Top Places of Coorg, Karnataka to Explore and Enjoy

With a glamourous metro city to historic townships, a royal past, and rich flora and fauna, the state of Karnataka is a tourist’s delight. Each district in the state is flamboyant enough to tour and explore. One such district distinct with its peculiarities is Coorg, officially known as Kodagu. As you plan to visit the top places of Coorg, imagine waking up breathing in the aroma of coffee flowers. Visiting the top places of Coorg is akin to spending a portion of your life closer to nature. Tourists flocking to Karnataka often limit their trips to Bangalore, Hampi, or Mysore. However, the top places of Coorg which is a neighboring district of Mysore, are blessed with mesmerizing tourist attractions.

Referred to as ‘the Scotland of India,’ Coorg is a fascinating hill station, especially in the winter months. Rich in culture and heritage, and dotted with alluring waterfalls and scenic views, Coorg is a must-visit winter destination in Karnataka.

An overview of Coorg

Records prove that even from the ninth century, the Coorg (Kodagu) region did exist with a distinctive cultural past. Ruled by different dynasties in the pre-independence era, the hilly region remained steadfast in its authentic nature. A perfect blend of culture, luxury, natural diversity, adventure, flora and fauna, and mouth-watering cuisine is what makes Coorg a winter wonderland. Flanked by the Western Ghats, with an elevation 3000 feet above sea level, Coorg is rich in its biodiversity. Except for Kushalnagar town, most of Coorg is a hilly region covered in verdant vegetation. UNESCO-listed wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests, India’s second-largest Tibetan settlement, world-class coffee-producing plantations, and every inch of Coorg excels.

Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe is one of the top places of Coorg. It is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India. Golden Temple, monasteries, Buddhist shopping centers, and the Tibetan New Year (festival of Losar) attract several tourists to the town.

Talakaveri

Located at Brahmagiri hills, 30 km away from the city, Talakaveri is the source of River Kaveri. Hence the location has been popular among the tourists. There is also a temple erected at the spot.

Dubare Elephant Camp

The elephant camp is one of the top places of Coorg. It is a popular tourist hub as you get to watch, feel, feed, and bathe elephants. It is a training camp where elephants are taken care of. With an entry fee, you get to have a first-hand experience of these activities.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park

The excitement never ends with the kind of top places of Coorg sprinkled with naturally beautiful, gratifying opportunities. The three wildlife sanctuaries and one national park in Coorg only give more reasons to lengthen your stay. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nagarahole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park are in Coorg. Among the hundreds of different species of animals and birds spotted at the National Park, many of them are rare wild beings.

Waterfalls

A visit to Coorg is incomplete without spending quality time admiring at Abbey Falls. Located at an enigmatic spot, a streak of Kaveri River cascading down forms the splendid sight of Abbey Falls. Its beauty is doubled given the scenic panorama around. Iruppu Falls is another freshwater fall that attracts tourists. Located in the Brahmagiri Mountain Range, it is part of a tributary of the Kaveri River. Part of River Kumardhara is the twin-tier Mallalli Falls which can be accessed by trekking as well. Picturesque Nilakandi Falls located at Honey Valley is a must-visit spot too.

Activities

The peace and tranquillity of Coorg can go for a toss if you decide to embark on enthralling activities. Whitewater rafting, adventurous hiking, and trekking will challenge the activity lovers. Barapole River, with challenging stretches and lovely landscapes, is the hotspot for river rafting. Jeep safaris in Nishani Hills, Mallali waterfalls, and Kabbe Hills are other animated activities here. Enjoy the drive being closer to nature and wild animals. They also offer night drive. How about going on a zipline? Kushalnagar and Madikeri towns are the top places of Coorg offering zipline adventure. The northern region of Coorg is a popular ground for camping activities.

Plantation tour

Coorg is a rural, agricultural region. Coffee plantations and the production of coffee are the primary sources of income for many locals. Paddy, cardamom, areca nut, ginger, pepper, honey, bananas, and oranges are also cultivated. Robusta and Arabica are a couple of Coorg’s best coffee varieties that are exported to different parts of the world. Apart from coffee, the plantations grow trees like rosewood, teakwood, silver oak, and so on. The abundance and expanse of such plantations have paved the way for plantation tours. Tourists do enjoy taking a stroll through plantations.  Such plantation tours are popular among wedding photographers and honeymooning couples. During the flowering season of coffee plants, it’s a mesmerizing experience to walk among the plants enveloped by their scent.

Coorg delicacies

Coorg is home to a combination of different religious, tribal, and immigrant communities. Each of them has brought in a bit of their traditions and cultures. However, traditional Coorgi recipes are enjoyed by everyone. Pork prepared in vinegar is one of their special delicacies. Apart from different pork preparations, Kadambuttu, Nuuputtu, Bamboo shoot curry, and fiddlehead fern curry are a few other special items to be tasted here.

Homestays

One wonders if there are as many homestays as there are coffee plantations in Coorg. It all began in the mid-1990s when a few locals experimented on the homestay initiative within their plantations. Their success story inspired many more to follow suit. Now, you can find homestays in every nook and corner of Coorg. The visiting tourists therefore need not worry about their accommodation in Coorg.

How to reach Coorg?

The easiest way to reach Coorg is by road. The hill station is well connected by road to all major cities. The nearest airport and railway stations are in Mysore which is nearly 110 KM away.

When to reach October to March is considered the best time to visit Coorg.