Coorg

Coorg is described by the British as Scotland of India. It is a beautiful hilly district in the state of Karnataka. It  shares its boundaries with Mysore district to the East, beautiful Wayanad district of Kerala to the South, and Dakshina Kannada district with Mangalore as the district headquarters to the West. The mist-covered mountain tops to the West forms a wall to the district.

Coorg is the anglicized name of Kodagu. Coorg and Kodagu are the same. Coorg is the name of the district, with Madikeri as the district headquarters.

Colonial bungalows with red-tiled roofs surrounded by the greenery of coffee plantations and paddy fields at an elevation of 1200 meters take you back to the British era.

Where is Coorg?

The district is on the Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in the state of Karnataka. Coffee, pepper, and cardamom are grown on the mountain slopes and paddy on the plains.

Coorg is the well-guarded land of nature. The greenery around you will mesmerize you. The rivers flow to the brim during the monsoon. The water falls come alive with a deafening sound. The major water falls are Abbi falls, Irupu falls, Chelavara falls, Mallalli falls, and Kote abbi falls.

River Kaveri takes its birth at Talakaveri in the Western Ghats and joins two other rivers Kannike and Sujyothi to form a confluence  in Bhagamandala.

The Nagarahole National Park/ Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a program of project Tiger. Tiger sightings are more between November and February. You can sight a Tiger, herd of Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Bison, Leopards, and Sloth Bear. You can sight the most endangered Black Panther in Kabini, a range of Nagarahole National Park. Safari inside the forest is  twice daily. Both in the morning, and in the evening.

Coorg weather

The weather is pleasant and moderate around the year except during the monsoon between June and September. The average maximum temperature in the summer months between March and May will be 34’C with average minimum temperatures at 23’C. The winter months between November and March will have an average maximum temperature of 29’C and an average minimum temperature of 18’C. The rainy season is between June and September.

Best time to visit Coorg

The post-monsoon months from October to June is the best time to visit Coorg. Just after the monsoon ends, the waterfalls will be  at their best, with water cascading from great height producing deafening sound. The  green mountains slopes with mist-capped tops present a mesmerizing sight.  The monsoon months receive heavy rains followed by landslides. If  you want to enjoy White Water Rafting visit Coorg during the monsoon months. But, it may be hard to access the sightseeing locations.

Places to visit in Coorg

North Coorg

Talakaveri,-Birth place of river Kaveri

Bhagamandala,-Triveni sangam,

Raja’s seat- Beautiful sunset point,

Omkareshwara temple,-Indo Sarcenic lake temple,

Madikeri Fort,

Abbi Water Falls- a Beautiful water falls inside a coffee plantation,

Dubare Elephant camp-you can bathe Elephants yourself here

Nisargadhama,-A beautiful island formed by river Kaveri

Namdroling Monastery- the Golden Temple of Buddhists

Mandalpatti,-a beautiful scenic point for sunrise, accessible only by a 4×4 jeep.

South Coorg

Chelavara Water Falls,

Irupu Water Falls,- Magnificent water falls inside a wildlife sanctuary,

Nagarahole National Park for safari inside the park,

Beautiful Tea Gardens

How to reach Coorg

Madikeri is  the district headquarters of Coorg. It is well-connected by road.
By road- It is 270 km from Bangalore, 140 km from Mangalore, and 120 km from Mysore.
By train- The nearest rail head is Mysore at a distance of 120 Km.
By flight- Kannur International airport is the nearest at 115 km. Mangalore International airport is at 150 km.  Mysore also has an airport, but flight   timings are not convenient.

Things to do in Coorg

Coorg has a lot to offer.

Camping inside coffee plantations is the most popular activity. You can camp in tents in all seasons.

Dubare Elephant camp is where you can bathe Elephants yourself. It is open between 9.30 am to 11.00 am. However, you are free to spend time in the Kaveri river.

Adventure in Coorg

If adventure is on your mind, go trekking in the mountains. Some of the popular trekking trails are Tadiandamol, Bramhagiri, Kotebetta, and Nishanimotte. Trekking is ideal between October and March.

White water Rafting during monsoon months between June and August is a popular activity in Barapole and in Dubare.

The greenery in Coorg will mesmerize you. Take a walk on the meandering roads in the morning to breathe fresh air that is a rare commodity in the metros. Relish the spicy mouthwatering local cuisine. Or just lay back on an easy chair with your favorite author in hand. Enjoy the evenings in front of the campfire sipping your favorite drink.