Both Yercaud and Ooty are beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu, but they offer different experiences. Here’s a comparison to help you plan your Ooty Trip:
Yercaud
- Best for: A peaceful getaway with less crowd
- Altitude: 1,623 meters
- Weather: Pleasant throughout the year
- Key Attractions:
- Yercaud Lake (boating)
- Pagoda Point (sunrise/sunset view)
- Lady’s Seat (valley view)
- Killiyur Falls
- Shevaroy Temple
- Botanical Garden
- Travel Time: ~4-5 hours from Bangalore, ~1 hour from Salem
Ooty
- Best for: A classic hill station experience with colonial charm
- Altitude: 2,240 meters
- Weather: Cool and misty, best from October to June
- Key Attractions:
- Ooty Lake (boating)
- Botanical Garden
- Doddabetta Peak
- Tea & Chocolate Factories
- Avalanche & Emerald Lake
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train ride)
- Travel Time: ~9-10 hours from Chennai to Ooty and 5 to 6 Hours from Chennai to Yercaud.
Here’s a 4-day itinerary covering Yercaud & Ooty from Chennai.
A Memorable 4-Day Trip to Yercaud and Ooty from Chennai
Travelling to hill stations is always a rejuvenating experience, offering an escape from the bustling city life. If you are planning a trip from Chennai, a 4-day itinerary covering Yercaud and Ooty is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, adventure, and relaxation. Both destinations offer unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural experiences that make them worth exploring.
Day 1: Chennai → Yercaud
🚗 Travel: Chennai to Yercaud (~350 km, 6-7 hrs)
- Option 1: Train to Salem (overnight/day train) + Cab to Yercaud (1 hr)
- Option 2: Direct road trip by car/bus
🕒 Afternoon:
- Check-in to the hotel/resort & relax
- Yercaud Lake – Enjoy a boat ride & scenic views
- Anna Park – A small but beautiful garden near the lake
- Shevaroy Temple – Highest point in Yercaud with a stunning valley view
🕕 Evening:
- Pagoda Point – Best for sunset & panoramic views
- Stroll around local markets & try some homemade chocolates
🏨 Stay: Yercaud
Day 2: Yercaud Sightseeing → Ooty
🕘 Morning:
- Killiyur Falls – A scenic waterfall (requires a small trek)
- Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat & Children’s Seat – Amazing viewpoints
- Botanical Garden & Rose Garden
🕒 Afternoon:
- Lunch & check-out
- Travel to Ooty (~4-5 hrs via Mettupalayam)
🕕 Evening:
- Check-in & relax
- Visit Ooty Lake for a peaceful boat ride
- Walk around Charing Cross for shopping & homemade chocolates
🏨 Stay: Ooty
Day 3: Ooty & Coonoor Exploration
🕘 Morning:
- Doddabetta Peak – Highest peak in the Nilgiris
- Government Botanical Garden – Huge & well-maintained
- Tea Factory & Chocolate Factory – See tea processing & taste fresh chocolates
🕒 Afternoon (Coonoor trip – 1 hr drive)
- Toy Train (Ooty to Coonoor – Optional) 🎟️
- Sim’s Park – Lush green garden with rare plant species
- Lamb’s Rock & Dolphin’s Nose – Stunning valley views
🕕 Evening:
- Return to Ooty
- Nilgiri Shopping – Spices, tea, oils, and souvenirs
🏨 Stay: Ooty
Day 4: Ooty → Chennai
🕘 Morning:
- Visit Pykara Lake & Waterfalls (if time permits)
- Check out & start return journey
🚗 Travel Options:
- By Road: Ooty → Chennai (~550 km, 10-11 hrs drive)
- By Train: Ooty → Coimbatore (3 hrs) + Coimbatore to Chennai (overnight train)
- By Flight: Coimbatore to Chennai (~1 hr)
Budget Estimate (Approx.)
💰 Mid-range Trip (per person)
- Travel: ₹3,000-5,000 (Train/Bus/Car)
- Stay: ₹2,000-3,500 per night
- Food: ₹500-1,000 per day
- Entry Fees & Activities: ₹1,000-2,000
- Total: ₹8,000-15,000 per person
This 4-day trip to Yercaud and Ooty from Chennai offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Yercaud provides a serene escape, while Ooty enchants with its colonial charm and tea gardens. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or simply seeking a refreshing break, this itinerary ensures an unforgettable journey.
So pack your bags and get ready to embrace the beauty of the Nilgiris!