🌄 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 3: From Royal Heritage to Hills – Mysuru to Ooty Journey

 Date: 20th October 2025

Route: Mysuru → Ooty (Approx. 125 km)

The morning in Mysuru began with a calm and cozy vibe. Sunlight streamed through the curtains of our Earth Villa, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air — the perfect start to a travel day.

☕ A Relaxing Start at Earth Villa

We enjoyed a homemade breakfast prepared at the villa — a simple yet satisfying spread of toast, fruits, tea, and coffee. It felt refreshing to start the day with comfort food amidst nature’s peace.

After breakfast, we packed our bags, checked out from Earth Villa, and got ready to explore one of India’s most iconic landmarks before heading to the hills.

🏯 Royal Majesty: Mysuru Palace

Our first destination of the day was the famous Mysuru Palace, a grand architectural marvel that reflects the city’s royal heritage. The intricate carvings, colorful glass ceilings, and golden thrones inside the palace were truly mesmerizing. Standing in the grand courtyard, it felt like stepping back into the era of kings and queens.

The palace, officially known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture and remains one of the most visited monuments in India. Don’t forget to catch the evening illumination if you ever visit — it’s breathtaking!

🍛 Lunch & Scenic Drive to Ooty

After spending a memorable morning at the palace, we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing our journey towards Ooty — the “Queen of Hill Stations.”

As we drove through the dense forests and winding roads, nature unfolded its beauty at every turn. The route passed through parts of the Bandipur and Mudumalai Forest Reserve, where we were lucky enough to spot a few deer, monkeys, and peacocks along the way — a thrilling experience indeed! 🦌🐒

🏡 Arrival at Casa De Damor, Ooty

By evening, we reached Casa De Damor, a private villa nestled amidst the misty hills of Ooty. The cool mountain air, the scent of eucalyptus trees, and the peaceful surroundings instantly made us fall in love with the place.

We settled in, enjoyed a warm cup of tea while admiring the valley view, and spent a quiet evening planning our next day’s adventures in this beautiful hill town. 🌿