8 Best Places to Visit in Coorg

Nestled in the beautiful hills of Karnataka, Coorg emerges as a mesmerizing retreat for those seeking tranquillity in nature's embrace. 

Coorg, with its verdant coffee plantations, mist-covered valleys, and flowing waterfalls, exemplifies the Western Ghats' outstanding natural beauty. 

Beyond its stunning surroundings, Coorg provides a rich tapestry of cultural history, friendly hospitality, and exciting adventures, making it the ideal destination for all sorts of travelers. 

Whether you want a peaceful getaway in quiet settings or adrenaline-pumping experiences, Coorg welcomes you with open arms, offering an amazing journey that will stay with you long after you leave. 

This blog will take you to some of Coorg's most magnificent sites. From flowing waterfalls concealed in impenetrable woods to calm coffee farms extending across beautiful hills, Coorg has a wealth of attractions waiting to be explored. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover why Coorg stands as the epitome of an ideal tourist destination.

1. Raja’s Seat 

Raja’s Seat is a popular tourist destination located in Madikeri town. It is a seasonal park with flowers and fountains offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys that lie to the west, making it a popular viewpoint to watch sunrise and sunset.  

Raja's Seat is believed to be a popular sport where the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings enjoying the mesmerizing sunsets with their queens. Today, Raja’s Seat is a popular picnic destination amongst the tourists and the locals. 

• Time Required - 1-2 hours
• Entry Fee - Garden INR 5 and Toy Train INR 20
• Timings - 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM, 

2. Abbey Falls 

Located six kilometers from Coorg, Abbey Falls is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Coorg. 

The water falling from a height of 70 feet creates a perfect backdrop for the shutterbugs to capture the beauty of the gorgeous Abbey Falls. 

The walk from the main entrance to the waterfall has about 200 steps downwards taking you through the various coffee, cardamom, and other spice plantations. There is also an overbridge right opposite the waterfall allowing the visitors to enjoy the sight. 

• Time Required - 1-2 hours
• Entry Fee - INR 15
• Timings - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

3. Talakaveri 

Snuggled on the slopes of the Brahmagiri Mountains Talakaveri is believed to be the source of the river Kaveri. 

It is one the top most visited places in Coorg. There is a shrine located quite close to the Klondike. It has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma, located next to the tank, and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.

Apart from being a religious hotspot, Talakaveri is a refuge in nature situated amongst the lush green landscape of Coorg with a breathtaking backdrop of the towering Western Ghats. 

• Time Required - 2-3 hours
• Entry Fee - No entry fee
• Timings - 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM

4. Tadiandamol Peak

At a height of approximately 1746 meters above sea level, Tadiandamol Peak is the second-highest peak in Karnataka and the tallest in Coorg District. 

It is a popular choice amongst trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trek to the top is a bit challenging with sharp slopes but all the efforts are compensated in the end with the Gorgeous views, enveloped in the crisp mountain air, of vast meadows and valleys backdropped by clear blue skies.

• Time Required - 5-6 hours
• Entry fee - No entry fee.
• Timings - 6 AM to 6 PM on all seven days of the week.

5. Golden Temple

Located in the Tibetan refugee settlement area known as Bylakuppe, the Golden Temple also popularly known as Namdroling Monastery is the second largest settlement after Dharamshala housing over 5000 monks who live in peace and harmony. 

The Namdroling Monastery holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork. 

It boasts larger-than-life images of Buddha Shakyamuni, Padmasambhava, the Buddha Amitayus, and Guru Rinpoche. 

It is also called the Golden Temple because of the golden paintings etched on the monastery and the three golden statutes named Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus.

• Time Required - 1 - 2 hours
• Entry Fee - No entry fee
• Timings - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, every day of the week.

6. Coffee Plantations in Coorg

Coorg is known for its lush green coffee plantations spread across the rolling hills creating a fascinating view for the visitors. There are numerous coffee plantations across Coorg, some of which date back to the 18th century. 

Realizing the beauty and appeal of coffee plantations amongst the tourists, some estate owners opened their gates for tours. A walk through the beautiful plantation estates is one of the most wonderful things to do in Coorg. 

A guided walk through a beautiful coffee plantation on a cold foggy day is sometimes exactly what you need to get away from the hustle and embrace nature. 

• Time Required - 2-3 hours
• Entry Fee - The tours start from as low as INR 400. 
• Timings - It depends on the coffee plantation and the chosen time slot.

7. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the many wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 181 kilometres of sq. It has been named after the Brahmagiri Peak.

The sanctuary's major vegetation consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shallow forest patches amid grasslands, and bamboo. Established in 1974, the sanctuary is flanked by coffee and cardamom farms.

• Time Required - 2-3 hours
• Entry Fee -  Adults - INR 50 and Children - INR 25
• Timings - 6 AM to 6 PM

8. Dubare Elephant Camp

The Dubare Elephant Camp offers a unique adventure to visitors by allowing them the experience of living in coexistence with the trained elephants on-site. 

The camp is run in partnership with the forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. It is a great spot to learn more about elephants and view numerous Asiatic elephants happily enjoying themselves in their natural environment.

• Time Required - 3 - 4 hours
• Entry Fee - Indians: INR 690 - INR 1330
• Foreigners: INR 1467 - INR 2270
• Timings - 8:30 AM - 11 AM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

9. Mandalpatti 

Considered one of the top visited tourist destinations in Coorg, Mandalpatti is a unique vantage point located at a height of 1800 meters above sea level. Famous for offering panoramic views of the sunrise and the sunset, Mandalpatti is also known as ‘Muguli-Peth’ which means “market of clouds”. The name seems to be quite accurate given the height of Mandalpatti. 

It is a popular location amongst the trekking and adventure enthusiasts. Many tourists experience overnight camping here. Mandalpatti is a must-visit location in Coorg for those wanting to experience the authenticity of this beautiful city. 

• Time Required - 4-5 hours
• Entry Fee - Forest Entrance - INR 25
• Jeep Ride Price - INR 1700
• Timings - 6 AM to 6 PM 

10. Chiklihole Reservoir

Although it is not as famous as some of the other popular destinations in Coorg, Chiklihole Reservoir is the perfect place to get away from the crowd and enjoy peace and calm amidst the scenic natural beauty. Located between the towns of Madikeri and Kushalnagar, Chiklihole is a man-made reservoir that has been active since 1985. 

The lack of commercial establishments and an abundance of beautiful picnic spots with glimmering sunset views make Chiklihole Reservoir a must-visit location in Coorg especially when you are searching for peace and calm. 

• Time Required - 2-3 hours
• Entry Fee - No Entry Fee
• Timings - 8 AM to 5 PM 

Coorg exemplifies nature's magnificence, providing a symphony of stunning scenery, cultural richness, and exhilarating experiences. From the panoramic vistas of Raja's Seat to the flowing splendour of Abbey Falls, and from the spiritual tranquilly of Talakaveri to the exciting hike up Tadiandamol Peak, each site in Coorg tells a distinct story of beauty and awe.

Whether meandering through lush coffee fields, communing with elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp, or basking in the tranquillity of Chiklihole Reservoir, Coorg entices visitors with its irresistible beauty. As you say goodbye to this fascinating place, the memories you made among its green hills and lively culture will remain with you forever. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I commute within Coorg? 

Public transport is not very efficient in Coorg, and tourists should hire rickshaws or cars. Cycling is also a common means of transportation for sports enthusiasts.

2. What are some of the must-try delicacies of Coorg?

You'll find many authentic Kodava dishes to try in Coorg including pandi curry, kadamuttu, akki roti, bamboo shoot curry, noolputtu and kommu curry.

3. What are the famous places to visit in Coorg with friends?

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Harangi Dam, Raja’s Seat and Iruppu Falls are some of the best places to visit in Coorg with friends. 

4. Is there an airport in Coorg?

No, Coorg doesn't have an airport of its own. The nearest air gateways to the hill station are Mysore (120 km), Mangalore (175 km) and Bangalore (280 km).

5. What are some good picnic spots in Coorg?

Chiklihole Reservoir and Iruppu Falls are two of the most amazing picnic spots in Coorg. Tourists also visit Raja's Seat and Mandalpatti to unwind and picnic amidst the picturesque views.