🌴 10 Days, 3 States, Infinite Memories – Our South India Travel Journey

 ✈️ Day 1 – Surat to Bangalore: The Journey Begins
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/surat-to-bangalore-flight-experience.html

🚐 Day 2 – Bangalore to Mysuru: Temples, Cars & Gardens
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/exploring-royal-route-from-bangalore-to.html

🕌 Day 3 – The Majesty of Mysore & Journey to Ooty
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/from-royal-heritage-to-hills-mysuru-to.html

🍃 Day 4 – Exploring Ooty: Tea, Chocolate & Homemade Flavors
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-4-perfect-ooty-day-from-tea-aroma.html

🚂 Day 5 – Coonoor & The Toy Train Magic
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-5-toy-train-adventure-ooty-to.html

🌲 Day 6 – Ooty to Wayanad: The Road Through Heaven
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-6-from-hills-to-wilderness-journey.html

🌊 Day 7 – Waterfalls, Adventures & Tribal Tales
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-7-adventure-serenity-fun-filled-day.html

☕ Day 8 – From Wayanad to Coorg: Temples, Nature & Homestay Magic
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-8-from-wayanad-to-coorg-temples.html

🏞️ Day 9 – Mandalpatti Adventure & Coffee Aroma
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-9-mandalpatti-adventure-coffee.html

🛫 Day 10 – Goodbye Coorg, Goodbye South India
https://movewithoutmap.blogspot.com/2025/10/day-10-return-journey-goodbye-south.html

✈️ Day 10: Return Journey – Goodbye South India, Hello Memories

 The final morning of our unforgettable trip began early — 5:00 AM sharp!

Our flight from Kannur International Airport was scheduled for 11:20 AM, so we had to start before sunrise. Despite the early hour, the owners of Coffee Crown Homestay woke up at 4 AM and lovingly packed us freshly made idlis with coconut chutney for breakfast on the way. 🥰 Such warm hospitality truly touched our hearts.

The road from Coorg to Kannur was slightly rough, yet the beautiful forest view and early morning mist made the drive mesmerizing. The journey took about 3.5 hours. On the way, we stopped at the famous MVK Gateway Restaurant, Kannur — a heritage eatery running since 1965 and now managed by the third generation of the family. The crispy dosa and soft medu vada were absolutely delicious – a perfect South Indian send-off! 🍽️

We reached the airport by 9:30 AM, completed check-in smoothly, and soon boarded our flight to Mumbai. The feeling was mixed — joy from all the memories and a bit of sadness that the journey was coming to an end.

At Mumbai, we had a train to Surat from Mumbai Central, and to reach there, we chose to experience the Aqua Line Metro. The metro ride from T2 to Jagannath Shankar Sheth station (just 200 meters from Mumbai Central) was world-class — fast, clean, and well-connected. 🚇

By the time we reached home, hearts were full of joy and minds filled with countless beautiful memories — of the three enchanting South Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

This journey was not just about travel…
It was about family moments, laughter, nature, and togetherness. 🌈
From misty hills of Ooty and Wayanad to coffee-scented mornings in Coorg — every day gifted us something unforgettable. ❤️

South India – you’ll always have our hearts. 🌿✨

🌄 Day 9: Mandalpatti Adventure & Coffee Estate Experience – Coorg Diaries

 Date: 26th October 2025

Route: Madikeri (Coorg) Morning started with peace and aroma!. We woke up late, as sun rays directly touched our balcony. The cool weather mixed with the fragrance of coffee beans—a reminder that our homestay was nestled in a 5-acre coffee estate. 🌿

After breakfast, we set out for the famous Mandalpatti viewpoint.
We hired a local jeep and all three families jumped in together for a thrilling 23 km off-road ride. The bumpy trail, laughter, and excitement made it one of the most unforgettable rides of the trip! 🚙💨
At the top, the panoramic view of Coorg’s misty hills left everyone spellbound. Cameras clicked nonstop, capturing every frame of nature’s beauty. 📸

Next, we visited Abby Falls, a short trek down about 150 steps where we enjoyed the gushing waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Afterward, we explored the Madikeri market — buying local spices, homemade chocolates, and freshly roasted coffee beans. A small tasting session of authentic Coorg coffee was the highlight for all coffee lovers! ☕❤️

By evening, we returned to our homestay for a peaceful walk through the coffee and spice plantation. The owner explained about different plants like Arabica, Robusta, white pepper, orange, chikoo, coconut, and avocado – a mini botanical lesson in itself! 🌿

As night fell, we gathered again for a campfire with fruit platters and crunchy baby corn 65.
Laughter, music, and warmth filled the air as we danced, shared memories, and ended the day with a delicious homemade dinner — roti, sukhi bhaji, dal-rice, chhaas, and papad.

Authentic taste, heartfelt hospitality, and the calmness of the coffee hills made this day truly special. 🌙✨
We went to bed early, hearts full and ready for the next morning’s return journey.

🌿 Day 8: From Wayanad to Coorg – Temples, Nature & Homestay Memories

 Date: 25th October 2025

Route: Wayanad → Madikeri (Coorg)

After a refreshing stay amidst the rocks and forest at Spacerock Resort, it was time to bid goodbye to Wayanad and continue our journey toward the misty coffee hills of Coorg (Madikeri). The road trip promised scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and a slice of Coorg’s famous hospitality.

🛕 First Stop: The Golden Temple & Tibetan Monastery

Our first destination en route was the Golden Temple, also known as the Namdroling Monastery, located in Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India.
The sight of the golden statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus left us awestruck. The peaceful chants, colorful prayer flags, and serene ambiance made it a spiritually uplifting experience.

🍛 Lunch & Journey Through Nature

After exploring the monastery, we stopped for a delicious South Indian lunch — simple yet flavorful, served with love and warmth. The route from Wayanad to Coorg is breathtaking, surrounded by coffee estates, green valleys, and winding forest roads — a true feast for the eyes.

🐘 Skip Dubare, Explore Nisargadhama

We had planned to visit the Dubare Elephant Camp, but it was too crowded that day. Instead, we headed to Nisargadhama, a peaceful island formed by the River Kaveri.
We enjoyed feeding birds, walking through bamboo forests, and admiring nature up close. The kids loved the open space and fun activities, while we indulged in some street-side panipuri and local shopping for souvenirs.

☕ Arrival at Coffee Crown Homestay

By evening, we reached our beautiful Coffee Crown Homestay, nestled inside a private coffee estate. The moment we arrived, it felt like home — surrounded by coffee plants, chirping birds, and the aroma of freshly brewed beans.

The hosts welcomed us warmly and served delicious homemade starters — crispy French fries, which the kids absolutely loved! The entire dinner was prepared by the homestay owners themselves, giving us a true taste of Coorg’s home-style cooking.

🔥 Night Fun: Campfire, Garba & Laughter

As night fell, the atmosphere came alive with a campfire under the stars. Music played, and soon everyone joined in for some energetic Gujarati Garba and dance, blending cultures in the heart of Coorg! 💃✨

Dinner was the perfect finale to the day — paneer sabji, roti, dal fry, jeera rice, and sweet gulab jamun — comfort food that filled both heart and stomach.

The warmth of the hosts, the delicious food, and the laughter shared around the fire made it one of the most memorable days of the trip. ❤️

🌄 Day 7: Adventure & Serenity – A Fun-Filled Day in Wayanad

 Date: 24th October 2025

Location: Wayanad, Kerala

The morning in Wayanad began with mist floating over the forest and birds singing softly — a peaceful yet exciting start to another day of exploration. Our stay at Spacerock Resort felt like living amidst nature’s art gallery, with every corner designed around rocks, trees, and wilderness.

🌉 Morning Thrill: Glass Walk & Valley Views

After breakfast, we visited the resort’s special attraction — a Glass Walk Bridge built on the top of the property. Standing on the transparent glass floor, surrounded by panoramic views of the Wayanad landscape, was both thrilling and breathtaking. We captured some amazing family photographs with the misty hills in the background. 📸

💦 Sachipara Waterfall Adventure

Next, we headed to the Soochipara (Sachipara) Waterfalls, located deep inside the forest. A short 1 km downhill trek through dense greenery led us to the roaring waterfall — the sound of rushing water echoing through the valley was simply mesmerizing. The flow was strong and powerful, and the cool mist refreshed everyone.

The kids loved the small trekking adventure, and after the climb back, we rewarded ourselves with softy ice cream and nariyal pani (coconut water) — the perfect tropical refreshment! 🌴🍦

🚙 Offroad Fun & Sky Cycling

After lunch, the adventure continued with an off-road mud buggy ride — full of bumps, laughter, and thrill. The kids then tried Sky Cycling, an exciting activity where you pedal across a suspended wire with a stunning view of the hills — equal parts scary and fun!

We also stopped for some photography in a beautiful tea estate, capturing the lush green backdrop and misty charm that Wayanad is famous for.

🏕️ Evening at En Ooru Tribal Village

By evening, we visited En Ooru Tribal Village, a cultural heritage spot that showcases the lifestyle, art, and traditions of Kerala’s tribal communities. Walking through the village, learning about their simple way of life, and seeing their handcrafted items was truly inspiring.

🍕 Dinner & Relaxation

Before returning to our resort, we enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner in Wayanad town — a delightful change after days of local cuisine. A quick stop at Nestra Supermarket and a relaxing chair massage made the evening even more refreshing.

Finally, we returned to Spacerock Resort, gathered in our rooms for late-night chitchat, laughter, and stories, wrapping up another incredible day in the lap of nature. 🌙✨