Coonoor Ooty Backpacking Trip from Bangalore
Starts From
₹ 5899/-
About The Trip
There is so much that makes Bangalore “Bangalore”! The sheer energy of the city, the vibrant life and of course, the opportunity to work, study and play.
But every once in a while, you feel overwhelmed and want to get away from it all! Your brain stops ‘braining’ and you desperately look for that reset button.
A backpacking trip through some of the most stunning parts of southern India might be all that you need to rediscover yourself.
The Plan The Unplanned Coonoor Ooty backpacking trip might start from Bangalore, but it will take you through quiet wilderness, fragrant tea estates and give you that much-needed time to unwind. You will get to explore the touristy as well as off-the-beaten-path sides of Ooty and Coonoor and make some brand new friendships along the way.
This trek is not designed to test you physically; it is reasonably easy, but we can promise you that you will return to your regular life with memories that will last a lifetime.
Trek highlights
Sometimes, a road trip is all you need to unwind and exhale – especially when what you are inhaling is the clean, fragrant air of the Nilgiris! When you choose to travel with Plan The Unplanned, all you need to do is come along! We will:
- Get you from Bangalore to Coonoor and back
- Set you up in a cosy and charming homestay, complete with a campfire
- Feed you incredible local style meals
- Take you to the historic Madras Regiment Museum
- Let the child within you escape with a ride on the famous toy train
- Give you panoramic views of the Coimbatore plains from Lamb’s Rock
- Take you on a trek through Shola forests
- Visit Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden and Ooty Lake View Point
- Connect you with new people and experiences
Unlike many traditional backpacking routes, this one has been designed to give you a little bit of everything – something offbeat and something conventional. What you can be assured of is a fun time, a chance to get away from the crazy chaos of the city and a bank of memories to cherish!
Price
Tickets
Starting From : INR 6499/-
INR 5899/-
per person
Tickets
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Brief Itinerary
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Detail Itinerary
Details
Your journey begins at Bengaluru when you are lost in the star-studded sky, with the city lights fading in the background. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. As the night lingers on, it’s best to settle down and fall into a short slumber - allowing your bodies and minds to get that much needed rest. Enjoy the calm and relax as we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating adventure ahead.
Details
The gentle light of morning will be waiting to greet you as we trundle into Ooty and then you get your homestay snuggled between tea gardens and chirping forest slopes. It may be 11:00 AM when the check-in starts, but you will be greeted with fresh bathrooms and a hot breakfast as you loosen up the road trip and get into the swing of things in the hills.
After everyone has rested and well fed, we started off towards Coonoor. We veer off to our first destination, the Madras Regiment Museum in Wellington. Hiding in a small cantonment town, this museum unveils a great history of the military of India - medals, old uniforms, rustic weapons and stories immortalized through the ages.
Should the time favor us, well we shall take a ride on the lovely Nilgiri Toy Train. It is not just a ride but an adventure into the cloudy skies and zigzags, passageways and tea plantations and each bend of the tracks is like a postcard picture. A bit of nostalgia, plenty of space to take pictures.
Once the ride is over we will treat ourselves to a hearty local lunch in Coonoor, and then head to Lambs Rock by the cool breeze. This is where you are going to stand on the very edge of the world and one looks out across the Coimbatore plains, as valleys unfold below you in misty blues and greens. It is a sight you will bring home after the journey is over.
As the sun retreats into the hills, we journey back towards the homestay on a relaxed soulful night. Should the skies smile upon us we shall huddle round some purring bonfire, music, hearts open, and tales spinning. It ends in a comfort dinner. It is the sort of the evening that you remember whether you are singing along or stargazing or simply soaking it all in.
Details
Sunday opens on a peaceful and melodious note, with a 3 km trek in the magnificent, virgin Longwood Shola Forest. Behind old canopies, and through bushes of dense undergrowth, the trail goes on, with the sound of the birds and sounds of leaves rustling. It is a silent vacation to the arms of nature - where each step makes you relax and unwind.
We go back to the homestay after the forest walk to freshen up one last time. The bags are loaded, the heart a little heavy, and checking-out feels sweet and sour, but there is more to see before the check-up is completed.
On our way back, we would take a mid-day break on a local lunch (self-sponsored) and then two last stops to ensure that Ooty makes a lasting impression. First, the Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden - with the flowerbeds blooming and well-groomed lawns being a beautiful setting to enjoy the fresh air of a leisurely walk, and take some memorable parting photographs. Then a silent stop at the Ooty Lake View Point, where you may enjoy panoramic scenes of the glistening lake bordered by the green hillocks. It is the kind of look you take back home.
As the sun sets and the world turns sluggish, we are at rest as we head back to Bengaluru. We will also take a break in between, to have a casual dinner (self-paid), and later continue with road trips with windows open, music blasting, and reminiscent shadows playing in the background. It is not going to be easy to leave, but the mountains will be here when you return.
Longwood Shola Forest
Details
At the crack of Monday morning you will arrive in Bengaluru, a bit drowsy but with a heart full of good memories; not only of the bags you will bring back, but also the misty hikes, the morning bonfires, the jokes, and the type of friends that only a weekend in the hills will allow you to make.
Things To Carry
✅ Soft copy of your Aadhaar or Voter ID (mandatory for permits)
✅ Lunch box and reusable cutlery to carry your packed lunch
✅ Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary
✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip
✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry
✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone
✅ Portable chargers for other electronics
✅ Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
✅ Torch or headlamp for visibility at night
✅ Extra pairs of clothes to change into
✅ Poly bags to pack your wet clothes
✅ Warm layers and jackets
✅ 2x one litre water bottles
Policy and Terms
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
| Intimation Period | Cancellation Fee |
| 7 Days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
| 3-6 days before the trek date | 50% of the total invoice value |
| 0-2 days before the trek date | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation request are accepted only by email at [email protected]
and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
- There will be no consideration given to cancellations on the day of departure or the day before due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc., and no refund or transfer to alternative dates will be permitted for the same.
- You would be required to pay an additional fee of RS 1500/person if you want to postpone your trek to a future date or cancel on the day of departure. This is only available for 3 months after the departure date of the actual trip.
- If you cancel the trek at any time (in addition to the scenario stated above), additional fees will be collected (depending on where you made your booking) as payment gateway/event listing fees.
The following is our cancellation policy in the unlikely event that we have to postpone your trek:
During and After the Trek: In the event of severe weather, taking the travellers' safety into consideration, a day may be shortened or the trek may be abandoned entirely. There will never be a refund of any kind.
Prior to the Departure: Make a plan in the event that a trek/trip is canceled due to a natural disaster (such as a rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake, or unanticipated political disturbance, curfews, local riots, government orders, or directives from the forest department). A VOUCHER for the full value of your ticket will be issued by The Unplanned.
The payment gateway fees will be deducted from any refunds that are granted.
If we have to cancel your trek/trip because there aren't enough reservations for that particular batch or we don't have enough participants, PLAN THE UNPLANNED will refund you 96% of the trek money ( Payment Gateway charges shall be deducted )
FAQ's
I’ve booked my trip. When will I hear from you next?
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Will I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trip is confirmed?
Yes. In the heads-up email, we will share a link to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat with fellow travellers and your Outdoor Leader before departure.
What is the “Without Travel” option?
Choosing “Without Travel” all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be self-managed From getting to the start point, local transfers, and the return journey. Please note that Plan the Unplanned crew will not be responsible for your travel, means of transport, and any transfers involved . We recommend driving your own car for the full duration of the trip for maximum flexibility.
I’m travelling solo. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Our trips are designed keeping solo travellers in mind. You’ll join an easy-going group and usually leave with new friends.
Are your trips safe for women?
On all of our trips, safety is non-negotiable and our priority. Female outdoor leaders accompany every group. We assure you that the homestays/tent accommodations are secure. In addition to this, we guarantee separate sleeping arrangements for men and women.
If I miss the departure, can I postpone my booking?
Yes. You can reschedule to any future date of the same trip for a ₹1,500 per-person change fee. Email [email protected] and our team will get in touch with you.
How do I get a discount on trips?
For more information on discounts, we request you to check out our Gypsy Membership here: plantheunplanned.com/membership
Can I leave my extra luggage at the accommodation?
Yes, you can store your main bags at the accommodation and carry only your essentials on the trip.
What kind of fitness is required for your treks?
Most of our treks are beginner-friendly and designed for people with moderate fitness levels. However, some treks may involve challenging terrains or long durations. Please check the difficulty level mentioned on each trip page and ensure you’re prepared accordingly.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Please note:
✅ We accept and confirm cancellations only over email — not via phone or WhatsApp.
✅ Refer to the Cancellation Policy under the relevant trip page for trip-specific details before making any changes.
✅ You can also reschedule your booking for a future date by paying a small change fee.
For assistance, write to us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help!
Additional Information
In order to make this a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved we ask that you read and follow the below guidelines:
- Prohibited items: For the safety and comfort of all, the use of alcohol, intoxicants, or smoking is not allowed at any point during the journey and trek.
- Meals before departure: If you have opted for the “With Travel” option, we request you to complete your dinner before boarding the bus, as no dinner will be provided en route.
- Travel arrangements: Transport is arranged based on the group size but both options have push-back seats for your comfort. Non-AC tempo traveller for groups of up to 12 trekkers. And a non-AC minibus for groups of 13 and more.
- Pre-departure meals: In case you have chosen the “With Travel” option, we ask you to please complete your dinner before getting on the bus as no dinner will be served during the bus journey.
- Independent travel: If you prefer to arrange your own private transportation to the destination, be sure to choose the "Without Travel" option in the booking page. Important: In this case, please ensure you have access to a private car for the entire duration of the trip. Public transport is limited and unreliable given the remote locations. While your scheduled activities start at the homestay, you will need to have your own mode of private transport to move around and participate in the activities on day two.
- Accommodation standards: Our trips are nature-focused and often in remote locations. The accommodations provided are basic, clean and comfortable. We do not promise or organise luxury amenities.
- Meals provided: We offer simple vegetarian meals throughout the trip. Non-vegetarian food will not be provided.
- Environmental responsibility: We follow a strict Leave No Trace policy in accordance with the rules of the Forest Department. While plastic is not allowed, everyone is expected to carry any and all waste back to the base and carefully dispose of it. Together, let’s leave the hills better than we found them.
- Your personal belongings: You are solely responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost or damaged items.
- Delays and unforeseen events: While we aim to be on schedule, delays may occur due to traffic or vehicular issues beyond our control. We request your cooperation in case of slight delays in reaching our destination.
Starting From : INR 6499/-
INR 5899/-
per person
( From 20th Dec 2025 to 2nd Jan 2026)
Tickets
Download PDF
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Coonoor Ooty Backpacking Trip from Bangalore
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