Start with a hearty Kodava-style breakfast (try akki rotti, kadambuttu and local coffee) at a popular local eatery. Most local restaurants open by 8:00am, giving you energy for sightseeing.
Explore this 17th-century fort with a small museum that explains Kodagu history and offers town views; good to visit in the morning when light and crowds are pleasant. (Typical opening: 9:30am–5:30pm.)
Short stop at the serene Omkareshwara Temple and a quick walk through Madikeri market to sample local snacks and buy spices. Temple timings usually 6:00am–8:00pm.
Visit the scenic Abbey Falls set in coffee and spice estates; a short walk from the viewing point gives great photo ops. (Visitor hours generally 9:00am–5:00pm; steps and viewpoints involve some walking.)
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with local and South Indian dishes—good for trying pandi curry (Coorg pork) or vegetarian kofte. Restaurants in Madikeri serve lunch typically from 12:00pm–3:00pm.
Take a guided coffee plantation tour to learn about cultivation, processing and sample fresh filter coffee — many estates run tours between 9:00am–5:00pm but booking ahead is recommended. A relaxing way to experience Coorg’s core industry.
Come for the sunset and the manicured gardens with dramatic valley views; best visited late afternoon to sunset. (Open around 6:00am–6:00pm in most seasons.)
Dinner at a popular Madikeri hotel-style restaurant to sample more Kodava specialities and local dishes; many eateries serve dinner until 9:30–10:00pm. Reserve a table on busy weekends.
Early drive to Talacauvery (origin of the Cauvery river) for cool mountain air and a short trek to the temple and viewpoint; site generally open 6:00am–6:00pm and is best early for clear views and fewer visitors.
Visit the confluence shrine of Bhagamandala where the Cauvery is worshipped; peaceful temple complex with local pilgrims and simple facilities (usually open 6:00am–8:00pm).
Return to Madikeri or stop en route for a relaxed breakfast and strong Coorg filter coffee to recharge before the Dubare experience. Most cafés open by 8:00–9:00am.
Arrive at Dubare for elephant interaction, feeding and bathing sessions—best in the morning when activities run (elephant sessions typically 8:00am–11:00am; camp open roughly 8:00am–4:00pm). Book ahead for guaranteed slots.
Have lunch in Kushalnagar with riverside views and café-style options; a relaxed stop before visiting the Tibetan settlement. Many Kushalnagar cafés are open 10:00am–6:00pm.
Visit the Namdroling Golden Temple and wander the Tibetan settlement to see monasteries, prayer halls and handicraft shops; monastery visiting hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm (arrive earlier in the afternoon for calmer atmosphere).
Relax at a roadside plantation café or shop for coffee and chocolates made in Coorg — a good place for souvenir shopping and to sample single-origin coffee. Shops generally open till early evening.
Drive back to Madikeri for a final dinner; choose a cosy place in town to recap the trip and try any remaining Kodava dishes. Many dinner places close around 9:30–10:00pm, so plan accordingly.
If you have energy, take a short night stroll around Madikeri market for spices, honey and coffee gifts before calling it a night. Markets and small shops often stay open till 8:30–9:00pm.