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I’ve been to Coorg twice. Both times, the emerald-hued forests of the hill station covered in clouds of mist played therapists for our city souls.
But Coorg’s weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Early mornings are pleasantly cool, breezy and misty. But by the afternoon, Coorg gets bright and sunny. And evenings turn quite romantic.
As you drive through its lush green winding roads, the wild aroma of coffee plantations and spices envelop your senses. The river sides comprise stunning sights with elephants bathing on a corner.
Coorg also offers an interesting peek into the local Kodava culture, peppered with some Tibetan influence. Come, let me take you on a virtual journey through Coorg, uncovering its most beautiful places to visit, local foods to try, what to shop and where to stay.
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Best Part About Our Coorg Trip
The most memorable part of Coorg for me were the moments spent around the Kaveri river. Be it the scenic beauty of the water flowing calmly amidst the rocks, or walking inside the river hand-in-hand with my partner. Watching elephants grazing and rafting in the river also made for a thoroughly rejuvenating experience.
Best Places To Visit In Coorg
1. Mandalpatti Peak
Trekking up to the Mandalpatti Peak was among the highlights of our Coorg trip. Early in the morning, we set off to summit the peak, which was quite a long journey. Part of it was covered on a thrilling, bumpy jeep ride and the latter half by walking uphill.
But when we reached the top, it was all totally worth it — clouds were on the same level as us, strong winds blew across our faces and we enjoyed a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Coorg!
Entry: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: It’s extremely important to wear comfortable sports shoes while trekking to avoid sprains or falls during the long, bumpy walks. You can also wear a cap or hat if you’re trekking in the afternoon.
2. Abbey Falls
The walk to Abbey Falls is a beautiful adventure in itself. We walked on a kilometre-long fenced path in the middle of a dense forest to reach the viewpoint.
On the way, melodious tunes of birds accompanied us, besides diverse species of flora. When we reached closer, the sounds of the gushing waterfalls acted like music to the ears. Eventually, the water turned out to be quite thick and beautiful, forming a little pond at the bottom.
Entry fee: INR 20 (Indians) & INR 50 (foreign tourists)
Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Google Maps
3. Raja’s Seat
This is actually a viewpoint that’s quite close to the main market. It offers a panoramic view of one side of Coorg. Plus, a park has been built around it with several benches and a children’s play area, making it one of the best places to visit in Coorg for families as well.
Entry fee: INR 20 (Indians) & INR 50 (foreign tourists)
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
Location: Google Maps
4. Cauvery river bank
As mentioned earlier, many roads in Coorg lead to the banks of river Kaveri. Thus, it’s the perfect place to dip your feet, enjoy the sounds of the river and go for a rafting ride.
We particularly found the banks near the Dubbare Elephant Camp beautiful, with fresh coconut water sellers and other facilities for tourists.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Location: Google Maps
TWT Call For Change: We do not recommend Dubbare Elephant Camp, as the elephants are chained and brought here for a feeding session. When we visited, it felt like this was being done for human entertainment and business, and some of the elephants also didn’t seem happy. A safari is a much better option compared to such camps and zoos, as you can see the elephants grazing freely in their natural habitats.
5. Namdroling Monastery
The Namdroling Monastery or Golden Temple is one of India’s biggest Tibetan settlements. Over 16,000 refugees and monks reside here.
The temple features striking architecture, with a glittering golden facade and roof adorned with Tibetan sculptures. When you step inside, you will find even more awe-inspiring Buddhist paintings and a peaceful ambience.
Entry: Free
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Location: Google Maps
6. Talakaveri Temple
This is one of the best places to visit in Coorg for multiple reasons. Firstly, Talakaveri Temple is the birth site of river Kaveri, holding immense devotional importance. Plus, the valley views from this temple are simply breathtaking!
So whether you’re offering prayers or soaking in the vistas, Talakaveri offers something for everyone.
Entry: Free
Timings: 6 am to 6:30 pm
Location: Google Maps
7. Coffee Plantations
It’s no secret that a Coorg trip is incomplete without visiting the local coffee plantations. A guided tour is the best way to explore them, as it can help you understand how the plant is grown and what goes behind your delicious cuppa that you start every morning with.
Some of the best coffee plantations to visit in Coorg are Mercara Gold Estate and Mojo Plantation.
8. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Perched on the lush green mountains of Coorg, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, with several species of fauna and flora calling the region home.
You can explore the place through treks and also opt for a fun jeep safari. You could spot elephants and deers on the way.
Entry fee: INR 30 (Indians) & INR 500 (foreigners)
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Location: Google Maps
Local Dishes To Try In Coorg
Coorg’s local Kodava cuisine comprises several vegetarian dishes that are still quite unique and unknown, while some dishes share similarities with cuisines of neighbouring states.
For instance, you will find main course dishes such as Nool Puttu, which is basically their version of Kerala’s Idiyappam (rice flour noodles), while Kadambalu is called Kudumulu (boiled rice flour balls) in the Telugu states. However, there are also dishes made with bamboo shoots that carry distinct flavors, with an almost acquired taste.
Here are some of the must-try vegetarian dishes in Coorg:
- Akki Roti
- Neer Dosa
- Nool Puttu
- Kadambalu
- Bamboo Shoot Curry
- Baby Eggplant Curry
- Coconut-based stew
- Local coffee
TWT Tip: We found a lovely restaurant that serves most of these local delicacies. It’s called Coorg Cuisine and is usually open for both lunch and dinner.
What To Shop In Coorg?
Coorg is known for its local plantations that grow a variety of native foods that you can purchase. Some of the top things to shop in Coorg are:
- Coffee
- Chocolates
- Spices
- Rosewood products
- Local garments
Activities To Try In Coorg
Besides nature’s gems, Coorg is a great destination for adventure seekers, as it offers several activities for that adrenaline rush. Here are some of the most popular activities:
- Rafting
- Trekking
- Hiking
- River walk
- Plantation walk
- Ziplining
TWT Tip: Kindly refrain from rafting if you’re visiting in the monsoon season, as high tides can become dangerous at times.
Where To Stay In Coorg?
During my second visit, we stayed at Coorg Cliffs Resort and this turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. The resort had a stunning infinity pool from where we could enjoy the stunning vistas of Coorg’s dense forests.
For our first trip, we had chosen a more budget-friendly option — Coorg Heights. Nevertheless, the resort was quite clean with all the necessary amenities.
Here are some of the other top-rated stay options in Coorg:
- Ayatana
- The Tamara
- The Hosteller
- Firefly By The River
- Taj Madikeri
- Evolve Back Coorg
- Coorg Marriott
- Ama Plantation Trails
- Silent Brooks Resort
- The Ibni
Ideal Time To Visit Coorg
Coorg’s weather mostly remains pleasant throughout the year, making it an all-season destination. However, day time can be quite hot in summers, even though it gets cool and pleasant towards the evenings and early mornings.
Winters are usually more chilly, while monsoons bring the charm of Coorg alive, with rain droplets embellishing the green forests like pearl drops. Hence, you can choose the season as per your convenience and mood.
Ways To Reach Coorg
The nearest railway stations and domestic airports to Coorg are in Mysore (4 hours) and Mangalore (5 hours). However, for the best rail and international air connectivity, the easiest way to reach Coorg is by self driving or taking a taxi/bus from Bangalore (6 hours).
3-Day Itinerary For Coorg
Day 1
- Start your Coorg trip with a visit to Talakaveri.
- Next, explore the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
- In the evening, shop for coffee, spices and chocolates at the Madikeri market.
- Have local dinner at Coorg Cuisine.
Day 2
- Go for an early morning trek to Mandalpatti Peak.
- While returning, visit Abbey Falls.
- Watch the sunset at Raja’s Seat.
Day 3
- Have breakfast at Udupi Garden.
- Visit the Cauvery river banks early in the morning for a peaceful time.
- Next, explore the Namdroling Monastery.
- In the late afternoon, go for a guided coffee plantation walk.
Note: You can squeeze the above plan into a 2-day itinerary, if you’re short on time and skip a few places as per your preference.
TWT Experience Summary Of Coorg
Both my trips to Coorg helped wash away the woes of city life. The serene hill station offered us a chance to simply breathe fresh air and immerse ourselves in the luscious hues of the forest-covered mountains.
Some of the most memorable places to visit in Coorg were the banks of the Kaveri river, Mandalpatti Peak, Abbey Falls and Namdroling Monastery. It was also a lot of fun to try activities such as rafting, trekking and jeep safari.
But, most importantly, Coorg is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a relaxing vacation amidst nature’s lap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coorg
1. Does Coorg have river rafting facilities?
Coorg has affordable river rafting points at Dubbare and Barapole. However, the former is a safer place for rafting as Barapole’s rapids are more intense and can get risky at times. The activity can cost between INR 500 and INR 2000 per person.
2. Are there good homestays or estates in Coorg?
Some of the top-rated homestays in Coorg are Vaishnavi Estate, Kedakal Estate, Notting Hill, Vanandhaara, and Firefly By The River.
3. Can Coorg be an ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore?
Coorg is one of the best and nearest getaways from Bangalore with a 6-hour drive. You can easily drive to Coorg from Bangalore, or hop on a bus/taxi.
4. What are the best trek options in Coorg?
The most popular treks in Coorg are Tadiandamol (highest peak of Coorg), Mandalpatti, Brahamagiri, Nishani Motte and Kopatty.
5. Is Coorg ideal for a honeymoon trip?
Coorg is one of the best hill stations in south India for your honeymoon as it offers beautiful landscapes, misty weather, lush forests and serene waterfalls altogether creating a very romantic ambience.
6. What could be the cons of a Coorg trip?
Some of the main cons of visiting Coorg could be heavy rainfall during the monsoons, limitations of public transport in certain areas and high crowds and prices during the peak season.
7. How much would a Coorg holiday package cost?
A Coorg holiday package could cost anywhere between INR 20,000 to INR 90,000 depending on the kind of stays and activities you choose. However, if you’re planning on your own, you can even easily do a budget trip to Coorg within INR 10,000 by staying at hostels or homestays.
8. Where can we go for wildlife safari in Coorg?
There are mainly three forest reserves in and around Coorg — Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri and Talakaveri. You can opt for any one of these forests to go on a wildlife safari.
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