Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. With its lush greenery, rolling hills, gushing waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, Coorg is often referred to as the Scotland of India. To help you plan your trip, I have compiled a list of the 15 best places to see in Coorg. While the scenic beauty of Coorg is undoubtedly mesmerizing, food and accommodation also play an important role in making a memorable trip. In this article, we will also discuss the best food to eat in Coorg and places to stay, ranging from budget homestays to luxury accommodations.
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls is one of the best places to see in Coorg, and it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers with a picturesque waterfall that is surrounded by lush green forests and coffee plantations and
The waterfall is located on the Kaveri River and falls from a height of about 70 feet. The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season when the water is in full flow. The sight of the water cascading down the rocks is truly mesmerizing.
To reach Abbey Falls, we need to trek down a steep path surrounded by coffee bushes and trees. The trek down to the waterfall is a pleasant one, and we can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests and plantations.
Location: Near RTO Office, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
How to reach: Abbey Falls is located about 8 km from the town of Madikeri. One can hire a taxi, hire a bike or take a bus from Madikeri to reach Abbey Falls.
Activities: Trekking, nature walks, and photography.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: 15 INR
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can interact with elephants, feed them, and even bathe them in the river. The camp is also home to many other species of animals, including sambar deer and spotted deer.
Location: Kushalanagar, Coorg District, Nanjarayapatna, Karnataka, 571234, India
How to reach: Dubare Elephant Camp is located about 20 km from the town of Madikeri. You can hire a taxi, rent a bike or can also take a bus from Madikeri to reach Dubare Elephant Camp.
Activities: Elephant interaction, bird watching, and nature walks.
Timings: 9:00 am to 11:00 am ; 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: 50 INR
Elephant Camp Activities like bathing or feeding: 670 INR approx per person.
Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Madikeri town. It is said that the kings of Kodagu used to visit this garden to watch the sunrise and sunset. The garden offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
You can watch the above video to get a glimpse of Abbeyfalls/Abbi Falls and Raja Seat
Please note *: My videos will be in Telugu language but I am trying to include English subtitles, Kindly bear with me 😉
Location: Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
How to reach: Raja’s Seat is located in the town of Madikeri and can be reached by foot or taxi.
Activities: Picnicking, photography, and relaxing in the garden.
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: 10 INR
Nisargadhama
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Cauvery river. The island is home to many species of animals, including deer, rabbits, and peacocks. Visitors can also enjoy boating, elephant rides, and zip-lining.
Location: Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest Park, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka, 571201, India
How to reach: Nisargadhama is located about 30 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Boating, elephant rides, zip-lining, and nature walks.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: 10 INR
Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol Peak is one of the highest peaks in Coorg and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. The trek to the peak takes you through lush green forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Location: Madikeri Taluk, Kodagu District, Karnataka, India
How to reach: Tadiandamol Peak is located about 35 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Trekking, hiking, and photography.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: 100 INR approx
Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult for Amateurs!
*Tip: Take necessary precautions to avoid Leeches and carry salt and Dettol/Savlon and stay hydrated
Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Brahmagiri Range of Coorg. The waterfall is considered to be a sacred place by the locals and is visited by many devotees. The surrounding forest is also home to many species of animals, including elephants and tigers.
Location: Brahmagiri range, Kurchi, Karnataka 571250, India
How to reach: Iruppu Falls is located about 85 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Trekking, photography, and exploring the surrounding forest.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: 50 INR
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Bylakuppe, Coorg. The monastery is home to many Tibetan refugees and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.
Location: Arlikumari, Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104, India
How to reach: Namdroling Monastery is located about 35 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Visiting the monastery, learning about Tibetan culture, and photography.
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Talakaveri
Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri and is a popular destination for pilgrims. The temple located at the source is dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Location: Tala Kaveri, Karnataka 571247, India
How to reach: Talakaveri is located about 48 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Visiting the temple, exploring the surrounding forest, and photography.
Timings: 7:00 am to 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Mallalli Falls
Mallalli Falls is known for its breathtaking beauty and scenic surroundings. The falls are located in the foothills of the Pushpagiri Range and offer visitors a chance to witness the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Location: Kumarahalli, Karnataka 573123, India
How to reach: Mallalli Falls is located about 26 km from Somwarpet and can be reached by car or bus. The falls are located deep in the forest, and visitors need to trek for about 2 km and there will be approximately 600 steps to reach the falls.
Activities: Trekking, waterfall rappelling, and nature photography.
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Mandalpatti
Mandalpatti is a hill station located in Coorg and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill station can only be reached by a jeep ride, which adds to the adventure.
How to reach: Mandalpatti is located about 30 to 35 km from Madikeri and can only be reached by jeep ride.
Activities: Jeep ride to Mandalpatti, photography, and exploring the surrounding hills.
Timings: 5:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jeep Safari Fee: 2000 INR for 4 persons
Brahmagiri Peak
Brahmagiri Peak is a popular destination for trekking and hiking in Coorg. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a great place to experience the beauty of Coorg.
Location: Manchalli, Karnataka 670646, India
How to reach: Brahmagiri Peak is located about 60 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Trekking, hiking, and photography.
Timings: 8:00 Am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: 275 INR per person
Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is a small town located in Coorg and is known for its stunning views of the River Cauvery and the surrounding hills. The town is home to a famous temple and is a popular destination for tourists.
Location: Bhagamandala, Kodagu Karnataka,India
How to reach: Bhagamandala is located about 38 km from Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Temple visits, trekking, and photography.
Timings: 6:00 am to 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Honnamana Kere Lake
Honnamana Kere Lake is a beautiful lake located in Coorg and is known for its serene surroundings and beautiful views. The lake is a popular destination for tourists who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of Coorg.
Location: Honnamana Kere, Somwarpet, Coorg, Karnataka, India
How to reach: Honnamana Kere Lake is located about 6 km from Somwarpet and can be reached by car or bus.
Activities: Boating, fishing, and photography.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: 15 INR per person
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is a popular tourist destination located in Coorg and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a wide range of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer, and offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form.
Location: Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Forest Campus, Old BM Rd, Hunsur, Karnataka 571105, India
How to reach: Nagarhole National Park is located about 93 km from Coorg and can be reached by car or bus. Visitors can take a taxi or a local bus from Coorg to reach the park.
Activities: Jeep safari, bird watching, and nature photography.
Timings: 6:45 am to 8:45 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Jeep Safari: 5:30 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Bus Safari: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Coracle Ride: 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: 150 INR
Chiklihole Reservoir
Chiklihole Reservoir is a popular destination located in Coorg and is known for its serene surroundings and beautiful views. The reservoir is surrounded by lush greenery and offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind in the lap of nature.
Location: Chiklihole Reservoir, Attur Forest, Karnataka, 571234, India
How to reach: Chiklihole Reservoir is located about 12 km from Coorg and can be reached by car or bike.
Activities: Boating, fishing, and nature photography.
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How to Reach Coorg?
Coorg is well connected by road and air.
By Air: The nearest airport to Coorg is the Mysore Airport, which is around 120 kilometers away. However, it only operates limited flights. The closest major airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, which is approximately 290 kilometers from Coorg. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Coorg.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Coorg is in Mysore, which is approximately 110 kilometers away. Mysore is well-connected to major cities in India like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From Mysore, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Coorg.
By Road: Coorg is well-connected by road to major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. You can take a bus, hire a taxi or drive to Coorg. The most popular route is via Bangalore and Mysore.
The distance between Bangalore and Coorg is approximately 265 kilometers and takes around 6 hours to cover.
The distance between Mysore and Coorg is approximately 110 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to cover.
The drive passes through scenic routes with beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and lush green forests. There are also several pit stops along the way where you can enjoy local delicacies and refreshments.
Must-Try Food in Coorg
Coorg cuisine is an amalgamation of the flavors of Karnataka and the spices of Kerala. The dishes are known for their bold and rustic flavors, with the use of coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind being prominent.
Here are some of the must-try foods when in Coorg:
Pandi Curry – This is a pork-based dish cooked in a thick gravy of spices and coconut. It is a popular dish in Coorg and is usually served with rice balls.
Noolputtu – Noolputtu is a steamed rice noodle dish that is generally served for breakfast. It is made by grinding rice into fine flour, mixing it with water, and then steaming it in a noodle press.
Kadumbuttu – Kadumbuttu is a steamed rice dumpling dish served for breakfast. It is made by shaping rice flour into small balls and then steaming them.
Bamboo Shoot Curry – This is a vegetarian dish made with bamboo shoots, coconut, and spices. It is a popular dish in Coorg and is usually served with rice.
Akki Roti – Akki Roti is a flatbread made with rice flour, grated coconut, and spices. It is a popular dish in Coorg and is usually served with coconut chutney.
Coorgi Koli Curry: A spicy chicken curry made with a blend of local spices and served with rice or roti.
** The best places to try these dishes are the local eateries and cafes such as Coorg Cuisine, Taste of Coorg, and East End Hotel.
Places to Stay in Coorg
Coorg offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. From budget homestays to luxury resorts, here are some of the best places to stay in Coorg:
Budget Homestays in Coorg
If you are looking for an authentic Coorg experience, then a homestay is the way to go. Homestays in Coorg are usually located in the middle of coffee plantations and offer a unique experience. Some of the best budget homestays in Coorg are Honey Valley Homestay, Whispering Woods Coorg, and Gowri Nivas.
Mid-Range Accommodations in Coorg
For those looking for a little more comfort, Coorg offers a wide range of mid-range accommodations. These include hotels and resorts that offer comfortable rooms and amenities such as swimming pools and spas. Some of the best mid-range accommodations in Coorg are Coorg Wilderness Resort, Heritage Resort Coorg, and Club Mahindra Madikeri.
Luxury Accommodations in Coorg
For those looking for a luxurious experience, Coorg offers some of the best resorts in the country. These resorts offer world-class amenities such as private pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants. The most popular luxury accommodations in Coorg are the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, The Tamara Coorg, and Evolve Back Kabini. These accommodations offer activities such as guided nature walks, coffee plantation tours, and bird watching.
Unique Stays in Coorg
Apart from traditional homestays and luxury accommodations, Coorg also offers some unique stays that are worth experiencing. Treehouses, campsites, and cottages are some of the options available for those looking for something different. The treehouses in Coorg are located in the middle of the forest and offer a serene and tranquil experience. Some of the best places for unique stays in Coorg are Treebo Trend Vrindavan Coorg, Coorg Jungle Camp, and Bird of Paradise.
Wrapping up
Coorg is a destination that offers something for everyone. From scenic landscapes to thrilling adventure activities, from authentic local cuisine to luxurious resorts, Coorg has it all. The 15 best places to see in Coorg that we have listed above will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful hill station. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of the Scotland of India.
Safety and Tips for Traveling to Coorg
While Coorg is generally safe, it is always better to take precautions while traveling. It is advised to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. It is also important to be cautious while trekking and to always follow the instructions of the guide. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. It is also important to carry a first-aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen while traveling to Coorg.
Suggested reads:
- I will also be conducting frequent trips to Coorg, you can find the Itinerary here and can reach out to me for more details
- Best 20 places to Visit in Summer in India
FAQ’s
