🌿 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. ❤️

A Colorful Journey: Jaipur During Holi Celebrations – Part 2

 After an unforgettable Holi in Agra, we departed for Jaipur at 9 AM in a pre-booked taxi. The Dhulandi celebrations were in full swing, with people playing with colors and dancing to lively music on the streets. The 4.5-hour road trip was smooth, filled with music, laughter, and scenic views.

By 1:30 PM, we reached Chitra Katha Homestay, near Jaipur Railway Station. Since most markets and shops were closed due to the Dhulandi celebrations, we ordered a delicious Punjabi lunch at the homestay—kaju kari, dal makhani, tandoori roti, and refreshing chaas. After lunch, we rested until 5 PM before heading out to explore Jaipur.

Our evening was spent admiring the stunning Mauj Mahal and Jal Mahal before exploring Jaipur’s vibrant markets. We enjoyed a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to the homestay for a terrace gathering, where the kids played indoor games and we chatted late into the night until 11:30 PM.

The next morning, Saturday, we set off to explore Jaipur’s rich heritage. Our first stop was Amer Fort, followed by Panna Meena ka Kund and the Meera Krishna Temple. We indulged in some shopping for traditional Jaipuri handwork clothes before stopping for an authentic Rajasthani lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dal bati churma, sabji, and buttermilk.

In the afternoon, we visited the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace, followed by shopping at Badi Chaupad. A visit to the famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar for their crispy aloo tikki was the perfect end to our day.

In the evening, we returned to Chitra Katha Homestay, ordered La Pino’z Pizza for the kids, and spent our final night on the terrace reminiscing about our Jaipur adventures.

The next morning, we departed for Surat, carrying with us beautiful memories of Jaipur’s royal charm, cultural heritage, and festive spirit.