Nilgiri Circuit Tour

Day 1: Coimbatore → Kotagiri → Coonoor (The Offbeat Nilgiris)

• Pickup from Coimbatore. Drive towards the Nilgiris via Mettupalayam.
• Quick breakfast in Mettupalayam (own expense).
• Take the scenic ghat road towards Kotagiri (the least touristy of the three Nilgiri towns).
• Arrive in Kotagiri. Visit Catherine Falls viewpoint – the second highest waterfall in the Nilgiris, cascading through the misty hills. Stunning views.
• Visit Kodanad Viewpoint – panoramic view of the Moyar River valley and the Eastern Ghats. On clear days you can see the Mysore plateau far below.
• Explore Kotagiri town – a quaint, quiet hill station with colonial-era bungalows that time forgot. Walk the streets and experience peace.
• Lunch in Kotagiri (own expense).
• Drive from Kotagiri to Coonoor (28 km, 1 hr through tea estates).
• Check-in at Coonoor hotel.
• Visit Sim's Park – a terraced botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species.
• Visit Dolphin's Nose – the most iconic viewpoint in Coonoor overlooking Catherine Falls and the deep valley.
• Visit Lamb's Rock – a quiet viewpoint with views stretching to the Coimbatore plains below.
• Return to hotel. Dinner (own expense). Overnight stay in Coonoor.

Day 2: Coonoor → Ooty → Coonoor (Full Day Ooty Sightseeing)

• Breakfast. Optional: Take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) from Coonoor to Ooty (tickets to be booked in advance, charges extra). Otherwise drive (19 km, 40 mins).
• Arrive in Ooty. Visit Doddabetta Peak – the highest point in the Nilgiris at 2,637m.
• Visit Ooty Botanical Garden – 55 acres of beautifully maintained gardens.
• Visit Rose Garden – 20,000+ rose varieties on terraced slopes.
• Lunch in Ooty (own expense).
• Drive to Pykara Falls & Lake (22 km). Enjoy the waterfall and optional boating at Pykara Lake.
• Visit Pine Forest and 6th Mile shooting spot.
• Ooty Lake – relax by the lake. Optional boating (charges extra).
• Local market shopping – Nilgiri tea, homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil.
• Drive back to Coonoor. Dinner (own expense). Overnight stay.

Day 3: Coonoor → Coimbatore (Tea Factory & Departure)

• Breakfast. Check-out.
• Visit Highfield Tea Factory – watch the complete tea-making process from leaf to pack. Buy fresh Nilgiri tea directly.
• Drive through the Hidden Valley – a scenic route through working tea estates between Coonoor and Wellington.
• Visit the Wellington area – home to the Defence Services Staff College. See the war memorial and the quaint cantonment.
• Begin descent to Coimbatore via Mettupalayam ghat road.
• Lunch in Mettupalayam (own expense).
• Arrive in Coimbatore. Drop at Railway Station / Airport / Hotel. Tour Ends.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative and subject to change. The sequence of visits, time spent at each location, and specific stops may vary depending on traffic, weather, local conditions, and group pace. A few stops may be skipped or swapped with nearby alternatives to ensure the best overall experience.