**Day 1: Majestic Mysore**

Our adventure began in the royal city of Mysore, where history whispers in every corner. Our driver picked us up, and we immediately hit the road to Srirangapatna. The temple there is like something out of a postcard—peaceful, intricate, and timeless. After soaking in its beauty, we made our way to the Mysore Palace. Now, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a fairy tale, this palace is it. The interiors? Out of this world! Every corner looked like it was built for royalty, which, of course, it was. The palace, with its grand chandeliers, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork, felt like stepping into the pages of history.

We also visited Dariya Daulat Bagh and continued on to the Gumbaz, the resting place of the formidable Tipu Sultan. To end the day, we visited the Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountain. It was a delightful water-dance show that looked like the fountains were competing to match Bollywood beats. A fitting end to a grand day.

**Day 2: Mysore Zoo and the Journey to Coorg**

Mysore Zoo welcomed us with open arms (well, more like paws, claws, and hooves). From monkeys making funny faces at us to lions giving us the ultimate side-eye, it was a hit with the kids. The giraffes seemed to have missed the memo on social distancing as they bent down to stare at us curiously. The zoo, with its variety of creatures, was a real-life "Lion King" adventure.

With our animal cravings satisfied, we headed to Coorg. The journey was as exciting as the destination! Picture this: winding roads, thick forests, and a random monkey demanding toll payments in the form of bananas. We even spotted peacocks strutting around like they owned the place and wild elephants casually hanging out.

On the way, we visited Nisargadhama, a lush delta formed by the river Kaveri. There was a hanging bridge here, and we couldn’t resist jumping on it. It was both thrilling and terrifying as the bridge swayed beneath our feet, but we loved every minute of it!

We also made a stop at the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery. It's like stepping into a mini Tibet in Karnataka. The towering Buddha statues (60 feet tall!) left us in awe, and the vibrant paintings made us feel like we’d just been teleported into a mystical realm. And don’t even get me started on the Tibetan jewelry—shiny things everywhere!

**Day 3: Coorg – Coffee, Waterfalls, and Misty Adventures**

Our first day in Coorg was off to a roaring start with a visit to Abbey Falls. Set amidst lush green coffee plantations, this waterfall seemed like Mother Nature was showing off a bit—and rightfully so. We had to trek down a set of stairs surrounded by trees taller than our ambitions. The mist from the falls hit us like a refreshing wake-up call, and we were all smiles.

Next up was the serene Nisargadhama, an island surrounded by dense bamboo groves. We had the pleasure of walking through a small zoo where the animals looked as relaxed as we felt.

As the day wrapped up, we visited Raja’s Seat, a viewpoint that looks out onto the hills. They say the kings of Coorg used to come here to unwind. After the crazy week we’d had, we completely understood why.

**Day 4: Off-roading to Mandalpatti**

We started our day by visiting Omkareshwara temple. If you’ve never been on an off-road adventure that makes you question your life choices, you must visit Mandalpatti. The jeep ride to this viewpoint was a rollercoaster—only without seat belts and a lot more mud! The road (or lack of it) was a test of endurance, and my daughters kept shrieking with every bump, pretending they were on a theme park ride.

When we reached the top, we were greeted by clouds, fog, and a view that took our breath away (or maybe that was the lack of oxygen from all the excitement). And just as we were reveling in the beauty, the heavens opened, and rain came pouring down. Our raincoats helped, but honestly, we might as well have brought an umbrella to a hurricane!

**Day 5: Ooty – Roses, Peaks, and Toy Trains**

Ooty welcomed us with roses—literally. The Rose Garden was in full bloom, and we were surrounded by more roses than I ever thought existed. Who knew there were so many shades of pink and red?

We then made our way to the famous Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in Ooty. Despite the rain trying to play spoilsport, the view was worth every muddy step. The telescope house wasn’t working, but hey, nature’s beauty didn’t need a lens.

Our highlight was the toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. The slow chugging train through misty mountains and rolling hills was straight out of a Bollywood movie, and I half expected someone to break into a dance number. The kids, meanwhile, danced their hearts out in the aisle.

**Day 6: Wayanad – Caves and Zipline Thrills**

Our final stop was Wayanad, and it didn’t disappoint. We visited Edakkal Caves, a fascinating trek through history. The ancient carvings in the caves had us in awe as we explored every nook and cranny. The climb to reach the top was a challenge, but the sense of accomplishment made it worth every step.

But the true thrill was the Banasura Sagar zipline, the longest in Kerala! I can’t say I wasn’t scared, but the adrenaline rush made it unforgettable. Watching my daughters bounce on trampolines while I zoomed across a vast lake was priceless.

We capped off our trip with a walk on the glass bridge. The view from up there? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint-hearted! And for thrill-seekers, there were plenty of activities to dive into—like archery, free rope walking, the biggest swing on an open mountain, cave hunting, and more. My daughters also enjoyed bouncing on the trampolines while I soaked in the breathtaking views.

On the way to our hotel, we also visited Pookode Lake, a serene end to our exhilarating South Indian adventure.

As we packed our bags and headed back to reality, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the magic we had experienced on this journey. From the royal allure of Mysore to the misty mountains of Coorg and the thrilling adventures in Wayanad, this trip was everything we needed and more. South India has captured our hearts, and the memories we made will be cherished forever.