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

Day 1: Wildlife and Nature

Bandipur, India on May 5, 2025

11:00am

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in Bandipur and check into your lodge or resort to settle in and prepare for your wildlife experience.
INR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Jungle Lore

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Jungle Lore, offering authentic local and Indian cuisine, perfect to recharge before your afternoon safari. Open from 11am to 4pm.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bandipur National Park Safari

Explore Bandipur National Park with a guided safari tour to see elephants, deer, and if lucky, tigers. The park is open from 6am to 6pm but afternoon safaris are best between 2pm and 5pm.
INR1500, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Return to your lodge to relax after the safari, enjoy the natural surroundings and freshen up.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Elephant Corridor

Dine at The Elephant Corridor Resort's restaurant, which offers a variety of South Indian dishes in a cozy ambiance, open until 9:30pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 2: Hill Station Exploration

Ooty, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ooty

Depart early from Bandipur to Ooty by car, a scenic drive of approximately 3.5-4 hours through beautiful landscapes.
INR3000, 4h0m

11:00am

Check-in and Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Arrive in Ooty, check into your hotel, and enjoy a hearty breakfast at Earl’s Secret, known for its colonial charm and freshly baked pastries.
INR650, 1h0m

12:30pm

Botanical Gardens Visit

Visit the famous Ooty Botanical Gardens, open 9am to 6pm, to explore vibrant flower beds, ancient trees, and the bonsai garden.
INR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with continental dishes and fresh juices at Nahar's, centrally located and open till 5pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:15pm

Ooty Lake Boating

Spend the afternoon boating on Ooty Lake, open till 6pm, and enjoy paddle boats or row boats amidst scenic views.
INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Dodabetta Peak

Drive to Dodabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views of the hills before sunset. Open until 6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Try authentic Chinese cuisine at Shinkows, a famous local restaurant in Ooty open until 10pm.
INR650, 1h0m

Day 3: Scenic and Cultural Tour

Ooty, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of sightseeing around Ooty.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride

Take a charming ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Blue Mountain Express) from Ooty to Coonoor and back, open from early morning till evening. The trip offers stunning hill views.
INR450, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Culinarium

Savor a gourmet meal featuring local flavors and continental dishes at The Culinarium, open until 3pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Rose Garden

Walk through the Ooty Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties. Open from 9am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore St. Stephen's Church

Visit the historic St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, known for its beautiful stained glass and architecture. Open till 6pm.
INR0, 0h45m

4:00pm

Shopping at Ooty Market

Finish the afternoon shopping for local teas, spices, and handmade chocolates at the Ooty market, open till 6pm.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at King's Cliff

Enjoy a cozy dinner at King’s Cliff Restaurant with stunning views and a mix of Indian and Western cuisine. Open until 10pm.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 4: City and Temple Visit

Coimbatore, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Coimbatore

Drive from Ooty to Coimbatore, approximately 3 hours. Enjoy morning scenery of the hills and plains.
INR2500, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day, Gass Forest Museum

Grab breakfast and coffee near the museum; it’s a convenient stop before exploring the city.
INR300, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Marudamalai Murugan Temple

Explore this scenic hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan; open all day with peaceful atmospheres and beautiful views.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Annapoorna Gowrishankar

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian meals at one of Coimbatore’s most popular eateries, open till 3pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gass Forest Museum

This natural history museum offers intriguing exhibits on South India's flora and fauna. Open from 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Brookefields Mall

Spend time shopping or relaxing at Brookefields Mall, open till 9pm with cafes and entertainment options.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hari Bhavanam

Dine on classic South Indian dishes in an elegant setting, open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Hill Station Charm

Kodaikanal, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kodaikanal

Depart early to Kodaikanal by road, about a 3.5-hour journey through beautiful mountain roads.
INR2800, 3h30m

10:30am

Check-in and Breakfast at Cloud Street

Check into your hotel and enjoy breakfast at Cloud Street, known for its delicious snacks and coffee, open 8am to 11am.
INR400, 1h0m

11:30am

Kodaikanal Lake Boating

Rent paddle or row boats on the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, a tranquil spot for relaxing. Open till 6pm.
INR150, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Muncheez

Enjoy a variety of continental and Indian dishes at Muncheez, a popular casual eatery open till 3pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Coaker's Walk

Take a leisurely walk on Coaker's Walk, a paved pathway with stunning views of valleys and misty hills, open throughout daylight hours.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Bryant Park Visit

Visit Bryant Park, well-maintained botanical gardens with a variety of flowers and plants, open 8am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a purist South Indian vegetarian dinner at Tava, known for their flavorful thalis. Open till 9:30pm.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 6: Nature and Culture

Kodaikanal, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fresh breakfast at your accommodation, preparing for more exploration.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Pillar Rocks and Guna Cave

Visit the famous Pillar Rocks and nearby Guna Cave, known for their dramatic cliffs and scenic beauty. Open till 6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

10:30am

Silver Cascade Falls

Stop at Silver Cascade Falls, a 180-foot waterfall located on the way to Kodaikanal, perfect for photos and a refreshing break.
INR0, 0h30m

11:15am

Bear Shola Falls

Take a short trek to Bear Shola Falls, a serene waterfall with a peaceful natural setting, suitable for nature lovers.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Cariappa

Enjoy organic coffee and light meals at Café Cariappa, popular among locals and tourists, open till 3:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Visit the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to learn about astronomy and enjoy beautiful hill top views. Open till 5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax and Shopping in Town

Stroll through Kodaikanal’s local markets for souvenirs like homemade chocolates, aromatic oils, and handicrafts.
INR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Royal Tibet

Conclude your day with Tibetan and North Indian specialties at The Royal Tibet Restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 7: Historical and Cultural Highlights

Madurai, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Madurai

Depart from Kodaikanal to Madurai by road, approximately 3 hours to reach the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu.
INR2800, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and dosas at this famous local eatery, open from 6am.
INR200, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic and architectural marvel dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, open from 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 9:30pm.
INR50, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy authentic Tamil meals with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at Sree Sabarees, open till 3pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's freedom struggle and Gandhi's life. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore local markets

Spend late afternoon exploring Madurai’s bustling markets, perfect for buying textiles, jewelry, and spices.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Return for a delicious and light dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, serving fresh South Indian specialties till 9pm.
INR250, 1h0m