Refreshing Family Hill Station Road Trip in Tamil Nadu: Ooty, Coonoor & Kotagiri

Day 1: Ooty Hill Arrival

Chennai, Ooty, Tamil Nadu on May 11, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, Chennai

Enjoy a wholesome South Indian vegetarian breakfast with idlis, vadas, and filter coffee to energise the family for the drive ahead, open from 6am.
INR400, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Ooty

Depart on a picturesque 7-hour car drive covering scenic highways and hill approaches to reach Ooty by afternoon, with stops en route for refreshments.
Fuel approx. INR2500, 7h

2:30pm

Lunch at Nair’s Mess, Ooty

A popular local eatery serving authentic Tamil and Kerala-style vegetarian dishes, perfect for family dining.
INR800, 1h

4:00pm

Botanical Gardens Visit

Explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens, a kids-friendly spot filled with colourful plants and open grassy areas for family relaxation, open till 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Accommodation

Settle into a family-friendly hotel or resort that offers comfortable amenities and scenic views of the Nilgiris.
Varies, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret, Ooty

Fine casual dining with a cosy ambience serving delicious North Indian and Continental vegetarian options suitable for family dinners.
INR1200, 1h
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Day 2: Exploring Coonoor

Ooty and Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel, Ooty

Start the day with a nutritious buffet breakfast including fresh fruits and South Indian favourites to fuel your adventure.
Included or INR400, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Coonoor by car

A short 1-hour scenic drive through Nilgiri hills to visit the beautiful tea gardens and viewpoints of Coonoor.
Fuel INR300, 1h

10:00am

Sim’s Park Visit

A charming botanical park with diverse plants, birds, and a small lake, ideal for children to explore and relax, open till 5:30pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Tea Factory Tour – Dolphin’s Nose Visit

Tour a local tea factory to see tea processing and enjoy panoramic views from Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, both excellent educational and scenic stops.
Factory tour INR50, Viewpoint Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Diem, Coonoor

A family-friendly café offering fresh, healthy meals along with kid-friendly snacks and drinks.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Ooty and Visit Ooty Lake

Relax with boating and pedal boats at Ooty Lake, a favourite among families with children, open till 5pm.
Boating INR150 per ride, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping and Evening Walk in Ooty Market

Browse local handicrafts, homemade chocolates and spices in the vibrant Ooty market, a nice place to pick souvenirs.
Free entry, shopping optional, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in your accommodation or try local vegetarian thali meals at a nearby restaurant.
INR800 approx., 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kotagiri & Return

Ooty, Kotagiri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Start with a delicious breakfast and prepare for departure for Kotagiri, another serene hill station nearby, including packing and rest.
Included or INR350, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kotagiri

A short 1-hour drive through beautiful Nilgiri hills to Kotagiri, known for its tranquil tea estates and gentle hikes.
Fuel approx. INR300, 1h

9:00am

Visit Catherine Falls & Tea Estates

Enjoy a family-friendly moderate trek to Catherine Falls and visit the sprawling tea gardens nearby, ideal for light adventure and nature appreciation.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light Snack at a Local Café

Rest and refresh at a small café offering fresh juices and snacks to keep kids and adults energised for the drive back.
INR400, 30m

12:00pm

Drive Back to Chennai

Begin the approximate 9-hour return drive to Chennai ensuring breaks for meals and comfort to children during the trip.
Fuel approx. INR2700, 9h

8:30pm

Dinner at Home or Near Chennai

End the lovely hill station trip with a simple homemade or local restaurant dinner for a relaxed family evening.
Varies, 1h
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