South India's classic hill station circuit — up through the Nilgiris to Ooty, then across into Kerala's Munnar tea country.
NH-275 via Mandya. Mysore is a worthy stop for the palace — or continue to Ooty if time is short.
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Devaraja Market. Great base before the Nilgiris.
Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta peak, Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train). Stay in an estate bungalow outside town for the real experience.
Top Station for views, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr). Tea estate stays are the highlight — book direct.