Updated on: 29/07/2020

Have you ever felt like going someplace where you can rejuvenate your senses? Well then Coorg, Karnataka is just the place for you. The calm and pleasant Coorg weather is enough to breathe new life into you. Its beauty is that the Coorg tourist places still remain untainted by commercialization. What also makes Coorg a perfect holiday destination is that there is an amazing array of Coorg Homestay, Coorg Hotels and Coorg Resorts to choose from.

Coorg or Kodagu is a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. It’s the largest producer of coffee in India. Madikeri known as the Scotland of India is a small quintessential district and believe me its beauty does not disappoint. It’s misty hills, the beautiful and serene coffee plantations, the aromatic spice gardens, the undulating roads make it truly captivating and refreshing. There are huge areas of amazing flora and fauna present here, as it is still less populated as compared to the other hill stations around.

Getting to Coorg

By Road

Driving down to Coorg is refreshing, coupled with awesome weather and good condition of roads. The cool breeze, the misty hills and the pleasant scenery make the winding and steep nature of the roads seem less daunting. Coorg is easy to reach from Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore and Chennai. This makes it a perfect weekend getaway to escape from the chaos of city life.

Mysore to Coorg Distance: 110 km

Mangalore to Coorg Distance:  150 km

Bangalore to Coorg Distance: 240 km

Chennai to Coorg Distance: 580 km

By Air

The closest airport to Coorg is Mysore. Although flights to Mysore are few; there are frequent flights from all over the country to Bangalore. You can easily rent a car or hire a cab from Bangalore or ask for transit arrangements done from the place where you will be staying in Coorg itself.

By Rail

The closest railway station is Mysore. From Mysore, cabs are also readily available.

Things to do in Coorg

Stay in a  Coorg Homestay

Coorg has an assortment of hotels and resorts that are ready to spoil you with all the luxury and amenities they offer, but a homestay only, can give a first hand knowledge of the culture and traditions of the place. Coorg has many homestay options that fit all pockets. The personalized attention with fresh home cooked local delicacies will make sure that you will not regret this decision.

Get USD 43 / INR 3025 off (USD 31 / INR 2200 off on booking a homestay & USD 12 / INR 830 off on booking an experience) when you book a homestay through Airbnb here.

Or get the best deals while booking a hotel in Coorg here.

Try the Local Cuisine

Coorg has lots to offer in terms of food and the local spread goes far beyond the humble dosa and vada. Kodava cuisine, loaded with abundantly grown local spices are sure to tingle your taste buds and make you crave for more.

Enjoy a cozy romantic Sunset and Date Night dinner at Coorg amidst the beautiful mountain ranges.

Experience the Monsoons

There is nothing more divine and fulfilling than to enjoy the rains falling over the vast expanse of wilderness, sipping on a freshly brewed cup of locally grown coffee. Monsoons are also the best time for river rafting and to experience the waterfalls in their full glory. Rains are the best part of The Coorg Weather. Either a Cycling tour to Iruppu falls and Tea estates, Cycling Tour To The Chelavara Waterfall And Kabbe Hills or a Jeep safari to visit Mallali Waterfalls is a feast for the senses.

Spice Shopping

Fresh, locally grown, unadulterated, reasonably priced variety of spices; need I say more?

You can book a coffee plantation tour of the coffee estates of either the Madenadu Village or Chambebellur Village here. You can also know more about the coffee cultivation and trace the process of the coffee bean from plantation to cup.

Nature Walks

Set out on foot and explore the wilderness of Coorg. The myriad varieties of flora and fauna present here will surely not disappoint you. You can choose to do either a trek to the highest peak of Coorg – Tadiyandamol or Karkette Peak Trek in Coorg. Minimum age for the first trek is 10 years and for the 2nd trek is 7 years.

See the Coffee Blossoms

Visiting Coorg during March/ April and watching the coffee plantations deck up in a veil of white flowers is a delight as a result of the delicate, white, sweet-smelling blossoms. This flower season is short-lived but definitely brightens up the always pleasant Coorg weather. You can book a coffee plantation tour of the coffee estates of either the Madenadu Village or Chambebellur Village here.

Spend a day doing Fun Adventure activities with kids

This is one activity, in fact 7-in-1 adventure package which kids and adults love to do alike. With a host of thrilling adventure activities and splendid views on offer, the day spent at The Quarry Adventures simply rejuvenates the senses. You could enjoy the rush of zip lining over a cliff, climb up on an uncharted rock face or leave the beaten path and go on a hike into the lush forests.

You can book this thrilling activity here. Minimum age for participation in this activity is age 13.

Get your memories captured by a private photographer

Photographs are a lifetime of memories and this is your chance to capture yous. The beautiful Coorg landscape combined with the expert skills of a professional photographer will definitely give you some Instagram worthy shots. The Private Photo-shoot Experience is the new in thing can and can also be turned into personal souvenirs and high resolution copies.

Visit the famous Coorg Tourist Places

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Coorg. Since its right in the lap of nature there’s nature walk and various treks, cascading waterfalls, jeep safaris, Elephant camps, kid-friendly adventure activities, many temples and a monastery too.

Following is a handpicked list of tourist attractions and places to visit in Coorg:

Abbey Falls

The majestic Abbey Falls

Abby falls are about 8 km from Madikeri. The roads leading to Abbey Falls are treacherous and requires extra caution while driving especially during rains. The falls are in a private property in the midst of an enchanting green foliage. There is a short walk of 500 meters through stone paved path from the parking area to the falls. The walk is endearing, however, it can be daunting for little kids. The falls are hidden by greenery and seem to suddenly, although the roar of the cascading waters are heard from a distance. There is a hanging bridge that takes you to the other side of the falls. The flow is very high during the monsoons and the sight of the majestic falls from the hanging bridge is breathtaking. It’s better to plan this visit during day time to fully appreciate its beauty.

Mallali Waterfall

About 62 km from Madikeri, lies the tallest and most impressive waterfall in Coorg. If you have some time at hand in the evenings, you should go on a 6-hour jeep safari to visit Mallali Waterfalls. The Kumaradhara river gushing down from a height of 200 feet and creating the loudest roar is a great sight to witness. Even the drive through the beautiful countryside has spectacular views and stunning landscapes. When driving past the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, it is not uncommon to see the rare wildlife species.

You can book the Jeep safari to visit Mallali Waterfalls here.

Mallali Waterfall

Chelavara Waterfall and Kabbe Hills

44 km from Madikeri, another picturesque cycling adventure awaits you through magnificent countryside roads while you explore the remote villages of Coorg. Along the way one witnesses the lush green paddy fields and a variety of landscapes. Cycling all the way uphill to reach the stunning lush green Chelavara waterfalls can be challenging but surrounded by breathtaking views with numerous photo opportunities is a refreshing fun-filled family experience. A short but challenging 20-minute climb to the Kabbe hill peak is worth it with breathtaking sunset views.

If travelling with kids above age 15 years, book the Cycling Tour To The Chelavara Waterfall And Kabbe Hills.

Raja’s Seat

Enjoy the awesome view of Coorg from Raja’s seat

Raja’s Seat is one of the most important tourist’s attractions of Coorg to enjoy the lovely Coorg weather. It lies in the heart of Madikeri. You can get an amazing view of the clouds caressing the curling mountains from here. The best time to visit this place is in the evening to experience a breathtaking sunset and as the sun sets, the few thin strips of clouds on the horizon turn shimmering gold. This place is known for its seasonal gardens and artificial waterfalls. It’s called Raja’s Seat because according to legends, the Kings of Coorg spent their evenings here, taking in the beauty of the place. A toy train ride is an added attraction for kids.

Raja’s Seat

Nisargadhama

Deer park at Nisargdhama

This small island is on the Madikeri Kushalnagar road, roughly 3 km from Kushalnagar and 19 km from Madikeri. It is formed by the River Cauveri. There is a parking area with entry charges. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. The Cauveri flowing through a woody heaven of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees make the island visit worthwhile. The attractions for children here are boating; children’s park, elephant rides and a deer park where you can also feed them, all for nominal charges.

Talakaveri

The source of the sacred Cauveri River is Talakaveri, located on the Brahmagiri Range by a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma, worshiped by the Kodavas. A small ascend gives a picturesque view of clouds, mist and fog floating over the hills and dense green forests. River Cauveri originates as a spring supplying water to a tank before flowing underground to form a river. It’s situated at a height of 1276 m above sea level and can get quite chilly due to the strong winds especially during rains.

Tip: Avoid visiting this place with kids during the monsoon season. That said, we still cherish the memories of this place since we visited this place just as a couple during monsoons and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Takavaveri

Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant camp is a project undertaken by forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. Here you can get up, close and personal with the pachyderms. You can not only learn about them but bathe them, play with them and feed them too. You need to take a speed boat or coracle ride to reach this camp. It’s advisable to reach early as the elephant grooming session is a must see. Elephant rides are also popular. The coracle ride, a traditional round boat made of bamboo and hide is a major tourist attraction. This is one place that should be on the must do list of every family visiting Coorg with kids. The time spent with the elephants will surely be etched in the kids minds for years.

Bakkare Elephant Grasslands

Off the beaten path lie well hidden natural treasures in the vast elephant grasslands of Bhramagiri Reserve, where one may even find an elephant and other majestic animals grazing. This is another fun-filled on-road adventure especially for families with kids. Book a Jeep safari to Bakkare Elephant Grasslands, and on the way stop and explore wonderful scenery and beautiful landscapes of the Malnad forest with its lush greenscapes.

Bakkare Elephant Grasslands

Iruppu Falls

These falls are in the Brahmagiri range, around 80 km from Madikeri and 48 km from Virajpet. Monsoons are the best time to visit as the falls are in their full glory. A Shiva temple on the way to these falls is a popular pilgrimage spot. The nature trail leading to these falls is long with many steps but also exhilarating. The falls are simply beautiful and a must see during rains but can be avoided during off-season.

If you are with kids above 15 years of age, you all could engage in a fun-filled family activity doing a cycling tour to Iruppu falls and tea estates of Coorg. You can book the Cycling tour to Iruppu falls and Tea estates here.

Irrupu Falls

Namdroling Tibetan Monastery

18 meters high gold-plated statues at Namdroling Tibetan Monastery

This Monastery is in Bylakuppe, around 35 km from Madikeri. It’s hard to believe that this small district in Karnataka houses the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It’s also known as the Golden Temple due to the jaw dropping 18 meters high gold-plated Buddha statue it houses. The statues along with the beautiful paintings of Tibetan mythology and the decorated altar make the monastery a must visit. It hosts over 5000 monks; still one can feel the peace and tranquility of the Sanctum Sanatorium. It not only attracts many young Tibetans seeking enlightenment but also huge number of tourists.

Here there are shops selling authentic Tibetan food as well as many souvenirs and curios.

Tip: Make sure to negotiate the prices before buying them.

Monks’ Quarters at Namdroling Tibetan Monastery

Shopping in Coorg / Things to buy in Coorg

Spices and Dry Fruits

Fresh, locally grown, unadulterated, reasonably priced variety of spices; need I say more?

If you also love spices like me, this is definitely one of the things to do in Coorg which you should not miss. I found the spices available here are of great quality. It lasted me for a little more than a year.

With abundance of spice gardens in Coorg just name the spice and you will find it here. Spices like pepper, cardamom, cumin, oregano, sage, basil, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary as well as dry fruits like figs and raisins are available for buying here.

Tip: Do not overdo as I did. Buy only in limited amount as some of the stuff I bought got spoiled after a year of storage.

Coorg Coffee

Coorg being the largest producer of coffee in India, coffee should be the main item on the shopping list. The coffee available here is Arabica and Robusta.  It’s strong as well as aromatic and a must buy for all coffee aficionados.

Coorg Honey

Coorg is also famous for its honey which is rich in taste as well as in medicinal properties.

Tip: Be cautious while buying this as you could be easily tricked into buying adulterated stuff. Unfortunately, it happened to us. However, don’t let our bad experience de-motivate you from buying this awesome product there.

Coorg Chocolates and Oranges

Homemade Chocolates are a specialty here. You get them in different varieties. The oranges you get here may not look very appealing but taste delicious.

All the above items are available during a coffee plantation tour of the coffee estates of either the Madenadu Village or Chambebellur Village.

Coorg Family Accommodation

Coorg Homestay

Indians believe in “Athithi Devo Bhava”. They go to great extents to gratify their guests and show their hospitality towards them. A Homestay is an idea of welcoming guests into your own home or in a separate nearby quarter and so that the visitors get a firsthand experience of the local culture, cuisine and their way of life. It is similar to a Bed and Breakfast but more appealing due to the personalized service involved.

The ample options of homestays available in Coorg, fit all budgets. You can choose the homestay best suited for you depending on the type of food available; the facilities provided; its location, accessibility and proximity to the sightseeing options.  If you’re looking for accommodation with recreational options like spas and swimming pool then opt for a resort or a hotel. Coorg Resorts and Hotels ensure scenic locations and guarantee complete relaxation. They also cater to all budgets.

Best Family Accommodation in Coorg

Coorg Homestay

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is a Coorg Homestay is at the foothills, at Kushalnagar, Coorg. Its spread across a sprawling seven acre estate of lush greenery. The facilities include lots of play area with a basketball and badminton court, a large swimming pool about 2400 sq.ft., including a children’s pool which is perfect for families with kids. The Tree Houses and dormitory can also be booked. Special Coorg Honeymoon Packages are also available.

Bird of Paradise Homestay, a Coorg Homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices for this homestay

Gowri Nivas

The best part about this Coorg Homestay is that it’s situated in the heart of Madikeri and hence well-connected. It’s an ancestral Kodava home converted into a delightful and affordable homestay. There are two types of rooms available; The Cottage and The House. The Cottage consists of 2 independent rooms with a common sit out and the house consists of one room. Both are well furnished.

Gowri Nivas, a Coorg Homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices for this homestay

Honey Pot Homes

This best-selling Coorg homestay lies in the middle of a 225 acre private coffee estate, however this also makes it thrilling for kids due to the jungle setting. It consists of Premium Rooms and Cottages designed around the owners own residence. The guests can also take a guided tour of the coffee estate.

Honey Pot Homes Homestay, a Coorg Homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices for this homestay

Bellarimotte Estate, one of the best homestays in Coorg

Located around 25 km from Madikeri, this Coorg Homestay is untouched by modernization. The view of the mountains is uncontaminated by telephone towers and buildings. It’s located close to a river and it’s a perfect getaway from the chaotic city life straight into the lap of nature. The rooms also include a living room, a dining area and a kitchen however, cooking is not allowed.

Bellarimotte Estate, a Coorg Homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices for this homestay

Silver Brook Estate, a Coorg Homestay

Winner of the best homestay in India award by Lonely Planet in 2015, this Coorg homestay is around 7 km from Madikeri. There are 5 rooms in all, out of which 4 are part of the main bungalow and 1 room is independent. All the rooms are well equipped.

Silver Brook Estate, a Coorg Homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices for this homestay

Click here to check out the latest prices and best deals of hotels including homestays at Kodagu

Coorg Resorts / Coorg Hotels

Orange County Resort

This Coorg Resort is a beautiful property bordered between the Dubare Reserve Forest and the River Cauvery amidst a 300 acre plantation. The Kodava Style Private Pool Villas here take you straight into the lap of luxury. There are 4 types of villas in this Coorg Resort: Heritage Pool Villa, Lily Pool Villa, Lily Pool Cottage and Lily Pool Bungalow, each one of them is luxury at its best.

Orange County Coorg – One of the Best Resorts in Coorg

Click here to check out the latest prices for Orange County Coorg resort

Vivanta by Taj

This is one of the best luxury Coorg Resorts available here. The Room types are Superior Charm Room, Deluxe Delight Room, Premium Indulgence Room and Luxury Bliss Villa that comes with a balcony and Plunge pool. All the rooms face the enchanting green canopy of the rain-forest.

Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri – One of the Best Resorts in Coorg

Click here to check out the latest prices for Vivanta by Taj Resort

Club Mahindra, Madikeri

This Coorg Resort is one of the best and well maintained property of Club Mahindra. The resort located within a coffee plantation is designed in the local ‘aina mane’ tradition and is huge with 220 luxurious apartments facing the plantations. Its perfect for families with kids as there are many indoor and outdoor activities planned for them. The adults can refresh themselves in the pool, gym and spa area.

Read also: You can also know more about our stay at this resort along with our detailed review here.

Club Mahindra, Madikeri – One of the best Resorts in Coorg

Click here to check out the latest prices for Club Mahindra Madikeri resort.

The Windflower Resorts and Spa

This luxurious Coorg resort, situated in a sprawling plantation, complete with a lake and a private water fall, is a perfect getaway from the stressful city life. The Room Types are: The Windflower Suite, The Windflower Villa and The Windflower Studio.

The Windflower Resort and Spa – One of the best resorts in Coorg

Click here to check out the latest prices for The Windflower Resort and Spa resort

Coorg Jungle Camp Backwater Resort

This Coorg Resort is located in Kushalnagar on the banks of Harangi backwaters. The perfect jungle setting is the best part of this resort. It also offers many outdoor activities like boat ride and swimming in the backwaters. The Room Types are: The Deluxe Balcony Room, The Nest Room, The Jungle Studio Room, The Standard Room, The Jungle Suite Room and the special Honeymoon Cottage Room.

Coorg Jungle camp Backwater resort

Click here to check out the latest prices for this resort

Click here to check out the latest prices and best deals of Resorts and Hotels including homestays at Kodagu

Coorg Weather

As Coorg is in the Western Ghats, at an average altitude of 1170 meters above sea level, the temperature is pleasant all through the year. It experiences heavy rainfall in the months of June to September. This makes the weather cool and humid. The winter months of November to March are pleasantly chilly with temperatures ranging between 10^oC to 15^oC.  The summer months of April and May are quite warm with temperatures between 20^oC to 34^oC.

Check out the latest weather report for Madikeri, Coorg here

Best Time to Visit Coorg

Coorg weather is moderate all year round. The monsoon months are special too, as the beauty and greenery comes alive in the rains but it may get inconvenient when travelling with kids and most of the sightseeing options are inaccessible and may dampen your plans but the thriving river rafting makes it an adventurer’s delight. In September, the waterfalls are in their full glory and easily accessible as the rain Gods start receding. The period from September to March is just perfect to enjoy the tourist attractions so it’s the best time to visit Coorg. But it’s the peak season so you might find many tourists and inflated rates everywhere. March and April are the months when the coffee plantations are in full bloom with pretty white flowers and the view is a treat for sore eyes.

Book Your Stay

Let us help you plan your perfect holiday to Coorg

A popular saying goes “Take every chance you have as somethings only happen once in life”, only if it were true in travel. Bad planning can make even the best destinations seem inadequate. To make sure you have a great time, we can help curate a travel plan for you. Complete with accommodations and transfers. Fulfilling your budget and requirements. Feel free to contact us.

In case you found the above read interesting, you might also like the following: 

Read also: Things to do in Coorg – Places to visit in Coorg for families with kids

Read also: 5 Best Coorg Resorts and Hotels – Best Hotels and Resorts in Coorg for Families with kids

Read also: 5 Best Coorg Homestay – Best Homestays in Coorg for Families with kids

Read also: Family Hotel Review: Club Mahindra Resort, Coorg – Refined by Nature.

10 Family Weekend Getaways near Delhi for the Holiday Season

Singapore Zoo – A Complete Family Experience

Complete Travel Guide for Andaman Family Holidays

Sariska National Park – Where The Tigers Roar (for few lucky ones)!!

10 Family Weekend Getaways near Delhi for the Holiday Season

Hope you find this Coorg Family Guide of use to you. We keep updating our blog from time to time, however, do let us know about your stay in Coorg or in case I am missing something, please contact us or comment below and we will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are most welcome.