A pristine corner of southern Karnataka, Coorg (Kodagu) is a sight for sore eyes. Its sprawling green landscapes, misty mountains, and aromatic coffee plantations are perfect for the urban souls seeking respite. In Coorg, you can either choose to laze around at farm stays, take long hikes over hills and along rivers, go trekking, or indulge in sightseeing. There is something to do for everyone – from large families to solo travellers too! So if you are planning to visit Coorg, here are some things to do in the land of the Kodavas:
Things to do in Coorg
Visit Abbey Falls
Going waterfall-hunting in Coorg is a surreal and unforgettable experience that everyone should indulge in. The Abbey Falls, located in between two coffee plantations are perfect to start with. The waterfall is an amalgamation of several streams that fall to merge with the River Kaveri. You can pack a lunch and bask in the beauty of the Abbey Falls. However, it can only be seen from a distance and if you are looking to go swimming, you can consider visiting the Irrupu falls (about 50 km from Madikeri).
The journey to the falls is an easy 5-7 minute walk down wide, cemented steps and is very easy, even for those who aren’t in the best of shape. The best time to visit Abbey Falls is during the monsoons when the flow of water is strong. I visited in May, and as you can tell, it was quite tame.
Explore the Namdroling Monastery
The Namdroling Monastery, better known as the Golden Temple is a stunning Tibetan Monastery in the Kushalnagar district of Coorg. What makes this monastery unique is its architectural beauty and the fact that it belongs to the only Tibetan settlement in South India. It presents a unique culture for you to explore, not just through its architecture but also through the mouthwatering Tibetan food available around. In terms of food, I would highly recommend avoiding the restaurant inside the monastery. Instead, try the food along the roadside. You’ll find a nice market outside with shops selling Tibetan knick-knacks if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Experience Kodava Cuisine
The Kodava cuisine draws from fresh produce and retains rich aromatic flavours that are unique to the region. The most popular dish is the pork-based Pandi curry, made with a special souring agent known as the Kachampuli. The fruit is harvested in the chilly rains and a dark vinegar is extracted from it to be used throughout the year.
Apart from that, you should try Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings), paputtu (steamed rice and coconut cakes), noolputtu (steamed rice noodles), kakkada nyend curry (mud crabs curry), baimbale curry (bamboo shoot curry), wild mushroom curry, wild mango curry and so on. If you like desserts then get your hands on koovaleputtu (steamed jackfruit cake) and thambuttu (banana pudding). One of the best places to enjoy Kodava cuisine in Coorg is a restaurant called Coorg Cuisine in Madikeri.
Wash Elephants in Coorg at the Dubare Elephant Camp
The elephant camp located at the edge of the Dubare forest is a training camp for elephants. To get there, you will need to take a boat from the opposite side of the lake, which costs Rs. 100 per head. If you are an animal lover like I am, looking at the elephants in chains will sadden you. Plenty of people enjoy bathing these gentle giants upon paying a fee Apart from that, you can feed the elephants and take part in their grooming sessions too. Interestingly, the elephants that take part in the famous Mysore Dasara procession are trained at the Dubare Camp.
Stop at Chiklihole Dam
The Chiklihole Dam and its reservoir create a scenic verdant landscape for travellers to lose themselves in. It is located between Madikeri and Kushalnagar and approximately 15 km away from both towns. The river Kaveri contributes to the reservoir creating a quiet and beautiful place to have a picnic at. It’s also abundant with flora and fauna and bird lovers are bound to witness some exotic species. The best time to visit this place would be the end of winter since the greenery will be at its peak and birds will be migrating to a warmer location. There is no entry fee or security guards stationed here, so please be a responsible tourist and do not enter the water.
Go on a Coffee Plantation Tour
You cannot leave Coorg without basking in the tempting aromas of fresh coffee from the Coorgi estates. Coffee plantation tours are slowly becoming the next big thing to experience in Coorg. You get to understand the process of coffee cultivation and how different spices are grown to give coffee beans a distinct flavour. While some plantations offer a walking tour, some others will take you around in a jeep. Apart from understanding cultivation, you can also partake in coffee tasting and brewing processes. If you want to make the best of this experience, book a stay at a coffee estate.
Visit the General Thimmaya Museum
The General Thimayya Museum was inaugurated in 2021 by President Ram Nath Kovind. It is dedicated to one of the greatest soldiers of India who served as Chief of the Army from 1957 to 1961. His ancestral home was converted to host the museum that showcases weapons, military uniforms, and other memorabilia. Visitors will also be greeted by a battle tank and a fighter jet at the entrance itself. You will need around an hour to walk through this beautifully maintained museum at leisure and will leave with a newfound understanding of Coorg’s history.
Explore Madikeri Town
Visit the town of Madikeri if you are looking to buy souvenirs and indulge in local cuisine. The markets are bustling with activity and there are plenty of shops to keep you busy for an entire day. From here, you can also visit the Madikeri Fort and take in the gorgeous view of Madikeri from there.
Visit Raja’s Seat
The Raja’s Seat is one of the most-visited spots in Coorg thanks to the expansive view it offers of the little town. The spacious viewpoint was designed for the kings of the land so they could watch sunsets. It overlooks rolling hills and majestic mountains wrapped in a curtain of green forests and fog that gives it a dreamy look. Visit this park to fall in love with the majestic beauty of Coorg.
Book a Homestay in Coorg
Book a homestay in Coorg if you want to experience the place as a local. Most homestays in Coorg offer exclusive experiences such as camping and river rafting. The hosts are kind and can help you experience some unique adventures like hiking or trekking too. Apart from that, some homestays have their farms and help visitors inculcate more sustainable lifestyles too.
Yet another advantage is that you’ll be fed local cuisine as it is enjoyed in homes, and not diluted to suit tourists’ palates as you’d find in restaurants. When you book a homestay, you get access to a budget-friendly holistic lifestyle that can help you relax and unwind at your own pace. Read my earlier blog post on the best 3 homestays I stayed at in Coorg.
Indulge in Great-Tasting Coffee
If you are in Coorg, you cannot leave without indulging in coffee, regardless of whether you are a coffee lover or not. You can choose between the local chicory filter coffee blends or the strong Robusta coffee if that’s more up your alley. Some local favourites are Beans n Brews, Pause Cafe, Coffee Cup, Big Cup Cafe, and Coffee Blossom Restaurant. If you want to buy stock to take back home, some places to consider are Ganesh Coffee, Tata Plantation, BB Estate, Mercara Gold Estate, and Coorg Greens.
Visit the Mandalpatti Viewpoint
The Mandalpatti viewpoint is a trek away from one of the most gorgeous landscape views you will ever see. You can either choose to walk the entire length or take a 4×4 jeep to the peak. It’s located about 30 km from Madikeri town and 4 km from Abbey Falls. You will need to hire a cab to take you to the starting point of the trek since buses don’t go there. Remember to pack all trekking essentials – especially water, food, and first aid. It is also recommended to not take this road during the monsoon season due to the slippery roads.
Shop for Souvenirs in Coorg
I stumbled upon a gem of a place called ‘Made in Coorg’ located at One Mercara. The store sells goods made by locals and is a treasure trove in itself. From coffees to squashes, jams, and pickles to spices and even Coorg-inspired lampshades, jewellery, and more – you’ll be hard-pressed to find such a thoughtfully curated selection anywhere else. There are several other popular stores in Coorg to shop at, but I haven’t personally visited them.
I hope this travel guide helps you explore Coorg better! In case you’re driving down (a brilliant, scenic adventure in itself), check out my blog post on everything you need to know for a road trip to Coorg.
