About City

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. This enchantingly beautiful place is popularly called as the ‘Scotland of India’ and also ‘Kashmir of South’. Madikeri is the region's centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your experience more memorable! 

Places To Visit In Coorg

1. Abbey Falls
Abbey falls located between the natural greenery of coffee plantations and spice estates is blessed with stunning beauty and serene calm. The falls has a wild beauty. Water cascading over rocks into the pool. The roaring sound of the waterfalls can be heard from the road.

2. Talakaveri Temple & Waterfalls
Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala. Kodavas erected a tank which is now considered as its origin. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank or a Kundike and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri some distance away. The place has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.

3. Raja's Seat
Raja's Seat is a well-known tourist site in Coorg that is an elevated garden looking out onto the valley, believed to have been a favourite among the Kings of Kodagu; it is full of colourful flowers, fountains and plenty of spots to catch the sunrise or sunset. Moreover, boasting of impressive history, the 17th century Madikeri Fort was built by Muddu Raja and then reconstructed by Tipu Sultan.

4. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary covers 181 square km and has got its name from the Brahmagiri Park, which is the highest peak with a height of 1608 m. The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands and bamboos. The sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom.

5. Chiklihole Reservoir
On one of the tributaries of the River Cauvery, the reservoir offer tourists with seclusion and privacy unlike other tourist spots. The dense forest along with the rich flora and fauna add on to the charm of the place. It is a great picnic spot and thus perfect for family outing as well. The place with amazing scenic beauty is nothing less than paradise for photographers. Sunset view is mesmerizing from here and an experience in itself.

6. Dubare Elephant Camp
It presents tourists with an opportunity to be close to elephants and engage in various activities related to them. The trained naturalists assist tourists with details on Elephant history, ecology and biology. What makes this camp unique is the fact that tourists can participate in various activities with elephants which is three hour elephant interaction.

7. Harangi Dam
Built across the tributary of River Cauvery, Harangi dam is the first dam that has been built across River Cauvery. It has a height of 47 meters and length of 846 meters creating a marvelous view of forceful streams of water. A popular picnic spot, it is good even for family outing where one can relax and spend some calm moments with his or her loved ones.

8. Honnamana Kere Lake
Honnamana Kere (Honnama Lake) is a popular tourist spots in Coorg. Being the largest lake in the region of Coorg, Honnamana Kere has spiritual as well as historical significance. The lake is surrounded by hills, coffee plantations and man-made caves. Named after Goddess Honnamana, adjacent to this lake is a temple dedicated to the goddess.

9. Omkareswara Temple
Depicting both Islamic and Gothic architecture, Omkareshwara temple was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra as a dedication to Lord Shiva. There is a wonderful pool in front of the temple. There are four Minarets around and a dome in the centre of the temple. A footpath leads to the Mandap. Here the Sivalinga was named as Omkareswara. Regular rituals were performed here.

10. Kotebetta Trek / Peak
One of the popular tourist spots in Coorg, Kotebetta is third highest peak in Coorg region after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri. Kotebetta offers tourists with amazing trekking opportunities. It is 10 km away from Hattihole. Tourists start their trek from the Hattihole and ends at the peak. Along with lush greenery and especially huge expanse of coffee estates accompany you on your trekking.

11. Madikeri Fort
The fort has rich history and has seen many battles and successions. At ten entrance of the fort, you will see two life-sized elephants which are made of mortar. There was a temple as well inside the fort dedicated to Virabhadra which was later removed in the year of 1855 by the British. They built an Anglican Church in its place which is also a beautiful architectural work.

12. Mallalli Falls
Located at the foot of Pushpagiri Hill Ranges, Mallalli Falls are one of the best places in Coorg to spend some time. Mallalli Falls are created when River Kumaradhara drips down from the peak of Pushpagiri Peak, which is over a height of approximately 200 feet.

13. Mandalpatti Trek
Located 4 km before Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti Offering amazing scenic beauty and perfect opportunities to be amidst the best of natural settings is increasingly become popular amongst tourists. The trek presents trekkers with beautiful scenery and rich flora and fauna. 

14. Nalknad Aramane Palace
The palace is an impressive structure and thus makes for an interesting visit. Its roofs and walls have been adorned with many ancient paintings and carvings. There is a gigantic gateway at the place. Inside the palace, you will find a kalyana mandapa which is a platform to hold marriage ceremonies.

15. Nehru Mantap
Nehru Mantap is located in the town of Madikeri in the vicinity of Raja's Seat. The mantap presents amazing view as it overlooks the Madikeri Radio Station. You get view of the mountain located at a distance along with captivating view of the town.

16. Padi Iggutappa Temple
Dedicated to Lord Iguthappa which is another name for Lord Subramanya, the temple resembles to the Keralite temples in architectural design. The temple plays an important role in the culture and traditional practices of Kodavas. The temple according to Kodavas holds magical powers and fulfils wishes of devotees.

17. Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery)
Popularly known as the 'Golden Temple', the Namdroling Monastery holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork, as seen with the elaborately decorated temple tower and ornate outer walls, intricately adorned with beautiful murals.

18. Somwarpet
Somwarpet, a town in the north east of the Coorg district, has several tourist attractions, the main being Beelur Golf Club along with the Mallalli Falls and the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

19. Tadiandamol Trek
Tadiandamol is the highest mountain peak in Coorg, at an elevation of 1748m. Most tourists interested in trekking are drawn to this place as the journey is difficult, but the view from the top, unparalleled.

20. Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is a fresh water cascade located in the Brahmagiri Mountain Range, in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. These are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, a name derived from the name of the tributary of Cauvery which starts from these falls. A major tourist attraction, it attracts a large number of tourists because of their mesmerizing natural beauty.

21. Barapole River
Barapole River is a famous white river rafting destination in Coorg. The white frothy river with speedy waters and rapids, flowing through beautiful landscapes, makes for an ideal river rafting experience. White water rafting is organized in Upper Barapole in Kithu-Kakkatu River which is a strong catchment area for the monsoons, thus providing some of the most challenging stretches of rapids. The Barapole River surges through dense forests and offers rafting participants a breathtaking view of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

22. Coffee Plantations in Coorg
A walk through the beautiful plantation estates is one of the most wonderful things to do in Coorg. The region is known for its coffee plantations that also have a variety of spice plants and vanilla trees. Most of these coffee estates provide a paid guided walking tour and have stores from where you can buy coffee and spices.

23. Gaddige Raja's Tomb
Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, this beautiful structure of Gaddige Raja's tomb is the mortal remains of the Kodavad Royalty. These tombs date back to 1820.

24. Nagarhole National Park Safari
With its diversity of flora and fauna, the Nagarhole National Park is one of the best known wildlife reserves in India. It houses not just multiple species of plants and shrubbery but also mammals, reptiles, crawlers and rare birds.

25. Honey Valley-Nilakandi Falls
The Nilakandi Falls are located the midst of the dense tropical forests of Coorg. It is a picturesque and serene waterfall that lends trekkers a wonderful waterfall experience. Honey Valley is a private resort in which this beautiful waterfall is located.

26. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Pushpagiri is one of the 21 wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and home to many rare and endangered species of birds. The Kumara Parvat peak lies here. This National Park is also a proposed World Heritage site.

27. Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage site situated in the scenic foothills of Talacauvery, at a distance of only 39 kms from Madikeri. A bath in the holy waters of the Bhagamandala is not only sacred but also a very spiritually uplifting and cleansing experience.

28. Kutta
Kutta is a small town in Karnataka that connects the several tourist attractions surrounding it. Replete with misty mountains, undulating rivers and cascading waterfalls, Kutta is mainly known for serving as a gateway to the Nagarhole National Park with a few options of a home stay, especially for tourists coming from the Kerala side.

29. Kopatty Hills
Kopatty Hills is one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in India. It is the myriad landscapes that such a short trail offers and lends the trek its appeal. Located in Coorg district it is a haven for those seeking an off-beat experience. It is a relatively simple route that traverses vast expanses of coffee plantations, rolling grasslands, peaceful streams and dense forests.

30. Rameshwara temple
Located on the banks of the Lakshman Tirtha River, Rameshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for having the power to cleanse the sins of those devotees who visit here.

31. Chettali
Located on the Madikeri-Siddapur Road, Chettali is a small village blessed with lush greenery and misty hills surrounding it. The Cherala bhagavathy temple here also attracts tourists and devotees.

32. Nalakunad Palace
It was the hunting lodge of Kodagu king dating back to 18th century. It is situated at the bottom of Coorg's highest peak Tadiyendamol.

33. Virajpet
Virajpet is an offbeat hill station, situated at a distance of just 22 km from Coorg. Also known as Virajpete which is derived from Virarajendrapete, after the name of the former ruler and founder of the place, it is known for its world-class coffee and spice plantations.

34. Nishani Motte Trek
Located in the district of Galibeedu, 12 km from Madikeri near Coorg, Nishani Motte is a relatively unknown peak in Karnataka. Known for its scintillating views of misty mountains, green forest cover, lush green open meadows and rare species of flora and fauna, the place is also a popular trekking destination.

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Coorg is from October to June as the weather is pleasant with no rain and pleasant weather. However, if you want to go trekking, October to March is the best time to visit Coorg as this is the perfect weather if you wish to spend more time outdoors. During the monsoon months of late July and August, it is best to avoid visiting due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

How to Reach Coorg

Coorg is only accessed by road. There are many government and private buses going to Coorg from the major cities in Karnataka. Coorg does not have its own railway station, and the nearest one is at Mysore (120 km). The closest airport is at Mangalore (152 km), from where the tourists can head to Coorg by bus or taxi.

You cannot visit Coorg without taking a tour of its expansive coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations; walk around the grounds, passing vanilla trees on your way, and make sure to buy some coffee and spices. An absolute sight to behold, the various waterfalls of Coorg like the Iruppu Falls, Mallalli Falls and Abbey Falls are a must-visit, especially since they make for excellent picnic spots and are often considered holy.

With so much greenery comes diverse wildlife that you can explore at the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park etc. You also get to go on treks like the Pushpagiri Trek, Tadiandamol Peak Trek and Iruppu Falls Trek. In addition, there are several religious places that you can pay your respects at, like the Rameshwara Temple, Bhagamandala, Namdroling Monastery and Gaddige Raja's Tomb.

Some other fun activities offered by Coorg tour packages include shopping for coffee and Kodagu jewels, getting a rejuvenating ayurvedic treatment, river rafting, fishing at River Cauvery, visiting the Nalknad Palace etc. So you can experience Coorg at its best between October and June and explore destinations like Bangalore and Mysore that are often part of the packages.

Visit the metropolitan city of Bangalore, also called the "Garden City" or "Silicon Valley of India", to experience its botanical gardens of Lalbagh, numerous parks like Cubbon Park, the colonial Bangalore Palace, delicious street food and coffee and more! On the other hand, Mysore is known as the "City of Palaces" and enjoys a reputation as one of India's most historically significant cities.

Your visit to Mysore will leave you completely fascinated, what with its Indo-Saracenic style Mysore Palace, temples, Brindavan Gardens, lakes and sanctuaries, Rail Museum, yoga institutes, silk saris, sandalwood etc. Coorg travel packages are the perfect way to get the best out of the town, whether you are with family or friends.