Offbeat Road Trip from Bangalore to Ooty: Scenic and Serene Stops

Day 1: Scenic Road Trip

Bangalore to Ooty, India on May 23, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at MTR, Bangalore

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), known for its authentic dosas and filter coffee to fuel your journey.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Ramanagara

Head south-west to Ramanagara, approximately 50 km from Bangalore, famous for its rocky landscape, perfect for an offbeat stop and quick rock climbing or birdwatching.
Free, 1h30m (drive)

10:00AM

Ramanagara Rock Climbing and Nature Walk

Explore the less crowded rocky hills of Ramanagara, known as the Silk City, offering peaceful hikes and stunning views away from crowded tourist spots.
INR300 (guide optional), 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy a hearty, rustic meal featuring Karnataka-style cuisine at a local dhaba near Ramanagara.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30PM

Drive to Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta

Next, drive approximately 40 km south to Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, a quiet hill offering moderate trekking and panoramic views rarely visited by tourists.
Free, 1h15m (drive)

2:45PM

Trek Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta

Take a moderate trek up to the Rangaswamy temple on the hilltop, surrounded by dense forest, an excellent spot for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Drive towards Ooty with stopover at Palakkad Gap

Continue your drive towards Ooty, stopping briefly at the Palakkad Gap viewpoint for spectacular sunset views over the Western Ghats.
Free, 2h0m (drive + stop)

7:30PM

Dinner in Ooty at Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant

End your day with dinner at Shinkow's, a popular yet cozy place offering delicious Chinese cuisine in Ooty.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Explore Offbeat Ooty

Ooty, India on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Earl's Secret, set in a beautiful garden with colonial charm, offering fresh baked goods and coffee.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Wenlock Downs

Explore Wenlock Downs, a vast, lesser-known grassy plateau offering stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills and perfect for quiet walks and picnic spots.
Free, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Nahar Sidewalk Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch with multi-cuisine options including light continental fare and local favorites at this quaint cafe in Ooty.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Emerald Lake and Ketti Valley

Head to the serene Emerald Lake near Ooty and admire the vast Ketti Valley, known as the ‘Switzerland of South India’, for incredible offbeat photo opportunities.
Free, 3h0m

5:00PM

Tea tasting at Glenmorgan Tea Estate

Visit Glenmorgan Tea Estate for an authentic tea tasting experience and learn about organic tea cultivation on the Nilgiri hills.
INR200, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tibetan Grill

Enjoy Tibetan delicacies like momos and thukpa at the Tibetan Grill, an offbeat dining spot loved by locals and travelers alike.
INR400, 1h0m