning and late afternoon.
INR150, 2h

11:00am

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Drive or take a taxi from railway station to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris with spectacular views. Open all day.
INR30, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shanthi Mess

Try a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal at this local favorite, open from 11am to 3pm.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Ooty Rose Garden revisit or free time

Spend some relaxed time revisiting the rose garden or exploring Ooty’s local cafes.
INR30, 1h

5:00pm

Visit St. Stephen’s Church

Admire the beautiful Gothic-style church built in the 19th century. Open for visitors until 6pm.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Fog

Delight in a mix of Indian and Continental dishes in airy surroundings. Open till 10pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 4: Nature and Departure

Ooty, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before the day’s excursions.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Pykara Lake and Falls

Drive 20 km from Ooty to visit serene Pykara Lake and the nearby waterfalls, ideal for nature walks and boat rides. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR100 for boat ride, 2h

11:00am

Explore Tea Plantations En Route Back

Stop at local tea estates on your way back to Ooty to learn about tea cultivation and sample fresh teas.
Free tour, sampling optional, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Earl’s Secret or local eatery

Have a final meal enjoying local cuisine or revisit a preferred spot from earlier days.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel to relax, pack, and get ready for onward travel in the afternoon or evening.
Free, Varies