6-Day Family Road Trip from Chennai to Masinagudi, Ooty, and Black Thunder with Train Travel

Day 1: Arrival and transfer

Coimbatore to Masinagudi, India on May 29, 2025

6:00am

Arrival in Coimbatore

Arrive early morning by train at Coimbatore Junction. Collect luggage and board van to Masinagudi, approximately 3-hour drive.
INR0, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Masinagudi

Start scenic van drive from Coimbatore to Masinagudi (70 km). Enjoy stops along the way as needed for refreshments and photo ops.
Approx. INR3500-4000 (van rental), 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Tiger Paw Resort

Settle into family-friendly Tiger Paw Resort. Relax and freshen up after journey.
Prepaid accommodation, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tiger Paw Resort

Enjoy traditional South Indian meal made with fresh locally sourced ingredients at the resort’s restaurant.
INR500-700 per family meal, 1h

2:30pm

Light sightseeing or nature walk

Short nature walk around the resort or nearby trails to relax and explore tranquil surroundings.
INR0, 1-2h

5:00pm

Evening at leisure

Free time for rest or explore resort amenities like the garden and play area.
INR0, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Jungle Treats Restaurant, Masinagudi

Try delicious, family-friendly cuisine with options like grilled fish, paneer tikka, and dosas at this nearby restaurant.
INR600 approx., 1h

Day 2: Wildlife adventure

Masinagudi, India on May 30, 2025

6:00am

Mudumalai Jungle Safari

Pre-book morning safari through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve to spot elephants, tigers, and leopards. Safari opens around 6 AM; book tickets online a few days in advance.
INR500 per person approx., 3h

10:00am

Visit Elephant Camp

Visit nearby elephant camp where kids can watch interactions and possibly feed elephants under supervision. Call resort to arrange visit.
INR200 donation suggested, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Resort

Return to Tiger Paw Resort for a hearty lunch featuring local cuisine and milder options for kids.
INR600 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Nature Walk

Guided nature walk arranged by the resort to learn about local flora and fauna, perfect for families.
INR300 per family, 2h

4:00pm

Relax and Leisure time

Return to resort to relax, use play areas, or swim in pool if available.
INR0, Rest of afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Resort or Bison Grill

Enjoy family dinner either at the resort or visit Bison Grill nearby known for its varied menu including vegetarian and non-vegetarian favorites.
INR700 approx., 1h

Day 3: Travel and sightseeing

Masinagudi to Ooty, India on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Morning nature walk or birdwatching

Optional peaceful morning walk or birdwatching near resort to start day with fresh air.
INR0, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Resort

Hearty breakfast with South Indian dishes and fresh fruits before starting travel.
INR400 approx., 30m

9:30am

Travel to Ooty via Kotagiri with sightseeing stop

Leave Masinagudi for Ooty by van (~3.5 hours). Stop en route at Catherine Falls near Kotagiri for quick sightseeing and photos.
INR3500 approx. van rental, 4h including stop

2:00pm

Check-in Delightz Inn Resort, Ooty

Settle into family-friendly Delightz Inn Resort with comfortable rooms and kid's play area.
Prepaid accommodation, 1h

3:00pm

Relaxed Ooty town stroll

Short walk around Ooty Market and nearby lake to soak in hill town charm.
INR0, 1-2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Upscale dining with a historic ambiance, offering continental and Indian dishes suitable for families.
INR1000 approx., 1.5h

Day 4: Explore Ooty

Ooty, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at resort

Freshly brewed coffee and South Indian breakfast before a full day of sightseeing.
INR400 approx., 30m

9:00am

Botanical Gardens

Explore extensive gardens with over 1,000 species of plants, perfect for family strolls and photography.
INR30 per person, 1h

10:30am

Doddabetta Peak

Visit the highest peak in Nilgiris with panoramic views. Drive up or take short hikes to viewing points.
INR20 per person, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Popular Chinese eatery in Ooty loved by families for tasty and mild dishes.
INR600 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Rose Garden

Visit the Rose Garden with thousands of varieties of roses, colorful and fragrant – great for kids’ exploration.
INR20 per person, 45m

3:00pm

Ooty Lake

Boating on the lake, pony rides, and walking through the park area. Suitable for family relaxation.
Boating: INR100 per boat, 1h

4:30pm

Tea Factory Visit

Tour the tea factory for an educational experience on tea processing and tasting.
INR50 per person, 1h

6:00pm

Chocolate Museum

Discover the history of chocolates and enjoy some samples—perfect family fun.
INR100 per person, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Taj Savoy

Elegant dining offering Indian and international cuisine with a comfortable family-friendly atmosphere.
INR1200 approx., 1.5h

Day 5: Water fun and transfer

Ooty to Black Thunder, then to Coimbatore, India on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Early checkout from Delightz Inn Resort

Pack up and prepare for trip to Black Thunder water park to maximize day.
INR0, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Black Thunder Water Park

Drive from Ooty to Black Thunder near Mettupalayam, approx. 1.5h.
INR1200 approx. van fare, 1.5h

9:00am

Enjoy Black Thunder Water Park

Spend morning enjoying slides, pools, and family-friendly water activities. Park opens at 9 AM; pre-book tickets online to avoid queues.
INR950 per adult, INR700 per child approx., 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Black Thunder Food Courts

Variety of kid-friendly snacks and meals available onsite for convenience.
INR600 approx. for family, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Coimbatore

Drive to Coimbatore (55 km), check-in to hotel or rest at station waiting area.
INR1000 approx., 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby mall

Recommended hotel near Coimbatore station is The Residency. Alternatively visit Brookefields Mall for last-minute shopping and rest.
INR1500 approx. for hotel, Rest of afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna

Popular South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving family-style meals within short drive from hotel.
INR500 approx. for family, 1h

Day 6: Departure day

Coimbatore, India on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel to start the day restful and prepared for travel.
Included with hotel or INR300 approx., 30m

9:00am

Light sightseeing or mall visit

Optional visit to Perur Temple for cultural experience or Brookefields Mall for some relaxed shopping if weather permits. Both nearby and family-friendly.
INR0-50 (temple donation), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel or Local Eatery

Have an early lunch at the hotel or a recommended local eatery like Hari Bhavanam for South Indian meals.
INR500 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Return to hotel or station; relax

Head back to hotel or station to rest and prepare for train departure.
INR0, 1h45m

3:15pm

Train departure to Chennai

Board your train from Coimbatore Junction to Chennai Central for return journey.
Train tickets prepaid, Evening