5-Day Scenic Journey from Ooty to Kodaikanal: A South Indian Hill Station Adventure

Day 1: Explore Ooty

Ooty, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Culinarium

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Culinarium, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic South Indian coffee. Open from 8am to 5pm.
INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Explore the Government Botanical Gardens featuring a variety of exotic and native plants, a serene pond, and the iconic fossil tree. Open 7am to 6pm.
INR 30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Norwood Inn

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali and fresh vegetable dishes at Norwood Inn, a popular spot for travellers. Open from 12pm to 3pm.
INR 500, 1h

1:30pm

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor, a scenic 1.5-hour journey through mountain landscapes and tea plantations. The train operates from 9am to 4pm.
INR 150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Ooty Lake

Relax by Ooty Lake and enjoy boating or simply stroll around the park. Open 9am to 6pm.
Boating INR 100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Dine at Earl's Secret for a colonial-style ambiance and delicious Indian and continental dishes. Open 7pm to 10pm.
INR 700, 1h30m
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Day 2: Coonoor Excursion

Coonoor, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tea Nest Cafe

Enjoy breakfast in the hills with fresh teas and baked goods at Tea Nest Cafe, open 7am to 11am.
INR 250, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sim's Park

Walk around Sim's Park, a beautiful botanical garden housing rare trees, orchids, and a bird sanctuary. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR 20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tea County Coonoor

Taste South Indian and continental dishes in a cosy restaurant themed around tea culture. Open 12pm to 3pm.
INR 500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Drive to Dolphin’s Nose for panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls, perfect for photo opportunities.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Wellington Market Visit

Stop by Wellington Market on the way back to pick up local produce, spices, and souvenirs. Open until 6pm.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes in this reliable restaurant chain. Open till 10pm.
INR 400, 1h
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Day 3: Kotagiri Highlights

Kotagiri, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Canton Tea Factory

Start your day with fresh coffee and baked treats at this charming tea factory cafe, open 8am to 11am.
INR 350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Elk Falls

Explore the Elk Falls amidst lush greenery and enjoy a short trek to this serene waterfall. Open all day.
INR 10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tea Nest Restaurant

Savour fresh, organic dishes in a rustic setting surrounded by tea gardens. Open 12pm to 3pm.
INR 450, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kodanad Viewpoint

Take in breathtaking views of the valley and the Nilgiri Hills from Kodanad Viewpoint, an excellent spot for scenery lovers.
INR 20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Estate Walk

Enjoy a guided walk through a tea estate to learn about tea production, ending with some tea tasting. Available by appointment.
INR 250, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Homestay

Experience home-cooked Nilgiri cuisine at a homestay, offering authentic flavours and a warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
INR 600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Kodaikanal

En route from Kotagiri to Kodaikanal on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast Pack from Kotagiri

Grab a quick packed breakfast from a local bakery for your road trip to Kodaikanal.
INR 150, 30m

8:00am

Drive from Kotagiri to Kodaikanal

Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive through winding mountain roads and lush forests to reach Kodaikanal.
Cost depends on transport, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Cloud Street, Kodaikanal

Relax at Cloud Street offering fresh wood-fired pizzas and continental dishes with cozy seating. Open 12pm to 10pm.
INR 600, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Coaker's Walk

Take an easy stroll along the cliff-side path offering panoramic views of valleys and hills. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Kodaikanal and enjoy the cool hill station ambiance.
Varies, Relax

7:30pm

Dinner at The Royal Tibet

Try Tibetan and Nepali specialities such as momos and thukpa, in a cosy local restaurant situated near the town centre.
INR 450, 1h30m
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Day 5: Discover Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Cariappa

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and south Indian-style breakfast items in this charming cafe. Open 7am to 11am.
INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Boat Ride on Kodaikanal Lake

Rent a rowboat or pedal boat and enjoy the serene waters of this star-shaped lake. Boats available 8am to 5pm.
INR 150, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Bryant Park

Stroll through Bryant Park, a beautifully maintained botanical garden known for its flower shows. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR 30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Try vegetarian south Indian and north Indian meals in this clean and popular spot. Open 12pm to 3pm.
INR 400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pillar Rocks

Witness the majestic three giant rock pillars, a famous landmark offering spectacular views, accessible all day.
INR 20, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Silver Cascade Falls

Stop at this impressive 55-metre waterfall on the way back from Pillar Rocks for photos and fresh air.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cloud Street

Conclude your trip with a relaxing dinner with a wide menu of global dishes in a charming atmosphere.
INR 600, 1h30m
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