12 Best Places to Visit in Coorg

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, lies in the South-Western part of Karnataka, India. Rich in Rice and coffee cultivation, Coorg offers plenty of tourist places to visit. Every year thousands of tourists from countries like the United States, Australia, the Middle East, England, and other European countries visit famous places in Coorg.

Languages Spoken

Kodava Takk is the major language spoken in Coorg. It, the following languages are also spoken in Coorg: Bhashe, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, Konkani, and Urdu.

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List of the 12 Best Places to Visit in Coorg

So, the following are the best places to visit in Coorg (Karnataka, India) in detail:

1. Abbey Falls (Abbi Falls or Abbe Falls), Coorg

Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls or Abbe Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Coorg. Amid coffee cultivation in Karnataka, which is also the largest coffee-producing state in India, the Kaveri River is flaunting its beauty through the gorgeous Abbe Falls. The exotic view of the falls from the hanging bridge just opposite the falls is absolutely marvelous.

Earlier, Abbey Falls was renowned as ‘Jessi Falls’, during Britisher’s era. But, later on, the name changed to Abbi or Abbe Falls in local languages. Apart from the falls, the place is also famous for the coffee and spices plantation. To reach this enchanting place, you can drive up to its entrance and then cover a short distance on foot, which is also equally exciting and thrilling.

2. Puttari (Puthari / Putthari or Huthari / Huthri) Festival, Coorg

Puttari, also pronounced as Puthari / Putthari or Huthari / Huthri, which means “New Rice” is a renowned festival celebrated by local people all over in Coorg around the last week of November and the first week of December every year.

On this festive day, locals decorate their house with different flowers and with mango & banana leaves. On this occasion, local families prepare and eat some special foods which include Kadaumbuttu (Non-veg), Thambuttu (veg), Holige (veg), and Payasa (veg). These food items are really very tasty & delicious and we’ll recommend you to get try them.

3. Tadiandamol Peak or Thadiyandamol Trek, Coorg

Situated at a height of 5724 ft., Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg and is one of the most beautiful & uncommercial peaks in Coorg (Karnataka).

We’d say, for amateurs, Tadiandamol isn’t an easy trek however if you are in proper shape, it’s certainly possible. Before you start this trek ask the locals about directions and plan your schedule very carefully. Otherwise, you can also take the help of Google Maps for trek directions. Sunrise and Sunset scenes from Tadiandamol Peak are breathtaking.

• Tadiandamol or Thadiyandamol trek can be a life-changer experience for both avid and newbie trek lovers. It cannot be termed as an easy or a difficult trek.
• It is a moderate level trek of 10- 12 Kms taking almost 9 hours to complete.
• Tadiandamol trek is in Kakkabe near Virajpet town in Coorg district. Kakkabe is the base village of Tadiandamol peak which gives a marvellous view in the morning.
• 4 km away from the main road, Nalknad Palace is situated, which is just at the base of the hill.
• There is a huge rock near the palace which is considered to be the starting point of the trek. The trek trails through the Shola forests, vast lush green grasslands, and streams.
• The exotic view and the gusty cold winds throughout the day-long trek will be a captivating experience.

Best Time to Visit: Remember the best time for the Tadiandamol or Thadiyandamol trek is between October to February months i.e. just after the Monsoon period. Trekking is very difficult in monsoon season.

Places of Attraction: Nearby to this peak, there is an old Padi Igguthappa Temple which is one of the holiest temples for the locals. Although one may find a lot of difficulties while reaching this temple from the peak, this temple is definitely worth visiting.

4. Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka

Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri town is a very peaceful temple quite famous for its mixed Islamic & Gothic style temple architecture and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It was built in the year 1820 by Lingarajendra 2 also known as Linga Raja 2, who was the ruler of Kodagu Kingdom from 1811-1820. This temple has a Shiva linga which was brought directly from the famous Varanasi, Benares, Banaras, or Kashi city.

Inside the temple compound, there are several statues of Shiva avatars, a Hanuman temple, and a small pond for religious baths and ceremonies. Visiting this temple will offer you a fascinating and peaceful experience.

How to Visit: Omkareshwara temple is well connected via road, since it is situated along the main highway in Madikeri town, Coorg. You can easily hire a taxi/cab or an auto and can reach here within 5 minutes from Madikeri town.

However, the road leading to this temple is a little bit steep. There is no entry fee for visiting Omkareshwara Temple and the Parking is also free.

Visiting Hours: Morning: 06:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Evening: 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM

5. Bylakuppe town / Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Coorg

The beautiful Bylakuppe town has a Buddhist monastery known as “Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery” which has gold statues of Lord Buddha and a lot of monks chanting & doing meditation. In Coorg, you’ll find the biggest Tibetan settlement all over in South India and 2nd largest in India. It’s a very peaceful place and the food here is affordable and delicious too. While you visit Bylakuppe town, do not forget to buy some handicrafts and try out different varieties of momos!

How to Reach: You can reach Namdroling Monastery by hiring a cab for Kushalnagar from Madikeri town. This monastery is situated near Kushalnagar, around 45 45-minute drive in the east of Madikeri. This monastery is about 27 km far from Madikeri.

Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM | Monday: Closed

6. Coffee Plantation Fields in Coorg

By seeing the atmospheric conditions here at Coorg, the Britishers once established coffee plantations. And now Coorg is one of the world’s best coffee producer places. Karnataka is the highest coffee-producing state in India with 71% (Coorg alone contributes 60% of India’s total coffee production), followed by its adjacent states Kerala with 21% and Tamil Nadu with 5%. Visit coffee plantation fields in Coorg and smell the rich aroma of coffee and cardamom. Coorg’s coffee plantation fields are famous for the finest quality of blue-colored coffee beans. There are a lot of coffee shops here in Coorg which really offer the best taste of drinkable coffee at a very low price. Around these coffee fields, you’ll also find abundant rosewood, sandalwood, and teak forests.

If you really want to get the best experience of these coffee plantation fields, then you must try to stay at any local homestays or good resorts situated very close to these fields. When you visit any of these coffee fields, then have a walk through the plantations and take some sample coffee beans from the locals. You should also check here about the coffee-making process by locals, who are very friendly and helpful too.

We’ll suggest, try to grab a cup of coffee during the rainy season in the coffee field itself. It’ll definitely be a fascinating experience for you!

7. Bhagamandala Temple/Pilgrimage Site, Coorg

Bhagamandala is situated on the confluence of three rivers, the Triveni Sangama, where River Kaveri joins its two tributaries Kannike and the mythical Sujyoti River. The temple is built in Karavalli style, and dedicated to Shiva, Subramanya, Mahavishnu, and Ganapathi. If you are interested in poojas and other ritual practices, you can contact the inquiry room of the temple. For the convenience of the pilgrims, the Government of India has recently made various changes in the architecture of the temple and other surrounding areas.

Bhagamandala is also famous for its Honey Marketing Centre and Apiculture Training Institute. The bee-rearing center, named Madhuvana, also possesses a museum with rare objects related to bees.

How to Reach: Bhagamandala is at the border of Kerala state and is roughly 37 kms from Madikeri. It is also accessible from Kerala. You can take 1 hour drive via Talakaveri road by covering 37 kms from Madikeri. Or you can take a 2-hour drive via SH56 and Bhagamandala Interstate Road covering 70 kms from Kanhangad.

Best Time to Visit: You can visit during summers or winters, but try to avoid the rainy season. Between June and September, it faces heavy rains, which breaks the connectivity with Bhagamandala.

8. Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg

Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Talakaveri, the origin place of the River Cauvery, which is located on the eastern edge of the sanctuary and has religious importance for the people of Kodagu. This tropical evergreen forest which stretches for 105.01 sq. km, is home to many wild lives such as tigers. Sloth Bear, Jackal, Elephant, Lion-tailed macaque, wild pig, wild dog, Nilgiri Marten, different species of deer mongoose, and porcupine. Many reptiles such as king cobra, rat snake, cobra, and python are commonly found over here. Other than fauna, there is a wide variety of flora too, such as Dipterocarpus indicus, Hopea parviflora, Dysoxylum malabaricum, Pallaquim ellipticum, Mesua ferrea, and Artocarpus lakoocha.

Coffee and cardamom plantations are also prevalent in the sanctuary. This place was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary on 31 Aug / 1 Sep 1987.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is February to April and October to December. The visiting hours start from early morning to late evening- from 6 am to 8.30 pm. During winter, the hours are reduced a little. But, it is better to avoid it during the rainy season.

Precautions to follow before you visit Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg

You can go trekking and camping in the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, but prior permission is required for that You can pitch your tents at the Kallu Mantapa spot for camping or you can rest under small sheds made for forest patrolling staff. But, remember trekking and camping are suitable during monsoons. As it is home to various flora and fauna, you need to follow certain rules and regulations of the wildlife sanctuary. Note: No pets are allowed to enter the sanctuary.

9. Mallalli Falls, Coorg

Mallalli Falls is famous for its view with its milky white color amidst the lush greenery of the forest and surrounded by black boulders of the mountains. It originates as River Kumaradhara takes a deep plunge of over 1000 meters in two tiers. The best route to reach the waterfall is by stepping down the 600 concrete steps. But, some of the steps have broken with time, so be very careful.

Best Time to Visit: It is always better to visit any falls during the monsoon season. So, it will be best to visit Mallalli Falls between June to September, as you will enjoy here to see its highest water level.

How to Reach: You can drive your own car or hire a jeep or taxi to Kallahalli Road through Somwarpet Taluk, which is 10 Kms. After a certain point, the road gets narrow and unfit for vehicles to proceed further, that is the parking area. You need to trek 2-3 Kms from there up the mountain.

Note: Be careful of leeches. There is no facility for food and water, so carry enough drinking water along with you. Wear proper trekking gear and be careful while going up and down the steps. Do not leave any expense items inside the parked car.

10. Irupu Falls (or Iruppu Falls), Coorg

Irupu Falls is formed by the river Lakshmana Theertha which plunges down from a height of 170 ft., so it is also known as Lakshmana Teertha Falls. It is a freshwater cascade, located in the Brahmagiri range.

It is considered one of the most sacred places in Karnataka. There is a Rameshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram on paddy fields, from where you need to climb up to the falls through the forest by trekking. It is believed that all your sins will be washed away and you will be a clean soul. So, thousands of devotees visit this place during Shivratri. The Irpu Rameshwara temple was built by Lord Rama and the Shiva Linga was consecrated by the Lord himself.

How to Reach: Iruppu Falls is 50 Kms away from Madikeri and 50 Kms away from Nagerhole National Park. So, it will be better if you visit the place while going to Nagerhole National Park from Gonikopal by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated on Kutta Road.

Timings: You can visit Iruppu Falls from Sunday to Monday between 7.15 am to 5:00 pm. But, the Rameshwara Temple remains closed from 1pm to 6pm.

11. Chelavara Falls, Coorg

Chelavara Falls, locally known as Embepare means ‘tortoise rock’. The first view of the falls after walking through the forest for a few meters is just magnificent. The small tributary of Kaveri River gushes down from a height of 150 feet and the water is 100 feet deep with high suction power. There are many signboards of ‘Danger’ near the waterfall, please obey them. Do not go near the waterfall! You will find barbed wire fencing around the falls.

It is one of the gigantic waterfalls in Coorg and the most unexplored falls in the lush greenery. Remember, the roads are rough and you have to cover some distance by walking after the parking area. No food, water, or washroom facility is available near the falls.

You should also visit Kabbe Hills, 2 Kms away from Chelavara Falls. It is one of the famous viewpoints of Coorg. You can also visit it separately and stay there at Kabbe Holidays Homestay. It is just 1 hour away from the highest point of Coorg, Tadiandamol.

12. Mandalpatti Hill (Famous for Jeep Ride), Coorg

One more unique destination, 18 Kms away from the town of Madikeri, is Mandalpatti. It is situated at a hilltop on a height of around 4050 feet and it is a part of the Pushpagiri reserve forest too.

How to Reach: You can reach Mandalpatti Hill either via Abbi Falls junction. It is a shorter way, 20 Kms only, but it may find it a little bumpy. You can also go via Makkanduru, a longer way of 35 Kms. This drive will be one of the best experiences of Coorg as the road is full of coffee estates, small waterfalls, and water streams. You can also get an amazing view of Kote Abbe Falls. The way to visit Mandalpatti Hill will be to go via Abbi Falls and return via Makkanduru or vice-versa, to experience both ways.

Jeep Ride: You cannot reach the hilltop with your own vehicle. You can drive 17 Kms from Madikeri on your own up to Mandalpatti forest checkpoint. But, the last 3 Kms can only be covered by trekking or by jeep ride. Even if you take a jeep, the last 1 Km to the top needs to be reached by walking. You can take a jeep either from the checkpoint or from Abbe Falls. But, the best option will be to book a jeep from Madikeri for the full day and cover all the places. Any jeep has permission to stop for 45 minutes at the hilltop.

Cost to Visit: The jeep ride cost from Mandalpatti forest checkpoint to the hilltop is Rs. 1000 for 5-6 people. The jeep cost from Abbe Falls Y-Junction to the hilltop is Rs. 1500 for 5-6 people. If you have reached Mandalpatti Hill via the Abbe Falls route and you want to return via Makkanduru, drivers may charge an extra Rs. 100 per head in a jeep ride. The parking fee of Mandalpatti forest checkpoint is Rs. 20. The viewpoint of Mandalpatti hill is Rs. 25 per head.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mandalpatti Hill is either before the summer season or after the rainy season. Avoid monsoons, to visit this place. The timings of Mandalpatti Hill are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., all days open.

Note: There are no facilities of washroom, food, water, or hotel at Mandalpatti Hill. So, be prepared for it and carry essential things along with you.

Where is Coorg in India?

Coorg, also known as “Scotland of India”, is a beautiful, romantic, and adventurous tourist destination in the Southern part of Karnataka, India which lies 252 kms from the state capital Bangalore. Coorg or Kodagu (also called Kodaimalenadu in older days which means ‘dense forest on steep hill’) has numerous peaks which are on average 3000 feet to 4000 feet high. The tallest peak in Coorg is around 6000 feet high.

In the North-west direction, the Coorg is bordered by the Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) part of Western Ghats, in the West it is connected with Kasargod (Kerala), in the North it is connected with Hassan (Karnataka), in the East it is connected with Mysore (Karnataka), whereas in the South-west part, it is connected with Kannur (Kerala), and finally, its Southern part touches the Wayanad (Kerala). Madikeri (also known as Mercara) is the headquarters of Coorg or Kodagu district.

Where to Stay in Coorg?

Homestays are the best option if you don’t know where to stay in Coorg. They’re known as the window to the local culture. In Coorg, staying with a local is far better than a hotel because in this way you can easily roam around and get the chance to experience the real beauty of this tourist destination which probably may not be possible by staying at a hotel. Also, by staying at a homestay in Coorg you’ll learn about the local customs, traditions & cuisines, when they sleep, how they sleep, when they awake, how they live their daily life, etc.

Coorg has some of the most magnificent homestays in India where you can enjoy a feast on delicious home-cooked food and receive their personalized attention. They’ll also help you in guiding which places to visit at which time and how to reach there, booking your ride, safety, etc.

If you think you’ve to share your bathroom with the host family or other travelers, think again! Coorg has some of the best accommodations that you can get in India.

Note: We’re not declaring that only homestays are the best, in fact, certain hotels provide the best of India’s famed hospitality in Coorg. But we’re not including them here because it’s far better if you research by reading other customer reviews for them.

Best Homestays in Coorg

Homestays in Coorg will charge you around 1000 INR (20 USD) per day which will include accommodation with breakfast and dinner. However, we suggest you go for lodges or homestays which will charge around 2000 INR to 3000 INR (35 USD - 50 USD) or even more because these homestays or lodges are really nice ones, and provide more comfortable bedding, include lunch and make bonfires. However, not that prices will also go up and down depending on the season (on-season or off-season).

So, the following are some of the best & cheapest homestays in Coorg:

Victorian Veranda

• Location: Near Kadagadal Village, 8 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 2800 INR / Night for 2 people

BB Estate

• Location: 6 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 3100 INR / Night for 2 people

Casa Coorg

• Location: Bittangala (Virajpet), 30 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 3400 INR / Night for 2 people

Sai Sadan

• Location: Madikeri.
• Cost: Around 3900 INR / Night for 2 people

Little Jungle Homestay

• Location: Belur Village, 35 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 4400 INR / Night for 2 people

Honey Pot Homes

• Location: 5 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 4400 - 5400 INR / Night for 2 people

Gowri Nivas

• Location: Madikeri.
• Cost: 3900 - 5900 INR / Night for 2 people

Silver Brook Estate

• Location: 10 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 4900 - 5900 INR / Night for 2 people

Serene Woods

• Location: 2 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 5400 - 5900 INR / Night for 2 people

Kedakal Estate

• Location: Mysore-Madikeri Highway, 10 km from Madikeri.
• Cost: 5900 INR / Night for 2 people

Eco Habitat

• Location: Mysore-Madikeri Highway, 30 km Madikeri.
• Cost: 5900 - 6900 INR / Night for 2 people

Notting Hill Homestay

• Location: Near Raja’s Seat (Madikeri town).
• Cost: 8900 INR / Night for a completely furnished house.

How to Reach Coorg?

Reach Coorg by Air: You can reach Coorg by Air by taking a flight to Mangalore Airport (136 km away) and Bangalore Airport (260 km away).

Reach Coorg by Rail: Mysore Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is only 114 km away.

Reach Coorg by Road: Coorg has road connectivity from its neighboring cities like Mysore (Coorg from Mysore is 107.5 km away which will take around 2 h 50 min drive), Mangalore (Coorg from Mangalore is 150.8 km away which will take around 3 h 40 min drive) and Bangalore (Coorg from Bangalore is 243.3 km away which will take around 5 h 30 min drive).

Best Time to Visit Coorg

Being not just the best romantic hill station in Karnataka, South India but also the best honeymoon destination in the World, the temperature in Coorg ranges from 15 degrees Celsius (minimum) and 20 degrees Celsius (maximum).

Coorg Weather from October to March:

Weather in Coorg remains pleasant from October to March and, thus, from October to March it is the best place for adventure seekers and romantic couples.

Coorg Weather from March to April:

Whereas, March and April's months are famous all of the Coorg Valley becomes full of white flowers and, thus, romantic couples can visit during these months.

Coorg Weather during Monsoon i.e. June to September:

However, during the summer monsoon period i.e. from June to September, Coorg experiences heavy rainfall and, thus, these months are not suitable for every traveler to visit Coorg who is seeking pleasant and peaceful weather. It is to note here that during the June to September months, the beauty of Coorg is at its Charm!

Following is the weather report of Coorg for all 12 months.

• Coorg Weather in January: 18 °C - 33 °C
• Coorg Weather in February: 19 °C - 34 °C
• Coorg Weather in March: 21 °C - 34 °C
• Coorg Weather in April: 22 °C - 34 °C
• Coorg Weather in May: 23 °C - 33 °C
• Coorg Weather in June: 21 °C - 30 °C
• Coorg Weather in July: 21 °C - 29 °C
• Coorg Weather in August: 21 °C - 29 °C
• Coorg Weather in September: 21 °C - 29 °C
• Coorg Weather in October: 22 °C - 31 °C
• Coorg Weather in November: 21 °C - 32 °C
• Coorg Weather in December: 19 °C - 32 °C

If you’ve any other query on Coorg, Karnataka (India) or its nearby areas then ask it in the comment box given below. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and memorable Coorg trip!