Coorg In Karnataka Hill Station

Coorg

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, a beautiful hill station in Karnataka.

It is known for its tranquility, coffee plantations, and rich culture. In Coorg, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of western ghats.

Roads in Coorg are surrounded by coffee plantations and pepper vines. The view of them from your vehicle is really mesmerizing.

After my trip to Coorg I decided to share my experience with people who are planning for a Coorg trip.
So I decided to write a blog on it.

There are two major towns in Coorg for night stays namely Kushalnagar and Madikeri. Kushalnagar is smaller in area and services than Madikeri.

Day 1

So, firstly I took a bus (Airawat club class) from Banglore (Mysore road satellite bus stand Bangalore) to Madikeri the distance of two is approximately 249 km around 5 hours journey. The bus departs at 7 am sharp in the morning and we reached there around 1 pm. We took an auto and head towards our beautiful homestay which we booked through Airbnb.

The name of homestay is Honey N Spike Hill stay. The host was very sweet and supportive.

After relaxing for some time we started our local sightseeing. We took a local taxi to explore areas near Madikeri.

First we had lunch in a south Indian restaurant and started our journey.

Madikeri Fort

We started our sightseeing with Madikeri fort.

Tourists are welcomed here with 2 big elephants sculpture. Fort premises has a church, a temple, prison cells, and a museum.

Personally I don't like it very much and would not recommend it to my friends too. Unless you are very much curious about Kodagu's history.

Timings-10:00am- 5:30pm

Abbey Falls

Around 6 km journey from Madikeri through a very beautiful greenery on both sides of the road.

Upon the entrance of falls, the stairs take you to the hanging bridges which gives a beautiful view of waterfalls.

couldn't stop myself by capturing the view. Avoid the crowd as there were ample of tourists to ruin your photos.

Timings-9:00am - 5:00pm
Entrance Charges-15/pp

Raja's Tomb

Raja's Tomb is a very quiet and beautiful place. You can sit here and relax for an hour or more as it is not so much crowded like other places.

It is well maintained with a beautiful garden. The panoramic view of Coorg city from here just mesmerize you. This place is famous for sunrise and sunsets. One should keep in mind that this place is best for evenings or early morning only. As in the day climate is very hot.

Timings-6:00am - 8:00pm
Time required- Not more than an hour.

Omkareshwar Temple.

Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

On the entrance of the temple you will find a copper plate on which the history of the temple is inscribed in small letters.

Opposite the temple is a pond, with a small shrine in the center, connected by a causeway. There are plenty of fish in the pond, which fascinates the sightseer.

Forgot to click a picture of the temple as I was so involved in the temple's peaceful atmosphere.

Timings-6:30 am-12:00 pm and 5:00 pm -8:00 pm.

Day 2

Kushalnagar

Dubare Elephant Camp

After having a wonderful home-made breakfast we started our sightseeing.

Dubare Elephant Camp is a must-visit place if anyone is traveling to Coorg. The camp is situated next to Cauvery River and you’re supposed to take a boat to cross the river.

People come here from all parts of the world to feed and play with elephants, bathe them, click photos and leave with lasting memories.

Timings -9.00 am – 11.00 am and 4.30 pm – 5.30 p m.
Time Required- 1-2 hours or more

Do try to get here early if you want to catch the elephants having their bath though.

Chiklihole Reservoir

The dam is just around 7 km from the elephant camp.

I was really awestruck to see the landscape ahead of the small dam. One side with water and another with a beautiful grassland. It was a refreshing sight to see cows eating green grass and no tourists around. The perfect place to spend some relaxing moment here, seemed so perfect for me, a nature lover and for any holidaymaker, who travel as far as Coorg, Chiklihole is a quick-dash of escape from the stress of usual life.

Timings-7:00 am- 6:00 pm

Nisargadhama

Our next sight was Nisargadhama.

Small forested land through which the Cauvery River flows. The picturesque picnic spot is adorned with lush foliage of thick bamboo groves, teak trees, and sandalwood all around.

Visitors are also allowed to step into the river waters however by adhering to the safety norms laid down by the authorities.

Nisargadhama is also home to peacocks, deers, monkeys, and elephants. A children’s park, deer park, orchidarium and hanging bridge have been built for tourists.

But it could have been better if forest authority maintained it properly.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Time Required: 2-3 hrs
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 10,
Children: INR 5,

Namdroling Monastery

So here we are at Namdroling Monastery also known as Golden Temple.

As I have always been fascinated by Tibetian culture so this place is a favorite for me.

The positive vibes, vivid and vibrant colors also the fine showcase of Tibetan art, the architecture is really amazing.

This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery. Also known as mini Tibet.

Just outside the Namdroling Monastery, there is a shopping complex and a lot of cafes where you can hog on Tibetan food.

You can pick up prayer flags, prayer wheels, dreamcatchers from the shops. Many souvenirs are also available, take few as a token of memory.

Timings-9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Day 3

Bhagmandala

The Triveni Sangam or confluence of river Kaveri with two other rivers, Kannike and the mythical Sujyothi. Sangam is just opposite to Bhagamandala Temple. A small stream of river meets here.

Pilgrims proceed to Talcauvery only after offering worship at Bhagamandala.

After the temple visit we headed off to Talakaveri.

Timings-6:00 am - 7:00 pm

Talacauvery

Talacauvery is just 7-8 km from Bhagmandala. It is the birthplace of the holy river Cauvery.

Talacauvery is famous for two things, firstly for the temple dedicated to Cauvery Ma and secondly for the majestic views of the Brahmagiri hills.

At Talacauvery, there is a square tank called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Klondike, which is considered to be the birthplace of River Cauvery. On the other side of the temple, the staircase is there which leads to a viewpoint. You have to climb around 300 steps before you can get a panoramic view of the Brahamagiri Hills.

The view is just mesmerized by the tourist.

Sit back and relax, click some good pictures, and head to your next destination.

Timings-6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Coffee Plantation

Our last destination was the most amazing and unforgettable Peppey's Coffee Plantation.

If you are traveling to Coorg Coffee Plantation is must visit place.

There are numerous coffee estates in Coorg.

It is hard to navigate them on your own but our taxi driver took us to a very amazing coffee estate.

You can get guided tours through these plantations if you are a first time visitor.

More than recreational, these visits are informative. You are informed and educated on the various methodologies and processes followed to grow coffee.

Timings-As per owners and guides availability.

Raja's Seat

While returning back to Madikeri we decided to spend the evening in Raja Seat.

You can explore this beautiful place from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm (timings might differ according to season)

This place is famous for its sunrise and sunset it gives a mesmerizing wide valley view.

You can just sit and relax for hours.

The golden streams of sunlight makes for a picture-perfect setting.