Exploring Mysuru, Wayanad, and Coorg: A 6-Day Itinerary
Saturday, September 16: Arrival in Mysuru
Welcome to Mysuru! Start your day by visiting the magnificent Mysore Palace, an impressive architectural marvel. Explore the palace grounds and learn about the rich history of the Wadiyar dynasty. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the colorful Devaraja Market, where you can find a variety of spices, silk sarees, and local handicrafts. In the evening, witness the grandeur of the illuminated Mysore Palace during the daily lighting ceremony.
Mysore Palace: Entrance fee - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Devaraja Market: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Mylari Hotel, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Mysore thali at RRR Restaurant, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Tiger Trail, serving authentic Indian and continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, September 17: Wayanad Wildlife and Nature
Embark on an adventurous day exploring the wildlife and natural beauty of Wayanad. In the morning, head to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary for an exciting wildlife safari, where you can spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. After lunch, visit the enchanting Pookode Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Take a pedal boat ride and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. End your day with a visit to the Soochipara Waterfalls and enjoy the cascading beauty of the falls.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee - INR 110 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Pookode Lake: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Pedal boat ride - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Soochipara Waterfalls: Entrance fee - INR 80 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Wayanad is The Bake House, known for its freshly baked goods and cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to ClayHut Village Restaurant, a traditional restaurant offering a variety of authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Wilton Restaurant and Garden Cafe, known for its garden setting and delicious continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, September 18: Exploring Wayanad's Cultural Heritage
Immerse yourself in Wayanad's rich cultural heritage. Start your day by visiting the Edakkal Caves, famous for its ancient rock engravings. Marvel at the prehistoric art and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afternoon, explore the Jain Temple in Sultan Bathery, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. In the evening, visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, India's largest earthen dam, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the reservoir.
Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Jain Temple: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Banasura Sagar Dam: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Boat ride - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic South Indian breakfast dishes. Enjoy delicious idlis, vadas, and masala dosas. The average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, try out The Wayanad Gate Restaurant, located near Sultan Bathery. This restaurant offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes. The ambiance is pleasant and the average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Olive Kitchen and Grill, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious grilled dishes and continental cuisine. Try their signature grills and end your day on a satisfying note. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Tuesday, September 19: Coorg's Coffee Plantations and Waterfalls
Leave Wayanad and make your way to Coorg, the land of coffee plantations and waterfalls. Start your day with a visit to the Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. Spend some time admiring the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the coffee plantations and indulge in a coffee tasting session to learn about the region's famous coffee. End your day with a visit to the Raja's Seat, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Coorg landscape.
Abbey Falls: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Coffee Plantations: Free entry, Coffee tasting - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Raja's Seat: Entrance fee - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Coorg Tribes, a charming restaurant that serves delicious South Indian delicacies like dosas, idlis, and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to The Fort Mercara Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its traditional Coorgi cuisine. Indulge in signature dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry) and Bamboo Shoot Curry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Raintree Restaurant, a cozy place offering a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. Try their special Coorgi-style chicken fry or indulge in a wood-fired pizza. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, September 20: Coorg's Temples and Madikeri Fort
Explore the religious and historical sites of Coorg. Begin your day with a visit to the Omkareshwara Temple, a beautiful shrine known for its blend of Islamic and Gothic architectural styles. Afterward, explore the ancient Madikeri Fort, steeped in history and offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, discover the Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple, a serene and spiritual place. Spend time in meditation or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Omkareshwara Temple: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Madikeri Fort: Entrance fee - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Pot Biryani is a popular breakfast spot in Coorg, serving delicious and aromatic biryanis. A meal here typically costs around ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Raintree Restaurant and enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Taste of Coorg, which specializes in traditional Coorgi cuisine. A meal here costs around ₹600 per person on average.
Thursday, September 21: Departure from Coorg
On your last day, take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Coorg. If time permits, you can explore more of Coorg's attractions or simply unwind amidst nature. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Coorg and head back home with unforgettable memories of your journey through Mysuru, Wayanad, and Coorg.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those seeking off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Namdroling Monastery in Coorg, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in India. Experience the tranquility of the monastery and witness the daily rituals. Another hidden gem is the Nagarhole National Park near Wayanad, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Embark on a safari and spot elephants, tigers, and other exotic animals in their natural habitat.