Kodava, famously known as Coorg or lovingly referred to as the Scotland of India boosts its pristine beauty on the slopes of the Western Ghats of India. Breathe in the crisp clean air and take in the exhilaratingly exotic scenery of the lush green coffee plantations, calming waterfalls and forest reserves. This paradisical beauty offers endless opportunities for tourists to explore nature in its true unadulterated essence.
If you are in Karnataka, Coorg is a must visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, but that’s not all, experience the Kodava hospitality, cuisine and culture that has a strong influence on the Coorgi lifestyle. Driving down the winding roads of Coorg, you’ll marvel at the wonders of nature at every turn, where the blue sky and green landscape meet to make for a picturesque vision.
Coorg has something for all types of travellers, whether you are traveling solo, seeking adventure, or just want to connect with yourself in the lap of nature. Some of the must see or must experience places are listed below.
Must Visit Places:
Dubare Elephant Camp
Whether you are an animal lover or not you must definitely visit the Dubare Elephant Camp to immerse, engage and learn about the fantastical creatures that are elephants. Spend some quality time admiring these gentle and enchanting beasts that require unending protection and care. The Dubare Elephant Camp teaches Elephant History, Ecology and Biology while you roll up your sleeves to pamper them in a grooming session rich with oils and scrubs. Come inquisitive and leave with a trunk load of love, care and respect for these mystic beings and the ones dedicated to taking care and protecting them.
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is filled with the aromatic Sandalwood and Teak trees. Much like is the case in most of the National Tiger Reserves across India, the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve facilitates a safari that takes you through the jungle only to spot some Spotted Deer’s, Wild Dogs, Cows and Monkeys. Although we didn’t spot any Tiger or its paw prints, the drive through the forest was quite pleasurable.
Pro Tip: Don’t go with any expectation and just enjoy the ride (which is applicable for life in general).
Tibetan Monastery
Coorg is home to the second largest Tibetan settlement after Dharamshala. The Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a site to visit for exceptional Tibetan architecture, artwork, culture and cuisine. The monastery was built from Bamboo on the land donated by the Indian Government to the Tibetans in exile. Be transported to the North East with its serene vibes, authentic food and prayer rituals.
Pro Tip: Be sure to attend the Prayer Rituals that take place everyday at 1pm.
Raja’s Seat
For a panoramic view of the Kodava landscape make your way up to the Raja’s Seat garden, which received its name as the Raja at the time would enjoy sunrise and sunset views from this spot along with his consorts.
Iruppu Falls
Coorg boasts a landscape of hills and valleys and naturally with the endless monsoon season, it also hosts plenty of scenic waterfalls. One of the more popular falls is the Iruppu Falls. Wait for the monsoon season to experience this beauty to the fullest. Besides being derived from the Cauvery River to claim its grand beauty, it also has religious significance. The site is said to have roots to the Epic Ramayana and claims to possess holy powers of cleansing one the sins of the past.
Pro Tip: Visit during Monsoon Season, June to September
Coffee Plantation Tour
A trip to Coorg would be incomplete without a walk through a coffee plantation! Coorg is a Caffeine fiends paradise, learn the intriguing and painstaking process of coffee farming. You will form a new found love for this must needed daily beverage after strolling through a coffee plantation and watching the unending care it requires. Help pick the coffee beans and enjoy a freshly brewed pot of roasted coffee to savour with an equally breath-taking view.
Places to Stay:
Based in the town of Virajpete, Amritara Ambatty Greens Resort is on top of a small hillock that overlooks the vast expanse of green landscape and hills. The property boasts an exceptional Infinity Pool and a carefully manicured garden. Wake up to the sound of the birds and sleep under the blanket of stars, and experience bliss where nature meets luxury.
A super luxury property that spans nearly 180 acres, Tamara is situated on top of a hill with an overview of the valley below. The property is extremely exclusive and requires prebooking and entertains only booked guests. If you are in the mood to splurge and pamper yourself, check out Tamara for at least a night.
Across from Tamara is the Honey Valley property, which in contrast to the super luxury neighbour is a peaceful homestay overlooking the valley. Honey Valley is also the base camp for the highest mountain in Coorg. You would require a 4x4 vehicle to take you up to the property. The property unlike its neighbour is much affordable and easier on the budget for solo travellers and couples.
Food to try:
Coorg Cuisine is one of the more popular restaurants in Madikeri. Must try dishes are the Pork Chops and Pork Fry (Pandi Fry). An interesting new dish I got to try was the Kadam Puttus, which essentially are rice balls to be dipped in a curry and savoured. Coorg has a lot of rice-based dishes owing its vast rice fields.
Besides being travel friendly, Coorg is also beginning to accommodate and invite #Workation travellers who wish to spend some quality time amidst nature while working.
If you have been to Coorg let me know which all other places are a must visit!
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