Relaxing nature, adoring wildlife, prolific landscapes, and tranquillizing coffee – everything defines the mystical land of Coorg. Coorg boasts a perfect blend of rich history, culture, Indian traditions, adventure, and lip-smacking cuisine, popularly coined as the’ Scotland of India‘. More than everything else, it’s known for its breath-taking scenery and luxury.

Coorg is a perfect destination for you to introduce yourself to the South Indian heritage. The city packs terrific things for you to discover, tons of attractions, experiential activities and historical tours – that one could spend an entire week in Coorg venturing its places. Coorg is a destination for everyone who loves exploring with so much to see and do!

Whether you’re a foodie, an adrenaline enthusiast, an explorer or a hiker – Coorg has everything to offer with its evergreen tourism. There’s a place for everyone to seek comfort and relax in the alluring beauty of its scenic landscapes.

Furthermore, Coorg is a perfect weekend getaway destination for Indians. Many locals in Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore often plan their long-weekend trips to Coorg in advance. Its adventurers’ activities like camping, quad biking, trekking, and white water rafting make it perfect for tourists to create a memorable experience.

So if you’re planning a trip to Coorg and don’t know where to start? We got you covered!

In this guide, we’ve curated a detailed list of all the things you can do in Coorg! We’ve created a separate list for all adventure enthusiasts to try out thrilling activities along with family-friendly activities.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Best Things to Do in Coorg, India

Visit the Namdroling Monastery

One of the best things to do in Coorg is to visit the iconic spiritual centre of Namdroling Monastery. Based at a short distance of 34km from the city centre of Coorg, Namdroling has played a significant role in enriching the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Moreover, Coorg is the only place in the Southern portion of India to house a Tibetan settlement.

Namdroling Monastery is also known by its other name – the Golden Temple of South. Its grandeur display of architecture is simply spectacular, just like its spiritual vibes inside the institute. During your tour, you’ll marvel at all the intricate designs & finer details sculped within the monastery’s walls. There are even beautiful murals displayed to add to your visiting experience.

Starting your Coorg tour in South India is probably the best way to introduce local customs and traditional practices. Every day, thousands of visitors enter the monastery to meditate & seek their inner peace. They even have annual retreats & religious shows to entice tourists with their overall spiritual experience.

Timings for Namdroling Monastery: 9 am to 6 pm
Cost: Free Entry
Where is it located: Arlikumari, P.O. Bylakuppe

Marvel at the Beauty of Abbey Falls

Coorg is a paradisical site to gaze at stunning waterfalls. During the monsoon season (June to September), the viewing experience of Coorg’s waterfalls backed by gloomy, overcast weather is simply incredible. Its picturesque scenes are one of the things that pull visitors to view Coorg’s mighty waterfalls. But, amongst all, Abbey Falls is one such attraction that will mesmerize you.

Abbey Falls, backed by the serene display of Western Ghats, is surrounded by lush green forests and fantastic scenery. The sheer drop of the water, falling from a height of 70-ft above, creates a visualizing scene for tourists to awe at. Moreover, its hanging bridges, hiking trails, and beautiful paths make an excellent visiting tour for travellers to come by and watch the falls.

Likewise, Abbey Falls is situated amidst a scenic coffee plantation area, and the region’s dense forests make it worthwhile for your Instagram snaps & stories. For all adrenaline junkies, Abbey Falls is even a greater exploration site to hike, trek, and rappel its mountains.

Overall, visiting and experiencing Abbey’s peaceful tranquillity is one of the best things to do in Coorg.

Cost: The entry fee is INR 15, and the Parking Fee is INR 10-15
Where is it located: Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

Indulge the South Indian Cuisine in Coorg

Love Indian cuisine? Coorg is one of the must-visit places in India to try out delicious South Indian food. The culinary flavours of its rich spices & condiments, backed with modern gastronomy foods, make a deadly combo to relish a sinful appetite.

The locals of Coorg, the Kodavas, have greatly influenced the styles & habits of the region’s culinary history. These Kodavas were highly indulged in their primary occupation of agriculture, which has introduced many traditional flavours to the modern world.

So if you’re in Coorg, here’s what you should look to try out – 

Pandhi Curry – Kondavas are really proud of their local staple – the Pandhi Curry. It is Coorg’s emblematic dish, boasting rich flavours and highly infused spices. The primary ingredient is pork, which is nicely blended into the sour curry of pandi. The other elements that give an impactful taste include kachampuli, black pepper, and home-grown condiments. It’s usually served with rotis and kadambuttu (rice dumplings).

Bamboo Shoot Curry – Apart from the Pandhir Curry, you should also try out the famous Bamboo (Baimbale) Shoot Curry in Coorg. Recognized during the monsoons, the curry is a speciality dish of Coorg consisting of red chillies, coconut extracts, mustard, and garlic. The hot tangy taste of the curry clubbed with akki otti is simply flavoursome.

Kadumbuttu – This is a famous local dish in Coorg. Also known as the steam rice dumpling – Kadumbuttu is prepared for all celebrated occasions & festivals in South India. It’s a homely dish that can be tried and eaten anytime. It’s mostly served with the Bamboo Shoot Curry and Pandhi Curry in Coorg.

Recommended: Get to know the South Indian food closely! Read this guide to understand Coorg’s food history, local staples, and modern culinary tales.

Take a Coffee Plantation Tour

The coffee plantation tour is one of the best things to do in Coorg. The majority of the Coorg’s area is occupied by coffee plantations, featuring dense forests, sparkling rivers, mountain streams, and impressive waterfalls. A visit to these plantations will enrich your soul and soothe it with delicious coffee!

In Coorg, many of the private estate owners and plantation houses offer guided tours for you to explore the region. Most of these excursions are in-depth, making you learn the entire coffee cycle production. On your visit, know how the coffee beans are extracted, how it is further filtered, and then put into the final stage – and then try out amazing coffees right in the lush green farm fields.

Moreover, this coffee plantation tour also offers walking experiences on spice trails.

Explore the Dubare Elephant Camp

Nestled across the banks of Cauvery, the Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg houses several elephants, giving you the perfect opportunity to get up close and spend some time. It’s definitely one of the fun activities in Coorg – where you can feed, bathe, play and ride elephants.

The Dubare Elephant Camp offers both – day trips & overnight stays. There are beautiful cottages inside the camp to relax and spend time amongst these giant creatures. Moreover, you can enjoy jeep safaris, campfires, walking trails, and more with overnight stay packages.

For detailed cottage pricing, check this guide.

Cost: For Indians, the entry fee is INR 800, and for foreigners, it is INR 1437. The package includes a full-day trip, fun activities with elephants, welcome drinks, and a lunch.
Where is it located: Kushalanagar, Nanjarayapatna.

Recommended: Planning to stay in Coorg? Check these categories to find out the best accommodation deals in Coorg.

Half-Day Excursion to Virajpet

Coorg is a gorgeous incomparable town to unwind and explore many attractions. However, if you love venturing offbeat, Virajpet is your destination. The city is best known for its day trips, boasting amazing road trip scenes and the natural environment.

Virajpet is a 22km drive away from Coorg, and the best way to visit this town is to take a half-day trip early in the morning. Its main highlight is its scenic nature trails, best fitted for all adventure lovers and easy-goers. You can even bike around the area to explore Virajpet’s surroundings, including the Siddapura area and the beautiful Permabady lake.

If you’re travelling to Coorg in monsoon, especially in August – taking a short drive to Virajpet will be an unforgettable memory! The zig-zag roads make your exploration worthwhile, backed with stunning waterfalls streaming down the mountains. Its natural settings and stunning backdrops will remind you why Coorg is one of the best vacation spots in India.

Visit Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort is one of the primary attractions of Coorg. Its evergreen history, eventful timelines, and glorious past rulers make it enjoyable for all history buffs to come and experience the fort’s stunning setting. Mudduraja constructed it in the late 17th-century era, and it was later re-innovated and designed by Tipu Sultan and the Britishers.

Madikeri Fort comprises a church and a museum within its premises, and it also has a museum and a library used by avid readers during the sultanate era. You’ll also find many exhibits within the fort featuring weaponry and artefacts built and operated by Tipu Sultan.

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Madikeri Fort, as it’s one of the best things to do in Coorg with family.

Witness Sunsets at Raja’s Seat

Love admiring sunsets? Head to Raja’s Seat – a beautiful outdoor garden located amidst dense forests to watch spectacular sunsets. It’s one of the top things to do in Coorg, especially for families travelling with children.

Raja’s Seat offers commanding views of the surrounding mountains. Usually, people hike the place and then traverse across the area to venture to nearby attractions. Overall, it’s a great destination to relax and soak in the tranquil aura of Coorg.

Timings for Raja’s Seat: 5.30 am to 8 pm
Cost: INR 5 for entry, INR 20 for Toy Train Ride, and INR 40 for parking.
Where is it located: Stuart Hill, Madikeri, 571201

Spend Time at Cauvery Nisargadhama

Escaping the city’s bustle always seems like an exciting thing to do. One place that wins everyone’s attention – is the Nisargadhama Ecological Park. Nestled between rolling landscapes and a peaceful Kaveri River – the place is filled with bamboo groves, sandalwood trees, and abundant flora & fauna.

Upon your arrival in Nisargadhama, you’ll see a hanging rope bridge – which acts as the main gateway to enter the ecological park. As you tour around, expect to see many wildlife species such as peacocks, deers, rabbits, and elephants. Even an orchidarium displays a wide range of blooming orchid species.

The Kaveri River surrounding the Nisargadhama Ecological Park offers boating trip adventures. Along with a boat ride, expect to enjoy other sight-seeing activities, including bird watching, elephant riding, and walking trails.

Best Adventure Activities in Coorg

While Coorg promotes itself as a family-friendly location for tourists, there’s no shortage of exploring adrenaline activities. Apart from the ones listed above, here’s a list of all adventure activities in Coorg –

Go Trekking in Coorg

Coorg is endowed with jarring backdrops and exceptional views of the Western Ghats. The landscape’s vastness and natural reserves make it perfect for all hikers & trekkers to explore its unspoiled paths. Moreover, this is an ideal chance for you to get away from the crowd and witness Coorg’s startling viewpoints uniquely.

From coffee and tea plantations to rolling hills and national parks – the trekking paths in Coorg have been beautifully carved to make you experience its glorious gems. Most of the tracks are curated to lead you to Coorg’s famous attractions, including Nagarhole National Park, Kumara Parvatha, Iruppu Falls, and Abbey Falls.

Most of the trails in Coorg are flat-surfaced, making them accessible for beginners to walk upon. Some paths may require certain fitness levels, but that’s pretty normal and can be quickly done with regular breaks.

Here’s a list of a few trekking places in Coorg –

Pushpagiri Trek – Best known for fabulous views of the Ghats
Brahmagiri Hills Trek – Best visited during the monsoon season in India
Chomakund Trek – A trek amidst the natural reserves
Iruppu Falls Trek – Known for the gorgeous Iruppu waterfalls

Experience River Rafting in Barapole

Exploration in Coorg is not only limited to its mountain ranges and valleys, but also its rivers where you can enjoy endless water sports. One of the must-do activities in Coorg is whitewater rafting in the Barapole River, and it’s the most under-rated activity and the most enjoyable to try in Coorg.

All age groups can do rafting at Barapole. The grades range from I to V offering easy options to beginners and adventure enthusiasts. Moreover, the best time to enjoy river rafting in Coorg is between July and September. The gushing waters during the monsoon period can offer you the ultimate experience of rafting.

Travel Tip: The average cost of whitewater rafting in Coorg ranges between INR 1000 – INR 2000. Some private tour operators might charge more depending on the seasons & its availability. The standard package offered by the Karnataka State is approx INR 1200.

Go Camping in the Wild

Camping under the star-studded sky is one of the unique things to do in Coorg at night. It’s an incredible experience for travellers who want to enjoy a calmer environment amidst the natural forests of the city. Furthermore, the vastness of the Western Ghats makes Coorg a particular spot to hike and camp.

Over the past few years, Coorg has gained immense popularity for its campsites. Many local operators promote their campsite area to entice tourists. Plus, we would highly recommend taking an entire day off to enjoy the camping experience in the city. Madikeri and Kushalnagar are the two most popular camping sites in Coorg.

Cost: On average, the price for camping in Coorg is INR 1800 onwards.

Go Fishing at the Kaveri River

Home to plenty of fresh lakes and rivers, Coorg is an excellent place for fishing. Many enthusiasts come down to the Kaveri River to try their luck catching local fish. The rivers streaming down from the mountain ranges also offers abundant food for the fishes to strive in the local lakes. Moreover, the rainy season turns fishing into one of the best monsoon activities in Coorg.

Take a Jeep Safari in Coorg

Hiking through the valleys of Coorg is one of the best experiences, but taking a jeep safari to explore its landscapes is something offbeat. The 4WD safari can take you to unimaginable places that will only elevate your viewing experience.

Furthermore, jeep safaris are probably the best transport mode to enter the deep jungles of the Western Ghats. With the help of an expert guide, you’ll even learn more about forest conservation, its importance, and its challenges.

Top Jeep Safaris in Coorg –

Kabbe Hills – Known for gorgeous hill views
Nishani Hills, Madhanad – Famous for off-beaten roads
Mallali – Scenic route offering views of the famous Mallali Waterfalls

Go Quad-Biking in Coorg

Quad biking is one of the adventurous things to do in Coorg. The trails are pretty rugged and natural, offering the best tour experience in Coorg. Also, the steep slopes of the terrain make it more thrilling for quad bikes.

If you haven’t done this activity before, do not fret! You don’t require any special off-roading experience to quad bike on the rugged terrain. The bikes provided by the tour operator are fully automatic, thus making it easy for beginner-level skills.

Explore Further Readings & Resoucres

Hope this guide helped you to figure out the best things to do in Coorg. To help you with your other destination plans – we’ve got some amazing guides & itineraries curated.

Feel free to browse through the below resources –

Ladakh, India – Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary + Guide
Ooty, India – 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days
Explore Iceland’s Itineraries – 5 Epic Road Trips (+ Iceland Ring Road Itineraries)
Iceland – Iceland in October | What to Expect & Why it is the Best Time to Visit
Discover Iceland – Guide To Iceland’s Amazing Attractions
Iceland Diaries – Guide To 3 Days In Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

You may also like our European guides & itineraries:

Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Magical Europe – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
Discovery Europe – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

The post 15 Absolutely Best Things to Do in Coorg, India appeared first on Travel Realms.

Undoubtedly, Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located in the northern-most portion of India, Leh Ladakh is a place ripe with unique experiences, must-do activities, incredible sights & astonishing scenery.

Ladakh is a hot summer destination in India. The place gets maximum attention during April and June, with families, teenagers, and road-trippers all making their way to experience one of the best trips in India. Its dramatic landscape is its single biggest draw, with snow-clad mountains and glistening lakes boasting their charm. Likewise, Ladakh’s diverse topography makes your entire trip worthwhile. No matter where you go or which place you visit, you ought to come across valleys, rustic villages, and peaceful Gompas.

Along with Leh Ladakh’s landscape, its tourist destinations such as Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley, Leh City, Siachen Glacier, and Pangong Lake cultivate a lively sense of tourism. The culture, the traditions, and the local customs create a beautiful blend of harmony to enrich your overall Ladakh tour experience.

With so much to see and do around, we thought of creating the best itinerary for Leh Ladakh that can help you nail your first-ever trip. In this guide, we created a schedule that includes terrific places, top experiences, and must-do tours/activities.

So, without further ado, let’s get started with our Leh Ladakh tour itinerary.

Overview of Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

The itinerary designed for this Ladakh trip is curated for 5 days. The tour will start and end in Leh.

While not many people visit Leh Ladakh on such a short break, there’s a significant portion of travellers who prefer 5-6 days duration. To cater to these tourists, we created a perfect Ladakh itinerary consisting of all the niche experiences & activities.

Although a 5 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary sounds short, it is still packed with good sightseeing spots, road trip journeys, and must-do activities. Even if you’re a first-time traveller, this 5 day itinerary for Ladakh will come in handy to plan your first ever trip!

The trip can be customized entirely according to your style and preference. Thus, you can include or exclude any destination from the journey as you’d like.

Schedule of Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh – Sightseeing Tours
Day 2: Leh – Nubra Valley (Khardung La Pass – Diskit – Hunder)
Day 3: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (Sumur – Shayok – Tangtse)
Day 4: Pangong Lake – Leh (Chang La – Chemrey – Hemis)
Day 3: Depart from Leh

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Ladakh

These are some vital planning tips one should consider before planning their 5 days trip to Ladakh.

Take a Flight

Since our Leh Ladakh trip is only for 5 days, it makes sense to travel via flight. We won’t recommend a road trip journey to & fro Ladakh, as this is not a feasible option for a shorter travel plan. A minimum of 7-9 days is required to plan a full-fledged road journey to Leh Ladakh. Also, ensure that you arrive in Leh a day before your actual trip. This way, you can also take care of getting acclimated to the altitude of Ladakh.

Pre-Plan your Ladakh Tour

We recommend planning your Leh Ladakh trip at least six months before your actual departure. Considering the summer season in India (April to June), most travellers often book their Ladakh tour to avoid hiked hotel prices & airfare tickets.

Secondly, you’ll need to get your Inner Line Permit arranged. This is only applicable to foreigners (non-Indian residents). An Inner Line Permit is basically a ticket that grants you access to enter the protected areas of Ladakh. These places include visiting Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Turtuk, Khardung La, and Tso Moriri. One can get their permits sorted by directly visiting this website.

The charges for these permits are as follows –

Environmental Fee: INR 300
Inner Line Permit: INR 20 per day per person
Red Cross Fund: INR 100

Note: The above prices can change. Please visit the website to stay updated on the latest pricing.

Travel Q – Do you need an Inner Line Permit in Ladakh?
No. Inner Line Permit is no longer required for Indian citizens. Earlier, you had to compulsory book the pass to visit the protected zones of Ladakh. However, now the government has scrapped the idea of improving logistical tourist routes.

Book Your Transport

The second most important thing for your Leh Ladakh itinerary is to book internal transport. For this 5 day tour, we recommend booking a private vehicle for your entire Ladakh trip. Riding a motorcycle can be difficult, especially when you’re just getting acclimatized.

You can directly book a taxi from the airport to the hotel journey from the airport itself. To explore Leh Ladakh’s sightseeing, you’ll need to arrange transport in advance. We recommend Expedia for the rental car service, as they tend to provide affordable rates for their private vehicles.

Altitude Sickness in Ladakh

Many people ignore the altitude sickness problem in Ladakh and then often waste their sightseeing schedule. The best precaution against AMS (acute mountain sickness) is ample rest. At the same time, it may sound like a ridiculous thing to do, especially when you’re travelling to a beautiful region – getting rest is crucial before you start your sightseeing in Leh Ladakh.

Not doing so will only cause you more problems throughout the trip. If you have any medical conditions, please consult a doctor before this trip. It’s best to clarify your fitness levels before you travel to Leh Ladakh.

Moreover, to help you avoid AMS in Ladakh, read this guide as an additional resource. It details some steps to handle altitude sickness in Ladakh.

Cost of Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

Ladakh is an expensive region to travel to. Significantly, after COVID-19, many hotels and tour operators have hiked their rates to match their daily expenses. On average, a 5-day trip to Ladakh can cost anywhere between INR 12000 – INR 15000, which excludes to & fro flights and sightseeing entrance fees. Considering flights, expect the price to increase to INR 28000 – INR 32000.

Note – The above prices are an indicative number based on the history of previous tours/packages. You can explore the below packages to find your perfect Leh Ladakh tour –

5D/4N Leh Ladakh – Explore this tour to book a similar version of this itinerary.
7D/6N Ladakh Sightseeing – Book an all inclusive tour for Ladakh via Delhi.

Detailed Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Leh

Leh, the city of adventures, is a bustling cold desert town filled with glorious tourist attractions. It isn’t a developed city boasting great amenities and accessibility; it still marks a vital destination to promote adventure tourism.

The rugged roads, dramatic landscapes, snowcapped peaks, bells of the monasteries, and the deserted cold wind makes you feel alive when you’re in the city of Leh. It isn’t only the attractions that drive most tourism, but its unique blend of Indian and Tibetian culture tends to bring out energetic vibes.

Once you reach Leh, the first thing you need to do – is get acclimatized.

Due to Leh Ladakh’s altitude, oxygen levels are minimum – causing you breathing and exertion problems. To avoid any health-related issues, it’s best to recommend giving yourself the time to get acclimatized to Leh’s atmosphere.

Note: You can spend more than a day in Leh to cover most of the city’s major sightseeing. If you take a day off to get acclimatized to the surroundings, it’s recommended to add an extra day to your Leh Ladakh itinerary to visit its important landmarks.

On this day, you can opt to visit Leh Ladakh’s top most attractions including – Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Hall of Fame. To add more sightseeing excursions to your Ladakh trip, you can book a full-day guided tour of the Leh City. This way you can maximize your travel for inner region travel.

Apart from the attractions listed above, there’s plenty to see and do in Leh Ladakh. You can add these places to your Leh Ladakh itinerary – Shey Palace, Shey Monastery, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Stok Palace, Likir Monastery, and Thikse Monastery.

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley (Drive)

Approx Distance from Leh to Nubra Valley – 4hr 40mins (160km)

If there’s anything that a traveller might dream of on their Leh Ladakh road trip, it is this journey – Leh to Nubra Valley. It’s one of the bucket-list activities many adventurers plan for a good reason!

The scenic drive from Leh to Nubra is packed with astonishing scenery, barren landscapes, mighty Himalayas, and the beautiful Zanskar and Karakoram range. These natural settings make the road trip quite memorable!

Visiting Nubra Valley is a must on a Leh Ladakh tour. Every biker dreams of seeing the place and traversing the region to explore its stunning beauty. The valley houses many attractions such as Diskit, Turtuk, Panamik, and many other unspoiled areas. The locals who live here showcase their lively traditions to fascinate tourists from all over the world.

To reach Nubra Valley, you’ll need to start early in the morning. You’ll travel via the Khardung La, which is approximately 38kms from Leh and will take you around an hour to reach. There’s a canteen around the place to stop by and get some refreshments.

Continue your journey from Khardung La to reach Diskit for some sightseeing tours. The town is famous for its landmark – the Diskit monastery, which is considered the largest gompa (Tibetian temple) in Nubra Valley. Nearby the hill lies another milestone of Diskit – the statue of Maitreya Buddha. Bactrian camel rides and Hunder dunes also remain popular sightseeing tours of Nubra Valley.

You can spend the night at Hunder Village, located 10kms from Diskit. For more hotel recommendations around Nubra Valley, explore this page.

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Drive)

Approx Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake – 6hr 20mins (140km)

Like the other road trips in Leh, the journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong is one of the scenic drives in the country. Every year, many tourists flock to the region of Ladakh to experience the road trip vibes of the Nubra and Pangong. Especially if this is your first-time exploring Leh Ladakh, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to these places.

Pangong Lake is one of the gorgeous, most beautiful lakes in India. The expansive views of the contrasting blue lake make the waters look adorning to the backdrop of the rugged mountains. During the winters, the temperatures in the area fall below -20°C causing the lake to get frozen completely. Moreover, the lake’s elevation makes the surrounding scenes truly captivating, making you fall in love with Pangong Lake’s beauty.

Travel Q: Is camping at Pangong Lake allowed?
Considering the imbalance in the ecological fragility of the lake, the Government of India has decided to stop overnight camping around Pangong Lake. The sustainability issues made the authorities declare a ban, thus preserving the beauty of the lake. For alternatives around Pangong, check this page.

There are multiple ways to reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. One is via Shyok, where the roads are comprehensive and extensive, and the other via Wari La, which is more of an off-beat experience. Nowadays, most travellers opt to take the Wari La route to explore the mountainous region, and it isn’t the easiest path to drive on and will require profound driving experience to complete the stretch.

Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok route: 140kms (6hr 20mins)
Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La route: 375kms (9hrs)

Looking for accommodation near Pangong Lake? Find out the resources below –

Hotels near Pangong Lake: Explore this page to find best hotel stays & deals near Pangong Lake.
Campsites near Pangong Lake: The Nature’s Nest Camp near Pangong is the closest you can get to Pangong Lake.

Day 4: Pangong Lake to Leh (Drive)

Approx Distance from Pangong Lake to Leh – 5hr 30mins (222.9km)

Before returning to Leh, stroll around Pangong Lake to admire the scenic sunrise. You’ll even spot many bird species around the lake, as Pangong is a popular breeding site for migratory birds.

On your way back, you’ll be taking the Chang La pass. You can visit several attractions here, such as Chemrey monastery and Hemis monastery. The Hemis Gompa is Leh Ladakh’s largest monastery, boasting beautiful shrines and an 8-meter Padmasambhava statue. Before reaching Leh, you’ll also find the famous monastery of Thiksey. It’s known for its impressive architecture and decorated interior work.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Leh’s surroundings. Furthermore, if you had spent day one getting acclimatized to Leh’s climate – this is the perfect day to enjoy the serene beauty of Ladakh’s amazing sightseeing spots.

Day 5: Departure

This marks the end of your Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 5 days. You can extend this itinerary to 7 or 9 days, depending on your schedule, and visit places like Zanskar Valley, Kargil, Hemis National Park, Moonland, and Tso Moriri Lake.

Accommodation for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

When planning your Leh Ladakh tour, accommodation becomes a crucial factor. Firstly, it’s essential to understand that Leh Ladakh isn’t a developed region compared to other metropolitan cities. It boasts many luxury hotel stays, guesthouses, and hostels – but you shouldn’t expect great amenities in places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Most of the inner sub-regions feature rustic accommodation with basic amenities & facilities – which is still considered a favorable option amongst travellers who enjoy rustic stays.

For our Leh Ladakh itinerary trip itinerary, we categorized hotels into several price ranges. This will help you select the right hotel for the right price during your stay in Ladakh.

Please find the below resources for the hotel stays in Leh Ladakh –

Budget Hotels in Ladakh – Explore this page to find budgeted stays & rental apartments in Leh Ladakh.
Mid-range Hotels in Ladakh – Looking for good amenities? Check this page to find mid-range hotels across Leh.
Luxury Hotels in Ladakh – Fancy a luxurious stay in Ladakh? Check this page to find more.

Recommended: Read this guide to find out the top 5 luxury stays in Ladakh.

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?
You’ll at least need 10-12 days to cover major sightseeing spots of Leh Ladakh. Considering the distance between Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Leh, you should give yourself the time to soak in Ladakh’s serene beauty.

Are 5 Days enough for the Leh Ladakh tour?
Factually, a 5 day trip to Ladakh isn’t a sufficient period to admire Leh Ladakh’s scenery. With so many attractions & experiences, a tour of a minimum of 7-9 days is required. However, if you’re short on time and need a quick breakthrough to fizz past Ladakh’s sightseeing, a 5-day tour is worthwhile.

How much does a Leh Ladakh trip cost?
Many tour operators across India will charge different prices for their services & sightseeing add-ons. It ultimately comes to the duration you choose, places you visit, and some off-beat experiences. However, an average 5D/4N Leh Ladakh package costs INR 13,000 (excluding flights). You can check these tours here.

What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh?
Indian summers are the best period to enjoy Leh Ladakh’s mild temperatures. The region attracts most of the crowd between April and July and is the busiest period to travel within Leh. You can expect temperatures ranging between 15°C – 30°C during this season.

Are Ladakh roads safe?
The roads in Leh Ladakh are pretty rugged, featuring steep cliffs, unpaved lanes, traffic jams, and rocky terrains. The highways in Ladakh aren’t the most drivable paths but certainly, boast incredible scenery and amazing landscape.

Further Readings & Resources

Coorg, India – 15 Absolutely Best Things to Do in Coorg, India
Ooty, India – 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days
Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October

You may also like our International Itineraries:

Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
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Discovery Europe – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

The post Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary (+ Guide) appeared first on Travel Realms.

From getting recognized as a small idyllic village to becoming an industrially important city – Ooty has had a long transitional phase in promoting South Indian tourism. Factually, Ooty didn’t even exist on the Indian map for about two centuries. Today, its transformation tells what the city has achieved and will achieve in the coming years.

Personally, Ooty has been my favorite South Indian destination. The diversity, culture, scenic locations, and vast landscapes make you go awe and let you get inspired. The city is filled with incredible natural settings, including lush green pastures, dramatic mountain scenery, sprawling tea estates, shimmering water lakes, and stunning botanical gardens.

Ooty has so many sightseeing spots that it’s often impossible to cover everything in a single trip. Especially when you only have 2 days – you might need to shortlist a few locations that you can enjoy entirely. Many of the tour operators in India offer 2-day Ooty tour packages for you to explore – but it’s best to know which destinations can be covered in Ooty in 2 days. Hence, to make your South Indian travel plans easier – we came up with this ultimate Ooty sightseeing list.

So without further ado, let’s get started by exploring these amazing places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.

Best Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days

Ooty Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens in Ooty is one of the most-visited attractions in Tamil Nadu. Almost any tourist who plans an Ooty itinerary for themselves includes the Botanic Gardens in their plan. Maintained and protected by the state’s Horticulture Department, the Botanic Gardens should definitely be on your Ooty sightseeing list.

The Botanical Gardens spans 55 acres inland, harboring different flower houses and plantation facilities. These include the fern house, which almost contains 120 species of ferns; the Italian Garden, the New Garden, multiple nurseries, and conservatories. The area also features many natural ponds, floral carpets, and rose gardens. The other main highlight of the Ooty Botanic Gardens is the famous Fossil Tree trunk (20 million years old).

What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for Adults and INR 15 for children.
Timings for the Botanical Gardens: 7 am to 6.30 pm

Ooty Rose Garden

Like the Botanical Gardens, Ooty has another facility primarily dedicated to mixed roses. It approx houses more than 20,000 roses, with well-maintained gardens and organized outer premises. The Ooty Rose Garden has won the title “Garden of Excellence Award” from the Federation of the Rose Societies from South Asia.

Moreover, the garden space is massive in size, and each of its premises has been carved into curving terraces spanning approx 9 acres. If you love photography, then the Ooty Rose Garden is a visual treat to snap unique clicks. Overall, it’s a must-see place in Ooty and should definitely be included in your sightseeing for 2 days.

Best Time to Visit Ooty Rose Gardens: The adequate sunshine during March and June provides great sustainability for the flowers to bloom nicely. Furthermore, its annual event – the Flower Show – is usually held in May. To avoid the summer crowds in Ooty, you can alternatively plan your visit during November and February.

What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for Adults and INR 15 for children.
Timings for Ooty Rose Garden: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

Wenlock Downs

Wenlock Downs, one of the best places to visit in Ooty, boasts prolific greenery and verdant pastures for as far as our eyes can fetch. Popular amongst tourists, the mountains have lured not only travelers from around the world but also famous movie directors to shoot their film scenes.

The tranquility of the place is so relaxing that you feel away from the hustle & bustle of the city crowd. The terrain slopes, lush green patches, and serene natural beauty – makes the Wenlock Downs look stunning in all seasons. The place is also a great hangout spot for golf lovers. Likewise, hiking and trekking are popular too.

What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for Wenlock Downs: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Pine Forests

Nature admirers who love being amidst the lofty trees, dense forests, and jaw-dropping sights can find themselves in one of the best places in Ooty – the Pine Tree Forests. The region lures you with charm, making you awe in the scenic canvas the tall trees present.

The Pine Tree Forests in Ooty is one of the famous film locations for Bollywood productions. The entire area is filled with soaring pines, spirally twisted branches, and molting barks – marking it as a perfect central base for all aspiring filmmakers. Bollywood movies like Sadma and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak have been shot here.

Most pine trees, including Ponderosa and Siberian Dwarf species, are almost 1,000 years old, and many have even crossed the 4,000-year mark. Among the densely populated forests, you can expect to spot moths, squirrels, and various butterflies. Likewise, bird-watching is a popular activity too.

Recommended: Checkout these amazing Ooty sightseeing packages for 2 days.

What’s the entry fee? INR 5 for all tourists.
Timings for Pine Tree Forests: 8 am to 6 pm

Kamraj Sagar Dam

Amongst the major sightseeing spots in Ooty, Kamraj Sagar Dam tops the ‘must-see’ places. Also known as the Sandynallah Reservoir, the Sagar Dam is quite a picnic spot for families and birdwatchers. Tourists from all parts of the city come to the dam to relax, unwind and soothe their mundane routine.

Kamraj Sagar Dam attracts a significant group of nature lovers. Since the spot is abundant with flora and fauna – fishing is a popular activity. You’ll have to come early morning to avoid noise and distraction from the tourist.

What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for Kamraj Sagar Dam: 9 am to 6 pm

Doddabetta Peak

Tucked away between the surrounds of palatial tea estates, mist-clad mountains, and lavishly grown forests, Doddabetta Peak is one of the major sightseeing spots of Ooty. It’s also been deemed as the highest vantage point amongst the 24 peaks of Nilgiri houses.

A visit to Doddabetta Peak is a surreal experience. Whether you’re picnicking around or seeking an adventurous outcome – Doddabetta Peak makes it an ideal holiday destination for all types of travelers. The charming beauty of its natural bounties is unbeatable when you compare it with other Nilgiri peaks.

If you’re an avid hiker or love trekking – Doddabetta Peak won’t disappoint you! It’s one of the best places in Ooty to trek, as you tend to get 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Eastern and the Western Ghats. The path to the summit isn’t a strenuous one, but it still requires a moderate fitness level to walk up and down.

The best time to hike the Doddabetta Peak is early morning. The 3km trail to the peak traverses across rugged paths and grassy slopes before reaching your final peak point.

Travel Tip: It’s best recommended to pack enough water, some snacks, and a first aid kit before you hike the Doddabetta Peak. Try visiting early in the morning to avoid tourists.

What’s the entry fee? INR 5 for all tourists.

Pykara Falls

Cascading from the mountains of the Mukurthi peak, Pykara Waterfalls is a magnificent sight to behold. Located 20kksm from Ooty, the waterfalls have been an enjoyable tourist spot to come and explore its beautiful settings.

The surrounding area of the Pykara Waterfalls is famous for its Toda settlement. It’s one of few places in Ooty where you’ll see this indigenous tribe in their most natural habitat.

Travel Tip: It’s advised not to swim in Pykara Falls to avoid unforeseen accidents. Especially during the monsoon, the falls can be very unpredictable owing to the high levels of water in Pykara Lake.

Pykara Lake

If you’re around Pykara Waterfalls, you should ensure to visit the famous Pykara Lake of Ooty. Nestled 2km across the falls, the lake has been a significant tourist attraction of Ooty. The addition of the gaiety boat rides recently has bumped up its tourism – pulling every tourist to admire the beautiful location.

From 8-seaters to 15-seaters, there are several boat trip packages to choose from, and you can book them directly at the Pykara Lake Boat House. You can even try speedboats to add a thrill to your adventure.

Apart from boating, Pykara Lake has been an evergreen tourist spot for all families. You’ll find visitors strolling, picnicking, photography, and thoroughly enjoying the calm atmosphere in the evenings. No matter how you spend your time around Pykara Lake, it should top your list of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.

What’s the entry fee? INR 10 for entrance, INR 770 – INR 1300 for different motorboat seatings.
Timings for the Pykara Lake: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

The Emerald Lake

Nestled by stunning tea plantations, verdant green pastures, and a serene backdrop, the Emerald Lake is a perfect day trip for visitors looking to spend an enjoyable time in Ooty. It’s also one of the best places in the city to admire the sunrise and sunset.

Visitors from all over the world enjoy the scenic vistas Emerald Lake boasts. From dusk to dawn, the lake is a visual treat for tourists to relax and soak in the pleasant, positive vibes. There are even tea gardens located next to the lake, which offer deep insights into the production of South Indian tea. You can also sample a variety of tea as per your preference.

What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings for the Emerald Lake – 6 am to 5 pm.

Ooty Wax World

Ooty has its very own wax museum in the form of Madame Tussauds if you haven’t been to a wax museum and need to explore it, head straight to the Ooty Wax World, which is only 2kms away from the central city.

Apart from its accessibility, Ooty Wax World has received much more fame and recognization for promoting its local tourism. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best places to visit in Ooty – offering a thoroughly enjoyable experience to families traveling with kids. The museum comprises statues of many prominent Indian figures representing national, political, sports, and cultural segments. Some notable names include Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Mother Teresa.

What’s the entry fee? INR 20 entrance fee.
Timings for the Ooty Wax World: 9 am to 8 pm

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake, known for its striking views and picturesque settings, is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days. John Sullivan has artificially created it, making the lake span 65 acres. The lake is stunning, and the entire region is densely covered with eucalyptus trees and lush green bushes.

Initially, creating this artificial lake was to create more opportunities for fishing. Most of the locals rely on fishing as their primary occupation, and thus the lake’s inception provided them with the required jobs. Today, Ooty Lake has gained fame as the ‘city’s most important landmark.’

During the evenings, you’ll see families picnicking around, children biking across the trails, senior citizens gossiping with their spicy stories, etc. Be it any time of the day, the tranquility of the places always remains calm and relaxing. Thus, giving you a perfect chance to break the hustle and unwind leisurely.

Here’s a small list of things to do around Ooty Lake –

Boat Trip Around the Lake – Organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Board, the agency offers plenty of boat trip packages to tour across the lake. Usually, the ride is of 30-minutes, taking you through the dense forest areas of the region. Along with regular boat trips – pedal boats, motorboats, and row boating options are also available. The rates usually range from INR 240 to INR 990.

Horse Riding Around Ooty Lake – Horse riding tours are ubiquitous around lakes and large ponds in India. You can find these short trips available at affordable rates at Ooty Lake. An evening horse ride across the lake sounds enjoyable!

What’s the entry fee? INR 13 for Indians and INR 560 for Foreigners
Timings for Ooty Lake: 9 am to 6 pm

Stone House

Deemed an important historic site, Stone House is one of the must-visit places in Ooty. The construction of the house marked the modernization of the city, as this was officially the first house to be constructed. Thanks to John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore, who surveyed the place and thought of creating something visual for the locals. And that’s when Stone House came into existence.

The Stone House is built in a very picturesque area of Ooty. Its location is quite a scenic tour, with plenty of things to see and do around. Every year, travelers visit the place in large numbers, and it is often crowded during the peak season.

So if you’ve planned your Ooty itinerary for 2 days, you must definitely include the Stone House in your plan.

What’s the entry fee? The entry fee is free for all tourists.
Timings for the Stone House: 10 am to 5 pm

Tea Estate View Point

Ooty is a paradisical place for all tea lovers. If you’re an avid tea drinker, the city won’t disappoint you with its varied flavors and spices. But, along with the drink, it’s worth mentioning that Ooty has its own Tea Factory & Museum. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days, letting you in on the ‘South Indian chai masala‘ secrets.

Visitors touring the tea factory can experience its live production, right from where the leaves are plucked, processed, and then packaged. Knowing its process and finer details will surely elevate your visiting experience. Moreover, you can taste a variety of teas near the plantation area to relish your taste buds.

The Tea Estate also has hiking trails that take you across the plantation area to learn more about the history & cultivation process. Likewise, it’s a surreal quest to find yourselves amidst the luxuriant plantation slopes.

Best Time to Visit the Tea Estate: October through March is the best time to explore the tea plantation area and its factory. The winter season in India provides favorable climatic conditions for the plants to grow and sustain themselves fully. Furthermore, temperatures around the daytime range between 20°C – 22°C, making activities like trekking and hiking more suitable.

What’s the entry fee? There’s no entry fee to explore the tea plantation area. However, the Tea Factory and Museum cost INR 20 per person.
Timings for the Tea Factory and Museum: 9 am to 5.30 pm

Toda Hamlet

Ooty is still home to many indigenous tribes who immigrated from the Western Ghats. Most of these tribal communities settled in the city decades ago, forming an essential part of the local population. Amongst these tribes, one such community that inspired the history and timelines of Ooty was the Todas.

Located at a distance of 15kms from Ooty lies the famous Toda Village – the home of the Toda tribal community. A visit to this tiny hamlet amazes you with the influx of history, culture, traditions, food, and much more. Moreover, exploring the village takes you back in time to learn & understand the practices followed by the Toda tribals.

The highlight of visiting the Toda Village is its semi-barrel-shaped huts. These houses were built next to each other, with open grounds used for cattle herding and farming.

What’s the entry fee? Free.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important national parks in India. Based in the Nilgiri district, on the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the national park is a treat for wildlife lovers to explore and spectate a rich diversification of animal species.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary boasts more than 500 birds, species, and reptiles, and it is even declared a Tiger Reserve, featuring 103 tigers in the national park. As you journey through the forests, you ought to come across many native species in their natural habitats.

Needless to say, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days.

Things to do in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary –

Take a Jungle Safari – The safaris are the most popular activity in any national park. Especially in Mudumalai – the jeep safaris bring you up close to the wildlife species in the best possible way. Common sightings include tiger, deer, leopards, panthers, grey langurs, and pit viper.

Take an Elephant Safari – You will need to book your elephant safaris in advance to get a slot. The elephant rides at Mudumalai aren’t like your jeep safaris, as they don’t venture deep into forests. However, it’s perfect for visitors who want to get an upper view of the forest reserves and surroundings.

Go trekking – Trekking is another popular activity in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest rangers won’t allow you to take the trails leading to the core national park; however, they’ll guide you to venture designated pathways for mountain hiking & climbing.

What’s the entry fee? INR 30 for entry, INR 340 for jungle bus safaris, INR 4000 for jungle jeep safaris, and INR 1100 for elephant rides.
Timings for Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: 6 am to 6 pm

Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days Schedule

Please refer to the schedule below to plan your Ooty sightseeing for 2 days. This will help you structure your Ooty itinerary accordingly.

Places to Visit in Ooty on Day one

Kamraj Sagar Dam
Tea Estate View Point
Pine Forests
Wenlock Downs
Pykara Lake
Pykara Waterfalls
The Emerald Lake
Toda Hamlet

 Places to Visit in Ooty on Day Two

Ooty Botanical Gardens
Ooty Rose Gardens
Ooty Wax World
Stone House
Doddabetta Peak
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (could be done separately on day 3)

FAQs for Ooty Itinerary

Are 2 days enough for Ooty?
Ooty is considered to be a perfect weekend getaway destination. Ideally, 2 days in Ooty is more than enough to explore its tourist attractions, sightseeing experiences & other popular activities. Moreover, you can add an extra day to your trip to explore Ooty in all its entirety.

What should you not miss in Ooty?
You shouldn’t miss out on exploring the Ooty Botanical Garden, Ooty Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Even if you’re short on time, try to prioritize these places in Ooty to explore the South Indian charm.

How much does the Ooty trip cost?
The cost of your Ooty sightseeing trip will depend on its inclusions & exclusions. Ideally, tour operators in India charge INR 30,000 – INR 35,000 for a 4N/5D all-inclusive package. However, the cost may get reduced depending on the type of accommodation you choose, attractions you book, and other tour-related add-ons.

When is the best time to visit Ooty?
Though Ooty is a year-round destination with a good climate & considerate temperatures, the best time to visit the town is between March and June. The period marks the summer season in India, with daytime temperatures rising up to moderate levels. Also, all of the attractions in Ooty are open during this time.

Explore Further Readings & Resoucres

Hope this guide helped you to figure out the best places to visit in Ooty in 2 days. To help you with your other destination plans – we’ve got some amazing guides & itineraries curated.

Feel free to browse through the below resources –

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Ladakh, India – Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary + Guide
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Iceland – Iceland in October | What to Expect & Why it is the Best Time to Visit
Iceland Diaries – Guide To 3 Days In Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

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Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Magical Europe – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
Discovery Europe – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

The post 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days appeared first on Travel Realms.