Coorg also known as Kodagu is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka. This place is also called as the “Scotland of India”, where green hills, coffee estates, and cool climate come together to create a perfect tourist spot.
Madikeri is the capital of Coorg is a beautiful hill town and has plenty of attractions in and around the town. Also, the town is surrounded by waterfalls, spice plantations, and several viewpoints that offer breathtaking sights. Coorg is a perfect destination to enjoy whether you are traveling with a family, or couples, or exploring on your own.
Coorg Tourist Spots You Shouldn’t Miss
Raja Seat
Raja seat is one of the popular places to see in Coorg. It is a garden with wide views of valleys, hills, and misty forests. The place name means “Seat of the King”, where the kings of Kodagu came here to watch sunsets with their queens.
Raja seat in Coorg is famous for its musical fountain show in the evening. Visitors can enjoy walking through the flower-filled gardens while children can enjoy the small toy train. The best time to come is early morning or evening when the sky changes colors over the valley.
- Location: Stuart Hill, Madikeri
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 5 per person
Madikeri Fort
Madikeri fort shows the long history of Kodagu. This fort is built in the 17th century and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan. This fort features both British-style structures and stone walls. At the fort entrance, two stone elephant’s to welcome visitors.
The fort also has a small museum maintained by the Archaeological Department. Inside the museum, you can see old weapons, paintings, and records from the past. It is a perfect place for travellers who want to explore the history of Coorg.
- Location: Madikeri Town Center
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fees: Free
Abbey Falls
One of the most photographed Coorg tourist spots is Abbey falls, which is located about 8 km from Madikeri town. This fall is surrounded by coffee plantations and spice estates, and the waterfall rushes down from a height of about 70 feet.
A hanging bridge located opposite to the falls gives a perfect view for taking photographs. During the monsoon and early winter, the water flows with full force and the area looks green. Swimming is prohibited in this fall, so visitors usually spend time in walking the bridge and capturing photographs.
- Location: Abbey Falls Road, Madikeri
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 15 per person
Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara temple is the 19th century temple in Madikeri, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s structure is unique because it mixes Gothic and Islamic styles with traditional temple architecture.
A water tank is situated in the front of the temple has many fish, and it is amazing to see the reflection of temple in the tank. This place is suitable for both pilgrims and visitors who prefer calm atmosphere.
- Location: Madikeri Town
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
Mandalpatti Viewpoint
Mandalpatti is one of the most popular places to see in Coorg. It is located about 25 km from Madikeri town. It has an altitude of nearly 4050 feet and offers attractive views of rolling hills, misty valleys, and green sceneries.
The name Mandalpatti means “market of clouds”, because most the mornings and evenings the peaks are covered with fog.
To reach the top, visitors usually take a jeep ride from the base point because the route is rugged. The travel is an adventure, with winding trails and panoramic sights at every turn.
- Location: 25 km from Madikeri, on the way to Abbey falls
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 25 per person (Jeep charges around INR 1000 to 2000 per vehicle, shared among passengers)
Dubare Elephant Camp
The Dubare elephant camp near the cauvery river is a popular place for travelers who enjoy being close to the wildlife. Here, trained elephants are looked after by naturalists and caretakers. Visitors can feed the elephants, watch them bathe in the river, and learn more about their daily routine.
It is both educational and engaging, especially for children. During weekends and holidays, the camp is more crowded and busy, so plan your trip wisely.
- Location: Near Kushalnagar, about 30 km from Madikeri town
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 20 for entry, and INR 100 to INR 1500 for elephant activities depending on the activity you choose.
Coffee Plantations
Coffee from Coorg is more popular across the world. Walking through coffee plantations is one of the best things to do in Coorg, Madikeri, giving a more memorable experience. Many estates provide guided tours where you can see how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and processed.
They also provide free coffee for the visitors and also you can buy the coffee powder from their shops.
- Location: Various estates around Madikeri and Kushalnagar
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (varies by estate)
- Entry Fees: Around INR 150 to INR 250 per person for guided tours
Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)
Namdroling monastery is one of the India’s largest Tibetian settlements, which is located in Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar. It is also called as the Golden Temple because of its shining golden Buddha statues.
The peaceful chanting of monks and the detailed paintings on the monastery walls gives peaceful environment to the visitors. You can watch daily prayers and rituals by walking through the monastery courtyard. Also, you can visit nearby shops to try some Tibetian foods.
- Location: Bylakuppe, around 34 km from Madikeri town
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
Talakaveri and Bhagamandala
Talakaveri is the birthplace of the river Cauvery, which is located about 48 km from Madikeri. A small tank marks the exact spot and a temple is also present in which Goddess Kaveriamma is the main deity. Bhagamadala, which is located just below is where the river Cauvery, Kanike, and Sujyoti meet.
Pilgrims and travelers visit this place throughout the year, enjoying the views of the Brahmagiri hills and the cultural feel of the temple.
- Location: Brahmagiri hills, Coorg
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
Iruppu Falls
Another popular waterfall in Coorg is Iruppu Falls, which is located near the Nagarhole national park. Water falls from about 170 feet in two stages, creating a refreshing sight. The surrounding forest is filled with birds and greenery, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers.
The falls also have a rich history linked with the legends from the Ramayana. Visitors usually combine the trip with a drive through a Nagarhole get a chance to spot wildlife.
- Location: Kurchi, South Coorg (around 80 km from Madikeri town)
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 50 per person
Nagarhole National Park
For wildlife lovers, Nagarhole national park is one of the popular Coorg tourist spots. The park spreads across forests, rivers, and valleys. It is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and many species of deer. Jeep safaris and bus safaris are also available. Early morning safaris give the best chance to spot animals.
- Location: Kodagu and Mysore districts, entry from Hunsur side
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 250 for Indians, INR 1500 for foreigners (safari charges extra)
Best Time to Visit Coorg
The best time to go to Coorg is during the winter season, from October to February. In this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these months the weather is cool, crisp, and perfect for exploring coffee estates, Abbey Falls, and Raja Seat. Clear skies also make travel easier, allowing visitors to cover more places without any interruption.
From March to May, Madikeri Coorg weather stays between 20°C and 35°C. During this time, the days are warmer and the evenings are cooler. This season is suitable for outdoor walks, visiting plantations, and light treks.
June to September brings heavy rainfall. The greenery during this time is attractive, but frequent showers can interrupt your travel plans. Slippery and leech-filled paths can also make your trekking experience more difficult.
Where is Coorg Located in Karnataka?
Many travelers wonder where Coorg is located and how it connects with the rest of Karnataka. Coorg is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka. It is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging between 900 and 1700 meters. The district shares its border with Kerala to the south and Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, an Mysuru districts of Karnataka. This location gives Coorg its cooler climate and greenery throughout the year, making it a popular destination.
How to Reach Coorg?
By Road
Coorg is well-connected by road, and most travelers prefer to drive or take a bus from major cities in Karnataka. The distance from Bangalore is about 260 kilometers, with a travel time of 5 to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Mysore is about 120 kilometers away, making it a convenient stop for those combining Coorg with a visit to the city.
For those planning an extended travel, the Coorg to Ooty distance is roughly 230 kilometers, making both hill stations accessible on the same trip. Karnataka State Road Transport buses and private operators provide frequent bus services.
By Rail
Coorg doesn’t have its own railway station. The nearest railway stations are Mysore, Mangalore, and Hassan. Once you reach these railway junctions, you can continue the journey by taking a bus or by hiring a taxi service.
By Air
The nearest airports to Coorg are Kannur International Airport in Kerala about 90 kilometers, Mangalore International Airport about 150 kilometers, and Kempegowda International Airport is about 295 kilometers away. Once you reach the airports, you can hire a cab or taking a bus to reach Coorg.