Planning a memorable family getaway doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you’re headed to the picturesque hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor. With their verdant landscapes, charming attractions, and inviting ambiance, these destinations offer the perfect backdrop for a budget-friendly adventure with your loved ones.
In this blog, I give you a well-rounded three-day Ooty Coonoor itinerary for a budget trip with family that allows you to experience the best of these charming hill stations without overspending.
From scenic viewpoints and tranquil gardens to immersive cultural experiences, join me as I map out an affordable yet unforgettable journey for your family through the stunning landscapes of Ooty and Coonoor.
This budget Ooty Coonoor Itinerary is based on my trip with family. We hired an auto to get around in both Ooty and Coonoor to explore the nearby attractions. Also, we chose to spent all our nights in Ooty as it is way cheaper that stays at Coonoor. With this itinerary you can have a fun trip in the Nilgiri Hills with your family at a throwaway price.
Day 1: Ooty
If the first day of your budget trip to Ooty and Coonoor is the day you arrive, the best places to explore on this day are the Botanical Gardens, Thread Garden, and Ooty Lake.
There will be a lot of walking on this day as you will be exploring both Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake on foot. So, keep it simple and head back to your stay after the sightseeing and have an early dinner for a comfortable sleep this night.
Let’s take a closer look at the attractions you will be covering on your first day of Ooty-Coonoor trip.
Botanical Gardens
Spread over an area of 55 acres, the Government Botanical Gardens is a prime attraction not only in Ooty but in all of Tamil Nadu. Maintained by the Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu, it is divided into five sections, each offering a unique experience.
The Lower Garden hosts a fern house with 127 species of ferns, while the New Garden boasts a rose garden, natural floral carpets, and ponds. The Italian Garden, laid by Italian Prisoners of War during World War I, is a serene retreat.
The Conservatory features numerous groups of flowering plants, and the Nurseries showcase exotic plant varieties. The gardens are famous for the annual Flower Show held during the Summer Festival in Ooty.
You can marvel at the 20-million-year-old Fossil Tree trunk and enjoy the Toda Mund or Toda Hill. The serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes make it a heavenly retreat, with families often seen relaxing in the warm sun or children playing amidst the greenery.
Thread Garden
Just opposite Ooty Lake lies the Thread Garden, a unique attraction filled with stunning artificial flowers crafted entirely from threads. Created using the “Four Dimensional Hand Wound Embroidery” technique by Mr. Antony Joseph and skilled workers, it took 12 years to complete. The garden showcases over 150 types of artificial flowers, each handmade with meticulous attention to detail.
Here you will be amazed by the lifelike appearance of flowers, lanscapes, and Toda hut, all crafted without machinery. For art enthusiasts, the Thread Garden is a must-visit, offering a chance to witness incredible threaded art pieces. The delicate artworks are available for purchase, encased in sealed glass cases for protection.
Ooty Lake
Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and lush greenery, Ooty Lake is an artificial marvel that offers picturesque natural surroundings. Originally built for fishing, it has evolved into a key tourist landmark.
Boating is a prime attraction here, with motorboats, paddle boats, and rowing boats available for hire. The lake hosts boat races and pageantry during the Summer Festival.
Surrounding the lake, shops offer local items like eucalyptus oils and shawls. The lake’s foundation was laid in 1824, and today, it’s a lively spot with an adjacent amusement park, ensuring entertainment for both adults and children alike.
Day 2: Coonoor
On the second day of your trip, you can visit Coonoor. This budget itinerary is designed to have all your night stays in Ooty. This is more economical a Coonoor has fewer and pricier accommodation options compared to Ooty.
You can take the heritage toy train ride to Coonoor. Upon reaching Coonoor Railway Station, take an auto or a cab from the station and do your Coonoor sightseeing. They will drop you back at the station after the sightseeing.
The auto/cab driver will take you to a tea plantation and a tea factory even if you are not interested. This is for them to earn commission from the shop. When we did the trip, our auto driver took us to a tea factory. We just bought some chocolates. He didn’t complain!
Ooty Toy Train Ride
Nilgiri Mountain Railway or Ooty Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage recognized experience. As the train chugs along the winding tracks, you are treated to panoramic vistas of verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls, and lush tea estates.
The leisurely pace of the journey allows you to soak in the serene beauty of the Nilgiri Hills while relishing the cool mountain breeze. The toy train journey is a quintessential experience that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and natural splendor, making it a must-do activity for a Ooty Coonoor trip.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have booked your tickets in advance on IRCTC website as its nearly impossible to get a ticket from the platform during weekends and peak seasons.
Tea Plantation and Tea Factory
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of tea cultivation with a visit to a tea plantation and factory in Coonoor. Surrounded by lush hills and rolling tea estates, these establishments offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of tea production.
Here you can witness the meticulous process of tea plucking, processing, and packaging, gaining insight into the region’s renowned tea industry. Most often, a Tea Factory experience in Ooty or Coonoor involve chocolate making as well.
The experience is both educational and sensory, allowing you to savor the aroma and flavors of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea while admiring the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Lamb’s Rock Hike
Lamb’s Rock, nestled amidst the tranquil hills of Coonoor, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Offering sweeping views of lush valleys and charming tea estates, it is a romantic retreat for couples and a favored picnic spot for families.
Situated just 7 km from the heart of Coonoor, Lamb’s Rock entices visitors with its serene ambiance and panoramic vistas.
Adventurous trekkers can embark on a 500-meter trek to reach its summit, where they are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Coonoor, tea estates, and the plains of Coimbatore.
Whether it’s witnessing the sunrise, capturing breathtaking photographs, or embarking on an exhilarating trek, Lamb’s Rock promises an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills.
Dolphin’s Nose View Point
Dolphin’s Nose is a viewing point about 12 kilometers from Coonoor town. It is a mountain with a spectacular view of Catharine Falls on one side and several smaller water falls on the other side, facing Kotagiri. The viewing point got its unusual name on account of the elongated tip of the mountain that resembles a dolphin’s nose.
You can drive till the entrance of the viewing point, from where you need to get tickets for a nominal charge. Once inside, you get a 180-degree breathtaking panoramic view of the Nilgiris from a height of 1550 meters.
Return to Ooty
The Toy Train back to Ooty starts from Coonoor at 4:00 pm. If this is how you prefer to return to Ooty, you get ample time to go shopping in Ooty.
Whatever you need to buy in Ooty, you can find it in the two-and-a-half kilometers stretching from Udagamandalam railway station to Botanical Garden. The street is rightly called Commercial Road.
Here you can get anything from woolen (Tibetan Market), to handicrafts, spices, homemade chocolates, essential oils, and the famous Ooty varky. An evening stroll through Commercial Road is all you need to complete your Ooty shopping.
Day 3: Ooty
On the third and final day of your Ooty Coonoor trip, you can explore some far away attractions like the pine forest, Pykara Lake and waterfalls, and Wenlock Downs shooting point.
These attractions are more than 20 kilometers from Ooty town. For comfort, you can choose a cab over an auto to explore these attractions.
Pine Forest
The Pine Forest in Ooty stands as a serene sanctuary amidst the picturesque landscape of the Nilgiri Hills. As you enter this tranquil haven, you are greeted by towering pine trees that create a canopy of green overhead.
The forest floor is blanketed with a carpet of pine needles, offering a soft cushion underfoot as you wander through the winding pathways. The stillness of the forest is punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the melodious chirping of birds.
The towering trees cast long shadows in the soft light, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that adds to the enchanting ambiance of the forest.
Pykara Falls and Lake
Pykara Falls and Lake offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and serenity amidst the verdant landscapes of Ooty. The cascading waters of Pykara Falls create a mesmerizing spectacle as they plunge down into the rocky gorge below, creating a veil of mist that shrouds the surrounding cliffs.
You can marvel at the sheer power and grandeur of the falls from the viewing platforms, or embark on a scenic trek along the winding trails that lead to the base of the falls.
The adjacent Pykara Lake offers a tranquil oasis of calm, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure skies above. Boating facilities are available for those who wish to explore the lake further, while the surrounding meadows provide a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic amidst nature’s splendor.
Pro Tip: Boating at Pykara Lake is very expensive. I would avoid it if I were on a budget trip.
Wenlock Downs Meadow
Wenlock Downs Meadow, also known as the “Shooting Point,” offers panoramic vistas of the lush meadows that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, this expansive plateau is renowned for its breathtaking views and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can wander through the vast expanse of grasslands, dotted with clusters of towering eucalyptus trees and wildflowers, and marvel at the sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and tea estates.
These meadows have made into several movies. The entire sequence of the summer camp in Shimla in the movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) was shot here.
FAQs on Ooty-Coonoor Itinerary
How many Days are required to visit Ooty?
To explore the major attractions in Ooty thoroughly, including the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, tea estates, and other nearby places of interest, a minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This allows sufficient time to experience the beauty of the town and its surroundings at a relaxed pace.
How many days are required to visit Coonoor?
Coonoor is smaller compared to Ooty but offers its own unique attractions such as Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, and various tea estates. A visit of 1 to 2 days is usually sufficient to explore Coonoor comfortably and enjoy its serene ambiance and scenic beauty.
Coonoor or Kotagiri, Which is Better?
Both Coonoor and Kotagiri are charming hill stations in the Nilgiris, each with its own distinct character. Coonoor is known for its lush greenery, tea gardens, and scenic viewpoints, while Kotagiri is prized for its tranquil ambiance, stunning landscapes, and trekking trails.
Ultimately, the choice between Coonoor and Kotagiri depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a more laid-back and serene atmosphere with fewer crowds, Kotagiri may be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly busier town with more tourist amenities and attractions, Coonoor may be the preferred choice.
Conclusion
From the tranquil lakeshores of Ooty to the misty tea plantations of Coonoor, these destinations have left an indelible mark on our hearts. As you reminisce about the misty mornings, scenic vistas, and warm hospitality experienced during your trip, remember that the beauty of Ooty and Coonoor will always beckon you back for another visit. Whether you’re sipping tea amidst the rolling hills or admiring the cascading waterfalls, the allure of these hill stations is timeless and evergreen.
