Udhagamandalam (sometimes Ootacamund), sometimes abbreviated Udhagai and better known as Ooty, is a town, a municipality, and the district capital of the Nilgiris district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 80 km north of Coimbatore. It is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Originally occupied by the Todas, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Today, the town’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture, along with manufacture of medicines and photographic film. The town is connected to the rest of India by road and rail, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists.
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Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means “The Gift of the Forest”. Kodaikanal is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.
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Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats; the Yercaud hill area is called the Shevaroy Hills. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 meters (4970 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 m). It is so named owing to the abundance of trees categorised as a forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest. As a popular tourist destination, Yercaud is also called the Jewel of the South. Yercaud is connected to the city of Salem.
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Ooty Rose Garden: The pride of Ooty lies in the Rose Garden with more than 20 thousand varieties of roses. It belongs to an elite club of 35 rose gardens around the world, which has won the Garden of Excellence Award for South Asia.
Ooty Lake: An artificial lake, built in 1825 by John Sullivan, Ooty Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Its scenic beauty captivates everyone. Walking around the lake on a well-laid footpath and boating are also quite popular here.
Doddabetta Peak: It is the highest point of the Nilgiris Hills with a height of about 2,623 meters. It is also the second-highest peak in South India. A junction of Western and Eastern Ghats, its breathtaking view of the landscape around is something not to be missed.
Overnight stay at Ooty Hotel.
After Breakfast, proceed to visit other tourist places of Ooty, including:
Sim’s Park: Located at a height of 1780 meters, Sim’s Park is a botanical garden which was established in 1874. It has more than 1000 species of flora, including Queensland Karry Pine, Rudraksha (the bead tree), and ornamental trees, making it a place worth visiting.
Lamb’s Rock: Located on the way to Dolphin’s Nose in Ooty, Lamb’s Rock is Laos called Echo Rock. A popular picnic spot, it offers an admirable view of Coimbatore Plains and surrounding lush greenery. Route to this place offers trekking opportunities too.
Dolphin’s Nose: Located 10 km at a distance from Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose is a peak offering an enchanting view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls. The peak of the hills resembles the nose of a dolphin, hence the name.
Tea Garden: Conoor, known as the tea garden town, boasts of many breath-taking tea gardens. A tour of these tea plantations and walking through the lush greenery and refreshing aromas of tea is an experience worth trying.
Overnight stay at Ooty Hotel.
Morning after Breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Depending on your departure time, if time permits, we can recommend the following tourism places:
Wax World Ooty 2 kilometers away from the main city, Wax World display wax statues of many popular Indian personalities and also replicas depicting the typical Indian way of life, especially in the villages.
Kalhatti Waterfalls: Located about 15 kilometers from Ooty, the waterfalls can be reached after a two-mile trek from the Kalahatti village. It is fabled that Saint Agastya used to live here. Along with a variety of flora and fauna, it is also ideal for bird watching.
Kodaikanal. On Arrival at Kodaikanal, check-in to Kodaikanal Hotel. After fresh up, If time permits, proceed below to Kodaikanal Sightseeing Places:
Kodaikanal Lake: Built in 1863, it is an artificial lake in the shape of a star. Also known as Kodai Lake, it attracts visitors with its incomparable scenic beauty. Walking by the side of lake, boating, horseback riding, and bicycling are a few of the popular activities here.
Coakers Walk: Built in 1872, it is a well-maintained 1 km-long pathway along the edge of steep slopes. Walking here is an experience of a lifetime. The view of clouds slowly crossing the hills, Dolphin’s Nose in the south, the Pambar River, and even Madurai City is something one cannot miss.
Shopping: No tour to Kodaikanal is complete without shopping for homemade chocolates, cheese, and marshmallows. Aromatherapy products and herbs are also bought by almost every tourist. Places such as Kashmir Handicrafts Center, Khadi Emporium, Government Sales Emporium, and Handloom Co-operative Stores are a must-visit if you are looking for something unique to take back home.
Overnight stay at Kodaikanal Hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to visit other tourist places in Kodaikanal, including:
Pillar Rocks: At a height of 122 meters, Pillar Rocks is a set of three massive rock pillars, offering a captivating view of lush green surroundings. Surrounded with thick threads of clouds and dense woods, it also offers a magnificent view of the Vaigai Dam; a must for every Kodaikanal tour.
Dolphin’s Nose: Located at a height of 6,600 ft, 8 km away from Kodaikanal, it is a captivating view point. It is a naturally formed flat rock with a shape that resembles a dolphin’s nose. The view of Catherine Falls from this massive rock is worth capturing.
Pine Forest: Set up by Mr. Bryant in 1906 to grow timber, Pine Forest has become a preserved natural heritage of Kodaikanal. A paradise of photographers, this is a must-visit for nature lovers too. Horse riding and walking are quite popular here.
Green Valley View/Suicide Point: Located at around 6 km away from Kodai Lake, on the way to Pillar Rock, Green Valley View promises every visitor a mesmerising view of the surrounding hills, plains, and Vaigai Dam. Also known as Suicide Point, the depth of the valley below the viewpoint is more than 5000 feet. It is best to visit this place between 10 am and 3 pm.
Guna Caves / Devil’s Kitchen: Arranged between Green Valley and Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves is a narrow hidden valley that appears as dark furrow. Also known as Devil’s Kitchen, these rock formations are said to have formed as a result of soil erosion from cliffs. It is said that many bats live in the dark chambers between the rocks.
Bryant Park: Towards the south-east of Kodai Lake, Bryant Park is located. Spread across around 21 acres, this botanical park boasts of more than 325 varied species of flora and 740 different varieties of roses. It is an ideal place to visit for a few moment of relaxation.
Bear Shola Falls A perfect picnic spot, Bear Shola Falls is located in the Reserve forest. It is believed that bears come here to drink water, which led to the name of the waterfalls. Located only 2 km away from Kodaikanal Lake, it presents mesmerising scenic beauty.
Overnight stay at Kodaikanal Hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to sightseeing based on time.
Chettiar Park: On the way to Kurinji Temple, Chettiar Park is a small park, famous for the Kurinji flower that blooms here once every 12 years. It is an ideal place to relax and spend some quiet time with your loved ones.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple is located at a distance of 3 km from Kodai Lake. This is also known for the Kurinji Flower that blooms once every 12 years. It is also said that the honey from this place when the flower blooms has medicinal value.
Solar Physical Observatory: Built in 1898, this observatory presents an amazing opportunity to study the planetary movements and stars. It is situated at a height of 7700 feet, which is the highest point of Kodai Hill.
Silver Cascade Waterfalls: At an altitude of 5,900 feet, Silver Cascade Waterfalls are located 8 km away from Kodaikanal. The mesmerizing view of the waterfall and the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas is not to be missed.
Overnight stay at Kodaikanal Hotel.
Morning after Breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Depending on your departure time, if time permits, we can recommend the following tourism places.
Arrival at Salem; proceed to Yercaud and check in to your hotel.
Spend free time at leisure. (Optional Pokada point, ladies seat, & gentleman seat).
After breakfast, a full-day sightseeing tour at Yercaud. Visiting places: Lake for optional boating. Bears Park, Shevaroy Temple, Anna Park, etc. evening back to hotel, overnight stay at hotel.
Overnight stay at the Yercaud hotel.
After breakfast, check out the hotel and proceed to your onward destination.
