Coorg (Madikeri), Also known as The Scotland of India is one of the best tourist attractions of Karnataka. It’s your ideal destination for a weekend getaway if you love adventure, misty mountains and trekking. This tranquil little hill station in Karnataka has a tropical monsoon climate. With alluring waterfalls, picturesque views and noteworthy delicacies, Coorg is one of the best places to visit in South India.
It’s a quintessential place to visit when one wants to take a break from their busy work lives and enjoy a little retreat in the beautiful views of this hill station.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airhead– Mangalore Airport
Nearest Railhead– Mysore railway station
Nearest Roadhead– Overnight journey from Bangalore. City buses are easily available.
No. of Days Recommended – 2 days
Best time to visit
Coorg is a great tourist destination to visit throughout the year as the weather remains mostly pleasant. However, the best time for trekking and other adventure activities is considered from October to March.
In-city travel
The best way to get around the city is by hiring a cab or an auto taxi.
Best items to shop
The best things that you can buy from Coorg as souvenirs or for yourself include filter coffee, local wine, chocolates, spices and honey.
Best Tourist Attractions
1. Enjoy the Sunset at Raja’s Seat
Soak in the serenity of Coorg’s scenic views at this place. The cold breeze, panoramic mountain views, lush greenery and the worth watching sunset, every detail adds up to the beauty of Raja’s Seat. This place is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also a must-visit for people who love photography.
2. Trek down to Mallali Waterfalls
This waterfall’s height is 200 feet, which also makes the tallest waterfall of South India. The trek to Mallali falls usually takes 25-30mins but the view is worth every step. The sound of the waterfall is very soothing and relaxing. The waterfall is surrounded by the alluring beauty of valleys, mountains and forests.
3. Abbey Falls
Abby Falls is an amalgamation of various streams from the Western Ghats that meet together and form the Abbey Falls as they meet together in Kaveri River. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Coorg and also involves a 15-20mins trek to reach the destination. The best time to visit Abbey falls is during winters.
4. Explore Dubare Elephant Camp
Take a boat ride to Dubare Elephant Camp to Bath elephants, try water sports, ziplining, bird watching, fishing etc. Explore and watch various animals such as dotted deers, bears, gaurs, peacocks, etc. walk around and click pictures in the mesmerizing environment of this camp.
Camp Timings: 8.30am to 12.00pm
Elephant Bathing: INR 100
5. Go on a coffee plantation tour
Coorg is the largest producer of coffee in India and makes quality and the purest form of coffee. Some of the different coffee estates in Coorg include Tata which caters to Starbucks, Nescafe etc. These plantations are open for tourist visits. You can even book your homestays in coffee plantations to enjoy the amazing aroma, go for coffee tasting and enjoy the greenery.
6. Experience Tibetan Culture at Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is a holy Buddhist monastery decorated with intricate designs, vivid paintings of gods and demons and embellished with unique patterns and inscriptions.
It has a 40 feet tall gilded statue of Guru Padmasambhava, Buddha Shakyamuni, and Amitayus.
The temple gives you an experience of authentic Tibetan experience.
7.Omkareshwara Temple
This temple was built in 1820 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The speciality of this temple is that its architecture shows a mix of Gothic and Islamic Styles. It reflects the Muhammadan style of architecture with dome and minaret and the Shiva Linga is placed near the door. Omkareshwara Temple remains open between 7 am and 6 pm.
Must try food items
1. Coorg Coffee
As mentioned, Coorg is famous for its coffee and hence, it’s one of the best things to try there. There are a lot of shops in the city which sell instant and filter coffee. Coorg also has some pretty cafes which are definitely worth a visit to try the different kinds of coffee such as Arabica and Robusta.
2. Local Wine
Relish the taste of wonderful homemade wine made with different varieties of fruits, grains and flowers. This is also a perfect souvenir for your friends and family.
3. South Indian Food
Coorg is one of the most favourite tourist destinations in South India. The local cuisine here is called Kodava cuisine which includes Akki Roti, Pulvas, and Puttu. Kodavas cook their food with loads of coconuts, spices, curry leaves and honey. You can experience the flavours of South Indian Cuisines in Udupis in Coorg which is inexpensive and has mouth-watering delicacies.
4. Coorg Chocolates & Spices
Along with coffee, Coorg’s homemade chocolates and spices are also very renowned for its amazing quality and taste.
