Best Tourist Destinations In Coorg

Coorg is known to be the lush green misty hills that look like Scotland. The indecisive looks of the hilltown follow to cool weather. Even though Coorg will not disappoint you at any time of the year, spring is the best time to visit this tropical hill town. In March and April, the chances of seeing a valley full of flowers are highly likely. Whether you are a nature lover or adventurer, Coorg has something to offer to everyone. Here are the best tourist attractions of this sleepy hilltown.  

Madikeri

Madikeri is the headquarters of Coorg district and has a number of spots that are different from one another and fascinates tourists. If you are in Coorg on a one-day-trip, then Madikeri is your best bet. This hill town smells of coffee and spices for it is filled with plantations. Most of the townsfolk work in these plantations. If you visit Madikeri in February or March, the whole town is guaranteed to be filled with the intoxicating aroma of coffee blossoms. And they smell way better than the coffee itself. Here are the must-see spots in Madikeri.  

Madikeri Fort

If you are a history buff and missed Madikeri Fort, there is regret for a lifetime. This fort also known as Mercara Fort has seen five rulers and all of them left their mark on it. It was constructed by Mudduraja in the 17th century. Later, it was rebuilt and renovated by Tipu Sultan, Dodda Vira Rajendra, the British, and Linga Rajendra II. One part of the fort is a museum that displays several artefacts of various times including weaponry from Tipu Sultan’s time.  

Raja’s Seat

This is a spot designed for royalty, and no one returns form Coorg without visiting Raja’s seat. It is only a five minute’s car ride from Madikeri Fort. As the name suggests, this is where kings and queens would come to watch the sunset. It is a garden with flowers and artificial fountains overlook to the green valleys of the west. The misty mornings of Coorg from Raja’s seat are known to be a beloved sight for nature lovers.  

Gaddige Raja’s Tomb

This resting place of Kodava royals is one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Lord Shiva’s idol is present inside this monument and is still worshipped. Not being a sparkly monument hasn’t stopped the tourists from visiting this remarkable work of architecture. And the carvings and Muhammadan style tombs doesn’t disappoint them. Gaddige Raja’s Tomb is at nine minute’s car ride from Raja’s Seat.  

Omkareshwara Temple

This ancient temple that was built by King Lingarajendra II in the 18th century is only an eight-minute car ride away from Raja’s Tomb. Omkareshwara temple is frequently visited by locals as they believe that it was built by their king as a form of penance. The temple is a mix of Islamic and Gothic architecture. The artificial pond with a mantapa built in the centre has plenty of fish and is a major tourist attraction.  

Abbey Falls and Nilakandi Falls

Madikeri has two stunning waterfalls - Abbey Falls and Nilakandi Falls. Abbey Falls is not as big as other waterfalls in South India. It is a 20-minute car ride away from Omkareshwara temple. Even though small, it makes for beautiful photographs. Unlike Abbey Falls, Nilakandi Falls is perfect for a small trekking experience. The waterfall is approximately 1.20 hours’ car ride away from Omkareshwara temple. The waterfall is on a stream that is in the Honey Valley Estate and has everything that one would expect from a tropical forest.     Do not forget to have fun with coffee and spice plantations, fishing camps, and bird watching before leaving town. Local restaurants serving the amazing cuisine of Kodavas is also an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Bylakuppe

If you have another day for this interesting hill station, head to Bylakuppe as it is only a an hour’s car ride away from Madikeri. A short trip to the town that is technically in Mysore district, but is on the edge of Coorg will be worthwhile. This town is known for its Tibetan settlements. It is the second largest Tibetan settlements in the world that is outside Tibet. Bylakuppe is the only Tibetan establishment of South India. Here are some of the must-see spots on your trip to Bylakuppe.  

Namdroling Monastery

While roaming around and staring at the many monasteries of the quiet town, do not miss the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple. This monastery is home to over 5000 lamas. The serene atmosphere goes perfectly well with the appearance of the temple which has several colourful murals and tall idols of Buddha. A visit will be a fine opportunity to familiarise with Tibetan culture and heritage.  

Kaveri Nisargadhama

If you have a soft spot for nature, Kaveri Nisargadhama is surely your cup of tea. It is a small island in River Kaveri in Coorg district and is a calm spot with a lot of bamboo plantation and huts. One will have to pass through a hanging bridge to reach the island. It is only a 15-minute car ride away from The Namdroling Monastery.  

Dubare Elephant Camp

Approximately 30 minutes car ride away from The Namdroling Monastery, it is a must-visit camp for animal lovers. The Dubare Elephant camp is a forest camp in Coorg district set on the banks of the river. It was the centre of training elephants, and now is open to visitors. The camp has cottages as well for visitors to stay overnight and be away from the hassle of the city.  

Talakaveri and Bhagamandala

If you are one with a taste for pilgrim centres, do not hesitate before heading to Talakaveri and Bhagamandala. The two spots are right next to each other and is only a 1.15 hour car ride away from Madikeri. Talakaveri is considered to be the origin of River Kaveri. However, the flow of water from this exact spot to the course of the river can only be seen during monsoon. The place is considered holy and is worshipped by Kodavas.     Bhagamandala is a temple that is built at the confluence of River Kaveri and other two rivers - Kannike river and Sujyothi river. Pilgrims come here to perform rituals for their ancestors before moving on to Talakaveri. The architecture of the temple, especially the entrance gate is praised for its beauty by many.

For the Adventurous Souls

Kodagu has something for everyone. If temples and Tibetan settlements doesn’t fascinate you but water sports and trekking does, these tourist destinations are perfect for you.

Barapole River Rafting

Barapole river is 2 hours’ car ride away from Madikeri and is known for river rafting. Anyone between the age of 14 and 60 can participate in the activity and will receive a training session before it begins.   Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Trek Brahmagiri hills on the Western Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot. The Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary is designed to protect the region and a trek in this route is next to heaven. It is a two-day trek and you can visit the wildlife sanctuary as well. You will get to see a lot of mammals, reptiles, and bird including Lion-tailed Macaque, Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Wild Pig, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgiri Langur, Slender Loris, Python, cobra, emerald dove, black bulbul and Malabar trogon.  

For Nature Lovers

If the goal of your trip to Coorg is making the most of peaceful ambience and green landscapes, then you can venture beyond Madikeri and find more.

Chettalli Village

It is a quaint village that is an only 30-minute car ride away from Madikeri. It is far less crowded than other tourist destinations in Coorg, and that only adds more to the beauty of it. Chettalli has the largest horticultural experiment station in Asia maintained by Indian Institute of Horticultural Research. This means lots of fruits and flowers are to be seen around due to the excellent weather. Except for Cherala Bhagavathy Temple, there are no particular spots to check off the list. You can walk around the village and enjoy the nature.  

Kutta Village

Kutta is another nature’s gem and is approximately two hours car ride away from Madikeri. It has a lot of coffee and spice estates. This is a village set right in the lap of a tropical forest. Kutta is one of the most loved villages en route to Kerala from Coorg.