Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is one of the top places of Karnataka. Nature has bestowed countless boons upon this place as in addition to the verdant delights that tranquilize and soothe the souls of travelers, the place is one of the best for adventurists as well.
Take a look at these 15 must-visit places in Coorg for a memorable holiday and decide for yourself why it is a chosen destination for many. Situated just 150 kilometers away from Mysore, Coorg is a dreamy place that you must visit.
Check out the 15 Best places to visit in Coorg for a blissful holiday
- Nagarhole National Park
- Abbey falls
- Raja’s Seat
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Brahmagiri Peak
- Omkareshwara Temple
- Iruppu Falls
- Mandalpatti View point
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mallalli Falls
- Coffee Plantation Visit
- Talacauvery & Bhagamandala
- Golden Temple, Bylekuppe
- Madikeri Fort
- Chelavara Falls
1. Nagarhole National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts have their own haunt in Coorg in the form of Nagarhole National Park. Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi Park, the place is surrounded by dense jungles and houses many different varieties of animals and over 270 species of birds.
The National Park is essentially a Tiger Reserve. However, other species such as elephants, wild dogs, gaur, and deer are also kept to provide a balance. One of the most exciting highlights of Nagarhole Park is the number of lodges within its enclosure that furnish the ultimate thrilling experience.
The best time to visit the National Park is during the summer season when most of the animals can be seen around water bodies.
In fact, one can easily see Tigers during this time which are otherwise difficult to spot in other seasons. Winter is also a good time to visit this place in order to explore it more conveniently.
- Distance from the Airport: Mysore Airport, 98 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 87 kilometers
- Best time to visit: From April to May and from November to February
2. Abbey Falls:
One of the most beautiful falls adorning South India, the Abbey Falls is truly an unmissable delight of Coorg. Cascading through the majestic Western Ghats, with cool misty clouds at the backdrop, the surroundings are simply breathtaking with nature at its dazzling best.
Located just a kilometer away from the town of Madikeri, the picturesque waterfalls are located amidst tea and coffee plantations, appending to its beauty manifold.
If you really want to enjoy the beauty of Abbey Falls to the full then visit the place during November and December when it can really be appreciated to the full.
- Distance from the Airport: Mangalore Airport, 152.4 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Railway Station, 121.6 kilometers
[ Also read: 12 Must Visit Waterfalls in Karnataka ]
3. Raja’s Seat
A famous place to enjoy leisure moments, Raja’s Seat is one of the top places to visit in Coorg for a memorable holiday. The surrounding areas are bedecked with flowers and look so beautiful during the blooming season.
Perched on a hillock, the place also affords great views of the sunset. The early morning ambiance of this place has a unique charm in itself.
The place remains covered in the mist during this time and the pillared structures present a dazzling view. The place is mostly visited by families and honeymoon couples to enjoy some serene and peaceful moments together.
Raja’s Seat remains a wonderful place to laze around as it was during the time of the Rajas of Kodagu.
- Distance from the Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 146.6 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 117.1 kilometers
- Opening and Closing Times: 5.30 AM to 8.00 PM
Check here: The best time to visit Coorg and How to reach Coorg.
4. Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is the best place to visit in Coorg to get up and close with elephants. The camp is essentially an elephant training camp which is operated by the Karnataka government. Here the visitors get a chance to ride them or even bath with them in the river while scrubbing them.
Located just off State highway number 91, there is also a possibility of staying at one of the cottages and witnessing the lifestyle of elephants. An elegant Tibetan monastery is also located some distance which the visitors can visit and explore.
- Distance from the Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 180 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 100 kilometers
- Best time to visit: Between September and May
5. Brahmagiri Peak
The peak is a picturesque location that is full of wonderful views as well as misty surroundings. This amazing range is located in the formidable Western Ghats and is a great spot for trekking and hiking. Passing through wondrous grasslands, vibrant floras and streams of clear blue waters is an experience in itself.
The place also has an exciting wildlife sanctuary that house a variety of exotic species of animals like Lion-tailed Macaque, Jungle Cat, Spotted Deer, Giant Flying Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, and many other. This is a great place to enjoy beautiful scenery and indulge in some thrilling adventure.
- Distance from Airport: Kannur International Airport, 58 kilometers
- Distance from Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 124.5 kilometers
Check out our exclusive Coorg tour packages from Mysore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai & Mumbai.
6. Omkareshwara Temple
Built-in the beautiful Mumammadan style of architecture, the marvelous Omkareshwar Temple was built in 1820 as a dedication to Lord Shiva.
The temple was constructed after Lingrajendra II unjustly killed a Brahmin. The architecture of the structure has a central dome and the four corners of the temple have turrets.
The temple is adorned with a beautiful lake in the front which harbors a number of different varieties of fishes.
Omkareshwar temple presents a wonderful blend of Gothic and Islamic styles of architecture and thus it also resembles a Muslim Dargah sometimes.
- Distance from the Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 146.2 kilometers, Mysore Airport, 131 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 116.5 kilometers
- Opening and Closing Times: 6:30 am. to 12:00 pm. and 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.
7. Iruppu Falls
Together with the Abbey Falls, the Iruppu Falls are one of the most picturesque waterfalls and a must-visit place in the Coorg region. The story of Irrupu Falls is associated with a legend.
It is said that when Lord Rama and Lakshmana were passing through this region in search of Mother Sita, then Lord Rama felt thirsty upon which Lakshmana shot an arrow to the ground from which the water oozed out to quench his thirst.
The cascading falls descend from a height of 60 meters and present a wonderful view. Located in a silent forest, the sound of the gushing water contrasts with the silence and mesmerizing sounds of birds and nature, creating an excellent symphony.
- Distance from Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 221.7 kilometers.
- Distance from Railway Station: Mysore Junction, 106.2 kilometers.
Also read: 10 Amazing Tourist Attractions to Visit in Coorg in 2 Days
8. Mandalpatti View Point
Placed at a height of 1,600 feet above sea level, Mandalpatti View Point is certainly evolving as one of the best tourist places in Coorg.
One of the best ways to explore this amazing place is the exciting Jeep drive which can be taken to view the elegant sunset. Again the surrounding forest is home to an abundance of natural beauty, being home to an exotic variety of birds and animals.
The experience of visiting Mandalpatti view point is one of the best experiences you will ever have. It is situated around 35 kilometers from Madikeri town and is a great place for couples and families to visit.
- Opening and closing times: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Book your Coorg honeymoon packages from here.
9. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
This wonderful and unique wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Northern Part of the Coorg Region. A part of the heavenly Western Ghats, visitors will be mesmerized to find an abundance of greenery and exotic species of wild animals and birds.
The sanctuary reaches a maximum height of 1,700 meters above sea level. The highest peak in this area, the Pushpagiri peak is also a favorite spot for adventurers for hiking and trekking. Visitors can spot a number of wild animals.
There are leopards, elephants, wild cats, pigs, barking deer, sambar, jackals etc. There is little danger from the wild animals as they are used to human treks, camping, and staying as well as venturing into the jungle alone.
However, there are jungle lodges within the sanctuary, where tourists can stay and enjoy the thrill of quintessential jungle life.
- Opening and closing times: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM, all days of the week
- Best time to visit: Between November and March
[ Also read: Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka ]
10. Mallalli Falls
The mesmerizing falls are located at the foothills of the picturesque Puspagiri Hills and are one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Coorg.
A stunning place for nature lovers, water of the falls cascades through a height of 200 feet. This also makes it the tallest falls in the whole of South India.
The falling water creates an amazing sound and together with its spectacular sight makes it a wonderful place to enjoy languid moments.
The beauty of the mesmerizing Malali Falls is enhanced manifold during the monsoon season when the place becomes rich with lush greenery. It great place for a picnic and spend some romantic moments with your spouse.
- Distance from Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 168 kilometers
- Distance from Railway Station: Mangalore Central Railway Station, 155 kilometers
11. Coffee Plantation Visit
Coorg is known for its coffee production and the region produces around 60 percent of India’s coffee. Thus, the place has some mesmerizing coffee plantations. To add to the charm of the place, it is surrounded by abundant teak, rosewood, and sandalwood plantations.
The best way to experience these coffee plantations is the homestays which are done in many of its resorts and coffee estates.
Also, walking tours are an amazing exercise to really appreciate the beauty of the plantation as well as enjoy sampling fresh coffee and understanding the coffee-making process.
It is one of the great adventures to undertake and experience in Coorg.
- Best time to Visit: All round the year and November to witness the harvesting
12. Talacauvery & Bhagamandala
An important pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is located approximately 1200 meters above sea level in the Brahmagiri hills. However, in addition to having religious significance, the place is redolent with natural beauty. The little pond located at this spot is the birthplace of river Cauvery.
The temples of Bhagmandala too stand as places of great religious and spiritual importance. From here the Triveni, the confluence of three rivers is a sight to behold and cherish. This is one of must visit places in Coorg and promises to enthrall visitors spiritually and visually.
- Distance from the Airport: Mangalore International Airport, 152.3 kilometers, Mysore Airport, 174.2 kilometers
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mysore Railway Station, 159.8 kilometers
- Opening and Closing Times: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
13. Golden Temple, Bylekuppe
There are a number of wonderful Buddhist Monasteries and temples in this region due to an aggregation of a great number of Buddhists in the area. One of these impressive structures is the Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple is known for its unique architecture which distinguishes itself from other such Buddhist temples. Various multicolored flags signify the pervading Buddhist traditions. The Golden Temple is a part of the Namdroling Monastery.
This is also a wonderful place to truly savor the Tibetan and Buddhist Culture. Tourists can find a number of small shops selling Tibetan items and artifacts while the restaurants give them a chance to savor different Tibetan delicacies.
It is a unique and different experience to visit this place and it is always high on the list of to-do things for tourists traveling to Coorg.
14. Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort was built in the 17th century and was reconstructed by Tipu Sultan. The fort has a wonderful and illustrious history. It changed hands many times and was administered by great and prominent kings and chieftains.
The fort is also adorned by a wonderful palace which was built during the initial times by Muddu Raja. The palace is built in the European style.
There are horse statues at the entrance while some prisons can be seen which were once used to house traitors, enemies, and trespassers.
Apart from many other attractions, there is a museum, which displays the weaponry of Tipu Sultan and other artifacts, a Chapel, built by the British in 1834, and a Public Library that is home to many historical books and cultural heritage. Madikeri Fort is a must-visit place in Coorg to enjoy the history and exquisite architecture.
- Opening and Closing Time: 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM on weekdays except on Mondays.
- Entry Fees: No entry Fees
15. Chelavara Falls
Also known as Embepare, the Chelavara Falls are one of the most beautiful falls in the Coorg region. Located a couple of kilometers away from the Chomakund hills, which furnish an eagle’s viewpoint of the plains and a mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea at a distance, the waterfalls are great place to enjoy leisurely moments with friends and family.
Adventurists have their own excuse to visit this site since the place adjoining the falls is amazing for hiking and trekking as well as camping. The charm of the falls is such that it appears to be a piece of some scenery from heaven.
The water slopes down the black rocks and the verdant foliage enveloping the cascade perfectly frames it. No doubt this relatively untouched and pristine waterfalls will leave you completely enchanted and refreshed.
- Best time to visit: From August to November
- Best time to Trek: From August to December
Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
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