Imagine walking along the refreshing heavenly appeal with nature at its peak! The green landscapes, the fresh cool air calming your mind, the sound of waterfalls harmonizing your soul and birds chirping the song of the untouched charm of nature! Mesmerized? Well, embracing the pulchritudinous beauty of nature, lush green valleys, cascading milky waterfalls, blooming coffee plantations, thrilling trekking sites, steep hills, and more, Coorg is a dreamy wonderland on earth. Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is the smallest district in Karnataka and is located midway between Mysore and Mangalore. Renowned as the ‘Coffee Cup of India’, the quaint town is world-famous for its verdant coffee plantations. From the luxuriant ravines to the mesmerizing camping sites, there are many amazing places to visit in Coorg for a magical sojourn. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Best Places to Visit in Coorg: Experience Nature's Embrace
Coorg, Karnataka is a dream holiday destination for all the nature lovers out there. Snuggled in the closest proximity to mother earth, away from the lackluster, the town will let you kiss nature to the fullest. Thanks to its awe-inspiring grace, tranquil elegance and picturesque scenery, the town is also known as the ‘Scotland of India’. From the flourishing valleys to the exotic wildlife, Coorg is sure to win your heart and soul.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Coorg for a fantasy excursion in this hill station in South India.
- Abbey Falls
- Chiklihole Reservoir, Coorg
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Honnamana Kere Lake
- Omkareswara Temple
- Madikeri Fort
- Mallalli Falls
- Raja's Seat
1. Abbey Falls: Relax Amidst the Milky Waterfalls and Green Landscapes
Nestled about 10 KM from the charming town of Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a magical spot for nature enthusiasts. It is one of the top places to visit in Coorg for a cool escapade in nature’s lap. The milky water crushes down from a height of about 70 feet making the surrounding very heavenly and majestic for a perfect date with your love or a family retreat away for the ho-hum.
Because of the peaceful landscapes, romantic vibes and soothing aura, it is among the top places to visit in Coorg. One can explore the nearby exotic coffee, cardamom, pepper and other spice plantations from a 10 min walk, 200 steps downwards the falls. There is a bridge opposite the mesmerizing falls to witness the enchanting charm for a blissful delight.
Location: Asanabalu, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 577411
Timings of Abbey Falls, Coorg: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Time Required to explore Abbey Falls: 1-2 hrs
Things to do in Abbey Falls, Coorg: Hiking (20 mins), photography and nature walks
Places to Visit Near Abbey Falls: Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple, Raja's Seat, Mandalpatti Peak and Somwarpet
Entry Fee of Abbey Falls: RS 15
Facilities Available: Parking and Washrooms
Best Time to Visit Abbey Falls in Coorg: July to November (Monsoon is the best time to visit Abbey Falls but does take extra care at this time as the area can be slippery and wet)
Madikeri Town to Abbey Falls Distance: 6 KM, 15 Mins
How to Reach Abbey Falls:
Abbey Falls in Coorg is just 8 km from Madikeri. Travelers can reach it by road via Galibeedu road and a short walk from the parking area. Hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle from Madikeri. Buses are available from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore to reach Madikeri. The nearest railway station is Mysore, from where you can take a taxi or bus to Madikeri and find local transport to Abbey Falls.
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore
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2. Chiklihole Reservoir: For a Heavenly Escape
Coorg is one of the best hill stations in India for a rejuvenating holiday retreat. Brimmed with heavenly charm, nature’s bliss, flourishing valleys and cool ambiance of the dam are enough to tantalize your senses. This is an idyllic escape in the lap of nature away from the chaotic city. Situated amidst the ravishing towns of Madikeri and Kushalnagar of Coorg district, it is a must-visit place to explore on your holiday in India.
Blessed with one of the tributaries of the Cauvery River, the reservoir is a perfect picnic hotspot for families. As this is a secluded place with no shops nearby, it is advised to carry all your basic amenities along for a hassle-free experience. Click panoramic photographs and witness the enchanting sunset views. The spellbinding nature’s grace and calming nature walks make it one of the top places to visit in Coorg.
Location: Near the town of Nanjarayapattana
Timings of Chiklihole Reservoir: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit Chiklihole Reservoir, Coorg: June to March
Places to Visit Near Chiklihole Reservoir, Coorg: Dubare Forest Reserve and Nanjarayapattana
Things to Do in Chiklihole Reservoir: Trekking and nature walks
Distance Between Kushalnagar to Chiklihole Reservoir: 24 KM, 40 Min
Distance Between Kushalnagar to Chiklihole Reservoir: 15 KM, 23 Min
Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
Entry fee: N.A
How to Reach Chiklihole Reservoir: Coorg is well connected to Karnataka's cities. Chiklihole Reservoir is accessible from Mangalore Airport (166 km) and Mysore Airport (116 km). Take a bus or cab from these airports.
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore
Suggested Read: Best Things to Do in Cheerapunji: For a Rain-Kissed Holiday Away from the Lackluster
3. Dubare Elephant Camp: A Tete-a-Tete with the Elephants
Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Coorg district, Dubare Elephant Camp is one of the best places to visit in Coorg in 2 days. One can stay in cottages designed as per your needs and at the same time connect with the charismatic vibes of nature. Embrace the natural beauty and explore the luxuriant flora and fauna for an ideal escape away from every hustle of your life.
Get a chance to indulge in enthusiastic activities with elephants and spend time with them. Travelers on their Coorg holiday can enjoy bathing with elephants, riding elephants, and experiencing the ethereal loveliness. Undertaken by the forest department, the Elephant Camp is situated near the Cauvery River to make you enjoy jungle rides and interact with trained naturalists. One can also feed the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana, and coconuts. Spend time amidst a natural setting for an experience like never before.
Location: 9WF2+353, Dubare Rd, Rangasamudra, Karnataka 571234
Recommended Duration: 1 to 2 days
Timings of Dubare Elephant Camp: The timings for Elephant interaction at Dubare Elephant Camp are from 9 AM to 11 AM in the morning and again from 4.30 PM to 5.30 PM in the evening
Things to Do in Dubare Elephant Camp: Elephant rides, cottages stay amidst lush greenery and wild nature, feed the elephants, birdwatching, and nature walks
Places to Visit Near Dubare Elephant Camp:
Namdroling Monastery, Chiklihole Reservoir, and Nisargadhama Forest
How to Reach Dubare Elephant Camp:
Dubare Elephant Camp is easily accessible from Mangalore Airport (180 km) and Mysore Railway Station (100 km). Travelers can take a bus or hire a taxi from these locations. There are also private and state-run buses from nearby cities and towns to Dubare. For a hassle-free trip to this beautiful hill station, visitors can book a private cab from top car rental companies in Coorg.
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4. Honnamana Kere Lake: Seek the Blessings of Goddess Honnamana
Coorg, a scenic quaint village is one of the best places to visit in India for an amazing holiday delight. Honnamana Kere Lake is a popular tourist spot in Coorg famous for its tranquil charm and blissful aura. Attracting numerous tourists all throughout the year, the lake is located in Daddamalthe, near to the village of Sulimalthe which is at a distance of 6 km from Somwarpet town. The lake is not only a natural site but is also considered a holy site of religious importance.
Named after Goddess Honnamma, who sacrificed her own life for the well-being of other people, the lake also adorns a temple nearby to the main site. Many married couples visit here to seek the blessings of the Goddess and a huge crowd gather here during the festival of Gowri Pooja making it one of the best places to visit in Coorg for couples. One can witness the nearby coffee plantations and engage in boating and fishing for a delightful holiday retreat.
Location: Situated at Doddamalthe Village in Coorg district of Karnataka
Places to Visit Near Honnamana Kere Lake:
Gavi Betta and Mori Betta hills, Somwarpet, Mallalli Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to Do in Honnamana Kere Lake:
Explore the coffee plantations, visit the nearby temple, enjoy boating and fishing
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach: Honnamana Kere Lake is located approximately 45 km away from Madikeri Bus Stand, which is the closest bus stand. To reach the lake, you can hire a taxi from the bus stand.
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Temples in South India: That Sing the Glory of Sanatana
5. Omkareswara Temple: The Divine Abode of Lord Shiva
The Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg was built in the 18th century by King Lingarajendra II as a gesture for atonement of killing a Brahmin for his political gains. Later, as he was very guilty and asked other Brahmins for a solution, they advised him to build a Shiva Temple who can only protect him. He went to Kashi and brought a Shivalinga from there and installed it here. Some people also consider this as one of the Jyotirlingas in India.
The unique architecture of the temple is a blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. It is believed that this temple was built in a unique style to protect it from foreign invaders. A copper plate is there at the main door where the history of the temple has been written. Brimmed with beautiful sculptures and carvings, the temple also has a water tank with freshwater fishes. The divine Sivalingam is placed near the entrance door where the devotees can seek the blessings of the almighty. The beautiful view after the sun goes down makes it one of the best places to visit in Coorg at night.
Location of Omkareshwar Temple, Coorg: Mandhata city, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is about 16 km from Barwaha in Madhya Pradesh.
Timings of Omkareshwar Temple, Coorg: 6:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5 PM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit: All-year-round
Time Required to Explore the Temple: 1 Hour
Best Places to Visit Near the Omkareshwar Temple, Coorg:
Raja's Seat, Coorg, Namdroling Monastery and Mallalli Falls
Best Things to Do Near the Omkareshwar Temple, Coorg:
Indulge in the local culture, taste local cuisine, trekking, and shopping
How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple, Coorg: Getting to Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri is convenient as the town is well-connected within Karnataka. After reaching Madikeri, tourists can easily hire auto-rickshaws or taxis locally to reach the temple.
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra: A Complete Guide for a Union with the Divine
6. Madikeri Fort: Discover the Majestic Antiquity
One of the best things to do in India is to explore the majestic forts. Madikeri Fort in Coorg is a huge tourist attraction. Initially, the fort was built in the 17th century by Mudduraja which was later renovated by Tipu Sultan who named it Jaggarabad. The fort was then renovated from time to time by various kings including Britishers and presently it serves as the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The architecture of the Fort is very impressive with two life-sized elephants made of mortar at the entrance.
The fort was once a temple dedicated to Lord Virbhadra but was later changed to a Church by the British which is now a museum. One can explore the various antiques from the past and delve deep into the rich history. The Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison inside the fort are other attractions inside the fort.
Location of Madikeri Fort: State Highway 88, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka, 571201, India
Timings:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Best Places to Visit Near the Madikeri Fort, Coorg:
Rajas’s Seat, Mallayi Falls and Abbi Falls
Best Things to Do Near the Madikeri Fort, Coorg:
Indulge in the local culture, discover the rich history and visit the scenic Raja’s Seat
Entry Fee: N.A
How to Reach Madikeri Fort, Coorg:
The nearest railway station to Madikeri is Kannur, approximately 113 km away. From Kannur, visitors can take a cab or a bus to reach the fort. Additionally, there are regular bus services from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore.
Suggested Read: Historical Forts in Rajasthan: Travel Back in Time to the Glorious Past
7. Mallalli Falls: Relax Amidst the Breathtaking Charm
Coorg is one of the famous attractions in Asia for a rejuvenating holiday retreat with your loved ones. From the natural beauty to the heavenly aura, this place is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Adding more to the excitement. Mallayi Falls is another gem located at the foot of Pushpagiri Hill Ranges in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet Taluk of Coorg district. Here Kumaradhara River flows down from over 200 feet creating a heavenly view for the tourists.
The enchanting lush green landscapes in the backdrop with cascading milky waterfalls create a soul-soothing aura. It is a popular hotspot for family picnics, nature walks and photography for a blissful experience. The cool surroundings and natural charm make it one of the best places to visit in Coorg for families.
Location of Mallali Falls: Kumarahalli, Karnataka 573123
Timings of Mallali Falls: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best Places to Visit Near the Mallali Falls, Coorg:
Rajas’s Seat, Abbi Falls and Madikeri Fort
Best Things to Do Near the Mallali Falls, Coorg:
Revive in the soothing natural charm, and visit the scenic Raja’s Seat
Other Facilities: Parking
Somwarpet to Mallalli falls distance: 25 KM, 40 Mins
Distance from Mallali Falls to Kushalnagar: 42 KM
Distance from Mallali Falls to Bidalli: 2.5 km
How to Reach Mallali Falls, Coorg: Mallali Falls is 25 km from Somwarpet and 42 km from Kushalnagar. You can hire a private vehicle or take a bus from Somwarpet to Hanchinalli or Bidalli, which are close to the falls.
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8. Raja's Seat: For a Perfect Family Retreat
One of the best places for a Honeymoon in Asia, Coorg is blessed with captivating natural grace. Raja’s Seat is a fantastic place to unwind in nature’s lap and spend quality time away from the ho-hum. Rajas’s Seat means ‘Seat of the Kings’, and is a must-visit place on your trip to Coorg. Situated in the town of Madikeri, it is a scenic place to mesmerize your senses. It is the place where the Kings used to spend quality time amidst tranquility with their queens.
Offering an ideal setting to relax and admire nature’s magic, the park is a famous tourist attraction in Coorg. The park also has a Gandhi Mantap to its left which consists of the remains of Mahatma Gandhi. Apart from that, tourists can enjoy a toy train ride inside the park and also enjoy local cuisine from the food stalls nearby. This place is among the best places to visit in Kodagu for a perfect family holiday.
Raja's Seat Coorg Location: Near Rajadarshan Hotel, Raja Seat Road, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka, 571201, India
Raja's Seat, Coorg Entry Fee:
5 per person Park entry fee
20 per person for the Toy Train ride
40 Parking fee
Raja's Seat, Coorg Timings: 5:30 AM to 8 PM with musical fountain timings being 7 pm on weekdays and 6:45 pm to 7:20 pm on weekends.
Other Facilities: Parking
Places to Visit Near Raja’s Seat: Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara temple and Abbey Falls/Abbi Falls
Things to Do in Raja’s Seat: Nature walks, relax, enjoy a toy train ride, click panoramic photographs and witness musical fountains in the evening
How to Reach Raja's Seat, Coorg:
- By Air: The nearest airports are Mysore and Mangalore. From there, hire a cab to reach Coorg.
- By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Hassan, Kasaragod, and Kannur. From there, take a bus or cab to Coorg.
- By Road: Regular public and private buses operate from major cities of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to Coorg.
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar: Indulge in Thrilling Adventures Amidst Picturesque Views
Top Things to Do in Coorg, Karnataka: For a Fun-Filled Vacation
- Visit Abbey Falls for stunning views.
- Explore the coffee plantations.
- Trek to Tadiandamol Peak, the highest point in Coorg.
- Experience the beauty of Raja's Seat sunset.
- Discover the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.
- Enjoy boating at Honnamana Kere Lake.
- Visit the historical Madikeri Fort.
- Experience river rafting in Barapole River.
- Enjoy wildlife at Nagarhole National Park.
- Taste local Coorg cuisine and coffee.
Coorg is a heavenly town in Karnataka known for its mesmerizing natural charm and breathtaking landscapes. From the verdant valleys to sparkling waterfalls, the quaint town is a magical destination for nature lovers. There are umpteen places to visit in Coorg to uplift your mood and connect you with natural splendor. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags today and get ready to embark on a thrilling vacation in the heart of Karnataka. Avail of your India tour packages today to relish a rejuvenating time in the wondrous allure of the Scotland of India.
FAQs
Coorg is blessed with captivating natural beauty for a thrilling holiday retreat. There are numerous places to visit in Coorg, including: Abbey Falls, Chiklihole Reservoir, Honnamana Kere Lake, Omkareswara Temple, Madikeri Fort and Raja's Seat.
Although Mallalli Falls does not offer any bathing facility, tourists can enjoy relaxing amidst the picture-perfect scenery. One can spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy clicking panoramic photos during sunset.
Raja’s Seat is a gorgeous garden in Coorg, Karnataka that was once used by the Kings to spend time with their Queens. The park is now a perfect picnic spot with toy train rides and lush green manicured parks for a heavenly escape.
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is known as the Scotland of India due to its picture-perfect landscapes, mesmerizing lakes, luxuriant valleys and thrilling activities. The town is a perfect destination for an ideal escape from the ho-hum of city life.
The quaint town of Coorg in Karnataka, India is famous for its coffee plantations and natural beauty. From the cascading waterfalls, gorgeous landscapes to verdant meadows, the town is a fantastic holiday destination.
Coorg is an amazing holiday destination away from the chaotic city life. There are numerous things to do in Coorg for a refreshing vacay including: explore the picture-perfect landscapes, relax near the cascading waterfalls, enjoy nature walks, go for hiking and trekking, enjoy camping amidst the natural setting and savor the local cuisine.
The ideal time to visit Coorg is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the region is lush green. It is perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the coffee estates.
Yes, Coorg is heaven for trekkers. Some popular trekking routes include Tadiandamol Trek, Brahmagiri Trek, and Pushpagiri Trek. These treks offer breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding landscapes
The Dubare Elephant Camp offers an incredible opportunity to interact with elephants. You can participate in activities like elephant bathing, feeding, and even learning about their daily routines. It's an excellent chance to get up close with these gentle giants.
A total of 2 to 4 days is enough to explore the enchanting town of Coorg for a delightful holiday experience. One can enjoy relaxing amidst the enchanting landscapes and indulge in exciting activities for a lifetime experience.
