12 Best Places To Visit In Coorg

Coorg, which is also called as Kodaga, is located in the southern part of Karnataka and is a very popular tourist destination. Coorg’s natural beauty, people, culture and food attracts people from all over the world. It was called as the Scotland of India by the British and also now, it’s known as the Kashmir of South India. It’s a perfect holiday destination famed for its luscious greenery, coffee farms and Kaveri water streams flowing through the valley. There is so much to see and experience here for everyone whether you are adventure lover, nature or for those who seek a spiritual indulgence. Coorg has some age-old centers of divinity and faith, such as the Omkareshwara and Bhagamandala temples. Kodagu is considered rich with wildlife and has three wildlife sanctuaries and one national park: the Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Coorg can be visited at any time of the year, except during the heavy rainfalls.

Kanigas brings to you a list of places to visit in Coorg to help you experience the best of the Kodagu region.

1. Abbey Falls: It is the biggest attraction for tourist that is 8 km from Madikeri. In summer also, there is plenty of water in these falls. The waterfall is located in between coffee plantations, spices and green trees where several streams joining in and meeting in Kaveri River. The gushing noise of the fall can be heard from the road. The fall is a perfect picnic spot with unexplored walking trails around the area. To get the perfect view of the fall you may walk through the hanging bridge. There is also a Kali Mata temple nearby, where you can trek. The best time to visit is early winter where monsoons bring in plenty of water.

2. Raja Seat: It offers a good view of the green valley below. It is called as Raja Seat because king (Raja) of Coorg used to come here with his consort to watch the beauty of nature. There is a small structure constructed amidst the verdant greenery. Made of brick and mortar, the structure is pillared. These pillars are connected to each other by arches. The sunset point overlooks a valley and offers a spectacular view of green mist-laden mountains beyond the valley. An added attraction is a toy train. This lovely train takes adults and children around the park to enjoy a view of the mountains as well as the Raja’s seat from a distance.

3. Madekeri Fort: As the fort is located in the centre of the town, it is also easily reachable from any part of Madikeri. The Madekeri Fort is an intrigue historical past. It was founded by Prince Mudduraja of Haleri Dynasty in 1681 A.D. Madekeri Fort was later rebuilt in granite masonry after it was captured by Tipu sultan. In 1790 Doddaveer Rajendra took possession of fort and in April 1834 British took control. The fact that a Church stands within the walls of the fort signifies the dominance of the British people over the fort. The St. Marks Church was built by the British in 1855 by removing a temple of Virabhadra from the inner fort and making place for the construction of the church. The fort is believed to have a few secret passageways and that adds to the mystery of the fort. The Madikeri Fort showcases beautiful architectural designs. Two life-size stone replicas of elephants stand in the north-east corner and draw the attention of the visitors upon their entrance to the fort. The St. Marks Church has been converted into a museum under the management of the State Archaeological Department.

4. Dubare Elephant: Dupare is famous for its Dupare Elephant Camp run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts JLR. It is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalnagar. The camp between the south bank of the Cauvery and the forest provides information to the enthusiastic tourist. You can also go for rides on elephants. The camp is must experience for the elephant lover in you. The other attraction you can enjoy like rafting, river coracle ride, wading in water, trekking, fishing etc.

5. Omkareshwar Temple: It is Shiva temple built by King Lingarajendra II in the year 1820. There are four minarets around and a dome in center of temple. A legend is associated with the temple that the king Lingarajndra killed a Brahmin for his selfish political needs and then the spirit of priest started tormenting the king. On advice from his learned people he builds this Shiva temple to get rid of Brahmins hatya dosh. The King went to Kashi bought ShivLinga and built the Shiva temple.

6. Cauvary Nisargdhama: It is a beautiful island on cauvery river.2km from khushalnagar and 28km from Madekeri. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding is lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood, rosewoods and teak tree. There is a deer park, children’s park. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions.

7. Coffee plantations: Coorg have acquired lots of fame in coffee plantations. You will find both governments own as well as private plantations here. When you visit a plantation, you can join hands with expert coffee pickers. Coffee estate owners provide tours where you get to know about the plantations techniques, methodologies and process to grow.

8. Golden Temple (Bylekuppe): Bylekuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in southern India. Moment you visit here you get the feeling of you visited Sikkim. The Golden Temple is part of the Namdroling Monastery. Just looking at the Golden Temple is a unique experience. The extravagance of the architecture is enchanting. You can try Tibetan food in restaurant nearby.

9. Nagarhole National park: It is also known by the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this is a famous wildlife sanctuary located in Coorg. The park is essentially a dense tropical forest. Apart from tiger, wild dogs, wild boar, mouse deer, sloth bear, hyena, mongoose, civet and otter you can see wild elephants. Best season to visit is summer you can see animals resting near water bodies. Avoid coming in monsoon.

10. Iruppu Waterfalls: One of the magnificent waterfalls in Coorg located in the Brahmagiri hill range. These falls are also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, as the Laxman Tirtha, a tributary of Kaveri River, starts its flow from here. It is sacred falls. This temple is a must-visit place during the Hindu festival of Shivaratri.

11. Talakaveri: The place is considered as one of the most sacred places in Karnataka as it is the birthplace of river Kaveri. Kaveri River originates as a spring feeding the tank called the holy Kundike, which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. Dipping in the water is believed to be a purification ritual.

12. Gaddige: Gaddige or Gadduge is an impressive structure with dome. On location there are tombs of well-known and acclaimed historical personalities. Some of them are the tombs of Lingarajendra, priest Rudrappa, and Tipu Sultan’s warrior Biddanda Bopu. These tombs are protected and administered by the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments.

There are many more places to visit in Coorg, apart from these twelve. Just pack your bag and explore this pure beauty of nature.

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