The Ultimate Ooty & Coonoor Itinerary Guide 🌿

A curated 3-day itinerary featuring the best tea estates, scenic spots, restaurants, and experiences — with your stay at Hillside Home by Tisya Stays at the heart of it all.
🏡 Stay: Hillside Home, Coonoor by Tisya Stays
Your elegant hillside retreat, nestled amidst Coonoor’s lush greenery.
- 3BHK standalone villa
- Sunset-facing balcony
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Located near top cafés, trails & attractions
- Ideal for peaceful stays with easy access to Ooty
🗓️ Day 1: Settle In & Discover Coonoor Charm
Morning: Arrival & Check-In at Hillside Home
Freshen up and enjoy a warm cup of Nilgiri tea on the balcony.
Take in the peaceful valley views and cool mountain breeze.
Mid-Morning: Sim’s Park
A botanical garden dating back to 1874, home to over 1,000 species of plants and flowers.
Great for a relaxed walk and scenic photos.
Lunch at Café Diem
European-style dishes with great coffee and garden seating.
Afternoon: Highfield Tea Estate Tour
A short drive from Hillside Home.
Walk through tea plantations, learn how tea is processed, and enjoy complimentary tastings.
Evening: Sunset at Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint
One of Coonoor’s most iconic viewpoints, especially magical during golden hour.
Dinner at McIver 1800
Set in a colonial bungalow with views over the town.
Enjoy a mix of continental and Indian fare.
🗓️ Day 2: Plantations, Cafés & Local Exploration
Morning: Tranquilitea Tea Estate Tasting
Private tea appreciation session with gorgeous hill views.
Learn about single-estate blends and bring back a curated selection.
Late Breakfast or Brunch at The Culinarium
Elegant setting near Wellington with freshly baked treats and farm-to-table dishes.
Midday: Lamb’s Rock & Catherine Falls
Short hikes and spectacular views of the Nilgiri hills and distant waterfalls.
Ideal for nature lovers and photo ops.
Lunch at Bhagaicha
Casual garden café with comfort food and Chinese options. Perfect for families.
Afternoon: Villa Downtime at Hillside Home
Pour yourself some wine or tea, relax in the living room, or enjoy a board game.
Option to book a private chef or in-villa meal.
Dinner at Open Kitchen
The best pizza in town — cozy, casual, and great for big groups or families.
🗓️ Day 3: A Day in Ooty + Scenic Return
Morning: Ride the Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage)
Board from Coonoor to Ooty for a slow scenic journey through misty tunnels, forests, and valleys.
Best experienced in the early morning.
Breakfast in Ooty at Place to Bee
Local produce and Italian comfort food in a charming heritage house setting.
Late Morning: Doddabetta Peak + Tea Factory & Museum
Highest point in the Nilgiris. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views over the hills.
The attached tea museum is fun, informative, and great for buying souvenirs.
Lunch at Frugal Gourmet
Ooty’s most elegant modern European kitchen. A hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts.
Afternoon: Explore the Botanical Garden or Lake
Row a boat on Ooty Lake or take a stroll through its lush, manicured gardens.
Evening Tea at Little Earth Café or King’s Cliff
Choose between this cozy café for quick bites or an elegant sundowner at King’s Cliff with Indo-European fare.
Return to Hillside Home
Unwind, share stories, and stargaze from your balcony.
đź«– Top 5 Tea Estate Picks Around Coonoor & Ooty
Tea Estate | Location | Experience |
---|---|---|
Highfield Estate | Coonoor | Factory tour, estate walk, tasting |
Tranquilitea | Upper Coonoor | Boutique, guided tastings |
Glendale Estate | Ketti | Large estate, orthodox & CTC |
Doddabetta Tea Factory | Ooty | Factory tour + museum |
Tea Nest Trails | Singara | Slow, immersive nature experience |