Madikeri or Mercara in Karnataka may be right there on the tourist’s itinerary, with the Madikeri fort, Raja Seat and the Omkareshwara temple being the usual haunts. But perhaps less well known are its waterfalls, trekking trails and elephant camps.

Abbey Falls is perfect for a picnic. Another spot that is ideal, scenically, for a family outing, complete with picnic hamper, is Nisargadhama, between Kushalnagar and Madikeri, where one could cross the Cauvery tributary on log rafts. It’s a beautiful picnic spot.

There is something here to everyone’s taste. For those who love adventure, 15 km away from Madikeri is the Dubare Elephant Camp where one can see the animals up close.

They can be fed, ridden, bathed, the sort of thing one sees done on Discovery Channel.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> LifeStyle> Wanderlust / by DC Correspondent / November 23rd, 2012