Coorg is a popular hill station in Karnataka, especially with those seeking a weekend break from Bangalore. The lush green topography is a haven for wildlife, bubbling rivers offer white water rafting challenges and rolling hills with the scent of coffee wafting through them are perfect for walking and trekking.

Coorg or Kodagu is a fairly vast district and has places tucked away which are worth seeing. Here is a list of places in Coorg to visit.

Madikeri
Madikeri is one of the most popular places in Coorg to base yourself in. The largest town of Coorg, it is situated in the North of the district and is the hub for many visitors. There are plenty of sight-seeing opportunities near Madikeri like the Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Raja’s Tomb, Omkareshwara temple and the Nisargadhama Forest in the town. A good place to visit the local eating joints for some typical Coorgi food.
Getting There – Madikeri is well connected to all maijor transport hubs by local buses and cabs.

Abbi (Abby) and Iruppu Falls
Often spoken about in one breath, the Abbi and Iruppu Falls are near Madikeri. Gushing with water, especially in the monsoons, these are great picnic spots. Easy trekking trails run from the falls and those interested can veer off into the wilderness. Ensure that you watch out for leeches in the rains though.
Getting There – Regular buses run from Madikeri and Gonikoppal to these falls.

Somwarpet
Many people miss this haven of coffee and spices due to the distance from Madikeri. Somwarpet is in the North East part of the district and takes about two hours to reach from Madikeri. Cardamom, coffee, peppers, oranges, ginger, and other vegetables grow extensively here. Somwarpet lies close to the third highest peak in Coorg after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri. It is known as Kotebetta and is a delight for trekkers. The other things to see here are Malemalleshwara Betta and the Beelur Gold Club.
Getting There – 42 kms from Madikeri, drive on the almost smooth roads in close to two hours or take us bus from the main stand at Madikeri.

Bylakuppe
The largest Tibetan settlement in South of India, Bylakuppe is spread over four regions just before Coorg. If driving from Bangalore, Bylakuppe is reached just before hitting Kushalnagar. There are a few places to stay here. Most people make a short stop, but it’s worth your while to stay for a night. See the young monks solemnly move about in the large courtyard of the Namdroling Monastery. Many visitors go there only in the mornings, but the lit up monastery in the evening is even more spectacular. Oil lamps are lit slowly through the evening, as monks line up to light the ritualistic lamp after dark.
Getting There – Bylakuppe is 40 kms from Madikeri, around a two hour drive or buses are available from the main stand at Madikeri.

Bhagamandala & Telecauvery
The Cauvery is one of the largest rivers in Karnataka and the convergence of a plethora of bio-diversity and activities. A touch of Kerala can be seen at Bhagamandala and Telecauvery with an ancient temple with a copper roof. Also known as Triveni Sangam, the spot is a semi religious destination, especially in mid October. Steps from here lead to the Brahamagiri Peak from here are essential to climb to get a panoramic view of the lush district.
Getting There – Over an hour’s drive from Madikeri, this is well connected by cabs and buses.

Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is en-route from Bangalore. One of the most esteemed game parks in India, Nagarhole is a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the South of India. Summers is the best time to visit, when animals roam more freely in search of water. A couple of days make ideal time to soak in the verdant surroundings and make multiple trips into the jungle. These are organised by the government, as private vehicles are restricted to go in.
Getting There – Nagarhole is well connected to Mysore and Madikeri by buses or even by cab.

There are many places in Coorg to explore, check out our Coorg homestay collection to find a base to explore this region from. If you would like to visit Coorg contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.