India has an incredibly extensive territory, and this is why travellers and tourists alike fall in love with it. Southern India has some magnificent hill stations spread across acres and acres of lush green land endowed with scented air, bickering brooks, and shimmering lakes. This trip will ensure that you are rejuvenated and revitalised.
Day 01: Arrival in Coimbatore - Ooty (approx. 100 km/ 3 hours)
Arrival at the Coimbatore International Airport / Railway Station (Coimbatore). Prepare to begin the road trip to Ooty. Check into the hotel as soon as you arrive. Take some time to relax and enjoy your lunch. Later, take part in sightseeing activities, which will include visits to the most popular attractions in Ooty. Ooty, affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Hill Stations,' has been blessed with an abundance of lush surroundings and breathtaking vistas. It is officially known as Udhagamandalam, and it exudes a sense of complete tranquillity. On this day, you will visit the Botanical Garden, which is spread across 22 hectares and has a terraced layout; Ooty Lake, where you can go boating; and the Doddabetta Peak, which stands at 2,637 metres above sea level and is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. Later on, take advantage of a trip to the local market. Stay for the night at the hotel.
Day 02: Ooty – Coonoor - Ooty (approx. 1 hour)
After breakfast, the following day will be spent on an excursion to Coonoor. Beautiful tea plantations, the majestic and lush Nilgiri Hills, and a riot of wildflowers can be found in this charming hill town. Because of the abundance of avifauna in this area, bird watching is a popular pastime. The Dolphin's Nose, a massive rock formation in the shape of a dolphin's nose, should not be missed while visiting the area. The views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking. After that, pay a visit to Lamb's Rock, which is a wonderful picnic spot that is equally popular with locals and tourists. Make your way back to Ooty, one of the most popular hill resorts in Tamil Nadu, for the night. Stay in Ooty for the night.
Day 03: Ooty - Kodaikanal (approx. 250 km / 6 hours)
Day three starts early in the morning. Begin your journey to Kodaikanal by car. Make a pit stop to see the Palani temples on the way. The temples in this area are magnificent examples of temple architecture in the South Indian style. Continue your journey. Complete the check-in process as soon as you arrive. After a brief period of relaxation, depart for a sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal. This hill station in Tamil Nadu is known for several things, including its green hills, placid lakes, granite cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. It also has several other attractions. Take pleasure in the tranquilly that surrounds you. Stay for the night.
Day 04: Kodaikanal
Today is a continuation of the sightseeing tour. The hill town of Kodaikanal is built around the star-shaped Kodai Lake, which spans an area of 60 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery. Popular tourist attractions include the Kodai Lake, the Kodaikanal Solar Physical Observatory, Bryant Park (which contains 740 species of roses), Coaker's Walk (a long pathway with wonderful views), Kurunji Andavar Temple (dedicated to Lord Murugan or Kartikeya), Green Valley View (a picnic spot with a small well-maintained garden), and the Shembaganur Natural History Museum. Other popular tourist attractions include the Kodai Lake, the Ko Stay for the night.
Day 05: Kodaikanal- Munnar (160 km / 6 hours)
Today, after breakfast, begin your road trip to Munnar, one of the most beautiful destinations in Kerala. A number of waterfalls can be found along the route. It is permissible to stop for photographs or to take in the scenery if you so desire. Continue your journey down the road. Completing the check-in formalities when you arrive is essential. Munnar is located at an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level and is visited by a significant number of tourists each year, according to official statistics. It is home to numerous attractions, including lush tea plantations, lush surroundings, a pleasant climate, adventure and other activities. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, and you are free to explore the area at your leisure. In Munnar, you will spend the night.
Day 06: Munnar (sightseeing)
In the morning, after breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of the most popular tourist attractions in Munnar. A number of attractions can be found throughout the hill town. Among the attractions are the Christ Church, a beautiful British church that was built in 1910; wildlife viewing at the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the critically endangered mountain goat of South India (the Nilgiri Tahr); Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot with lush surroundings where a dam was built on a lake; and the Anamudi peak, which is the highest peak in Kerala. This peak, which rises to a height of 2695 metres above sea level, is located within the Eravikulam National Park. It is extremely popular among those who enjoy trekking.
Day 07: Munnar - Thekkady (approx. 110 km / 3 hours)
On the seventh day, after breakfast, begin your road journey towards Thekkady. The journey is interspersed with breathtaking views. Arrival in Thekkady in the afternoon. Arrive at the wildlife resort and check in. Thekkady is home to the extremely popular Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, which attracts visitors from all over the world. You can choose to either relax and take advantage of the hotel's amenities or go on a boat safari ride through the park's waterways. It is one of those national parks that is open all year round, making it a popular destination for visitors. It is believed to be the home of approximately 1000 elephants and 46 tigers. Indian bison, langur, wild boar, and sambar are among the other animals that can be found in this area. The Periyar Lake is another attraction in this area. Stay for the night.
Day 08: Thekkady – Kumarakom (approx. 130 km / 4 hours)
After breakfast today, travel to Kumarakom, a pristine and peaceful hamlet in the Kerala highlands. As soon as you arrive, check into your backwater resort. Kumarakom is located on the banks of Lake Vembanad and is well-known for its colourful chirping birds and backwater tourism. It is the lush surroundings and peaceful ambiance that draw tourists from all over the world to this destination. Drive to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, and park your car. Bird watching enthusiasts and ornithologists from all over the world come to this sanctuary in large numbers. It is home to both resident and migratory birds such as the Siberian Stork, the Cuckoo, waterfowl, teals, egrets, herons, darters, wild ducks, Brahminy Kites, owls, and other species of avian wildlife. Stay for the night.
Day 09: Kumarakom - Cochin for departure (approx. 60 km / 2 hours)
Start driving to Cochin first thing in the morning. After arriving, take a half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin, which includes the St. Francis Church, which was founded in 1503, the Chinese Fishing Nets (also known as Cheena vala), the Jewish Synagogue (also known as Paradesi Synagogue), which is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Dutch Palace (also known as the Mattancherry Palace), which was built in 1568. After that, you'll be accompanied to Cochin International Airport, where you'll board your flight to your final destination.
