Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful hill station in the southern state of Karnataka, India. Coorg is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural beauty, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage. From lush green forests to cascading waterfalls, there are many places to visit and explore in Coorg. In this article, we will take a look at the 8 best places to visit in Coorg.
Abbey FallsAbbey Falls is located near the town of Madikeri and is situated amidst lush green forests and coffee plantations. The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 70 feet, creating a spectacular sight and a soothing sound.
Visitors can reach Abbey Falls by trekking through a scenic path that winds through coffee plantations and dense forests. The trek is relatively easy and is suitable for people of all ages. At the waterfall, visitors can enjoy a refreshing bath in the cool waters or simply relax and enjoy the serene environment.
The area surrounding Abbey Falls is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including various species of birds and butterflies. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through the surrounding forests and can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the coffee plantations and spice gardens.
The best time to visit Abbey Falls is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterfall is at its fullest and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green. However, visitors can also visit Abbey Falls during other times of the year, as the waterfall is a beautiful sight all year round.
Dubare Elephant CampDubare Elephant Camp is situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, surrounded by dense forests and hills, and is known for its elephant training and conservation program.
The camp was established in 1971 and is currently managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka. It serves as a home to over 150 elephants, who are trained by the mahouts or elephant handlers to perform various tasks like carrying logs, ploughing fields, and participating in festivals.
Tourists visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp can enjoy a variety of activities such as feeding the elephants, taking a bath with them in the river, and going on a jungle safari. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the elephants, their habitat, and the various conservation efforts being undertaken by the authorities.
Apart from the elephant activities, the Dubare Elephant Camp also offers opportunities for birdwatching, trekking, and rafting. The camp is open from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM every day, and visitors need to buy an entry ticket to access the camp.
TalakaveriTalakaveri is situated at an altitude of 1,276 meters above sea level and is known as the origin point of the river Kaveri.
The hill station is famous for its natural beauty, lush green forests, and scenic waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy trekking and hiking in the hills surrounding Talakaveri. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma at the hilltop, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The main attraction of Talakaveri is the Talakaveri Temple, which is located at the hilltop and is believed to be the origin point of the Kaveri river. The temple complex also houses a small pond, which is said to be the source of the river. The temple attracts a large number of tourists and devotees every year, especially during the annual festival of Mahashivaratri.
Apart from the temple, visitors can also explore the nearby Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna including elephants, tigers, and leopards. The sanctuary also has several trekking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Raja's SeatRaja's Seat is a popular tourist destination located in Coorg. It is a picturesque garden that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The garden is believed to have been a favorite spot of the kings of Coorg, who used to come here to enjoy the sunset and the panoramic views of the landscape.
The garden is well-maintained and features a variety of flowering plants, fountains, and a musical fountain show in the evening. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views from one of the many benches or vantage points.
In addition to the garden, Raja's Seat also offers a small toy train ride for children, a small park for kids, and a food court serving local snacks and refreshments. The garden is open from 5:30 AM to 8 PM every day, and visitors need to buy an entry ticket to access the garden.
One of the unique features of Raja's Seat is the spectacular sunset view that can be enjoyed from the garden. Visitors can witness the sun setting behind the hills, casting a golden hue on the landscape and creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
NisargadhamaNisargadhama is a sprawling island located on the banks of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by dense forests and bamboo groves.
Nisargadhama is known for its natural beauty and scenic surroundings, and is a great place to relax and unwind in the midst of nature. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here, such as elephant rides, boating, and zip-lining. The island is also home to a deer park, where visitors can spot different species of deer and feed them.
One of the main attractions of Nisargadhama is the hanging bridge that connects the island to the mainland. The bridge is made of bamboo and adds to the natural charm of the island. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, enjoying the scenic views of the river and the surrounding forests.
Apart from the activities, visitors can also shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the small shopping complex on the island. There are also several restaurants and food stalls serving local cuisine and snacks.
Nisargadhama is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and visitors need to buy an entry ticket to access the island.
MandalpattiMandalpatti is situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning views of the Western Ghats mountain range.
Mandalpatti is a popular destination among nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can trek to the hilltop and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trek to Mandalpatti is considered to be moderately difficult and takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the fitness level of the trekkers.
Once at the hilltop, visitors can explore the nearby forests and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunset. The hill station is also home to a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Apart from trekking, visitors can also enjoy jeep rides to the hilltop, which offer a more comfortable and convenient way of reaching Mandalpatti. Jeep rides are available from the nearby town of Madikeri and usually take about 45 minutes to reach the hilltop.
Mandalpatti is located about 20 km from Madikeri and is accessible by road. The best time to visit Mandalpatti is between September and February when the weather is pleasant and the views are clearer.
Omkareshwara TempleThe Omkareshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important religious sites in Coorg.
The temple was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra II, the then ruler of Coorg, in a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The temple's architecture is unique, with a central dome that resembles a Muslim dargah and four minarets at the corners of the temple.
The temple is known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings. The temple complex also features a large water tank called Kalyani, which is believed to have healing powers. Visitors can take a dip in the tank and offer prayers to the deity.
The temple is also famous for a legend associated with it. It is said that the temple was built by Lingarajendra II to appease a Brahmin who was killed by him for political reasons. The Brahmin's ghost haunted the king, and he built the temple to atone for his sins.
The temple is open to visitors from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 8 PM every day. Visitors need to dress modestly and remove their footwear before entering the temple. The temple sees a large influx of devotees during the Mahashivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.
Coorg Wildlife SocietyThe Coorg Wildlife Society is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to wildlife conservation and the protection of the natural environment. The society was founded in 1990 by a group of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists with the aim of preserving the natural habitat and biodiversity of the region.
The society works closely with the forest department, local communities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable development. The society also undertakes various activities and projects to protect the flora and fauna of Coorg, such as habitat restoration, anti-poaching drives, and wildlife rescue operations.
One of the main initiatives of the Coorg Wildlife Society is the conservation of the endangered Kodagu laughingthrush, a bird species that is found only in Coorg. The society has undertaken several measures to protect the bird's habitat and prevent its extinction.
The society also runs an eco-tourism program that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Coorg in a sustainable manner. The eco-tourism program includes guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and wildlife safaris.
The Coorg Wildlife Society is actively involved in creating awareness among the local community about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect the natural environment. The society also conducts educational programs and workshops for school children and college students to raise awareness about the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.