Coorg or Kodagu is paradise located in the Kodagu district, in the lap of the lush green Western Ghats. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Coorg is the ideal getaway from city life. Coorg is a treat for your camera lens, soul, and eyes. With its misty mountain slopes and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Coorg offers solace in its sprawling green plantations, verdant landscapes, rustic hamlets, national parks, and lush evergreen forests. The region has a pleasant weather throughout the year and has been a popular tourist destination since over a decade.
How To Get To Coorg
The picturesque hill station is well-connected to most of the major cities via rail, road, and air. The closest airport to the hill town is Mangalore International Airport which is about 160 km away. Bangalore International Airport is 265 km away. The nearest railway station is about 95 km from Coorg in Mysore. Coorg has a good network of roads connecting it to major towns and cities. If you’re taking a bus, there are plenty of state-run and private buses which run frequently to nearby cities like Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore. One could also drive and experience the serene air and cool mountains of Coorg.
Best Time To Visit With Coorg
Coorg enjoys a great weather all throughout the year and is a evergreen summer destination. But the best time to plan a visit to Coorg is probably between the months of October to March when the hill station experiences winter and summer. In the summers the temperature does not go higher than 28°C and can drop to 3°C in the winter. The average temperature all year round is around 15°C. To experience the valley covered in white flowers, the best months to visit are March and April. The monsoon season from June to September is when the beauty of Coorg is enhanced, though the rains in these parts can be treacherous sometimes.
Places You Can’t Miss While In Coorg
Coorg has plenty of attractions which attract tourists from across the world, all year round. The place boasts a number of waterfalls, vast tea, coffee, and spice plantations, lush green valleys and a rich culture of the Kodavas. The dense forests covering the hills are known for their scenic wonders and trekking spots. You just cannot get enough of this paradise. Some of the well-known tourist attraction you must explore while you are here are:
Abbey Falls
Nestled between spice estates and coffee estates, Abbey falls offers a beautiful getaway with a splendid backdrop. It is one of the all-time favorite attractions in Coorg and is located just 8 km away from Madikeri town. You can watch the waterfall roar and cascade down from a height of 70 feet and join the river Cauvery from the hanging bridge nearby. It is a picture-perfect waterfall which has featured in many perfect shots taken by tourists, and also in many Bollywood movies. One can also indulge in a leisurely stroll in the nearby cinnamon and coffee plantations. The best time to visit Abbey Falls is during the early winter months.
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery which is otherwise called Golden Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Bylakuppe, which is a Tibetan settlement. It is located about 6 km away from the twin town of Kushalnagar and is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa (a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism) in the world. The temple is mostly known for its resplendent golden statues of Buddha Amitayus, Padmasambhava, and Buddha Shakyamuni. The best time to visit the monastery would be during the Tibetan New Year, Losar, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bylakuppe.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is a well-known training camp for elephants which is located in Dubare near Madikeri. The forests of Dubare also home to a number of species of birds and wild animals. Spotted Deer, Sambhar, and Asiatic Elephants can be easily found in these jungles. One can also find woodpeckers, kingfishers, partridges, peacocks, crocodiles, and Indian Bison or Gaur here. The elephant camp has boarding facilities and tourists can stay overnight in the jungle resorts and lodges. The coracle ride, the elephant joyride, and wildlife safari are some of the major attractions of this place.
Irrupu Falls
Located very close to Nagarhole National park is Irrupu Falls, a stunning sight of cascading water. The water starts from the Bramhagiri Range and falls down from a height of 170 feet amidst the green mountains, breaking at two points. The place is a great spot for picnics and attracts plenty of tourists all year round. It is not just a scenic paradise but is also a popular pilgrimage spot. Rameshwara Temple is located on the way to falls on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River. The temple receives a large number of pilgrims during the Shivaratri festival.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of the best wildlife reserves in India. The park is located between Mysore and Coorg district and is spread over an area of 643 square kilometers. The reserve is a popular attraction for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike and promises a vast diversity of flora and fauna. Other than Tigers, the dense tropical forest is also home to Deer, Peacocks, Jungle Bison, Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, and Sloth Bear. The jungle has plenty of streams with clear water flowing through it. One can stay overnight in the park in one of the jungle lodges to experience the wilderness.
Raja’s Seat
Coorg from here. The place is set amidst a misty valley with the most charming seasonal garden sprawled all around and is a scenic sight to behold. The musical fountains and the sunset are a must see at this popular tourist attraction. Another major attraction in Raja’s Seat is the Toy Train for children. A great time to visit the garden would be early in the morning when the whole valley is covered in mist and the sunrise is just mesmerizing.
Barapole River
The Barapole River offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in India. The river is a treasure trove of scenic delights and has dense lush green forests on either side. The rafting experience here is short but thrilling anyway. The river has a upper and lower section of rapids. The upper section is suitable for seasoned white rafters, and the lower section is suitable for first-timers. It is the ideal spot for adventure seekers to go river rafting.
Where To Stay
Coorg has some of the best accommodation options for all kinds of tourists and travelers. One could stay in luxurious resorts or hotels, but for those who are on a limited budget or want an offbeat experience and experience the local culture and cuisine, there are plenty of experiential stay options in Coorg. To experience the local Kodava life, you can stay in homestays in Coorg. The homestays in Coorg offer the best amenities including recreational activities and home-cooked meals to ensure the guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. To ensure you get the best homestays in Coorg for pocket-friendly prices, book your stay through a good hotel chain brand such as Treebo Hotels.
Where To Eat And Shop
Coorg has a number of eateries where one can enjoy a tasty Kodava meal. Some of the most popular restaurants, among tourists and locals alike, are Raintree, Atithi Restaurant, Coorg Cuisine, Hotel Capitol, and East End. For coffee, dry fruits, honey, and signature spices head to the Friday Market near Coorg Railway Station, Virajpet Market, or the market near KSRTC Bus Stand in Madikeri.
Coorg is the perfect destination for those looking to get away from everyday mundanities and hustle-bustle of the city life. Just relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe, the plantations, nature, culture, and wildlife that this hill station has to offer.
