This 5 Nights and 6 Days tour package from Chennai to Ooty and Kodaikanal offers an idyllic escape from the bustling city life. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills and Palani Hills respectively, Ooty and Kodaikanal are two of South India’s most scenic and serene hill stations. Known for their lush green landscapes, cool climate, lakes, waterfalls, and tea plantations, both destinations provide a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
This package includes comfortable travel, well-organized sightseeing tours, and stays in 3-star accommodations in both Ooty and Kodaikanal. You’ll get the opportunity to visit iconic tourist spots, experience local culture, and indulge in the tranquility that these hill stations offer. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Chennai to Ooty & Kodaikanal Tour Package – 5 Nights 6 Days
Tour Highlights
- Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Destinations: Ooty (3 Nights), Kodaikanal (2 Nights)
- Start & End Points: Chennai
- Travel Mode: Comfortable AC Sleeper Bus or Train
- Accommodation: Well-rated 3-star hotels with modern amenities
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner are included
- Sightseeing: Covers the major attractions of both Ooty and Kodaikanal
- Optional Activities: Boating, toy train ride, shopping, and more
- Perfect for: Honeymooners, families, and groups
Chennai to Ooty & Kodaikanal Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chennai to Ooty – Overnight Journey
- Evening Departure: Your journey begins with an overnight trip from Chennai to Ooty. Depending on your preference, you can opt for either an AC Sleeper Bus or a comfortable train journey. The tour operator will provide you with confirmed tickets for your preferred travel mode.
- Overnight Travel: As you leave the city behind, enjoy the scenic views of the countryside. You will travel through plains, gradually transitioning into hilly terrain as you approach Ooty, located at an altitude of 2,240 meters in the Nilgiris. The overnight travel ensures that you wake up fresh and ready to explore Ooty.
Day 2: Arrival in Ooty & Local Sightseeing
- Morning Arrival: Upon arrival in Ooty in the early morning, you will be greeted by your tour guide or driver. You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
- Check-In & Freshen Up: After checking in at your pre-booked 3-star hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before starting your day’s sightseeing.
- Ooty Sightseeing:
- Doddabetta Peak: Start your tour with a visit to the highest peak in the Nilgiri Range, Doddabetta Peak, which stands at 8,650 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, dense forests, and the town below.
- Botanical Garden: This 55-acre garden is home to an exotic collection of plants, flowers, and trees. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty, showcasing a wide range of flora from across the globe.
- Rose Garden: Another iconic stop is the Rose Garden, which boasts over 20,000 varieties of roses. It’s a stunning spot for photography and a peaceful stroll.
- Ooty Lake: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by lush green landscapes. You can opt for pedal boats or motorboats.
- Local Shopping: After a day of sightseeing, spend some time shopping for local specialties such as homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, and tea.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: After a fulfilling day, return to the hotel for dinner and relax for the night.
Day 3: Full Day Ooty & Surrounding Sightseeing
- Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading out for another day of sightseeing.
- Sightseeing:
- Wax Museum: Visit Ooty’s famous wax museum, featuring lifelike wax statues of various personalities and historic figures.
- Tea Factory & Tea Museum: Explore a local tea factory and museum to learn about the history of tea in the Nilgiris. You’ll get to witness the tea-making process and sample different varieties of fresh tea.
- Shooting Point (Pine Forest): Ooty is a popular shooting location for movies. One such place is Pine Forest, where many Indian films have been shot. This location offers scenic beauty and is perfect for photography.
- Pykara Lake & Waterfalls: Located about 21 km from Ooty, Pykara is known for its serene lake and stunning waterfalls. Boating is a popular activity here, and the location is surrounded by lush greenery.
- Emerald Lake & Avalanche Lake: These are lesser-known but equally beautiful lakes that provide a peaceful and less crowded experience compared to Ooty Lake.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 4: Ooty to Kodaikanal – Scenic Drive
- Breakfast & Check-Out: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and start your scenic journey from Ooty to Kodaikanal. The distance between these two hill stations is around 250 km, and the drive takes approximately 6-7 hours.
- Arrival in Kodaikanal: Arrive in Kodaikanal by late afternoon, and check into your hotel. Known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” Kodaikanal is a serene hill station in the Palani Hills, famous for its mist-covered cliffs, wooded slopes, and picturesque lakes.
- Evening at Leisure: After a long drive, the evening is at your leisure. You can relax by the Kodaikanal Lake or explore the local market.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner at your hotel and rest up for the next day’s exploration.
Day 5: Kodaikanal Sightseeing
- Breakfast: Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading out for a full day of sightseeing in Kodaikanal.
- Kodaikanal Sightseeing:
- Coaker’s Walk: A well-maintained paved walkway offering stunning views of the valleys and mist-covered mountains. This is one of the most peaceful spots in Kodaikanal for a leisurely walk.
- Bryant Park: A beautifully landscaped botanical garden, home to a variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.
- Kodaikanal Lake: Enjoy a boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and hills. You can also rent bicycles for a ride around the lake.
- Green Valley View (Suicide Point): Famous for its steep drop and breathtaking views, this point offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and plains.
- Pillar Rocks: Three towering granite boulders standing at a height of 400 feet, offering awe-inspiring views of the valleys and forests below.
- Silver Cascade Waterfalls: Located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal, this 180-foot waterfall is a refreshing stop during your journey.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in Kodaikanal.
Day 6: Kodaikanal to Chennai – Return Journey
- Breakfast & Check-Out: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or strolling around the town.
- Return Journey: In the evening, begin your return journey to Chennai by an AC Sleeper Bus or Train. Sit back and relax as you bid farewell to the misty hills and serene lakes of Kodaikanal.
Inclusions
- Accommodation:
- 3 Nights stay in Ooty at a 3-star hotel
- 2 Nights stay in Kodaikanal at a 3-star hotel
- Meals:
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels
- Transportation:
- AC Sleeper Bus or Train from Chennai to Ooty and back from Kodaikanal to Chennai
- Private AC cab for sightseeing in both Ooty and Kodaikanal
- Sightseeing:
- All entry fees to parks, gardens, and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Driver and Guide:
- An experienced driver and guide for all local sightseeing
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses: Shopping, tips, extra activities like horse riding, and additional meals
- Optional Activities: Toy train rides, boating, or cycling at lakes
- Travel Insurance: Not included but recommended
Important Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal is between March to June (summer season) and September to November (post-monsoon). These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Clothing: Carry warm clothes as evenings in both hill stations can get chilly, even during summer.
- Photography: Carry a good camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes. Drone photography is restricted in some areas, so check local regulations.
- Health: The high-altitude climate may cause mild altitude sickness for some travelers. Stay hydrated and take necessary precautions.
This Chennai to Ooty & Kodaikanal 5 Nights 6 Days Tour Package provides a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty, ensuring a memorable vacation for travelers looking to escape the heat and hustle of city life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the travel options from Chennai to Ooty and Kodaikanal?
- The tour package offers two travel options from Chennai: AC Sleeper Bus or Train. Both options are designed for overnight travel, allowing you to reach Ooty fresh and ready to explore the next morning. Similarly, the return journey from Kodaikanal to Chennai can be by either bus or train, depending on your preference.
2. What type of accommodation is provided in this tour package?
- The package includes a stay in well-rated 3-star hotels at both Ooty and Kodaikanal. These hotels are known for offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, room service, and en-suite bathrooms. The accommodations are centrally located, making it easy to access key tourist attractions.
3. What is included in the tour package?
- The package includes:
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Ooty and 2 nights in Kodaikanal at 3-star hotels.
- Daily breakfast and dinner.
- All transfers and sightseeing by a private AC vehicle.
- Entry fees for parks, gardens, and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- A professional driver and guide for all sightseeing.
4. What is not included in the package?
- The package does not include:
- Personal expenses such as additional meals, shopping, tips, and extra activities like horse riding or cycling.
- Optional activities like toy train rides or boating.
- Travel insurance.
- Any other activities not mentioned in the inclusions list.
5. Can I customize the tour package?
- Yes, customization options are available. You can extend your stay, add additional destinations, or change the itinerary based on your preferences. However, it’s recommended to discuss any modifications in advance with the tour operator.
6. What are the key tourist attractions covered in Ooty?
- In Ooty, the tour covers major attractions such as:
- Doddabetta Peak: The highest peak in the Nilgiris, offering panoramic views.
- Botanical Garden: A 55-acre garden with exotic plants and flowers.
- Ooty Lake: A serene spot for boating and photography.
- Rose Garden: Home to over 20,000 varieties of roses.
- Pykara Lake and Waterfalls: A scenic area known for its natural beauty.
- Tea Factory and Museum: A tour to learn about the history and process of tea making in the Nilgiris.
7. What are the must-see places in Kodaikanal?
- The Kodaikanal leg of the tour includes visits to:
- Coaker’s Walk: A scenic paved walkway offering stunning valley views.
- Kodaikanal Lake: Known for boating and cycling.
- Pillar Rocks: Three granite boulders offering breathtaking views.
- Silver Cascade Waterfalls: A refreshing waterfall on the outskirts of the town.
- Bryant Park: A well-maintained botanical garden.
8. What is the best time to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal?
- The best time to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal is from March to June (summer) and September to November (post-monsoon). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with cool temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
9. Are children and senior citizens allowed on this tour?
- Yes, this tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, including children and senior citizens. The itinerary includes ample rest periods, and the sightseeing spots are accessible. However, it’s important to inform the tour operator about any special requirements or needs, so they can make necessary arrangements.
10. Are meals included in the package?
- Yes, the package includes daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels where you will be staying. Lunch is not included, but your driver or guide will recommend local restaurants for lunch during the day’s sightseeing.
11. What should I pack for the trip?
- Since Ooty and Kodaikanal are hill stations, it’s advisable to pack warm clothes, especially for the evenings, when the temperature can drop. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as some sightseeing spots involve light walking or trekking. Other essentials include sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications.
12. Are there any additional charges for entry to tourist spots?
- No, the package includes entry fees for the main tourist attractions listed in the itinerary. However, any optional activities like boating, toy train rides, or other extras will be at your own expense.
13. Can I request specific room preferences at the hotels?
- Yes, you can request specific room preferences such as a lake view or valley view. While the tour operator will make every effort to accommodate your preferences, it will be subject to availability at the time of check-in.
14. What type of transportation is provided for local sightseeing?
- For local sightseeing in Ooty and Kodaikanal, you will have a private AC car with a dedicated driver. The vehicle will be comfortable and suitable for the hilly terrain. The driver will also act as a guide, offering insights into the history and significance of the attractions.
15. How physically demanding is the tour?
- The tour is moderately paced, and most of the sightseeing spots are easily accessible. There may be some light walking or short treks involved, particularly at places like Doddabetta Peak or Coaker’s Walk. However, these activities are suitable for most travelers, including seniors and families with children.
16. Is travel insurance included in the package?
- Travel insurance is not included in the package but is highly recommended for all travelers. It can cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
17. What is the cancellation policy?
- The cancellation policy varies depending on the tour operator. Typically, cancellations made 15 days before the departure date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made within 7-14 days may incur a partial fee, and cancellations made within 7 days of departure are generally non-refundable. Be sure to confirm the specific policy when booking.
18. Is it safe to travel to Ooty and Kodaikanal?
- Yes, Ooty and Kodaikanal are considered very safe for travelers. The hill stations are popular tourist destinations with good infrastructure, and the local people are known to be friendly and welcoming. However, it’s always advisable to take standard safety precautions, such as keeping your belongings secure and avoiding isolated areas after dark.
19. Can I extend my stay or add more destinations to the tour?
- Yes, you can extend your stay in either Ooty or Kodaikanal, or even add more destinations such as Coonoor or Munnar. Speak with the tour operator in advance to make arrangements for any extensions or additional sightseeing.
20. Is there an option for a honeymoon package?
- Yes, many tour operators offer special honeymoon packages that include extra amenities such as candlelight dinners, flower decorations in the room, and private sightseeing tours. If you’re booking the tour for a honeymoon, let the operator know, and they can make the necessary arrangements to make your trip extra special.
21. Are there any shopping opportunities during the tour?
- Yes, both Ooty and Kodaikanal offer excellent opportunities for shopping. In Ooty, you can buy locally made chocolates, tea, essential oils (especially eucalyptus), and handicrafts. Kodaikanal is famous for its homemade chocolates, aromatic oils, and cheese. The local markets are vibrant, and you will have time during the tour to explore and shop.
22. Do I need to carry cash, or are cards accepted?
- It’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and for street food. Most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in Ooty and Kodaikanal accept credit and debit cards. However, ATMs are available in both destinations in case you need to withdraw cash.
23. Are medical facilities available in Ooty and Kodaikanal?
- Yes, both Ooty and Kodaikanal have good medical facilities, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. In case of any medical emergency, help is readily available. It’s also a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit and any prescribed medication with you.
24. What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotels?
- Standard check-in time is around 12:00 PM, and check-out time is generally by 11:00 AM. However, early check-in or late check-out may be possible, subject to availability and prior arrangement with the hotel.
25. How far in advance should I book the tour?
- It’s advisable to book the tour at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons such as summer and winter holidays. Early booking ensures better availability of rooms and transportation and helps you secure the best deals.
This FAQ section addresses common queries travelers might have about the Chennai to Ooty & Kodaikanal Tour Package and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what to expect during the trip.
