Explore Nature’s Paradise! Uncover the Top 15 Things to Do in Coorg, the Scotland of India
Coorg – An Enchanting Hill Station in India! Tucked away in the majestic Western Ghats, Coorg is an enchanting hill station blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty. From misty landscapes and imposing mountains to gurgling waterfalls, dense forests, verdant valleys, cool climatic conditions, spectacular coffee plantations, aromatic spice gardens, amazing wildlife and mind-blowing food – this land of Kodavas truly deserves the title of the ‘Scotland of India’!
Ready for a unique travel experience? Book your stay in one of Coorg’s finest hotels, preferably in Madikeri as it is the district headquarters. And if you need some help planning your itinerary, here’s a list of the top 15 things to do in Coorg on your vacation. Don’t wait any longer – an unforgettable experience awaits!
Experience the serenity of the Golden Temple or the spiritual vibes of the Namdroling Monastery!
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Namdroling Monastery – also known as the Golden Temple – is home to over 5000 lamas and the largest teaching center for the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in 1963, the monastery features timeless Tibetan art and architecture, offering a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. Get a unique insight into Buddhist culture by joining in on prayer rituals, turning the prayer wheels, or simply walking around the temple grounds and soaking up the spiritual atmosphere.
Come Explore the Enchanting Abbey Falls and Be Mesmerized by its Beauty!
A visit to the majestic Abby Falls is a must for all nature lovers and shutterbugs visiting Coorg. Surrounded by lush coffee and spice plantations, the 70-feet tall waterfall is a sight to behold. Don’t forget to check out the hanging bridge opposite the falls, which offers a stunning view and breathtaking photo ops.
Unforgettable Experiences Await You at Dubare Elephant Camp – Spend Time with Elephants!
Come experience an unforgettable adventure at the Dubare Elephant Camp! Located on the banks of Cauvery, the camp is home to several elephants, giving you the chance to be up close and personal with them. Watch, bathe, feed, and bond with these majestic creatures. Accommodation is provided in the camp’s cottages where you can also indulge in nature walks, jeep safaris, wildlife film shows, and campfires. Short on time? Opt for a day visit instead!
Explore the Magic of Talacauvery!
Talacauvery is a beautiful destination nestled on Brahmagiri Hills, renowned for being the source of the Cauvery River. Here, you can find a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma and a tank fed by a spring, believed to be the point of origin of the river. For those up for the challenge, a flight of over 400 steps leads to the hilltop, where you can take in the stunning views and offer prayers.
Witness the Picturesque Sunset at Raja’s Seat!
Raja’s Seat is a magical place – it was once the favorite spot of recreation for the Rajas of the region. This beautiful garden is full of flowers, lush greenery, and artificial fountains. Enjoy the commanding views of the mountains and valleys from Raja’s Seat, and be sure to visit in the evenings to watch the spectacular sunset, just like the erstwhile Rajas did. Plus, the garden has a toy train for little ones to enjoy!
Experience the Thrill of Whitewater Rafting on the Barapole River!
For an unforgettable adventure in Coorg, head to Barapole River for some whitewater rafting! Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the river has excellent rapids for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced rafters. Get ready for an exciting journey and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Explore Wildlife Wonders at Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary!
Coorg is home to some of India’s most stunning landscapes, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is no exception! Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher or keen trekker, Pushpagiri is packed with things to do. With the Kukke Subramanya Forest Range and Bisle Forest Range as its backdrop, it’s a haven for rare and endangered bird species. Not to mention, the trails of Kote Betta and Pushpagiri Peak are must-dos for trekkers!
Uncover Centuries of History at Madikeri Fort!
Are you interested in travelling back in time to discover the Kodava region’s illustrious past? Go to Madikeri Fort (or Mercara Fort), a popular tourist destination in Coorg for history buffs. Built in the 17th century by Mudduraja and restored later by Tipu Sultan, the fort includes a church and a museum which exhibits weaponry used during Tipu Sultan’s era and other antiquities.
Enjoy Real Kodava Cuisine
When in Coorg, you should eat like the Kodavas. And this means you will be indulging yourself to a wide choice of scrumptious delicacies including their hallmark Pandi Curry (pork), Kadamuttu (rice ball), and Akki Roti (rice roti), Bamboo Shoot Curry, Noolputtu (string hoppers), and Kommu Curry (mushroom curry) (mushroom curry). Don’t forget to garnish it as well.
Some of the greatest restaurants in Coorg include:
Coorg Cuisine (Stuart Hill)
Smell of Coorg (Stuart Hill)
Beans and Brews Café (KSRTC Bus Stand Road)
Raintree (Behind Town Hall)
Coffee Cup (Mysore-Madikeri Road)
Time Spent in Cauvery Nisargadhama
Nisargadhama, a lovely island off the Cauvery River, is a great place to spend the day with your loved ones. The primary attractions here include a hanging bridge, boat rides, elephant rides, dense bamboo groves, an ecological park, riverfront cottages, and tree huts. The island is located adjacent to the Golden Temple, so you can combine these two sites in one day.
Offer Your Prayers at the Omkareshwara Temple
A 19th-century shrine located in the centre of Madikeri town, the Omkareshwara Temple is one of the best places to visit Madikeri Coorg. The patron deity here is Lord Shiva, and the unusual architecture of the temple shows aspects of Islamic and Gothic styles.
Take a Trip to Nagarhole National Park
How about taking a short journey to one of the finest tiger reserves in the country? Make your way to the Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve where you can spot the beautiful tiger along with Asian elephants, leopards, and various other wildlife species. The quantity of avifauna here makes it a popular place for birdwatching also. The national park is a well-liked rest area for travellers from Bangalore heading to Coorg.
Plan A Picnic to Iruppu Falls
Located on the route to Nagarhole, the magnificent Iruppu Falls also named Lakshmana Thirtha Falls is an ideal picnic place for backpackers and visitors. This freshwater cascade is flanked by gorgeous forest pathways, and there is also a Shiva Temple in the proximity.
Appreciate Honnamana Kere Lake’s Beauty
Touted as the largest lake in Coorg, Honnamana Kere is where history, spirituality, and scenic beauty meet. The lake is flanked by coffee plantations and lush green cliffs, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photo aficionados. There is also a temple near to the lake which is dedicated to Goddess Honnamana.
Go for Plantation Walks
Plantation hikes are among the most intriguing things to do in Coorg as the region is most renowned for its coffee and spice production. Many coffee and spice estate owners and private resorts and homestays provide guided trips around their farms. These tours provide you an insight into how these spices and coffee reach your home from the fields and the processes and skills involved in it
