Coorg

Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Coorg is a scenic hill station located in Karnataka. Its
proximity to Bangalore makes it an ideal tourists destination and easily accessible. Located
in the Western Ghats, the hill station highlights various adventure options as its main
attraction. Indulge in trekking, angling, golfing and white water rafting. Among the
monumental heritage is the Tibetan Settlement at Bylekuppe.
The most popular and celebrated facet of Coorg are its coffee and spice gardens. Rated as
one of the most popular hill station in South India, the best time to visit the city is during
October to April, when the popular Festival of Arms - Keilpoldu' and the harvest Festival Puthar is held.

When To Go
Coorg offers moderate and pleasant climate all through the year. But the best season to visit is from October to April.
Winters (December to February) are cool days with minimum temperature above 11C. This climate with soothing winds
& lush greenery is liked by many tourists. It is a good time for enjoying honeymoon in Coorg.
Summers (March to May) are moderate and pleasant with maximum temperature not crossing 34C. The season is liked
by all kinds of tourists.
Monsoons (June to September) offer medium rainfalls, and Coorg is serene during the rains.
October to May is perfect for Coorg tourism. Tourists can indulge in sightseeing and outdoor activities. June to September
is good for short trips and indoor activities.

Eat & Drink

There are not many restaurants or fine dining options in Coorg as most of the hotels and homestay have in-house
restaurants which serve tasty and authentic local cuisines. However, if you still want to explore more culinary options then
go to Shanti Family Restaurant opposite the Golden temple in Bylekuppe to savor authentic Tibetan cuisines like momo
and Thupka. The small Hotel Capitol on Street School road is exceptionally famous for its Pork curry. For lip smacking
South India fare along with the local mutton and chicken curries, go to East End Hotel on Extra GT Circle. Atithi
Restaurant in Madikeri and Popular Guru Prasad on Street Main road are the best places to enjoy vegetarian delicacies,
breakfast, snacks and thali.

Shopping
Fruits, coffee, honey, spices and Tibetan handicrafts are some of the items tourists can buy in Coorg. There are no malls or
swanking buildings with glass exterior, as shopping in Coorg is confined to small shops, respective tea and spice gardens
and local vendors selling the basic stuff. Go to Kushal Nagar Market for Sandalwood oil, timber carvings, homemade wine
and silk saris. For Tibetan handicrafts and small knick knacks, go to the small souvenir shops located within the
Bylekuppe. For authentic honey, tourists should go the Honey Valley which is very close to Coorg (40 km). The various
coffee estates and spice gardens are the best places to buy the famous Coorg coffee and spices. The Friday Market at
Madikeri is the best place to buy ethnic jewellery.

Travel within city

Coorg is a hill station located in the State of Karnataka. It is famous for its coffee and tea plantations. The slopes are very
steep and many vehicles find it difficult to traverse. Some of the local transport options are buses, local jeeps and tourist
taxis. The nearest railway station is at Mangalore and it is around 180 km from the hill station. The best option for travelers
is too book cabs through the hotels as they are safe and the prices are affordable. Cabs cost around Rs 2,300 for Tata
Indica and Rs 3000 for SUVs. It is advisable to have cabs with experience drivers as the slopes and hair pins are steep
and also the local transport may not be reliable.

Bus
Buses ply in some parts of the town. Due to the steep slopes buses cannot be found in many areas of the town.

Taxi
Cabs can be hired from either Mangalore or in the town itself. They usually charge around Rs 1500 per day. Local jeeps
are the best option to travel around the various plantations. Jeeps are the ideal vehicles for steep slopes and they are
relatively cheaper. They usually cost around Rs 500 for day trips to the local sites.

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Attractions

Iruppu Waterfalls

mustsee

Cascading from the height of 60 mts, Iruppu Falls is a fresh waterfall which originates from the Brahmagiri rage and is 48
km from Madikeri town. The waterfall is a pictorial delight and is known for its mythical legends. A famous Shiva temple
situated enroute to the waterfall is a popular attraction. The waterfall is at its mightiest during the monsoon months making
it the best time to visit this waterfall. This temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri (held in
March).
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM daily

Bird Watching
Coorg, a place full of greenest sceneries with innumerable coffee plantations, religious sites is also an ornithologists
delight, hosting different species of birds. Coorg alone has 25% of the all bird species found in India. Among different
varieties, some of the most commonly sighted birds in Coorg include Yellow Browed Bulbuls, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri
Laughing-thrush, Fairy Bluebird, Whistling-thrush, Black Eagle, Pacific Swallows and Ceylong Frogmouth.
Besides, the place also houses different species of Owls which includes Short Earned and Oriental Scops Owls. With so
many varieties of birds, the place is a complete haven for bird enthusiasts.

Burude Falls
Located about 21 km from Siddapur, a part of Coorg region is the Burude Falls, a beautiful waterfall that one must see.
This waterfall provides beautiful views of the surroundings. To reach the falls in summer one needs to trek through a small
creek while in winter and monsoon it is quite impossible to access the valley and falls. But one can always see the
spectacular view of waterfalls from a stage setting.
One needs to have a serious climbing to reach the other side of the Burude Falls. It is best to visit this waterfall in winter
and early summer. There are also some places of interest close to Burude Falls which includes Jog, Unchalli, and
Honnemaradu.

Fishing
Fishing can be enjoyed by tourists while in Coorg. The backwater of the Cauvery River at Valnoor close to Kushalnagar
homes various species of fresh water fish. Fishes such as Cat fish and Eel are found in plenty here. The best time for
fishing is during the months of October to May.

Honnamana Kere
A must see place in Coorg is Honnamana Kere lake. This lake is considered as the biggest lake in Coorg and has historical
and spiritual significance. It is named after Goddess Honnamma so the lake is considered holy. There is a temple adjacent
to the lake, basically constructed for Goddess Honnamma who sacrificed her life for the welfare of the people.
Surrounded with enchanting mountains, cliffs and coffee plantation along with two hills Gavi Betta and Mori Betta,
Honnamana Kere Lake is the perfect spot to view the serene beauty of nature. There is also a man built caves close to the
lake and is believed to be built by Pandavas. Honnamana Kere is also a nice place for boating and fishing. Every year
many newlywed couples also visit this lake during Gowri pooja to give their offerings.

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Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

A thick evergreen forest located in the northern part of Coorg is Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for fostering various
species of wildlife. Some of the popular tourist attractions within the park are Kumara Parvat peak, Bisle reserve forest and
the Kukke Subramanya forest. If you are interested in jungle trekking, then this is a good place. The best time for visiting
this wildlife sanctuary is during the months of November to March. It is around 25 km from Madikeri.
Timings: 7.00 AM - 6.00 PM Charges: Entry Fee - Rs 200

Somwarpet
Coorg offers many tourist attractions and Somwarpet is one of them. This town in Coorg district of Karnataka has several
enchanting places where one can always pay a visit. 6 km away from Somwarpet town is the Doddamalthe village where
lies the beautiful lake of Honnamana Kere. Surrounded with beautiful landscape of coffee estates and cliffs, this place is
considered holy and special pooja is being offered to the Goddess Honnamma every year on Gowri festival.
There is also Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Somwarpet where tourists can always visit and is an ideal spot for trekkers
who like to experience the wilderness of Western Ghats. Another must see place in Somwarpet is Mallalli Falls, which is
located 25 km away from the town. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg with lush green mountains around it.

Tadiandamol Peak
Coorg has many places of tourist attractions. One such place is the Tadiandamol Peak, the highest mountain of Coorg
district. This peak is the perfect spot for those adventurous lovers and here they can have a great adventurous trip. It
reaches an elevation of 1,748 m from the sea level.
A trek to Tadiandamol Peal would be a wonderful experience and if you are one of those adventurous trekkers then a visit
to this peak is a must. The topmost position of the peak is rather difficult to ascent but if preserves and climbs to the top,
then one is sure to have the perfect view of the majestic grandeurs of the slopes.

Trekking
Trekking in Coorg is really a challenging and interesting hobby. Coorg is suitable for all types of trekkers from novices to
experts. The trekking trails in Coorg are mostly unexplored and undiscovered. The undulated hilly ranges with thick
wooded trees make the trekking in Coorg highly adventurous and challenging.
Coorg offers challenging opportunity for those seeking explorations in jungle world. The three major mountain peaks in
Coorg, Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Tadiandamol, offer great trekking opportunities. There are some organizations
arranging trekking expeditions in Coorg. Coorg Adventure Club (CAC) can arrange the necessary facilities for the trekkers
in Coorg.

White River Rafting

Well known for coffee estates and misty mountains, Coorg also offers the exciting sport of white river rafting for adventure
lovers. The most popular location of river rafting in Coorg is Barapole River, which has some exciting stretches to raft
through rapids. August to September months is the best time for river rafting in Coorg.

Excursions
Madikeri

Madikeri also known as Mercara, is a picturesque and most important city in the Coorg
district. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills,
lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets
and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings and a bustling bazaar, the town situated at an
elevation of 1525 m, has a charming old-world feel. Raja's seat perched atop a hill is where
the kings of yore spent many pleasant evenings watching the golden sunset. With undulating topography covered in
different shades of green, dotted with exquisite coffee plantations and atmosphere heavy with mist, Madikeri is a picture of
magnificence. The town is full of trekking options offering some of the most picturesque trek routes in Karnataka.

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Madikeri Fort

mustsee

Built in the 17th century, Madikeri fort is among the most popular places to visit in Madikeri. The Fort was
built in the 17th century by Mudduraja and was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814.
Two life size masonry elephants on the north-east corner at the entrance and a church in the south-east
corner are some of the attractions within the fort. The view of the city from the top of the fort is simply
magnificent.
Timings: 10 AM - 5.30 PM (Monday closed) Charges: Entry free

Omkareshwara Temple

popular

Displaying Islamic as well as Gothic style of architecture is the Omkareshwar temple, located in the main
town of Madikeri. Built by Lingarajendra in the year 1820, the temple has various historical and mythical
legends associated with it. There is a tank in front of the temple and a footpath leading to a small
"Mantap". The bars of the windows of the temple were made of Panchaloha and an alphabet lim has
been placed in between the bars. It is a popular religious spot in the town.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Abbey Falls

popular

Dropping from a height of 70 feet, Abbey Falls is one of the prime attractions in Madikeri located at a
distance of 7 km from the main town. Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls
offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. The falls can be reached by a narrow road from Madikeri. Cars can
reach the entrance of these falls from where a downhill walk of 500 mt (on slightly paved steps) takes one
to the waterfalls. These falls are most impressive during the monsoons. Swimming is not recommended.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Gaddige Raja's Tomb

popular

A historical structure, Rajas tomb aka Gaddige in Madikeri is a beautiful structure extremely popular among the history
buffs. The tomb boasts of the indo-sarcenic style of architecture and the most popular attraction here is the mortal remains
of the Kodavad royalty and the court dignitaries. There are many other tombs of famous historical personalities as well.
This attraction is located just 1 km from Madikeri.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Charges: Entry Fee - Rs 2 per person

Raja's Seat

popular

Raja's seat is in the western end of Madikeri is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains and
offers great views of the hills and the valley below. The place is popular for its magnificent sunrise and
sunset views along with the far stretching blue mountains. This beautiful hilltop offers spectacular view of
the Coorg Valley studded with paddy fields and forests. A toy train ride, fountain show and few food stalls
are also available inside the garden.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM, Toy Train - 8 AM to 8 PM Charges: Entry Fee - Rs 5 per person, Toy Train - Rs 10 (2-3 minutes),
Free for Children below 5 years

Tata tea Estate

popular

Tata Tea Estate in Coorg is a popular place to visit around Madikeri. Located around 50 km from the main town of
Madikeri, the estate greets the tourists with its eye pleasing greenary. The estate is very big and has scenic beauty along
with an exquisite bungalow in the center of the estate, where tourists can enjoy staying. There is tea factory on the other
side of the estate, from where you can buy tea. This tea estate is very close to Iruppu falls.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily Charges: Entry Free
Kakkabe

A place holding the prestigious honors of being the largest producer of sweetest honey in
South-east Asia, Kakkabe is a picturesque little village in Karnataka's Western Ghats. It's a
beautiful hill station lying under the silhouette of Thadiyendamol peak, in the midst of
densely populated rain forest and coffee plantations.
Kakkabe is noted for its natural scenic beauty. On a clear day, one can even view the distant Arabian sea from
Thadiyendamol, the tallest peak in the region. An uneven mountain terrain interlinked with thriving coffee and cardamom
plantations, sprinkled hamlets and paddy cultivation lands. The place shot to the fame for cool nice weather, undulated

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plantations, sprinkled hamlets and paddy cultivation lands. The place shot to the fame for cool nice weather, undulated
green thriving hills and beautiful scenery around.
Kakkabe is a land of harmony where many communities including Brahmins, Christians, Gowdas, and Jains live together in
peace and cooperation. The main ethnic inhabitants are Kodavas, living with unperturbed culture and beliefs.
A popular base for rain forest treks, Kakkabe is home to some uncommon and extraordinary orchids and plants. These
forests are known for some wildlife species like pangolin, barking deer, various kinds of birds and flying squirrel.
Kakkabe is thriving and has grown to a popular tourist destination. Nalnad palace and Iguthappa temple are main
attractions here and tourists can undertake some adventurous activities like trekking and rock climbing. The Padi Iguthappa
Temple, the most famous temple of the Kodavas, is situated here. One can visit the world famous honey farms and the
pretty beautiful palace, Nalnad Palace, which is also know to fame as hunting lodge.
The landscape of Kakkabe is still mostly unspoiled and unexploited and the treks through the dense forest are highly
challenging and hugely rewarding for an enthusiast traveler. A birdwatchers paradise, Kakkabe is an extraordinarily
marvelous place to visit.

Nalknad Palace

mustsee

Nalknad palace, built by Dodda Viraraja in 1792, once belonged to the Hindu king Langaraja, promises the tourists a
valued visit and enthralls everybody with its eye-catching paintings and marvelous architecture.
Used as a hunting lodge, it is not a palace in the usual meaning. It is a double storied structure used by the Kodava kings.
The palace has intricate wood carvings all around the structure. Nalnad Palace is situated at the bottom of the highest peak
Thadiyandamol. Decorated with ancient paintings and historical architecture, Nalnad Palace attracts many to its fold.

Rock Climbing

popular

A fast growing adventurous sport, Rock climbing, is packed with excitement and if one wants to experience this thrilling
sport, Thadiyendamol in Kakkabe invites with its full vibrancy. This sport is a real challenging one, straining and pushing
out all your energies out of you. This hill provides easy and convenient access to climbers.
In Kakkabe, Rock climbing will feel almost like mountaineering except that instead of snow there are rocks involved in this
adventure sport. If you are good at climbing, then you can definitely try out this sport in Thadiyendamol, but certain climbs
can often prove grueling, merciless and tough, but the fancy and magic of the surrounding mountains in Kakkabe will keep
spirits high up to sky.
Recommended time to Rock climbing is September to May.

Igguthappa Temple

popular

The Padi Igguthappa temple, one of most important temple of Kodavas - the tribal inhabitants in Kakkabe, is dedicated to
Igguthappa, another name for Lord Subramanya. The devotees believe in the miracles by Igguthappa, where any one can
ask for anything from this super power God.
Farmers in and around this area usually offer prayers and offerings for rains during the famous Annual festival in the
temple conducted during the month of March. Tulabhara, weighing oneself against fruits, sugar, coconuts, rice etc, is an
important offering here. This temple governs significant role in the cultural and traditional life of the place.
Timings: 5.30 am - 2 pm, 6 - 7 pm

Karada

popular

Karada has one of the finest ancestral homes in the Kakkabe region and is not so far from Kakkabe center. From this
place, the far-off horizon is spotted with a large number of peaks. Karada offers exciting adventure, mix of scenic beauty
and maximum fun for those seeking the natures beauty and long terrain hills.
Ancestral Home known as Iyne Mane provides the required stay in an exquisite 250 years old architectural ancient
building. One can relish the taste of traditional Kodava cuisine and the most exciting hospitality. A morning dip in the
mountain stream or a trek along the beautiful scenic trails or a hand on experience with the environments in the coffee and
spices plantations, the promises of the Karada hang about is a memorable treat for tourists.

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Tadiyendamol

popular

Tadiyendamol, nearly 1746 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Kodagu district of Karnataka.
Tadiyandamol has the distinction of being the second highest mountain in Karnataka, the first being the
Mullayanagiri in Chickamaglur district.
Situated near to Kakkabe town, Thadiyendamol is a trekkers paradise. The views from the hill top are
awesome and breathtaking. This peak serves as a land mark to sea travelers, towering majestically over lesser peaks. It is
one of the most picturesque and enchanting spot in south India with unspoiled original forest and natural tiny recurrent
springs all around. This is an ideal base camp for trekkers and the palace estate located at the foot of the peak offers the
perfect stay.

Trekking

popular

Kakkabe is a trekkers pleasure to those people seeking for serenity, as there a number of treks small
and medium and of varying grades that is apt for most visitors. Though most trails are parasite infected
during the monsoon.
The most admired trek is the one to the undulated Thadiyendamol peak - it has the prestige of being the
second highest peak in Karnataka. It is a long trek and the view from the hill top is imposing and breathtaking. Trek to the
waterfalls nearby through the coffee plantations. The well laid trekking trails in Thadiandamol is challenging and enjoyable.
Another fascinating trekking trail starts from Chelavara village and leads through the various waterfalls including Baliatra
falls, Emmepare Falls, Thadiandamol peak and the ruined structures of Nalakkanad palace and ends at the Iguthappa
peak. It is really a thrilling experience to trek through these stunning and appealing forests of Kakkabe.
Recommended time for Trekking is September to May.
Dubare

Located on the banks of river Kaveri, Dubare is a forested area amidst the thriving greenery
of Coorg and is 34 km from Madikeri. The place is a must stop over for those planning a
holiday in Coorg. An elephant camp, thrilling adventure activities and unending natural
charms are some of the prime attractions of Dubare. Here tourists can enjoy fun fishing,
rafting and trekking in the wild hilly terrains. Nature has copiously provided Dubare its
galore and splendor. There are numerous places around Dubare that attracts the tourists.

Elephant Training Camp

mustsee

The Elephant Training Camp at Dubare is among the most popular tourist attractions. Here tourists can
enjoy watching elephants being trained by the local tribes under the supervision of Forest department.
Tourists can not only watch but participate in the activities like scrubbing or feeding the elephants. The
elephants for the Mysore Dussehra were once trained at Dubare elephant camp. Elephant rides, coracle
rides, fishing, trekking and river rafting are some of the activities tourists can enjoy here.
Contact: For Bookings: Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. Phone: 080-25597021,25597024,25597025
http://junglelodges.com Timings: Elephant ride: 8.30 AM - 12 PM daily Charges: Entry fee (camp): Rs
20, Elephant Bathing: Rs 100 per person

Nisargadhama

mustsee

A popular picnic spot, Nisargadhama is 30 km from Madikeri & 12 km from Dubare and is famous for its etheral charms. An
orchidarium, childrens playground, Deer park, Rabbit Park and peacocks are the main attractions on the island. Tourists
are also allowed to get into the water at a few shallow and safe points in the river. Elephant ride, boating along with film on
wildlife too can be enjoyed. For interested tourists various resorts and hotels are available for staying here.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 05:30 PM, Wildlife Film Timing - 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM daily Charges: Entry Fee
- Rs 10 for Adults, Rs 5 for Children, Elephat Ride - Rs 25 per person, Boating - Rs 50 to 100 per person

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Rafting

popular

Rafting is among the most popular activity tourists can enjoy in Dubare. There are few good camps around Dubare that
offer rafting down the Kaveri river. Coorg Adventure Sports Club has started river rafting near Dubare Elephant Camp in
Kushalnagar. Rafting commence at Dubare and covers a total of 11 km before ending at Kushalnagar. The best time for
rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.
Contact: For Bookings: Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. Phone: 080-25597021,25597024,25597025 http://junglelodges.com
Charges: Rs 1,000 per person approx
Tadiandamol

Tadiandamol is a mountain range that is located in the Kodagu District in the State of
Karnataka. It is the highest mountain range in the area as well as in the State of Karnataka.
Tadiandamol is known for its lush green and pristine forests. The beauty of the hills is
untouched and is yet to be invaded by tourists. There are many trekking spots and
mountain climbing destinations that are located in the hills. Tadiandamol is a haven for
nature walkers and trekkers. There are many places where travelers can experiences nature in its rawest form. The
Tadiandamol mountain range is also known for the many patches of Shola forest that can be seen.
Among the famous tourist attractions are the four villages called the Nalanad that is located in the base of the mountain
range. The villages are known for their beauty and they have a historical significance. The villages have been around for
many years and are known for their simple beauty.
The hills and forests are also an ideal place for nature photography and those whore interested in this can visit the place.
Tadiandamol is on the border of the State of Kerala and can be easily reached from there as well.

Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol is the highest mountain in the Kodagu district and third highest peak in Karnataka. Derived from a Malayalam
word, the name means largest base and is ideal for trekking. The peak of the mountains offer panoramic views of the
surrounding.
Kushalnagar

Tibetan Settlement of Bylakuppe

mustsee

A Tibetan refugee settlement, Bylakuppe is a major tourist spot on the way to Coorg. This place is home to thousands of
Tibetans living in exile, making it a huge center for Buddhism in South India. Though Bylakuppe can be visited all through
the year, the best time is during September to May, when the famous festivals are held. Some of the most popular
attractions here are Sera Ja Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Tashi Lunpho Monastery and a Golden Temple. There are
numerous shops inside the town selling Tibetan artifacts. Foreign visitors require an entry permit letter for visiting
Bylakuppe which can be applied through the Indian Missions in their respective countries simultaneously while applying
entry visa for India. It is 40 km from Madikeri town.
Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM daily Charges: Entry Free
Itineraries

Distances

Nagarhole
Mysore
Kabini
Mangalore

87 km
121 km
132 km
135 km

2h
2h, 10m
2h, 30m
2h, 50m

Madikeri
Kakkabe
Kushalnagar
Dubare

17 km
28 km 40m
29 km 30m
34 km 40m

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Mangalore
Chikmagalur
Bandipur National Park
Bangalore
Coimbatore
Jog Falls
Kochi
Chennai

135 km
145 km
190 km
258 km
325 km
361 km
390 km
594 km

2h, 50m
3h
3h
5h, 20m
6h, 30m
6h, 30m
8h
10h, 10m

Dubare

34 km 40m

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