Nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg, also known as Kodagu, beckons travellers with its rich landscapes of misty hills and coffee expanses. The hill station is known as the "Scotland of India" and is home to vast coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, serene ponds and lakes and a lush biodiversity. Adventure seekers can trek through rugged terrains or indulge in river rafting along the gushing rapids. For a cultural immersion, you can explore ancient temples, monasteries and forts steeped in history.
Coorg's warm hospitality, delectable cuisine featuring aromatic spices, and serene ambience make it a haven for nature lovers and urban escapists alike, promising an unforgettable retreat in the lap of nature. Here is a thorough three-day itinerary that you can follow for a fulfilling Coorg tour.
Begin your Coorg tour by visiting the Namdroling Monastery, also called the Golden Temple. It is situated in Bylakuppe, one of India's largest Tibetan settlements and the world's largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was established in 1963 by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche, the 11th throne holder of the Palyul lineage. You can witness the intricate architecture and serene surroundings while the monks carry out their daily rituals.
Later, make your way to the Dubare Elephant Camp, located on the banks of the Kaveri River, for a unique experience with these majestic creatures. Participate in activities like elephant bathing and feeding, or opt for an elephant ride through the lush greenery.
After exploring the monastery, return to Coorg town for lunch and indulge in local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Try dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry) or Kadambuttu (rice dumplings). You can head to places such as Thaliya, a traditional Kodava restaurant, or Hotel Udupi Garden, which serves vegan and non-vegetarian dishes.
Towards the evening, return to Coorg town and visit Raja's Seat, a popular viewpoint overlooking the hills. Witness a mesmerising sunset as you relax in the tranquil setting. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savouring more Coorg specialities.
On your second day, visit the Abbey Falls, one of Coorg's most picturesque waterfalls. You can enjoy the place's scenic beauty and take memorable photographs while immersing yourself in nature's tranquillity. After that, you can head to the Madikeri Fort and Museum to delve into the history and culture of the region. The fort was built in 1681 by King Mudduraja and has been occupied by many dynasties and kingdoms, including the British East India Company, the Mysore Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire. Don't forget to check out the panoramic views of the town from the fort's vantage points.
In the afternoon, you can trek to Mandalpatti for breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is located at an altitude of 1,800 m and overlooks the grasslands of Pushpagiri forests in the Western Ghats. It is also known as "Muguli-peth," which translates to "market of clouds." If you are a photography enthusiast, you will have ample opportunities to capture stunning landscapes.
As the evening approaches, you can witness the breathtaking sunset from Mandalpatti and take in the beauty of nature's canvas. Afterwards, you can return to your accommodation and relax after an adventure-filled day.
Start your day with a plantation tour at one of Coorg's coffee estates. You can head to the expansive TATA plantation site and learn about the process of coffee cultivation and indulge in some freshly brewed coffee straight from the source. You can also hire a local coffee guide who will tell you all about the origin of coffee and the story of how Baba Budan Giri got these seeds in India and started the legacy of rich coffee plantations. At the coffee plantation, you can also check out the pepper plants and witness a massive amount of Mexican avocado being grown.
After the tour, enjoy lunch either at the plantation or back in town, sampling more of Coorg's delicious cuisine. You can head to the Riverside Coffee Estate and the Riverside Cafe, where you can have a hearty lunch, sample more homegrown coffees, and take a tour of an independent family-owned coffee plantation.
In the afternoon, visit the Talakaveri Temple, the source of the Kaveri River. It is a pilgrimage site in the Kodagu district and is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Kaveriamma. Explore the temple complex and take in the serene surroundings of this sacred site.
As the sun begins to set, take a stroll through the local markets in the evening and pick up souvenirs and handicrafts to remember your trip. End your day with a traditional Coorg dinner, savouring the rich flavours of the region's culinary delights.
The best time to visit Coorg is from October to June as the weather is pleasant with no rain and good weather. However, if you want to go trekking, October to March is the ideal time.
Kannur in Kerala is the nearest airport (90 km away). Mysuru (132 km) and Mangaluru (136 km) are the other two convenient airports. Sakleshpura is the nearest railhead (100 km) to Coorg.
Visitors can travel by KSRTC, private buses and taxis from Bengaluru and other major cities in south Karnataka.
