Dubare Elephant Camp is a perfect place to start your family day trip. Watch elephants living in their natural habitat while you take a bath alongside the friendly giants in the river. After having great fun with elephants, the nearby Cauvery River is a great place to explore too.
Talacauvery is the starting point of the holy river Cauvery and Bhagamandala is the confluence of Cauvery, Kannike, and Sujyothi rivers. The place is a highly revered pilgrimage site. Other places to visit here include the Omkareshwara Temple, which is built in Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture and Abbey Falls, where you can take a dip in its cold waters.
Raja's Seat is a beautiful garden with a mesmerizing panoramic view of the misty hills. The garden is filled with flowers, greenery, and fountains. After taking a stroll in the garden, you can try some street food like carrot halwa, vada, and bajji available outside Raja's Seat.
Built-in the 17th century, Madikeri Fort is another historical attraction worth visiting. There's a museum inside the fort which showcases ancient artifacts and weapons used by the Kodagu rulers. You can also visit the nearby St. Mark's Church and the famous Mercara Gold Estate Coffee plantations during your visit.
End your day trip at Mandalpatti to witness the beautiful sunset. This picturesque hill station boasts stunning views of the Western Ghats, the misty valleys, and the lush greenery. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this place is through a jeep safari.
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby Nagarhole National Park for an adrenaline-pumping jungle safari. If you have less time, you can skip Talacauvery and Bhagamandala and explore the nearby Chelavara Falls instead. Don't forget to carry an umbrella and comfortable shoes as Madikeri's weather is unpredictable and the tourist sites involve a lot of walking. Lastly, practice responsible traveling by avoiding plastic waste and respecting the local culture.