Scenic South India Journey: Pondicherry to Ooty by Road

Day 1: Pondicherry City and Departure

Pondicherry, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast in this popular bakery known for its fresh pastries, croissants, and coffee. It opens at 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:15am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the spiritual complex founded by Sri Aurobindo, a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city, open from 8am to 12pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Stroll along Promenade Beach

Walk along the picturesque sea-facing promenade, seeing historic statues and enjoying the fresh breeze. The beach is accessible all day.
Free, 45m

11:30am

Packing and Departure Preparation

Prepare for departure to Ooty, ensuring all essentials are packed for the drive through the hills.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Leave Pondicherry for Ooty

Begin the scenic 6-hour road journey uphill through Tamil Nadu, enjoying changing landscapes from coastal plains to tea gardens and hills.
INR1500 (cab fare approx.), 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch Stop at Coonoor

Stop at Coonoor for a relaxing lunch in a hill station restaurant such as the Open Terrace for local South Indian cuisine.
INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Ooty

Arrive and rest at a charming hotel like the Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, centrally located with mountain views.
INR3500 per night, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a refined dinner with a mix of Indian and Continental dishes in a cosy, colonial-era bungalow restaurant; open till 10pm.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 2: Explore Ooty Highlights

Ooty, India on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast served at the hotel, inclusive with your stay.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Explore the extensive gardens featuring exotic and indigenous plants, a popular spot open from 7am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:00am

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take a memorable toy train ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty station for around an hour.
INR100, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nahar's Sidewalk Café

Enjoy a casual lunch serving fresh local ingredients and lovely hill station ambiance, open till 4pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ooty Lake & Boating

Relax with a pedal boat ride on the serene Ooty Lake, open daily though best visited in daylight hours.
INR120, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Rose Garden

See thousands of varieties of roses in full bloom at the Government Rose Garden, open from 9am to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Return to the hotel to refresh and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Feast on authentic Chinese cuisine in one of Ooty's most popular eateries, open till 10pm.
INR900, 1h30m