There is a place where the mornings smell of rain and roasted coffee, where roads vanish into forests, and where every turn seems to lead you into a new shade of green.

That place is Kodagu, a name you may still recognise as Coorg, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

It is not a typical tourist hotspot buzzing with noise and neon. Instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the kind of joy that comes from the simple things — like a child’s laughter during a river crossing, silent walks through misty plantations, or sharing a plate of spicy local curry after a long day of adventure.

You do not need to spend extravagantly to experience its richness. With the right balance of homestays, local food, and shared moments, a family of three can explore the destination without going beyond a modest budget.

Here is how to do it in just five memorable days.

Day 1: Arrival in Madikeri – Finding your footing in the hills

Your family’s journey to Kodagu begins with a road trip from Mysuru — about four hours through scenic countryside lanes and winding hill roads.

A private cab costs between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000, but budget-friendly Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses run frequently and are a reliable option.

Base yourself in Madikeri, the district’s hilltop hub. Family-run homestays, such as The LivInn, Green Haven, or Coorg Hill View, offer warm hospitality and comfortable rooms (Rs 1,200–1,800 per night), often including a homestyle breakfast like soft idlis, coconut chutney, and strong filter coffee.

Ease into your trip with a stroll around Madikeri Fort, where colonial-era stone walls and an old palace now house a simple........

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