Start the day early with a 3 km trek to the heart-shaped Chembra lake. The trek is moderately difficult but offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Reach by noon and have a packed lunch by the lake. After a quick dip in the lake, start your descent by 1 PM and head to the Edakkal Caves (50 minutes, 15.6 km) to explore the ancient carvings and inscriptions. Finish the day with a visit to the Soochipara Waterfalls (40 minutes, 15.7 km) where you can abseil down the waterfalls or take a dip in the natural pool.
Start day 2 with a visit to the Kuruva Island (1 hour 10 minutes, 36.2 km) where you can enjoy a bamboo rafting experience on the serene Kabini river. The island is spread across 950 acres and offers a unique experience of being surrounded by mangrove forests and bamboo groves. After a brief lunch break, head to the Banasura Sagar Dam (45 minutes, 20.8 km) to enjoy water sports like speed boating, kayaking and canoeing. End the day with a visit to the Thirunelli Temple (1 hour, 32.2 km), an ancient temple built on a hilltop surrounded by lush forests.
For more adventure, you can add a day trip to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or a visit to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also try zip-lining at the Zipline Adventures in Karlad Lake. For a more relaxed day, visit the Pookode Lake and take a stroll around the freshwater lake.
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