A Scenic 5-Day Journey through Ooty & Kodaikanal

1

Day 1 - Arrival in Ooty, the Queen of Hills

Thursday, January 15, 2026
+2
Activities
6

Arrival and Transfer to Ooty

Coimbatore to Ooty
Book your cab in advance to get better rates. The road has many hairpin bends, so take motion sickness medication if needed. Stop at viewpoints along the way for photos.

Check-in at Hotel

Ooty
Suggested mid-range hotels: Sterling Ooty Fern Hill, Accord Highland Hotel Ooty. For luxury: Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Hotel Angaara or a similar local eatery
Ask for the day's special. Most places offer excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Vannarapettai, Ooty
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The garden is vast and involves a fair bit of walking on slopes. Allocate at least 1.5-2 hours.

Boating at Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake, Ooty
It can get chilly by the lake in the evening, so carry a light jacket. This is a popular spot, so expect crowds, especially on weekends.

Dinner at Earl's Secret

King's Cliff Hotel, Ooty
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. It's a fine-dining experience perfect for the first night.
2

Day 2 - Ooty's Peaks, Teas, and Pines

Friday, January 16, 2026
+2
Activities
6

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak, Ooty
Go early in the morning to avoid clouds and crowds. It gets very windy and cold at the top, so dress warmly.

Tea Factory & Museum

Doddabetta Road, Ooty
You can buy a variety of fresh, authentic Nilgiri teas and homemade chocolates from their outlet. A great place for souvenirs.

Lunch near Tea Gardens

Restaurants on Coonoor Road
Many small eateries offer simple but delicious local food. It's a good opportunity to try something authentic.

Pine Forest & Kamaraj Sagar Dam

Thalakundah, Ooty
The area can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. This is a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Ooty Rose Garden

Vijayanagaram, Ooty
While January is not the peak blooming season, the garden is still beautiful and well-maintained. The views of Ooty town from the top are excellent.

Dinner and Local Shopping

Commercial Road, Ooty
Bargain respectfully at local shops. Always check the quality before buying.
3

Day 3 - Journey to Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hills

Saturday, January 17, 2026
+1
Activities
5

Morning Leisure & Check-out

Ooty
Pack your bags the night before to ensure a smooth and timely departure.

Drive from Ooty to Kodaikanal

Ooty to Kodaikanal
This is a 6-7 hour drive. Start early to reach Kodaikanal before it gets dark. The same cab can be retained for the entire trip for convenience.

Lunch En Route

On the way to Kodaikanal
Stopping at a place like The GReaT Trails by GRT Hotels in Kodaikanal for a late lunch upon arrival is also a good option.

Check-in at Kodaikanal Hotel

Kodaikanal
Suggested mid-range hotels: Sterling Kodai Lake, Hotel Villa Retreat. For luxury: The Carlton Kodaikanal.

Relaxing Dinner

Hotel Restaurant or nearby
Kodaikanal gets very quiet and cold at night. It's best to have an early dinner.
4

Day 4 - Kodaikanal's Lakes, Walks, and Viewpoints

Sunday, January 18, 2026
+2
Activities
6

Coaker's Walk

Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal
The best time to visit is in the morning when the mist is clearing for crystal-clear views. There's a small fee for cameras.

Kodai Lake

Kodaikanal Lake
Tandem cycles are available for rent and are a fun activity for couples and families. The area is bustling with small shops and eateries.

Lunch by the Lake

Near Kodai Lake
Try some hot sweet corn or chili bhajis from the street vendors for a local snack experience.

Pillar Rocks & Green Valley View

Pillar Rocks Road, Kodaikanal
Be cautious at the viewpoints, especially with children. The area is home to many monkeys, so be careful with your belongings. Guna Caves are also in this vicinity but access might be restricted.

Bryant Park

Lower Shola Rd, Kodaikanal
The park is especially famous for its annual flower show held in May, but it's a pleasant visit year-round.

Dinner at Cloud Street

1st Floor, P.T. Road, Kodaikanal
The place is small and can get crowded, so you might have to wait for a table. Their desserts are also highly recommended.
5

Day 5 - Forest Trails and Fond Farewells

Monday, January 19, 2026
Activities
4

Kodaikanal Pine Forest

Kodaikanal Ghat Road
This is a different pine forest from the one in Ooty, offering a unique feel. It's a great spot for a final nature walk.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal
A peaceful spot that combines spirituality with scenic beauty. Dress modestly as it is a place of worship.

Final Lunch in Kodaikanal

Any restaurant in town center
Pot Luck and Pastry Corner are good options for a quick and tasty meal or snack before you leave.

Departure from Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal to Madurai
The drive to Madurai takes about 3-4 hours. Plan your departure time based on your flight or train schedule, keeping a buffer for traffic.
Travel FAQs

Q.What is the best time to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal?

The best time to visit is from September to June. January, your travel month, is ideal with pleasant, cool weather, perf...

Q.How to reach Ooty and Kodaikanal?

The most common route is to fly or take a train to Coimbatore (CJB). From there, hire a taxi to Ooty (3 hours). For the ...

Q.What are the must-try local foods?

In Ooty, don't miss the 'Ooty Varkey' (a local crispy biscuit) and fresh filter coffee. Both destinations are famous for...

Q.What should I pack for a trip in January?

Pack in layers. Carry light woolens, sweaters, and a warm jacket for the evenings and early mornings. Comfortable walkin...

Q.Any local tips or do's and don'ts?

Do hire a single reliable taxi for the entire 5-day trip for convenience and better rates. Do carry cash for small purch...

Q.What are some backup options for rainy days?

While January is generally dry, weather in the hills can be unpredictable. If it rains, you can visit indoor attractions...