Ultimate 10-Day Exploration of Ooty: Nature, Culture and Cuisine

Day 1: Town Centre Introduction

Ooty, India on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Culinarium

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Culinarium, known for its artisan baked goods and freshly brewed coffee, open from 8am to 6pm.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the beautifully maintained Ooty Botanical Gardens, home to a wide collection of plants, flowers and trees, open from 7am to 6pm. Ideal for a peaceful walk.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Indo-Chinese cuisine at Shinkows, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Ooty, open daily 12pm to 9pm.
INR400, 1h15m

1:30pm

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Coonoor for stunning scenic views, trains typically depart in the afternoon; check timings in advance.
INR150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit St. Stephen's Church

Explore this historic 19th-century church located in the heart of Ooty. It represents colonial architecture and is open till early evenings.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe

Dine at this cosy café offering European and North Indian dishes, ideal to end your first day in Ooty. Open daily till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ooty Lake & Gardens

Ooty, India on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a colonial-themed breakfast at Earl's Secret, famous for its ambience and diverse menu, open from 8am to 11am.
INR550, 1h0m

9:30am

Boating on Ooty Lake

Relax with pedal or row boating at Ooty Lake, open from 9am to 6pm. Great for enjoying the misty hill atmosphere.
INR100, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Rose Garden

Discover the largest rose garden in India featuring thousands of varieties of roses, open from 9am to 5pm daily.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sher-e-Punjab

Feast on authentic Punjabi cuisine at Sher-e-Punjab, a popular choice in Ooty, open from 11am to 10pm.
INR450, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Ooty Wax Museum

Explore lifelike wax figures at the Ooty Wax Museum, open from 10am to 6pm. It’s a unique cultural attraction.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tea Tasting at Tea Factory and Museum

Learn about tea processing and sample a variety of Nilgiri teas at the Tea Factory and Museum, open from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Milestones Restaurant

Enjoy a cosy dinner serving Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 3: Doddabetta Peak & Wildlife Discovery

Ooty, India on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple and hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to outdoor activities.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Hike to Doddabetta Peak

Climb to the highest peak in the Nilgiris at 2,637 metres for panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The park opens at 9am.
INR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at King's Cliff

Enjoy lunch with stunning views at King's Cliff, a classic resort restaurant with a refined menu, open till 3pm.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mudumalai National Park

Spend the afternoon on a safari in Mudumalai National Park, spotting wildlife like elephants, deer and tigers. The park opens from 6am to 6pm, safaris in the afternoon require booking.
INR1400, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sidewalk Cafe

Relax with a multi-cuisine dinner at Sidewalk Cafe, a favourite local spot open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coonoor Day Trip

Coonoor, India on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with an early breakfast before heading to Coonoor by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or car.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Sim's Park

Stroll through this beautiful botanical park in Coonoor featuring exotic plants and a small lake, open from 9am to 6pm.
INR10, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Drive or hike to Dolphin's Nose, a spectacular viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the Nilgiris and Catherine Falls.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Haandi Restaurant

Sample authentic South Indian and Mughlai dishes at Haandi, a popular restaurant in Coonoor, open 12pm to 9pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit tea plantations and factories

Visit local tea estates like the Highfield Tea Factory to learn about tea production and enjoy a relaxing stroll amid plantations.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Ooty

Travel back to Ooty by train or car for overnight stay.
INR150, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Relax and enjoy a well-earned dinner of fine cuisine back in Ooty.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 5: Pykara Waterfalls & Lake

Ooty, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel in preparation for a day of nature exploration.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Pykara Waterfalls

Visit the scenic Pykara Waterfalls, surrounded by lush forest and accessible by car, open during daylight hours.
INR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Boat ride at Pykara Lake

Enjoy tranquil boat rides at Pykara Lake, perfect for a relaxing afternoon with beautiful views. The boat house opens around 10am till sunset.
INR100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Theos Restaurant

Dine at Theos Restaurant which offers a blend of Indian and Continental dishes with a garden view, open 12pm to 9pm.
INR550, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kalhatti Falls

Short drive to Kalhatti Falls for spectacular natural beauty and a peaceful hike, visiting during daylight hours is safest.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe

Return to Ooty and enjoy another delicious dinner at this local favourite, offering excellent ambiance and cuisine.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Ooty, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Côté Cour

Experience a French-inspired breakfast at Côté Cour, known for its pastries and cosy atmosphere, open 8am to 6pm.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tribal Research Centre

Learn about the indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris and their rich culture at the Tribal Research Centre, open 10am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Government Museum

Explore exhibits covering Nilgiri history, flora, fauna, and culture in this local museum, open 9am to 6pm.
INR10, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tata Coffee House

Enjoy a hearty South Indian meal at Tata Coffee House, a retro-style café popular with locals, open 8am to 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping at Ooty Market

Browse for local handicrafts, spices, and homemade chocolates at the vibrant market near the bus stand, open till 6pm.
Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Grasshopper Restaurant

Experience open-air dining with a chic ambience at Grasshopper, serving global cuisine, open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 7: Adventure and Nature

Ooty, India on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before heading out for adventure activities.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Trekking to Wenlock Downs

Enjoy a moderate trek across the scenic grasslands at Wenlock Downs, experiencing spectacular views of the Nilgiris.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy snacks at a local shop and have a meal amid nature in the Downs.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Government Rose Garden

Return to town and visit the beautifully kept Government Rose Garden for a relaxing afternoon.
INR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Another opportunity to enjoy fine dining with diverse options at this established restaurant.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relaxation & Scenic Views

Ooty, India on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Charing Cross

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at Charing Cross Café offering great teas and light meals, open 8am to 6pm.
INR450, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Tea Gardens

Walk through expansive tea gardens surrounding Ooty and interact with local tea pickers if possible.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at East India Company

Savour authentic Indian and continental dishes at this elegant restaurant, open 12pm to 9pm.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Ooty Lake Park

Enjoy leisure time strolling around or sitting by the lake, soaking in the nature and people-watching.
INR20, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Milestones Restaurant

End your day with a mouth-watering dinner at Milestones, known for its atmosphere and tasteful dishes.
INR600, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day Trip to Kotagiri

Kotagiri, India on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day-long trip to Kotagiri.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Kotagiri

Travel by car or bus to Kotagiri, a beautiful hill station close to Ooty known for tea plantations and nature walks.
INR200, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Catherine Falls

Stop at the viewpoint of Catherine Falls, a stunning twin waterfall with easy access and excellent photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hampshire Inn

Enjoy a comfortable lunch with local and continental cuisine at the Hampshire Inn, the oldest hotel in Kotagiri.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tea Garden Walks

Take a guided or self-guided walk through lush tea gardens enjoying fresh air and stunning landscapes.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ooty

Travel back to Ooty for relaxation and overnight stay.
INR200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe

Another delightful dinner to round off your Kotagiri day trip.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 10: Final Day Leisure

Ooty, India on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Culinarium

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast trying any dishes you missed from earlier in the trip.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Free Time for Shopping or Revisiting Favourite Spots

Spend your last day revisiting any favourite spots, relaxing by the lake, or shopping for souvenirs.
Varies, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Aamod at 35

Indulge in a final lunch at this boutique hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, featuring local and international dishes, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR750, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Stone House Cottage

Tour the historic Stone House Cottage, one of Ooty’s oldest bungalows, showcasing colonial architecture.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel to pack and prepare for your departure.
Free, Evening
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