12-Day Scenic South India and Maharashtra Road Trip: Ooty to Malsej Ghat

Day 1: Explore Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of the Ooty Lake area, known for its English-style breakfast and scenic garden seating.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore 22 hectares of lush gardens with exotic plants, indigenous trees, and seasonal flowers. Open 8:30am to 6:00pm, perfect for a morning stroll.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Ooty Lake Boating

Enjoy pedal boating on the serene lake and soak in the panoramic views of the hills. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR150, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Relish authentic Chinese cuisine, a popular dining spot in Ooty featuring a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Doddabetta Peak Visit

Visit the highest peak in the Nilgiris for panoramic views. Perfect late afternoon for cooler weather. Open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR20, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Queen's Garden Restaurant

Experience local Tamil Nadu cuisine in a cosy setting near the town centre.
INR700, 1h
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Day 2: Kodai Kanal Exploration

Kodai Kanal, Tamil Nadu, India on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Ooty to Kodai Kanal

A scenic 4-hour drive through mountain roads from Ooty to Kodai Kanal early morning to maximize the day.
INR2000 (private taxi), 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pastry Corner

Try out fresh baked goods and light meals at a popular Kodai sweet shop and café.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Kodaikanal Lake Boating

Enjoy pedal and row boating on the scenic artificial lake surrounded by parks and walking paths. Open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
INR150, 1h

3:00pm

Bryant Park Visit

Stroll through botanical gardens known for colourful flower beds and green spaces. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR30, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Time

Savour authentic South Indian meals with rich flavours and local spices.
INR600, 1h
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Day 3: Munnar Relaxation

Munnar, Kerala, India on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel Kodai Kanal to Munnar

Drive approximately 5 hours through Kerala’s scenic Western Ghats to reach Munnar early afternoon.
INR2500 (private taxi), 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Munnar

Enjoy authentic vegetarian South Indian meals at this well-known chain.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Tea Museum Visit

Explore the history of tea in the region with guided tours and tastings. Open noon to 5:00pm.
INR100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam Visit

Visit famous spots for scenic views and photography, ideal late afternoon before sunset.
INR40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala specialities and freshly caught river fish dishes.
INR700, 1h
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Day 4: Ripple Waterfalls & Alleppey

Munnar to Alleppey, Kerala, India on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Ripple Waterfalls Hiking

Start with a morning trek to Ripple Waterfalls, a lovely natural spot near Munnar for a refreshing experience.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Travel Munnar to Alleppey

A 4-hour scenic drive passing lush landscapes to the backwaters of Alleppey.
INR1800 (private taxi), 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at Halais Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala meals including seafood specialties in Alleppey.
INR600, 1h

4:30pm

Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Check-in

Relax and enjoy an overnight houseboat cruise through the famous backwaters, soaking in serene views.
INR4000/night approx, Overnight
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Day 5: Alleppy to Kochi

Alleppey and Kochi, Kerala, India on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Houseboat Breakfast and Cruise

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast on the houseboat while cruising through picturesque backwaters until late morning.
Included in houseboat cost, 3h

11:30am

Travel Alleppey to Kochi

Take a 1.5-hour drive north to Kochi, a historic port city rich in culture.
INR700, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Enjoy seafood cuisine on a floating restaurant near the waterfront with views of the harbour.
INR900, 1h30m

3:00pm

Fort Kochi Walking Tour

Explore colonial heritage sites such as St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Most sights open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kashi Art Café

Finish the day with a relaxed meal and coffee amid art-filled surroundings.
INR600, 1h
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Day 6: Kochi to Coorg

Kochi to Coorg, Karnataka, India on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Kochi to Coorg

A longer day on the road of around 6-7 hours through Western Ghats towards Coorg, early departure recommended.
INR3500 (private taxi), 6-7h

2:00pm

Lunch at Coorg Cuisine

Enjoy authentic Kodava meals with local spices and ingredients in a homely atmosphere.
INR700, 1h

4:00pm

Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple

Visit historic sites in Coorg’s main town. Both open until evening and offer cultural insights.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raintree

Dine at this popular spot for regional dishes and good ambiance.
INR800, 1h
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Day 7: Coorg Sightseeing

Coorg, Karnataka, India on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Abbey Falls Visit

Visit the scenic waterfall nestled in coffee plantations, great for morning exploration. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h

10:30am

Coffee Plantation Tour

Learn about coffee production with guided plantation tours, a signature experience in Coorg.
INR150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coorg Bean

Relax in the lush surroundings with fresh farm-to-table dishes.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Talakaveri Visit

Visit the origin of the River Cauvery located in Brahmagiri hills, a spiritual and scenic spot.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Falls at The Tamara

Enjoy a fine dining experience overlooking tea gardens.
INR1200, 1h
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Day 8: Mysore Heritage

Mysore, Karnataka, India on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel Coorg to Mysore

About 3-hour drive to historic Mysore, with departure after breakfast for full day exploration.
INR1800, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Vinayaka Mylari

Sample famous Mysore dosas at this small but iconic local eatery.
INR150, 1h

12:30pm

Mysore Palace Tour

Take a guided tour of the grand palace, open 10am to 5:30pm, showcasing royal architecture and artefacts.
INR70, 2h

3:00pm

St. Philomena's Cathedral

Explore this neo-Gothic cathedral with impressive stained glass windows. Open until 5pm.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel RRR

Experience classic Mysore meals, including biryani and spicy curries.
INR500, 1h
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Day 9: Mysore to Malsej Ghat

Mysore to Malsej Ghat, Maharashtra, India on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel Mysore to Malsej Ghat

A long travel day of approximately 10-11 hours by private car or combination taxi to Malsej Ghat in Maharashtra.
INR6000, 10-11h

6:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Malsej Ghat

Relax with local Maharashtrian dishes at the guesthouse or resort on arrival after the long journey.
INR700, 1h
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Day 10: Malsej Ghat Nature

Malsej Ghat, Maharashtra, India on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty local breakfast with fresh produce and traditional fare.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Malsej Ghat Trekking

Explore trails that offer panoramic valley views, waterfalls, and lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic

Enjoy a packed lunch outdoors surrounded by nature.
INR300, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Aadgaon Fort Ruins

Explore historic hill fort ruins nearby offering views and a quiet walk.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Try regional Maharashtrian dishes, including bhakri and karhi.
INR600, 1h
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Day 11: Malsej Ghat Leisure

Malsej Ghat, Maharashtra, India on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Leisure Breakfast

Enjoy a slow morning with breakfast at the accommodation with garden views.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Bird Watching and Photography

Spend the morning spotting birds and wildlife in the peaceful forested area.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel

Relax with a casual lunch featuring homemade style meals.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit nearby waterfalls and streams

Explore secluded natural sites for fresh air and scenic views, capped off with sunset views.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy your last dinner with traditional delicacies in a warm atmosphere.
INR700, 1h
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Day 12: Return Journey

Malsej Ghat, Maharashtra, India on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Have breakfast at your accommodation and prepare for departure.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Malsej Ghat to Mumbai or Pune Airport

A 3-4 hour drive depending on destination airport for onward travel.
INR2000, 3-4h
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