Get up close and personal with elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp. Learn about the biology, behavior, and history of these gentle giants and even get the chance to feed them. Take an elephant ride through the forest and then enjoy a coracle ride on the Kaveri river.
Start your day with a visit to Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery, and then head to the Abbey Falls. Take a refreshing dip in the waterfall's pool and go for a nature walk. Wind down the day with some local shopping and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Visit the Namdroling Monastery, the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and significance of the traditions followed here. Then head to Nisargadhama, a peaceful island surrounded by the Cauvery river. Spend some time exploring the park and picnicking with your family.
Explore the Nagarhole National Park, home to tigers, elephants, and other endangered species. Take a guided safari and go bird watching. Later, visit the Iruppu Falls to take a dip and relax. Wrap up the day with a drive back to Chennai.
If you have more time, head to Coorg Wildlife Society, where you can witness wildlife rehabilitation efforts, or visit Cauvery Nisargadhama, a popular nature park with a deer park and boating. If you have less time, skip the Iruppu Falls and the Nagarhole National Park.