Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice, and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri is the region's center point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your experience more memorable!
Best Time To Visit :
The best time to visit Coorg is from October to June as the weather is pleasant with no rain and pleasant weather. However, if you want to go trekking, October to March is the best time to visit Coorg as this is the perfect weather if you wish to spend more time outdoors. During the monsoon months of late July and August, it is best to avoid visiting due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Places To Visit :
1. Abbey Falls :
Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls, is located around 10 kilometers away from the town of Madikeri and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in and around Coorg. The water cascade coming down from the cliff from a height of 70 feet provides a spectacular scene to behold. Nestled within the lush greenery which is typical to the sceneries of Western Ghats, the waterfalls attract hundreds and thousands of people throughout the year - especially nature lovers and photographers. The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. There is an over-bridge that hangs opposite of the falls, from where the most picturesque scene of white foams gushing down the ridge can be seen, captured, and remembered. The flow of the falls leaves a significant amount of water spray on those who stand on the bridge for some time.
Abbey Falls
2 . Talakaveri :
Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Kodavas erected a tank which is now considered as its origin. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank or a Kundike and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri some distance away. The place has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.
Talakaveri
3 . River Rafting In Coorg :
Barapole River is a famous white river rafting destination in Coorg. The white frothy river with speedy waters and rapids, flowing through beautiful landscapes, makes for an ideal river rafting experience. Set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats and bordering the Deccan Plateau, Coorg is a popular destination among travellers. White water rafting is organized in Upper Barapole are called Kithu-Kakkatu River which is a strong catchment area for the monsoons, thus providing some of the most challenging stretches of rapids. The Barapole River surges through dense forests and offers rafting participants a breathtaking view of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
River Rafting In Coorg
4 . Honnamana Kere Lake :
Known to be the biggest lake in Coorg, Honnamana Kere Lake has spiritual as well as historical significance. The lake is surrounded by hills, coffee plantations and man-made caves. Named after Goddess Honnamana, adjacent to this lake is a temple dedicated to the goddess. A popular festival here is the Gauri Festival which brings the lake and the surrounding areas to life during this time.
Honnamana Kere Lake
5 . Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary :
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 181 square km and has got its name from the Brahmagiri Park which is the highest peak with a height of 1608 m. The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands and bamboos. The sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom.
Some interesting birds one can spot in the place include black bulbul, Malabar trogon, and emerald dove. Cobra, python and king cobra are some reptiles which can be easily spotted. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to many animals including macaques, gaurs, elephants, tigers, leopard, cats, wild pigs, Nilgiri langurs and sloth bears. It is a famous attraction visited by tourists almost throughout the year. It is also famous among the trekkers. It is said by the locals residing there that seven sages meditated on the top of the hill.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
6 . Raja's Seat :
Raja's Seat, a garden with beautiful flowering plants and skilfully designed artificial fountains, is located in Madikeri in the district of Coorg. The garden was a favorite venue to rejuvenate for the Kings of Kodagu, and they loved watching the sunsets sitting here as they spent some memorable time with their Queens. Even today, the breathtaking view of the Sun setting into the undulated mountains is mesmerizing. The delightful garden here is adorned with a multitude of flowers and is a treat to nature lovers, and the proximity of the location also makes it a preferred picnic spot for the locals. Visiting Raja's Seat is an excellent way to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of royal indulgence in Coorg.
Raja's Seat
How To Reach :
1 . By Flight :
The nearest airport to Coorg is the Mangalore International Airport, which lies at a distance of 165 km from Coorg. From here on you can take a cab to reach Coorg.
2 . By Road :
Coorg is well-connected by road from the main cities of South India. You can catch deluxe KSRTC buses to Coorg from Mangalore, Bengaluru and Mysore.
3 . By Train :
The nearest railway station to Coorg is at Mysore, 95 km away. You can hire a taxi from Mysore to reach Coorg. Alternatively, you can also hop on a bus which runs from outside the railway station to Coorg.
