There are few holidays that have a lasting impression and leave people wanting for more. Coorg is one such location with its verdant coffee plantations, alluring mountains, and picturesque locations. The Kodagu region has been blessed with such mesmerizing beauty that it captivates one and all. Nicknamed the Scotland of India, this resplendent destination will surely take your breath away. Here is a list of top 19 experiences in Coorg to indulge while in the enthralling landscapes of the destination.
Please note, this list is more focused towards the experiential indulgence in Coorg. If you are looking for attractions with historical or religious significance, you can read my other blog post: Places to visit in Coorg
- Explore the Coffee Plantations
You are in the right place if you are an avid coffee lover. The sprawling landscapes offer a great Coorg is renowned for its lush green coffee plantations. Stay at one of the many homestays nestled amidst the coffee estates. Embark on plantation tours that offer information about the art and history involved in offering your favorite beverage. You can try your hand at picking berries in the plantations if you visit during the berry picking season. Exploring these coffee estates can be one of the good experiences in Coorg.
Coffee Seeds on a plant
- Soak in the beauty of Abbey Falls
Coorg is an ideal location for those who wish to escape the humdrum of the busy city life. The Iruppu and Abbey Falls are the largest waterfalls in Coorg and offer picnic spots set amid quaint settings. Do not forget to capture captivating shots near the falls. The Abbey is known for its scenic beauty and the cascade is situated amidst lush coffee plantations. There are enough sights to behold in this region. There are trekking trails scattered all around that offer a better view of these picturesque falls. The waterfalls have been dotted by black pepper trees and the backdrop of misty clouds during the monsoon season imparts a dreamy allure to these falls. Indulge in the show waterfalls present and include exploring these in your experiences in Coorg.
- Explore wildlife at the Nagarhole National Park
Visiting the Nagarhole National Park has got to be on your “must-visit” list while in Coorg. This has now been renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The Asiatic Elephant, Sloth Bear, Deer, Jungle Bison and the majestic Tiger are amongst the many inhabitants of this park. This park houses over 300 species of birds including the white-cheeked Barbet, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and the Blue Face Malkoha. Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp if you love elephants. You can engage in a host of activities while at the camp and assist naturalists in grooming the majestic creatures. Explore wildlife here and enjoy the experiences in Coorg.
- For a delightful experience, visit Raja’s Seat
This is the most popular attraction in Coorg. Raja’s Seat was a popular spot for the Kings of the Kodagu region. You can witness the gorgeous panoramic views and spectacular sunsets from this place which is nestled amongst charming gardens. Visit this place to experience the simple pleasures of life. Discover postcard-perfect beauty at this place and leave all your worries behind. Nowhere will you experience flowers in full bloom as much as you will here. The sprawling seasonal garden is laden with artificial fountains. This place offers a refreshing round of greenery; the verdant greenery houses small structures made of mortar and brick linked by arches. This is a fantastic spot for recreational activities. Views like these offer great experiences in Coorg. There are some good cafes around Raja’s seat where you can escape the crowd and still enjoy the bountiful views.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
- Indulge in rafting at the Barapole River
The Barapole River is an ideal location for indulging in rafting as you will experience one of the finest white water activities here. This river is a treasure trove of scenic and picturesque delights with forested areas adorning either side of the river. This river offers a thrilling ride and throws open numerous options for indulging in water sports. Two sections of rapids can be found in this region – There are rapids for first-time rafters as well as for seasoned rafters. Individuals with fear of water, high blood pressure, and weak hearts need to stay away from indulging in any adventurous activities being offered at this mesmerizing river. Although water jackets are available, one needs to have basic knowledge about swimming. The river crossing is yet another exciting adventure activity offered in this region. Although this is not as thrilling as water rafting can prove to be, the experience offered in unparalleled. Do not forget to try the zip line activity which is offered as a part of the adventure plan. Rafting in Barapole is one of the best adventure experiences in Coorg to indulge in.
Source: Wandertrails.com
- Trek and camp in Madikeri
Whether you are a nature lover, traveler or adventure lover, Coorg will win your heart as soon as you reach this place. Snuggled serenely on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats, the green terrains of Coorg are going to soothe your senses. The rich and colorful local life, the scenic vantage points and the wooded slopes captivate the imagination of the visitors. This region is a haven for coffee lovers. The northern region of Coorg is bejeweled with valleys and hills and camping in Coorg is an experience that cannot be described but can only be felt. Stay in camp sites to taste the adventure that the region has to offer. Challenge yourself into playing adventurous sports such as rappelling, zip lining or unwind around a campfire. If you are an adventurist, you should definitely camp in Coorg countryside and enjoy various experiences in Coorg.
- Dubare Reserve Forest & Elephant Camp
The Dubare Reserve Forest is an undertaking by the forest department and is a popular attraction in Coorg. The key highlight of this camp is the breeding of elephants; in addition, they are trained. The responsibility of managing the elephants is vested in the hands of Naturalists. A naturalist can explain to you everything about these majestic creatures when you visit the elephant camp. These have first-hand information about their psychology and the lifestyle of these massive creatures. The camp consists of 150 elephants which are used in the Dussehra Festival. You can as well visit the deciduous forests for exploring the wildlife where you can spot deer, Asiatic elephants, sambars and other fauna in their natural habitat. A river runs through the area where wild animals frequent the banks. Dubare is a paradise for bird lovers and exotic birds can be spotted in this region. There is an abundance of woodpeckers, kingfishers, and partridges in this region. A mass exodus of birds can be spotted during twilight which is a sight to behold. This elephant camp is one of the unique experiences in Coorg when compared to other destinations in South India
- Nisargadhama
An island formed by the Cauvery River, Nisargadhama is a popular picnic spot in Coorg. This island spans an area of 64 kilometers and the foliage is varied in this region. Densely packed bamboo grooves can be noted in several places on this island. There is a large population of teak and sandalwood trees on this island as well. The island can be reached by traversing through a rope bridge. This island is known for its fauna as well in addition to flora. Plenty of deer can be noted in the region and rabbits add a lot of grace to the surroundings. Peacocks can be found in abundance here thereby adding color to the naturalistic ambiance. There are an orchidarium and playground for children as well on this island. Elephant rides are quite popular here which you may want to indulge in. There are shallow points where people are allowed to get into the water. The experience here is scintillating and one can experience naturalistic delights in this region. Do include this nature rich site for your experiences in Coorg.
Source: http://bgrowsholiday.in/
- Visit Harangi Dam
This water reservoir is located in Hudgur and is the main source of irrigation for the farmlands of the district of Kodagu. This dam has a capacity of 8.5 TMC. The sight of so much water seems pleasing to the eyes as the sight of serene waters seems to be de-stressing. The dam water is released into the farmlands periodically and the farmers are alerted about the process with sirens blasting. The people living in low-lying regions such as farmlands can seek shelter during the alert phase. Farmers rush to highlands and let water flow through their farmlands. Harangi Dam is full during the month of June and these farmers have to be thankful to this dam for not facing any irrigation issues. Include visiting Harangi Dam in your experiences in Coorg and enjoy the views and abundance of water.
- Trek to Brahmagiri Hills
Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, the Brahmagiri Hills is situated in the Western Ghats. Located at the border of Kerala and Karnataka, the Brahmagiri hills trekking trails is considered to be one of the best in the region. They take people through the amazing biodiversity of the region. Some of the trails take people through the wildlife sanctuary of Brahmagiri. This sanctuary is a natural habitat of numerous elephants. The trekking trails will embark you through dense forests and one can as well see rivers and rest along the banks. The Iruppu Falls are present in this hill region where there are semi-evergreen and evergreen trees in this forest area. These trees attract notable species of birds. The lush green forests house a variety of mammals and animals and there is no dearth of photography-worthy spots in this region. Brahmagiri Hills offers a slice of paradise and lots of hiking experiences in Coorg. Trekking through the verdant and serene forests rejuvenates the body and mind of an individual.
Source: Wandertrails.com
- Microlight flying in Coorg
If you are looking for unforgettable experiences in Coorg, then indulge in microlight flying. Individuals are permitted to fly at around 5,000 feet above the Earth’s surface. Microlight flying experience literally gives you wings to soar in the air. The aerial views of the mist clad landscapes, forests and mountain peaks make the flying experience nothing less than a dream. The hand glider is ideal for two people and is equipped with a robust machine which can be easily accelerated to a speed to 100 kilometers per hour. Most of the gliders are imported from other countries.
For the adrenaline junkies, Microlight flying is one of the most adventurous experiences in Coorg if you like heights and bountiful landscapes below.
Source: https://www.tourmyindia.com
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is located near Madalpatty. It is a part of the Western Ghats and there is an abundance of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. This is a pristine place that you can visit in Coorg. The sanctuary is at an elevation of 1700 meters above the sea level. The Pushpagiri Peak is the highest peak in this region which is a popular peak and trekking spot here. Hundreds of trekkers negotiate with all the difficulties posed by the mountain Kumaraparvatha. The wild animals in this sanctuary are used to humans trekking in their natural habitat. There are plenty of wild cats, leopards, barking deer, spotted deer, jackals and sambhar in this region. Walking through the heart of the jungle is an exciting experience in itself. The best time to visit this sanctuary is during November and March where you can spot majestic wildlife adorning this wildlife sanctuary. If you are looking for wildlife experiences in Coorg, this is a good recommendation for you.
- Jeep Drive to view sunset at Mandalpatti
Located at an altitude of 1600m, Madalpatty is situated just 18km from Madikeri. This is a fascinating trail which is located en route to Abbey Falls. This is a wonderful and serene place to jeep drive just for viewing the sunrise or sunset. Obstacle-free panoramic views are what greet you here. The surrounding thickets house rare and beautiful animals. This hilly natural beauty seems nothing less than heaven on Earth. This perfectly fascinating place features an amazing trail offering a pleasant experience. The jeep drive offers spectacular views of the abundant natural beauty of this region. This drive introduces you to the enchanting facets of Coorg.
Located on the way to Abbey Falls, you may encounter a bumpy ride during the process; however, true adventurists may enjoy the added perks. The amphitheater view of the sunrise or sunset offered from the top is something worth witnessing once in the lifetime. The mesmerizing forests surrounding the region would keep you captivated all through your ride. Prep up for a rural experience as you would barely encounter any urban experience within a 2-kilometer radius from the peak. Carry back home great memories of the calmness exuded by the entire land as Mandalpatti has so much to offer to its visitors. Out of the offroading experiences in Coorg, this is a proven one which is good.
- Quad Biking in Coorg
Coorg is a haven for those who want to seek respite from the tedious city life. Recently, Coorg has transformed into a hub for those seeking adventure and unlimited thrill. Although the city is home to tranquil rivers, plains and temples, it is as well an exotic hill station that is nestled amidst misty clouds and lush greenery. Strewn with hardened and rubble stones, the peaks of this hill station offer the best adventures to those who love cycling, biking and indulging in other activities. It is an ideal place for hill backpacker and adventurers. Quad biking in Coorg is a rough, tumble and rugged activity and is not for those who are faint of heart. The activity involves riding over a muddy track of 4 km which is lined with stones. Take this enthralling ride for exploring the enticing environments of Coorg. These adventure experiences in Coorg are surely worth indulging in.
- Zip lining in Coorg
Coorg is renowned for the adventurous activities that it has to offer. Zip lining has become a popular activity amongst the youth. There are numerous places where one can enjoy zip lining in this quaint town. It is impossible to describe the thrill of indulging in this activity from the scenic fronts of the mountains over thick forests and river valleys.
Source: https://www.wandertrails.com/
- Turn into a bird watcher
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Coorg is undoubtedly a haven for bird lovers and ornithologists. Coorg houses 25 percent of the total bird population in India. The area is considered to be the best for those who wish to spot species of birds including Nilgiri Laughing Thrushes, Malabar Trogons, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, Great Black Woodpeckers and a lot of other varieties. Grasshopper Warblers, Yellow Billed Babblers, Orphean Warblers, Pacific Swallows and Yellow Browed Bulbuls are other varieties of birds that can be found here. Be a part of bird watchers group while in Coorg for an incredible experience.
- Enjoy angling and fishing in the waters of Kaveri
Coorg is an ideal destination for angling and fishing being the origin point of river Kaveri. The river houses game fish such as Mapp, Maral and Mahaseer. These are prized catches and attract a lot of attention of veteran anglers. It is essential to possess a license for fishing and angling within the region. Further information about licensing and guides for fishing can be procured from the Coorg Wildlife Association, Madikeri. No licenses are issued during the monsoon season as this is the breeding period of the fish species. Make sure to be aware of all the rules that one needs to conform with the Wildlife association while indulging in these fishing experiences in Coorg.
- Mallalli Falls
Mallalli Falls is located in the Somwarpet Taluk of Coorg District. This place is an ideal spot for those who love indulging in adventurous activities. This falls attracts trekkers visiting the region. The best period to visit these falls is during July and December. These falls are located at the foot of Pushpagiri Hill Ranges where the river Kumaradhara plunges over 200 feet. This waterfall is accessible by foot as the path is rugged and narrow. Visitors can indulge in small distance treks for basking in the scenic views of nature. Do not forget to soak in the breath-taking views of this mesmerizing falls while in Coorg. Reaching and spending time at Mallalli Falls is one of the most offbeat experiences in Coorg.
Source: http://blog.sivaraj.in/
19. Explore the Tibetian colony and monasteries in Bylakuppe
Exploring the Tibetian colony and monasteries in Bylakuppe is one of the spiritual experiences in Coorg. Not only the monasteries but talking a walk in lanes of Bylakuppe will also craft an experience from you. Discover how the monks stay and observe their lifestyle by visiting this part of town. Bylakuppe is located at a distance of 40 Kms from Coorg but, a quick road trip will be worth for this lovely destination. To read my detailed experience of visiting Bylakuppe, read this blog: Bylakuppe – A Quaint Tibetian town in Karnataka
I hope you liked my recommendations. Do reach out to me in the comment section if you have any questions. Also, please feel free to share your experiences with me.