Extraordinary landscapes, bright blue skies, and plenty of outdoors are a few of the reasons why Coorg is thought of as the Scotland of India. Touring this beautiful region of Karnataka is simply relaxing and rejuvenating. With all its attractions and exquisite beauty, Coorg always has something for all sorts of travelers, especially adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. All you have to do is evaluate your options and choose the experiences you believe will bring memorable experiences and fulfillment while being away from the busy city life. To give you a good start to your exploration of the region, read below for a brief overview of the top things to do in Coorg, Karnataka.
1. Offer your prayers and spend a day in Omkareswara Temple
Built in 1820, the Omkareswara Temple features a beautifully built Muhammadan-style dome in the center. Legend says that King Lingarajendra II made the temple as an act of penance. The temple has a water tank in front with different fish varieties. There is no hall, but the holy Shiva lingam is installed near the entrance door. You can plan a visit here for a peaceful and spiritual day out.
You can reach this temple by your private car or taxi. There are also a number of KSRTC buses that run regularly from cities such as Mysore and Mangalore to Madikeri.
Omkareswara Temple
Address: State Highway 88, Madikeri 571201, India
Opening hours: 6:30am - 12pm; 5pm - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Explore the Government Museum Madikeri
The Government Museum in Madikeri stands within the Madikeri Fort premises. Originally a church built in 1855, the building now houses a plethora of antiques with historical and cultural significance. History buffs will love checking out the intricate sculptures, ancient coins, and various Archeological remains preserved in this museum.
Furthermore, the fort itself is a sight worth checking out. The large stone structures and statues of two elephants at the museum entrance are alone worth visiting for Instagram pictures.
Government Museum Madikeri
Address: CPCQ+4MX, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
Website: Government Museum Madikeri
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed Mon)
Price: Entry free
3. Embrace tranquility at the Chiklihole Reservoir
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Karnataka is popularly known for its tranquility, and Coorg is no exception to it. The Chiklihole Reservoir offers an opportunity to disconnect from the hectic life and connect with nature. In fact, bring the whole family along and spend a day picnicking amidst the lush flora of this land. And if you could plan your trip around the monsoon season, all the better because you’ll get to see the reservoir in its full glory, with water brimming to the surface.
Chiklihole Reservoir
Address: Chiklihole Reservoir, Attur Forest, Karnataka, 571234, India
Website: Chiklihole Reservoir
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Entry free
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4. Witness century-old architecture at the Raja's Tomb
A lot of things in Coorg are about history and culture, and Raja’s Tomb, also known as Gaddige, is amongst the top historical sites to visit. A collection of three mausoleums dedicated to two kings along with their consorts and a royal priest make up this beautiful tourist place.
Check out the Islamic-style domed structure with turrets in the corner and learn about the history of the Kodava clan’s royalty. Stroll around the lush grounds surrounding the tombs of Veerarajendra and spend quiet time with your loved ones in this ruined structure.
Raja's Tomb
Address: 7/73(1, SH27, Mahadevpet, Madikeri, Karnataka, 571201, India
Website: Raja’s Tomb
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: INR 2 per person
5. Tour the majestic Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls is a famous tourist attraction hidden in a haven of greenery in Western Ghats. This beautiful waterfall is a spectacular site located right in the middle of breathtaking coffee and spice plantations. Its gushing waters fall from a height of 70 feet (21 meters), and the sights and sounds are truly rejuvenating. Other than soaking in the beauty of the natural surroundings, the picturesque character of the fall guarantees you incredible shots for the perfect Instagram photos.
Abbey Falls
Address: Abbey Falls Rd, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
6. Savor the aroma of coffee directly from a coffee plantation (from USD 7.8)
If you want a more enjoyable and hands-on activity while you soak in the beautiful sceneries of Coorg, then you have every reason to consider going on a coffee tour. Coorg happens to be the largest producer of coffee in the region, and there are lots of coffee tours that will take you deep into the farms. A trip to the lush green coffee estates will increase your knowledge about coffee cultivation and the various processes involved in transforming the coffee bean into the dark brew you love seeing and smelling. Any visit to Coorh wouldn’t be complete without savoring an authentic cup of coffee.
Coorg Coffee Plantation Tour - Klook
Duration: 3hrsDuration
7. Spend time with the elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp was once a training camp where the elephants used in the Dasara Procession were trained. Currently, it is a wildlife sanctuary for elephants and one of the top attractions in Coorg. Visiting this camp is a highly enriching experience as it allows you to have close encounters with mammoth mammals, including elephant rides and baths. Additionally, you will greatly increase your knowledge about Asian elephants and their lifestyles in their natural habitat from the teaching given by the trained naturalists, who are also taking care of the elephants.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Address: Kushalanagar, Nanjarayapatna, Karnataka 571234, India
Website: Dubare Elephant Camp
Opening hours: 9am - 11am, 4pm - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 0.28 USD
8. Admire Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery, also known as The Golden Temple Monastery, is a key attraction for religion and history buffs coming to Coorg. It is a masterpiece of rich Tibetan architecture. The monastery is of monumental importance when it comes to the culture and history of the Tibetan settlement. Moreover, it is the largest center in the world where you can find lessons from the Nyingma Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Apart from its historical and cultural importance, the monastery is an appealing attraction. The cute gold knockers on the red door, the colorful murals on the outer walls, and the gold paintings of demons and gods in Buddhism will wow you with how far people can go to beautify a place of worship.
Namdroling Monastery
Address: Arlikumari, Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104, India
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Experience thrilling river rafting on Barapole River
If you’re an adrenalin junky who’s always up for fun activities and brave enough to conquer adventure sports, then you must include river rafting at Barapole River in your itinerary when you visit Coorg. The river is a famous whitewater rafting destination in the country. The excitement of the choppy waters as you toss about the river, while it flows along the beautiful landscapes, is simply comparable to none. Whether you are an expert in the thrilling activity or you want to try it for the first time, you will find professional staff to give you all the guidance you need on the white frothy river.
Barapole River
Address: Theralu - Birunanai Rd, T. Shettigeri, Karnataka 571249, India
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
10. Explore the historic Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort is believed to have been constructed in the last half of the 17th century. Ever since its initial construction, the fort has undergone several rebuilding and renovations, especially by the Britishers and the Tipu Sultan. Currently, the attractive features of the fort includes a clock tower, a park, and a heritage building housing museum. This museum enables you to learn incredible history and see ancient artifacts about various aspects of life during the fort’s heyday.
Madikeri Fort
Address: Madikeri Fort, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
11. Hike to Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat, located at a lovely vantage point, is one of the highly visited sites in the Coorg district. Also known as The King’s Seat, history has it that this was one of the spots that the King of Coorg would come to when he wanted to enjoy dramatic landscapes and the beauty of nature. Currently, the place boasts an artificial water fountain and meticulously manicured gardens, and it still delivers the beautiful views that Coorg locals fell in love with centuries ago. A visit to this place will also put you in proximity to Gandhi Mantap – the place where the remains of Mahatma Gandhi are kept. Also, there is a toy train and a children’s amusement park for additional fun after soaking in the stunning views.
Raja’s Seat
Address: Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 7:30pm
Price: 0.07 USD
12. Experience a sunset Jeep safari to Mandalpatti (from USD 27.05)
Mandalpatti is perched at an altitude of 1800 meters (5908 feet). It is a place of unforgiving tranquility and never-ending natural wonders that will do a great job of soothing the mind, body, and soul of whoever manages to conquer the summit. The spot is one of the best places in the world to witness glorious sunsets. One of the best ways to enjoy this spot is to embark on an adventure tour such as the safari jeep ride. The spectacular views of the green landscapes during the ride will feast your eyes as you proceed to the top. Along the way, you will pass by Kote Abbi Falls, where you can stop for gorgeous waterfall shots with the setting sun in the background.
Sunrise Or Sunset Jeep Safari To Mandalpatti
Duration: 5hrsDuration
13. Go on an off-road drive to Nishani Hills (from USD 32.0)
This thrilling mountain drive adventure will truly test your limits to the extremes. It is a two-hour-long heart-throbbing drive that will let you explore a variety of green hills and terrains through the dense forest as you make your way to the summit. During the drive, you will not only get a good dose of adrenalin but will also fall in love with the beauty of the deciduous trees, lush green vegetation, steep plains, rugged slopes, and all the scenic landscapes you will be traversing. This destination is also home to some camping sites that offer various camping packages. Overnight stays in the hills are also great opportunities to appreciate Coorg’s night sky.
Adventurous Camping In Madikeri, Coorg
Duration: 2 days
14. Trek to Tadiandamol Peak (from USD 61.0)
Climbing Tadiyandamol Peak is a popular activity in this rural district. It is the highest peak in Coorg and the sixth-highest peak in Karnataka at an altitude of 1748m (532feet). It is a sought-after trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts who want to seek thrills in the misty mountains and rest in the lap of nature. Its terrain is not the simplest one, as there are rocky surfaces and steep slopes, so you shouldn’t expect an easy Tadiandamol trek. However, the scenic beauty that you will be treated to while you journey to the summit makes the trip all the more worthwhile.
Trek to Tadiyandamol, Coorg
Duration: 1 day 23 hours
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Coorg
With its forested mountains, gorgeous landscapes, and natural beauty, Coorg has every beautiful experience for exciting outdoor adventure activities. Go over the top things to do in Coorg, Karnataka discussed above, and settle on the ones you believe will bring you the greatest satisfaction during your day trip or getaway.
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