From Wayanad through the Tholpetty forest into Karnataka's coffee country: misty Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Dubare's elephants and the Tibetan Golden Temple — your own vehicle and driver.
Highlights: Dubare elephants, Golden Temple, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat
Itinerary
Day 1 · 6:30 AM — Pickup & drive to Coorg From your door, resort or Kalpetta bus stand — about 145 km via Mananthavady, the Tholpetty forest and Gonikoppal, roughly 4.5 hours with breakfast. (Stay booked by you)
Day 1 · 2:00 PM — Abbey Falls A short walk down through coffee and spice estates to the falls near Madikeri. (Entry own expense · no bathing)
Day 1 · sunset — Raja's Seat The Kodava kings' garden lookout over layers of misty hills. (Entry own expense)
Day 2 · 8:30 AM — Dubare Elephant Camp Watch the camp elephants bathe and feed by the Kaveri — reached by boat. (Mornings only · paid direct)
Day 2 · 11:00 AM — Golden Temple, Bylakuppe The great Namdroling monastery in the Tibetan settlement; Tibetan lunch nearby. (Shoes off · quiet inside)
Day 2 · 1:30 PM — Drive home About 140 km back via Gonikoppal and Mananthavady; at your door in Wayanad by about 6 PM.
Good to know
🐘 Dubare & the seasons: Elephant activities run only in the morning; the boat crossing can stop when the river is high. Falls and hill paths are slippery in the monsoon (June–September).
🌳 Forest roads: The Tholpetty – Kutta road runs through elephant forest — we cross in daylight, no stops. Many bends on the Kodagu estate roads: carry motion sickness tablets.
🪪 Karnataka entry: Coorg is in Karnataka: interstate permit, border tax and tolls are billed at actual cost. We re-check entry rules before you travel.
🏨 Your stay: You book one night in or near Madikeri — coffee-estate homestays are a Coorg favourite. Your driver's night allowance is in our price.
