Coorg, traditionally known as Kodagu, is a sleepy hilly hamlet tucked on the Western Ghats. Surrounded by misty valleys, rolling hills, lush plantations, and pristine waterfalls, it’s a treat for all senses and a thing of beauty that no traveller ever forgets. It is one of the most prosperous hill towns of Karnataka, with its district headquarters in Madikeri, which is also the centre of trade and transportation for the entire district of Kodagu. Tourists throng to Coorg by booking a cab from Bangalore. For a romantic getaway, a rejuvenating vacation, or a soul-searching trip, the Coorg tour can fulfil all your travel goals.
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Things to do in Coorg
Apart from sightseeing in Coorg and exploring the touristy places, there’s a host of adventure activities that you can include in your tours.
- Experience the best homestays. The district is home to beautiful colonial cottages and bungalows, and some of those cottages have been turned into homestays. You can book a stay at any of these homestays and have a taste of the local lifestyle, home-cooked, traditional food, and learn about the people. You can also try a homestay within a coffee plantation.
- Try the Madikeri Trek. It is the most popular activity to do in here and covers all major nature spots. The trek begins in Madikeri town and takes you to the Raja’s Seat, followed by the Madikeri Fort, and the Abbey Falls. The route passes through spice plantations, coffee estates, paddy fields, small rivulets, and offers incredible views of the hills and valleys.
- Trek to the Tandiandamol Peak. The highest point of Coorg and the third highest peak of Karnataka, this trek is much easier than most others in the region and popular among trekkers and campers. The trek base is at Kakkabe, about 32KM from Coorg and goes through dense coffee plantations, gurgling streams, and scenic viewpoints. The best time to do this trek is between November and February when the weather is clear and dry for the best views.
- Try river rafting. The Cauvery River offers a great platform for river rafting. You can camp by the riverside and then enjoy a day of rafting. The best time to do this is during or right after the monsoon when the water level on the river and streams is higher.
- Go for a night safari. It’s a different kind of fun to explore the hills at night in a Jeep. The safaris start around sunset and take you through the dense forests and mountains. The journey lasts for a few hours or until midnight.
Places to visit in Coorg
Rich in natural wonders, local culture, history, and there are a host of places to see. The popular tourist places in Madikeri are centred around the town while the other places are outside the main town. Check out these best Coorg attractions –
- Madikeri Fort- The most popular landmark here, this 17th-century fort commemorates the three ruling dynasties of this region.
- Abbey Falls – The best of all falls, the Abbey Falls like about 6KM from Madikeri town, in the middle of plantations. You have to walk downhill for a few minutes to reach the base. There’s a hanging bridge opposite the falls to get a panoramic view of the hills and the valleys behind the falls.
- Raja’s Seat – A public, terraced garden, this is a popular viewing point on top of a hill. Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best views.
- Dubare Elephant Camp – At an hour’s drive from Madikeri town, lies this elephant camp, in the middle of forested areas. You can play with baby elephants or feed them and watch them in their original habitat.
- Mercara Gold Estate & Plantations – The biggest and most popular coffee estate in the district. You can take a tour of the plantation and learn about different varieties of coffee and other spices grown.
- Tala Kaveri – The source of the Cauvery River, Tala Kaveri sits on the hills and is also a pilgrimage site. It is 44 KM from Madikeri town.
Popular Places to visit nearby
Coorg sightseeing includes many places beyond the district. You can easily visit these places in 2 days –
- Bylakuppe – Coorg’s only Tibetan settlement, the Bylakuppe sits at 41KM from Madikeri town. It is known for housing Namdroling Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery of South India. Take a walk through the Tibetan market, sample Tibetan teas and snacks at the local cafe.
- Iruppu Falls – After Abbey, this is the next best waterfall to visit. It lies at 75KM from Madikeri town. There is no vehicle access to the falls area. You have to hike down a steep path for about a few minutes, through wooded areas. The best time to see the falls in full form is right after the monsoon.
- Nagarhole National Park – The second largest national park in Karnataka, Nagarhole lies at 92KM from Madikeri. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and is home to exotic wildlife like leopards, different families of deer and monkeys, hornbills, ibis, eagles and more. Visit between December and March for bird watching or safaris.
Best Places to eat
The food here is one of the key facets of tourism in Coorg. Pork and bamboo shoot curry, steamed rice dumplings, rice cakes, and akki roti are the most famous food.
Here are some of the best restaurants to sample the local flavours of Kodagu –
- Coorg Cuisine
- Coffee Blossom Restaurant
- Raintree Restaurants
- Taste of Coorg
- Thaliya
- Nellaki
- Church Side Bar & Restaurant
- Coorg Special Restaurant
More About Coorg
Geography
The geographical location of Coorg has made this region a land of natural wonders. It sits on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, spreading across an area of 4102 sq. km. The highest point of Kodagu rises to Tadiandamol, at 5740 ft. above sea level, followed by Pushpagiri, at 5627 ft. making it quintessentially a hill station.
Coorg is surrounded by extremely scenic locations, with Dakshin Kannada in the northwest, Mysore district to the east, and northern districts of Kerala on the south and west. The entire region is fed by the Cauvery River, which originates at Talakaveri, close to the Madikeri town. It is this rich landscape that has made this place very popular. Most of the tourist places here are in or centred around hills, plantations, rivers, and waterfalls.
History
The Kodava people, a warrior community, were the earliest inhabitants of the Kodagu region, who farmed and promoted agriculture in this part of the state. Coorg was ruled by many local clans and dynasties, like the Ezhimala, followed by the Haleri dynasty, until the Coorg War in 1834. After which, the British ruled until the independence but was a separate state before Kodagu was merged with Mysore state in 1956, which is now Karnataka.
[Also Read: Scotland of India – Coorg]
How to Plan a Trip to Coorg
How to reach Coorg
By Train
There is no direct rail connectivity to Coorg. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, 95 KM away. There are frequent trains to Mysore from other major cities and towns across India. You can rent a car or take a bus from Mysore railway station Coorg.
[Also Read: Mysore to Coorg Road Trip – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information]
By Road
Coorg is well-connected to all major cities in Karnataka by NH275. There are regular state-run and private buses from nearby cities like Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore, or Kasargod, Kannur, and Wayanad. The best way to reach Coorg from neighbouring towns and cities is to book an outstation cab or rent a private car and drive to Madikeri.
By Flight
There is no flight connectivity to Coorg. The nearest airport is in Mysore, at Mandakalli Airport, about 115KM from Coorg. The other nearby airport is in Kannur, about 92KM away. You can fly from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Chennai via any of these airports. You can book an airport taxi from Bangalore to reach Coorg.
[Also Read: Bangalore to Coorg by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information]
Best time to Visit Coorg
Being at a great height on the Western Ghats, Kodagu enjoys a tropical hilly climate. The weather of here remains pleasant all year round, with foggy mornings, warm days, and chilly nights. The winters are colder than the rest of the year. Any time is good for a trip here, but if you want to do a complete outdoor adventure, February to April or November is the best time, when the temperature is perfect.
Best Resorts & Hotels in Coorg
With scenic views and great amenities, there’s plenty of luxury resorts in Coorg you can stay at and make the most of your trip. Most resorts and hotels are centred around Madikeri or right outside the town.
Check out these recommended stays for your trip –
- Fort Mercara
- IBNI Springs
- Woodstock Resorts
- Kollanoor Guest House
- Abbydhama Estate Stay
- Silver Brook Estate
- Wanders In
Witness the magic of Coorg by booking a car rental to take you to all these places with a local driver. Install Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
Best Road-trips to Coorg
| Route Name | Distance | Time |
| Bangalore to Coorg | 264 km | 5 hours and 48 minutes |
| Mysore to Coorg | 112 km | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Mangalore to Coorg | 138 km | 3 hours and 10 minutes |
| Wayanad to Coorg | 131 km | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| Chikmagalur to Coorg | 145 km | 3 hours and 42 minutes |
| Hassan to Coorg | 104 km | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
