Coorg

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of sprawling coffee plantations in Coorg, a sight that is sure to delight your senses. Savour a piping hot cup of coffee – freshly brewed from the surrounding plantations as you relax amidst lush greenery. The tranquil and laid-back lifestyle is a refreshing change for city dwellers. 

With ample activities for thrill-seekers, there are multiple options to choose from, be it white water rafting on river Cauvery or trekking and hiking on Mt. Tadiyendamol. Don't miss out on visiting the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, where you'll be greeted by cheerful monks and mesmerising Buddha sculptures and paintings.

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is often dubbed as the 'Scotland of India'. It is one of the most popular and easily accessible hill stations in South India, offering a blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. The panoramic views of the verdant hills, the intoxicating aroma of coffee and spices, and the scenic waterfalls make Coorg a captivating destination.

The historical charm of Coorg is best experienced in its administrative capital, Madikeri. Here, you can explore the Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple and the beautiful Madikeri Fort, which perfectly encapsulate the region's historical significance.

The town of Madikeri boasts spectacular views of the Western Ghats, and its numerous attractions include waterfalls, temples, lush forests, and plantations. The peaceful surroundings of Coorg, coupled with the adventure sports it offers, make it a comprehensive holiday destination.

Whether you choose to spend your evening touring coffee plantations, exploring the valley through white water rafting, or rock climbing, Coorg offers endless possibilities for the enthusiastic traveller. Unwind amidst the lush greenery and captivating views by booking your trip to this land of natural wonders - Coorg!

Coorg: The Captivating World of Coffee Plantations 

Coorg, popularly known as the Scotland of India, is a quaint hill station snuggled in the lap of nature. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations of South India. The places to visit in Coorg never fail to mesmerise the travellers mind, body and soul. The foggy hills, verdant forests and tumbling waterfalls create an enchanting aura that keeps pulling you back to Coorg whenever you are in search of serenity. This small district in Karnatakais inhabited by the “Kodavas”, who are known for their hospitality. Some of the places to visit in Coorg are the Dubare elephant camp, Rajas Seat in Coorg, Abbey falls, Mandalpatti Coorg, Golden temple Coorg, Irupu falls etc.

The Best time to Visit Coorg

Coorg weather makes the places to visit in Coorg accessible all through the year. Coorg temperature ranges between 14°C and 32°C, making it an ideal year-round destination. If you want to embark on a walk or engage in outdoor activities, October to March is the best time to visit Coorg. April and June are also ideal for visiting Coorg, when the country's Northern and Southern plains are melting under the hot sun.

Coorg receives a fresh spell of rains in June, which lasts until September in Coorg.

How to Reach Coorg?

To explore the best of Coorg, you can take state-run or private buses from nearby cities like Bangaloreand Mysore. Mangalore is the closest airport to Coorg and is well-connected with major airports in the country. Places to visit in Coorg are located less than 200 km from Mangalore airport. The closest railway station is in Mysore which is 120 km from Coorg. You can also take a train to Hassan, Mangalore or Kozhikodeand then take a bus or cab that will drop you at Coorg. It is advised that if you want to appreciate the countryside, you can hire a cab or drive yourself so that you can stop any time you need a break or snap photographs of the magnificent scenery along the road.

What are the things to see & do in Coorg?

1.    Madikeri Fort, Coorg

Built by Mudduraja, this fort is one of the best places to visit in Coorg. The museum and library at the fort give an insight into the town and its history. The fort which was first built with mud and then with granite provides a thorough understanding of the town, its history, and its inhabitants. The temple and jail within the fort's grounds are worth mentioning.

2.    Abbey Falls, Coorg

Abbey Falls is one of the hidden jewels in the list of places to visit in Coorg. This fall, which is part of the Kaveri River, cascades from a height of 70 feet and is at its best during the monsoon season. The vista from the hanging bridge is not to be missed when you are covering the places to visit in Coorg. Abbey Falls is surrounded by beautiful green woods of the Western Ghats and provides an escape from the crowds of the cities. Thrill-seekers might enjoy an arduous walk to this place located in Coorg hill station.

3.    Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg

Most Coorg packagesinclude a visit to the elephant camp in Dubare, which is counted as one of the most unique places to visit in Coorg. You can observe elephants bathing, eating, and engaging in other activities. These elephants are cared for by elephant trainers.  

A qualified naturalist will walk you through elephant history, ecology, and biology. Other than watching the elephants you can play, bathe and feed these friendly creatures.

4.    Raja's Seat

This is one of the most liked places to visit in Coorg as it provides a panoramic view of the Coorg hill station. The king would once sit here and enjoy the marvellous sight of the entire town, which is surrounded by foggy valleys, towering hills, and emerald-green fields. A melodious fountain and beautiful seasonal flowers beautify the area surrounding the Raja's Seat. The golden rays of the setting sun add to the attractiveness of the location.

5.    Talakaveri

Other than the places to visit in Coorg that are ideal for adventurers, honeymooners and backpackers, there is a place that holds religious importance. The origin of the Kaveri River (Talakaveri) and the confluence of Kaveri, Kannikha and Sujyothi make Kodagu or Coorg a destination where devotees flock to seek divine blessings. This is one of the most-visited places to visit in Coorg owing to its religious significance.

Food to try

A trip to Coorg is incomplete without indulging in the savoury local food. Coorg cuisine is delectable and is a must-try on your trip to Coorg. Kodava cuisine and culture have an impact on Coorg food as the wonderful flavour of the indigenous dishes is one of the key attractions of Coorg cuisine. 

Akki Otti (Akki Roti) is a rice flour flatbread. This Coorg food is rich in nutrition and is served with Koot Curry or a mixture of vegetables cooked in coconut paste, palya (vegetable stir fry) or chicken curry. 

Lunch options include steaming rice with veggie curries and palya. Several delights produced from bamboo, wild mushrooms, and mud crabs are an important part of Coorg cuisine. These dishes are cooked in winter. During the summer, you can try curries cooked with wild mangoes, jackfruit, and other fruits. Kadumbuttu (steamed rice dumplings), Pandi curry (pork curry), and Paputtu (rice and vegetables) are all delicious. You will find these dishes in most of the places to visit in Coorg.

Things to shop in Coorg

While you spend time enjoying places to visit in Coorg, you will find souvenirs in the form of coffee and spices, as Coorg is popularly known as the land of coffee. 

Taking a trip to any of the coffee plantations is an essential part of the list of places to visit in Coorg. Hand-plucked, roasted, and freshly ground coffee is the best thing to buy in Coorg.

Apart from that, fresh spices such as cardamom, black pepper, white pepper, clove, mint, cumin, oregano, sage, basil, thyme, and rosemary are available here. Cashews, figs and raisins are among the dry fruits available. Oranges and honey can be purchased at nearly every market in the hill station. Although carrying boxes of oranges might be challenging, you can always buy bottled honey from most of the places to visit in Coorg.

Coorg Overview

Conclusion

Places to visit in Coorg provide a perfect respite to people looking at spending time in the lap of nature. Visit these Coorg places and recharge yourself. Indulge in sports activities like trekking, kayaking, rappelling, paintball etc. and rejuvenate your adventurous side. Water rappelling, camping, wildlife safari in Nagarhole national park, quad biking, fishing etc. are other adventure activities to indulge in. It is an ideal weekend getaway for people living in nearby cities. The charm of Coorg places will make you revisit this one-of-a-kind destination.