Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg aka Kodagu is a complete package for your peaceful getaway. Treat yourself to the misty weather and fresh aroma of coffee during your time here in Coorg. With numerous places to visit in Coorg, you won’t be short of things to do during your trip. Coorg sits comfortably surrounded by majestic mountains about 95 kilometres away from Mysuru Junction railway station. Coorg can also be easily accessed from Kerala. Especially from Thalassery and Kannur.
Table of Content
Coorg is a popular tourist spot in Karnataka and is visited mostly during the winter season. Visitors from all over the country and the world travel to Coorg to enjoy the soothing climate and to bask in its natural beauty. The lush green canopy paves the way for memorable bike trips and one can take home one of the finest coffee beans in whole India. From scenic views to thrilling adventures, there is a lot for tourists to do in Coorg. Coorg ranks among one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.
10 Places to Visit in Coorg
- Madikeri Fort
- Abbey Falls
- Raja’s Seat
- Talakaveri
- Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation
- Mallalli Waterfalls
- Iruppu Waterfalls
- Tadiandamol
- Dubare Elephant Camp
Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort Built in the latter half of the 17th century by Mudduraja, the then ruler of Coorg district, Madikeri Fort reflects Coorg’s rich cultural heritage. Madikeri Fort, also known as the Mercara Fort, is a perfect tourist spot in Coorg for visitors who appreciate marvellous architecture. The fort has witnessed a couple of wars and once housed a palace inside. Madikeri Fort went under renovation during Tipu Sultan’s reign.
Major attractions within the Madikeri Fort include two stone Elephant statues and a church. However, the church now houses the Madikeri Fort Museum and the fort is where Madekri Deputy Commissioner’s office is located. The government of Karnataka took the fort under its control in 1971 and since then the Madikeri Fort stands as an epitome of Coorg’s deep cultural and historical roots.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 05:30 PM
Major Attractions: Madikeri Fort Museum
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls, is one of the famous places in Coorg. Nestled on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Abbey Falls is within the reachable distance from the town of Madikeri in the Coorg district. The waterfall is surrounded by thick forest and private coffee plantations. One can treat their eyes to the majestic flow of water that hits the pool beneath from about 70-feet high. The waterbody later merges with the Kaveri River.
Abbey Falls is a sure entry in the list of places to visit in Coorg. Especially for honeymooners. Along with aromatic coffee plantations, one can also find pepper vines curling up the trunks of large trees in abundance. Monsoon is the best time to visit and tourists can enjoy the view from the nearby hanging bridge. The Abbey Falls is located just a stone’s throw away from Madikeri Fort.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Surrounding coffee estate, hanging bridge
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours Things to do: Hiking
Raja’s Seat
Once a recreation site for Rajas, the Raja’s Seat remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Coorg district. This garden provides a serene environment and is a must-visit spot for tourists seeking the natural beauty of Coorg. Make memories for a lifetime by witnessing the sunrise and the sunset from Raja’s seat. The magnificent high and low mountains visible through the surrounding mist provide a great view as well.
Raja’s Seat is also home to a toy train that can be boarded by children and adults alike. This makes Raja’s Seat a perfect tourist spot in Coorg for family outings. Located about 270 kilometres from the metro city of Bengaluru, bike enthusiasts can do a road trip to Raja’s Seat and nearby attractions. Raja’s Seat has beautiful flower beds and numerous artificial fountains. This tourist spot is the photographers’ haven.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:30 AM to 08:00 PM
Major Attractions: Toy train
Ideal duration to explore: 2-4 hours
Things to do: Sunset/Sunrise view
Talakaveri
Nearly 1200 metres above sea level lies Talakaveri — the source of the Kaveri river. Talakaveri is located on Brahmagiri Hills, 48 kilometres from the main town of Madikeri in Coorg district. Talakaveri is one of the famous holy destinations in Coorg and many Hindu pilgrims visit this place to take a dip in the water. A small spring called the Tirtha Kundike or the Brahma Kundik is situated near Talakaveri and it is believed that the holy river of Kaveri originates from this spring.
The place has two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha respectively. There are many folklores about Talakaveri. As per the most popular tale, it is believed that Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave glimpses of their divine avatar to Agastya muni at this spot. Talakaveri is visited most during the month of October on the day of Sankramana. The same day, one can witness the rise of a fountainhead with frothing water gushing out of it. Its cultural importance makes Talakaveri one of the unavoidable places to visit in Coorg.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM
Major Attractions: Tirtha Kundike
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Visit Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha temples
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Snuggled within the Western Ghats in Karnataka, the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the highly recommended tourist places in Coorg. The sanctuary is spread over 181 kilometres of land and derives its name from the highest peak of the surrounding mountain range, Brahmagiri. Established in 1974, the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by cardamom and coffee plantations.
Rich in flora and fauna, the sanctuary has evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with shola grasslands and bamboos on an equal basis. As for animals, the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to mammals like Indian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, tigers, jungle cats, leopard cats, wild dogs, sloth bears, spotted deer, Nilgiri langurs, common langurs, barking deer, giant flying squirrels among the others. Many varieties of reptiles and birds too can be found in the sanctuary. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a favourite tourist spot in Coorg for hikers and trekkers.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Pakshipatalam cave, Thirunnelai temple
Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
Things to do: Animal spotting, trail hiking
Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation
Known for its mesmerising coffee plantations and euphoric aroma, Coorg never lets go of its guests without luring them to one of such coffee farms. Having said that, the Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation is the perfect destination and totally worth a visit. Situated in the Madikeri district, the Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation is a 20-year-old coffee and spice farm. This well-organised farm is one of the famous places to visit in Coorg.
Spread across 15 kilometres of land, Mercara Gold Estate provides guided tours to its visitors and one can experience the coffee roasting and spice processing while here. Freshly brewed coffee is served at the end of the tour. The taste of which is well-appreciated by everyone. A visit to this coffee plantation is sure to refresh your olfactory senses like no other.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Major Attractions: Coffee and Spice plantations
Ideal duration to explore: 3-4 hours
Things to do: Coffee tasting
Mallalli Waterfalls
Huddled at the northern side of Coorg district, the cascading falls provide a breathtaking view. Frequently compared to Abbey Falls, Mallalli Waterfalls is a popular tourist spot in Coorg. The waters from the Kumaradhara river flows through this waterfall and takes a dive of about 1000 metres before joining the Arabian Sea. Mallalli Waterfalls’ grandeur can be witnessed from the foot of Pushpagiri Hill.
The calming sound of the water hitting the river in full force could be heard as you ascend the hill. Standing at the foot of this waterfall, you can feel droplets of water brushing against your face. Taking a jeep ride to the Mallalli Waterfalls would be worth every penny. This nature-friendly location can be called the face of Coorg’s scenic beauty. Mallalli falls by all means is one of the must-visit places in Coorg.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Pushpagiri Hill
Ideal duration to explore: 4-6 hours
Things to do: Jeep ride, trekking
Iruppu Waterfalls
Also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, Iruppu Waterfalls originates from the Lakshmana Tirtha tribute of the holy Kaveri river. Located in the Brahmagiri range, Iruppu Waterfalls shares its borders with the Wayanad district of Kerala. Iruppu Falls is one of the most beautiful attractions in Coorg. Due to its connection with the mythology of Ramayana, Iruppu Waterfalls is visited the most by pilgrims.
It is a popular belief that a dip at the foot of this waterfall would wash away all the sins. Nevertheless, the lush canopy and rich biodiversity make it a destination for all sorts of travellers. The cascading waterfall is a haven for trekkers. En route to the falls, one can find the famous Rameshwara temple. The temple is visited by many during Shivratri.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Rameshwara temple
Ideal duration to explore: 4-6 hours
Things to do: Trekking, Hiking
Tadiandamol
Towering over the southeastern part of the Coorg district, Tadiandamol aka Thadiyandamol is the highest peak in the district. Standing 5700 feet tall, Tadiandamol is the second-highest peak in the whole of Karnataka. Once atop, watch the beautiful town of Madikeri and the entire Coorg district from an eagle’s perspective. The panoramic view at the end of a challenging trek is worth every effort. Tadiandamol peak is one of the most famous places in Coorg.
Trekkers and travellers can take shelter in the nearby Nalknad Palace, which serves as the base camp. The 200-year-old two-storied palace is a view in itself and is the perfect stop before starting the ascend. Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to this spot mostly during the onset of winter. The soothing climate aids the trekkers and makes it easier for them to climb the steep passage to reach the pinnacle.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Hilltop, Nalknad Palace
Ideal duration to explore: 5-6 hours
Things to do: Camping, Trekking
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp reflects the harmony between man and beasts. Located on the banks of the Kaveri river, Dubare Elephant Camp is where you can interact closely with the tuskers. From jungle rides to learning many things about Elephants, Dubare Elephant Camp is one of the must-visit places in Coorg for wildlife and nature lovers. The visitors can experience a three-hour interaction with the Elephants.
This three-hour programme includes bathing the Elephants in the Kaveri river, feeding them and going for a 45-minute ride through the woods on its back. The camp has many cottages which provide an unmatchable experience of staying amidst the wilderness. Tourists can access all of its services at a very nominal charge. Dubare Elephant Camp is easily accessible from Mysuru railway station and Mangaluru airport.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Major Attractions: Elephants
Ideal duration to explore: 8-10 hours
Things to do: Jungle Safari, campfire
In conclusion, a trip to the beautiful district of Coorg is certain to refresh your soul. Walk into the lap of nature’s beauty and indulge in the freshness of coffee plantations spread all over while your stay in Coorg. Whether a part of honeymoon, backpacking, leisure or family tour, Coorg should be visited at least once in life.
FAQ
Which is the best month to visit Coorg?
Given its chilly climate, Coorg is a year-round destination. However, the period between October to March is considered ideal.
Why is Coorg famous for tourists?
Coorg is an amalgamation of scenic beauty, soothing weather, cultural/religious/historical value and home to one of the best coffee and spice plantations in India. From solo to couple or group travellers, Coorg welcomes all with equal hospitality.