A Scenic 5-Day Journey through Ooty & Kodaikanal
Complete Journey Overview
A Scenic 5-Day Journey through Ooty & Kodaikanal
Day 1 - Arrival in Ooty, the Queen of Hills
Arrival and Transfer to Ooty
Arrive at Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) or Coimbatore Junction Railway Station (CBE). A pre-booked taxi will take you on a picturesque 3-hour drive through the Nilgiri Hills to Ooty.
Check-in at Hotel
Check into your pre-booked hotel. We recommend a property with a view of the hills or valley for a truly immersive experience.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a hearty South Indian meal to kickstart your culinary journey. Try a traditional 'thali' for a variety of local flavors.
Ooty Botanical Gardens
Explore the sprawling 55-acre Government Botanical Gardens. It's home to thousands of species of plants, a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree, and the beautiful Fern House.
Boating at Ooty Lake
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the iconic Ooty Lake. You can choose from paddle boats, row boats, or motor boats. There's also a mini-train and amusement park nearby.
Dinner at Earl's Secret
Dine at this charming glass restaurant located in a colonial-era bungalow. It offers a mix of Continental, Italian, and Mughlai cuisine in a romantic setting.
Day 2 - Ooty's Peaks, Teas, and Pines
Doddabetta Peak
Drive to the highest vantage point in the Nilgiris, Doddabetta Peak. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys are breathtaking. Use the telescope at the observatory for a closer look.
Tea Factory & Museum
Visit the Doddabetta Tea Factory to witness the complete tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to packaging. The tour ends with a complimentary tea tasting session.
Lunch near Tea Gardens
Have lunch at a restaurant on the way back to town, enjoying the views of the tea estates.
Pine Forest & Kamaraj Sagar Dam
Visit the scenic Pine Forest, a popular filming location. The tall, dense pine trees create a unique and serene atmosphere. Nearby is the Kamaraj Sagar Dam, a beautiful and tranquil spot for photography.
Ooty Rose Garden
Spend the late afternoon at the Government Rose Garden, which boasts one of the largest collections of roses in India. The terraced garden is a riot of color and fragrance.
Dinner and Local Shopping
Have dinner at a restaurant in the main town area, like Adyar Ananda Bhavan for authentic vegetarian food. Afterwards, you can shop for local specialties like Ooty Varkey (a local biscuit), eucalyptus oil, and homemade chocolates.
Day 3 - Journey to Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hills
Morning Leisure & Check-out
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. You can do some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relax and enjoy the morning mist before checking out.
Drive from Ooty to Kodaikanal
Embark on the longest journey of the trip. The drive from Ooty to Kodaikanal is incredibly scenic, passing through plains, small towns, and then climbing up the Palani Hills.
Lunch En Route
Stop for lunch at a decent restaurant in one of the towns you pass through, like Palani or Udumalaipettai. Your driver can recommend a good, clean place.
Check-in at Kodaikanal Hotel
Arrive in Kodaikanal and check into your hotel. Choose a hotel near the lake or with a valley view for the best experience.
Relaxing Dinner
After a long day of travel, have a relaxing dinner at your hotel's restaurant or a quiet place nearby. Settle in and acclimatize to the cool Kodaikanal air.
Day 4 - Kodaikanal's Lakes, Walks, and Viewpoints
Coaker's Walk
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Coaker's Walk, a 1-kilometer paved pedestrian path offering stunning views of the plains and valleys below. The 'Brocken spectre' phenomenon can sometimes be seen here.
Kodai Lake
Visit the man-made, star-shaped Kodai Lake, the town's centerpiece. You can go boating, rent a bicycle to cycle around the 5km perimeter, or try horse riding.
Lunch by the Lake
Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes surrounding the lake. Options range from local South Indian food to Tibetan and Continental cuisine.
Pillar Rocks & Green Valley View
Drive to see the Pillar Rocks, three massive granite boulders standing shoulder to shoulder. Nearby is the Green Valley View (formerly Suicide Point), which offers a spectacular view of the Vaigai Dam and the valley, though it can be misty.
Bryant Park
Visit this beautifully maintained botanical garden located on the eastern side of the lake. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll amidst colorful flowerbeds and a glasshouse with a variety of ornamental plants.
Dinner at Cloud Street
For a change of pace, have dinner at Cloud Street, a popular cafe known for its pizzas, pastas, and cozy ambiance. It's a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Day 5 - Forest Trails and Fond Farewells
Kodaikanal Pine Forest
After breakfast and check-out (you can leave your luggage at the hotel), visit the serene Pine Forest. Take a walk amidst the towering pine trees, a legacy of the British era. It's a peaceful and highly photogenic location.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Visit this small temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It's famous for the Kurinji flower that blooms here once every 12 years, but it also offers fantastic views of the Palani Hills and Vaigai Dam year-round.
Final Lunch in Kodaikanal
Have a final delicious meal in Kodaikanal. You can also use this time to pick up some famous homemade chocolates or natural oils and spices to take back home.
Departure from Kodaikanal
Begin your journey to Madurai Airport (IXM) or Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (KQN) for your onward journey. Madurai is the closest major airport.
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...
