Here’s a detailed Chennai to Ooty tour package by train for a family-friendly 3-day trip, optimized for comfort, scenic travel, and key attractions:
—
🚂 Chennai → Ooty by Train (3D/2N) Family Package
✔ Best For: Families who enjoy scenic rail journeys & budget-friendly travel
✔ Highlights:
– Overnight train journey + iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train
– Covers Ooty’s top attractions at a relaxed pace
– Kid-friendly activities & hassle-free transfers
—
📅 Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Chennai → Mettupalayam → Ooty (Toy Train Adventure)
– 8:30 PM (Previous Night): Board Nilgiri Express (Train 12672) from Chennai Central to Mettupalayam.
– 6:30 AM: Arrive at Mettupalayam → Breakfast at station/nearby.
– 7:15 AM: Board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) Toy Train (Book seats in Advance via IRCTC).
– Scenic 5-hr journey through forests, tunnels, and 208 curves!
– 12:30 PM: Arrive in Ooty → Check into hotel (e.g., Hotel Lakeview / Sterling Ooty).
– 2:00 PM: Lunch at Pembroke Restaurant (British-era vibe).
– 3:30 PM: Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens (Don’t miss the fossil tree).
– 5:30 PM: Boating at Ooty Lake (Paddle boats for kids).
– 7:30 PM: Dinner at hotel/local restaurant.
Day 2: Ooty Sightseeing
– 8:00 AM: Breakfast → Head to Doddabetta Peak (9 km, panoramic views).
– 10:00 AM: Explore Rose Garden (Largest in India).
– 12:00 PM: Lunch at Nahar’s Sidewalk Café.
– 2:00 PM: Visit Tea Factory & Museum (Free tasting + shopping).
– 4:00 PM: Stroll Charring Cross Market (Buy homemade chocolates).
– 6:00 PM: Relax at Wax World Museum (Fun for kids).
– 8:00 PM: Dinner at Earl’s Secret (Multi-cuisine).
Day 3: Ooty → Mettupalayam → Chennai
– 7:00 AM: Early visit to Pykara Lake & Falls (Boat ride optional).
– 9:30 AM: Check out → Cab to Mettupalayam (2.5 hrs).
– 12:30 PM: Lunch near Mettupalayam station.
– 2:15 PM: Board Nilgiri Express (Train 12671) to Chennai.
– 11:45 PM: Arrive at Chennai Central.
—
💰 Package Cost (Per Person)
| Category | Budget (3-star) | Mid-Range (4-star) |
|——————–|——————-|——————-|
| Adult | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹14,000 |
| Child (5-12 yrs) | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 |
✅ Inclusions:
– Chennai ↔ Mettupalayam train tickets (Sleeper/3AC).
– Mettupalayam ↔ Ooty Toy Train tickets (2nd class).
– 2 nights hotel stay (AC room).
– Daily breakfast & dinner.
– Ooty local sightseeing by private cab (6-seater).
– Entry fees for Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Tea Museum.
❌ Exclusions:
– Lunch & personal expenses.
– Boating/Pykara Falls entry fees.
—
🎟️ Toy Train Booking Tips
1. Book Early: NMR tickets release 120 days in advance (via IRCTC or Ixigo).
2. Class Options:
– Heritage 1st Class (Wooden interiors, limited seats).
– 2nd Class (Regular seats, best for budget travelers).
3. Alternative: If toy train is full, take a shared cab (₹1,500/vehicle, 3 hrs).
—
🚉 Train Options from Chennai
1. Nilgiri Express (12672)
– Departure: Chennai Central (8:30 PM) → Mettupalayam (6:30 AM).
– Return: Mettupalayam (2:15 PM) → Chennai (11:45 PM).
2. Kovai Express (12674)
– Alternative: Chennai → Coimbatore (7:15 AM) → Cab to Ooty (3 hrs).
—
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Add-Ons
– Toy Train Joyride: Ooty → Coonoor (1.5 hrs, ₹200/person).
– Chocolate Tasting: Kingstar / Modern Stores (Kids love this!).
– Pony Rides: Near Ooty Lake (₹100–200).
—
📌 Pro Tips
– Pack: Light woolens (evenings: 15–18°C), motion sickness pills (for toy train).
– Avoid: April–June (peak crowds), monsoon (July–Aug landslides).
– Customize: Extend to Coonoor (add 1 day for Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose).
—
🔗 Where to Book?
– IRCTC Website (For train tickets).
– Travel Agencies:
– Southern Travels (Chennai-based, budget packages).
– KK Holidays (Ooty-specialized).
