Road Trip from Ooty to Coorg & Mysuru – A 5-Day Itinerary

There’s something magical about packing your bags, loading up the car, and setting off on a road trip. On 23rd August 2025, we did just that—starting from Ooty and driving all the way to Coorg and Mysuru. With homemade snacks, forest drives, waterfalls, ancient temples, and a few surprise encounters along the way, this trip was everything I love about traveling through South India. And yes, I clicked plenty of pictures along the way—you’ll see them scattered through this post to bring the journey alive for you!

Day 1: Ooty to Coorg via Wayanad – Forests, Waterfalls & a Furry Friend

We left Ooty at 7:30 am, taking the scenic route via Gudalur, Kalpetta, Wayanad, and into Coorg. The entire drive felt like a nature retreat—dense forests, winding roads, and misty stretches that made me fall in love with road trips all over again. (If you’ve been following my blog, you already know I’m a sucker for anything green and wild!)

To keep us fueled, I had packed homemade khakhras, chickpea cookies, and gooey chocolate brownies—a balance of healthy and indulgent. Somewhere in Kerala, we found a stray kitten! For a short while, he was part of our trip. We fed him, gave him a little wash, and then lovingly left him back in his natural home. on the way we stopped at a rustic shack for lunch in Wayanad.

Irupu Falls – A Hidden Treasure

Our first sightseeing stop was Irupu Falls in the Brahmagiri Range. Getting there meant walking through a lush forest trail, which was an experience in itself. Unlike the crowded Abbey Falls, Irupu was peaceful and unspoiled. The cascade thundered down beautifully, surrounded by greenery. Mr. R jumped in for a refreshing dip, while Baby R and I stayed back taking pictures (check out the waterfall shots below!).

By evening, we reached Woodstock Resorts, Madikeri, checked in, freshened up, and crashed for the night.

Day 2: Exploring Coorg – Talacauvery, Abbey Falls & Raja’s Seat

We kicked off our second day with an early breakfast before heading out.

• Talacauvery: Located 48 km from Madikeri, this is the origin of the sacred River Cauvery. The drive was dotted with breathtaking viewpoints, and the temple complex had a calm, spiritual vibe. but the route was choppy.

• Lunch at Raintree, Madikeri: A charming little restaurant where we tried Kundapur Chicken Curry—a spicy, flavorful delight. I made a mental note to recreate it once we got home..

  
  

  

  

• Abbey Falls: This waterfall is one of Coorg’s most famous spots, surrounded by coffee plantations and spice estates. While the falls themselves were spectacular, they were a bit too touristy for my taste.

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Raja’s Seat: Our day ended at this iconic viewpoint. Once the favorite leisure spot of Coorg’s kings, Raja’s Seat overlooks rolling hills, valleys, and lush paddy fields. As the sun dipped, the sky painted itself in shades of orange and pink—a scene we captured in several pictures.

  

We returned to our resort, tired but happy, and called it a night.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Belur – The Timeless Hoysala Temples

On 25th August, we drove 120 km from Madikeri to Belur, and it was absolutely worth the effort. The Chennakesava Temple, built in the 12th century by the Hoysala Dynasty, left us speechless. Every wall, every pillar, every carving told a story. The level of detail in the stone architecture is hard to describe—our pictures will help, but standing there in person is an experience of its own. After enjoying a traditional Kannadiga vegetarian thali, we explored a few more temples around Belur, clicking dozens of photos (perhaps too many!). We returned late at night, exhausted but fulfilled, and ended the day with a cozy movie at our resort. Read more about it here.

Day 4: Relaxation, Nisargadama & Namdroling Monastery

The morning of 26th August was more relaxed. Mr. R and Baby R enjoyed some pool time (Baby R was thrilled to try his floatie and pool noodle), while I got our bags packed. After breakfast and some playtime at the indoor games room and children’s park, we checked out.

On the way to Mysuru, we made two wonderful stops:

• Nisargadama Reserve (Bamboo Island): A hanging bridge led us into this peaceful island full of bamboo groves, orchids, and deer. It felt like a hidden world where time slowed down. We took plenty of pictures here—the greenery was too good to miss.

• Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), Bylakuppe: The monastery was mesmerizing, with its giant golden Buddha statues, vibrant wall art, and the calming sound of monks chanting. It was easily one of the most peaceful stops of the trip.

By evening, we reached Mysuru, checked in, had dinner, grabbed coffee, and went to bed.

Day 5: Mysuru Magic – Palace, Zoo & Donne Biryani

Our final day, 27th August, was all about exploring Mysuru before heading home.

• Mysuru Palace: A magnificent Indo-Saracenic structure with Gothic and Dravidian influences. The stained-glass domes, ornate durbar halls, and courtyards were breathtaking. Our pictures hardly do justice to the grandeur.

  
  

  

  

  

• Mysuru Zoo: Spread across 150 acres, this is one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India. The drizzle made the experience even better—the lush green paths and happy animals made it a delightful visit.

  
  

  

  

• Donne Biryani: Before leaving, I made sure to try this Mysuru specialty—served in leaf bowls. One bite, and I was clean bowled.

Our return drive took us through Gundlupet, Bandipur, Mudumalai, Masinagudi, and finally back up the Kalhatti Ghat to Ooty. We reached home by 7 pm, ending our trip with dinner and an episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty—the perfect cozy way to end the day.

Why I Loved Mysuru

While Coorg offered soothing forests and waterfalls, Mysuru stood out with its wide tree-lined roads, clean streets, and spacious feel. It’s a city where heritage and greenery coexist beautifully—I can’t wait to return. This Ooty to Coorg and Mysuru road trip was the perfect mix of nature, history, food, and family bonding. Sometimes photos capture the magic words can’t.