Start your day off by visiting the Coorg Wildlife Society, which is a conservation project dedicated to saving the region's wildlife. This place offers the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of animals that are housed here. You'll get to see various species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals and learn about their behavior and habitats. Children can get very excited while going on the guided tours which start from 9 AM till 4 PM.
After spending the morning with animals, take the drive to Talakaveri Temple, which is a beautiful temple situated on the Brahmagiri hills. According to Hindu Mythology, this is considered the birthplace of the river Cauvery. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills from the viewing tower and explore the temple area that is built in typical South Indian architecture style. It is open from 6 AM till 6 PM.
A family-friendly location to enjoy the beauty of nature, Abbey Falls, is a towering cascade of water that falls from a height of 70 feet. The waterfall is surrounded by coffee plantations and spice gardens offering a unique scenic spot. The entrance fee is INR 15 per person, and it's open from 9 AM till 5 PM.
End your day at Raja's Seat, a popular sunset spot in Madikeri. This garden offers breathtaking views of surrounding hills and valleys along with musical fountains, and colorful flowers. The sunset from here is a treat to watch for everyone. Be there by 5 PM, as the park closes by 6:30 PM.
Start day two by visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp , where visitors can get a closer look at the Indian elephants and their lifestyle. The camp offers activities like elephant bathing, elephant feeding, and jungle tours. You'll get to learn about these magnificent creatures from expert handlers and naturalists. The visitors are allowed from 7:30 AM till 2 PM and get a chance to participate in all the activities.
Next on the list is the Omkareshwara Temple, which is situated near the Madikeri Fort. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the unique architecture of the temple combines Islamic and Gothic styles. Devotees flock here to offer their prayers, and the temple is open from 6 AM till 12 PM and then from 5:30 PM till 8 PM.
End your trip at the Madikeri Fort, which dates back to the Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan's regime. The fort is home to a palace, a chapel, a prison, and a museum that showcases weapons and artifacts used by the rulers of old. This is a very interactive place for children to learn new historical knowledge. The fort is open from 10 AM till 7 PM and has a nominal entry fee of INR 10.
If you are planning to extend your stay, we suggest visiting the nearby coffee plantations that offer a unique view of the lush green hills. You can also add on a visit to the Namdroling Monastery that houses more than 5000 monks and is located around 90minutes (50kms) from Madikeri. In case of the above itinerary, you can subtract Talakaveri Temple if you are short of time.
Kindly cross-check the current timings before visiting.