Start the adventure by heading to Coorg, a hill station famous for its coffee and spice plantations. Trek the strenuous Tadiyandamol trail, which will take you to the highest peak in Coorg. Soak in the silence of the woods broken only by the gurgling of streams. The climb up is steep but will be worth it once you get a bird's eye view of the surrounding hills. After completing the trek, visit the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, home to over 5,000 monks, and marvel at the intricate Tibetan architecture. Wind down the day with a peaceful meditation session.
Start the day early and reach Bandipur National Park, which sits at the foothills of the Nilgiris mountain range. Go on a jungle safari to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and other exotic wildlife. This 874 sq km park is home to several endangered species. While there, visit the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary in the vicinity. Take a guided nature walk and keep an eye out for the enigmatic black panther. End the tour by enjoying a campfire and local delicacies.
If you have more time, you can consider visiting other nearby sanctuaries like Nagarhole and Mudumalai. For adventure enthusiasts, try white water rafting at Barapole river in Coorg. To get a better understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, attend the teaching sessions at Namdroling Monastery.
If you have less time, you can skip either Bandipur or Coorg and still have an action-packed trip. Avoid visiting during the monsoons as most of the activities remain closed due to safety reasons. Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient option to travel.