7-Day South India Exploration: Bandipur, Ooty, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal & Madurai

Day 1: Wildlife Safari

Bandipur, India on May 5, 2025

6:30am

Morning Safari at Bandipur National Park

Explore the diverse wildlife of Bandipur with a morning safari. Enjoy sightings of elephants, tigers, and various birds in their natural habitat. The park opens early to maximize animal sightings during cooler hours.

INR1500, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Bandipur Jungle Dawn Resort

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast surrounded by nature at the Jungle Dawn Resort, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

INR400, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

Take a short drive to this hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the forest. It's peaceful and perfect for a cultural touch amidst nature.

INR50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jungle Retreat Bandipur

Savor traditional Karnataka cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in a rustic setting.

INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax and Leisure

Rest at your accommodation or enjoy the natural ambiance before departure.

Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Safari or Nature Walk

Experience the forest at dusk to spot nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the serene environment before sunset.

INR1500, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Serai Bandipur

Dine on delicious Indian and continental dishes at this upscale resort offering great ambiance and comfort.

INR1000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Hill Station Exploration

Ooty, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sidewalk Cafe

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries at this cozy cafe known for its breakfast variety.

INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Botanical Gardens Visit

Explore the lush botanical gardens featuring exotic plants, rare flowers, and serene walking paths. It opens by 7:00am, perfect for a morning walk.

INR30, 1h30m

10:30am

Ooty Lake Boating

Enjoy paddle boating or row boating on the tranquil Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and lovely scenery.

INR120, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Dine in a colonial-era mansion serving flavorful Indian and continental cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

INR800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride

Take a scenic toy train ride on this UNESCO World Heritage site from Ooty to Coonoor for stunning landscapes. The train departs frequently, so ensure to check schedules.

INR150, 1h15m

4:00pm

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Head to the highest point in the Nilgiris for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The viewpoint closes by sunset.

INR20, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, a local favorite for its flavorful dishes and comfortable setting.

INR700, 1h30m

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Day 3: Nature & Shopping

Ooty, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Shevaroys

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with local flavors and fresh fruits.

INR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Rose Garden and Tea Factory Tour

Visit the government Rose Garden to see over 20,000 varieties of roses, then tour a tea factory to learn about Nilgiri tea production and sample teas.

INR50 + INR100, 2h0m

11:00am

Shopping at Ooty Market

Explore local markets for fresh spices, homemade chocolates, and handmade crafts, perfect for souvenirs.

Free (shopping costs vary), 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Garden Restaurant

Taste traditional South Indian thali meals and other delicacies in a garden setting.

INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at your hotel or visit St. Stephen’s Church

Spend the afternoon unwinding or visiting this historic colonial-era church noted for its beautiful architecture.

Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Emerald Lake

Drive to Emerald Lake near Coonoor for a peaceful sunset surrounded by nature’s tranquility.

INR50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hats Off Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in a relaxed environment before heading back.

INR600, 1h30m

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Day 4: City & Temple

Coimbatore, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café 24

Start with an energizing breakfast offering a combination of Indian and western options.

INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Marudamalai Temple Visit

Visit this beautiful hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering splendid views and spiritual ambiance. The temple is open from early morning.

Free, 1h30m

10:30am

G.D. Naidu Museum

Learn about the local legacy of inventor G.D. Naidu with exhibits on science and technology.

INR50, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Annapoorna Gowrishankar

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals with rich flavors of local ingredients in one of Coimbatore’s recommended restaurants.

INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Perur Pateeswarar Temple

Explore this ancient and architecturally rich Shiva temple, a significant cultural landmark.

Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping and Leisure at Brookefields Mall

Spend your afternoon at this popular mall with modern retail stores, cafes, and entertainment options.

Free (shopping costs vary), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The French Door

Relish contemporary cuisines including European and Indian dishes served with elegant presentation.

INR900, 1h30m

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Day 5: Hill Station Nature

Kodaikanal, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kodaikanal

Depart early from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal (approx 3.5 hours). Enjoy scenic views along the way.

INR1200 by taxi, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Cloud Street Café

Indulge in fresh baked goods, artisan coffee, and balanced breakfast options in a charming café setting.

INR350, 1h0m

11:30am

Kodaikanal Lake Boating

Rent a pedal or row boat and enjoy the serene Kodaikanal Lake, popular for its calm waters and scenic surroundings.

INR150, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pastry Corner

A local favorite for quick meals and delicious cakes, perfect for a light lunch or snack.

INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bryant Park

Visit this well-maintained botanical garden with a wide variety of plants and floral displays, open till sunset.

INR20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

See the iconic three giant rock pillars and enjoy panoramic hill views, an excellent spot for photography.

INR50, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or explore local shops

Spend time at leisure to explore local handicrafts or relax before dinner.

Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Royal Tibet

Experience authentic Tibetan cuisine offering warming soups and momos in a cozy ambiance.

INR700, 1h30m

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Day 6: Nature & Waterfalls

Kodaikanal, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a wholesome South Indian vegetarian breakfast including dosas, idlis, and fresh juices.

INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Silver Cascade Falls

Visit this scenic waterfall located on the way to Kodaikanal from Munnar, best visited in the morning.

Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Coaker's Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this paved walkway offering spectacular views of the plains and valleys.

Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Bear Shola Falls

Hike a short trail to this tranquil waterfall nestled in dense forest, ideal for nature lovers.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Relish vegetarian South Indian and North Indian flavors in a clean and welcoming environment.

INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kurinji Andavar Temple

Explore this hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering lovely views and seasonal Kurinji flowers.

Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping and Relaxation

Browse local shops for handmade chocolates and crafts or relax at your hotel.

Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Cariappa

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental meals with a cozy atmosphere to end your day.

INR600, 1h30m

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Day 7: Cultural Heritage

Madurai, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Madurai

Depart early from Kodaikanal to Madurai (approx 3.5 hours) to make the most of your day.

INR1200 by taxi, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast favorites like idlis, dosas, and filter coffee.

INR250, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this iconic, sprawling temple complex known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. Open from early morning till late evening.

Free, 2h30m