For an impromptu getaway, picturesque Coorg is a year round destination. Popularly known as “Scotland of India”, it is one of the most famous hill stations down south, not just because of its climate but it’s variety of tourist destination. On one side, there are hills that attracts trekkers and on the other side there’s beautiful waterfall and monastery. In short, it’s a place for every kind of squad.
There are multiple options to reach Coorg depending on your preference. You can fly to Mysore, Mangalore or Bangalore and drive till your destination. There are various route option if you are planning to travel by road and its almost 280 kms from Bangalore.
Route 1 - Bangalore -Mysore -Hunsur-Kushalnagar- Madikeri
Route 2- Bangalore -Mysore- Gonikoppal- Virajpet-Madikeri
Route 3 - Bangalore -Hunsur -Nagarhole National Park - Kutta- Virajpet - Madikeri
Route 3 is longest route and recommended if you are planning to visit Nagarhole national park and Irupu falls as Kutta is 90 kms away from Madikeri town.
1. Irupu Falls: If you plan your visit to Irupu falls properly, you can actually spend an entire day here. This tourist spot is an amalgamation of trekking and a waterfall cascading beautifully from a hill. It opens at 8 am and closes at 5:30 pm. You will be charged a small maintenance fee before entering. For about a kilometer, you will have to trek. However with thick green on both sides and birds chirping around, this will feel like a heavenly walk. Once you reach you can click as many pictures with the exotic fresh water cascading behind you.
2. Abbey Fall: If you plan your trip during monsoon, then make Abbey Fall your first stop. It has a grandeur look and the fall stretch is quite wide. Flanked by coffee plantation on its one side and luscious greenery on the other you will feel like being in the nature’s lap. There is a bridge overlooking the fall, for people who don’t want to get wet and just want to enjoy the view.
3. Raja Seat: Once a favorite destination for the kings of Kodagu to watch the sunset is now a much sought after halt for all the tourists. Because of its height it gives a spectacular view of hills covered with green and mist all over, round the year. If you have children with you then hop on the toy train and give them a tour of Raja’s seat.
4. Omkareshwara Temple: Coorg has much to offer to your divine side as well. Omkareshwar temple is a Shiva temple with aesthetically designed structure. You can pray and find all the peace here. If that’s not your thing then its artistic minarets and dome will definitely possess you. You can also spend time by its pond. Make sure you visit this temple between 5 Pm and 7 PM in the evening as its gets closed after 7 PM.
5. Mandalpatti : A jeep ride uphill on dirt road may seem like an extreme sport but it gives you the thrill like no other location can. It must be avoided during rainy season though. This prominent hilltop of the state is, mind you, 4050 feet high so it’s not for the faint hearted and may give you dizziness. If you want to trek to the hilltop then carry all the necessary items in your bag pack, as there are no shops. After braving all these conditions, you will reach the hilltop where you can breathe the cleanest possible air and view the most scenic form of nature. Cool breeze and calmness of this viewpoint will stay with you, long after the trip too.
6. Namdroling Monastery: Today, a home to about five thousand Tibetan monks, Namdroling Monastery was once given to the exiled people of Tibet. It is now the largest teaching center in its lineage. You must visit the monastery for its beautiful structure and a walk around garden. The construction and scriptures inside are monumental.
7. Bhagamandala Temple: This is another lord Shiva temple that also is considered a pilgrimage for Hindus. This temple is situated near the river Kaveri and two rivers kannike and Sujyothi River join it here making it a triveni sangam. Pilgrims mostly bathe in the sangam as a religious practice. This will fit in your trip schedule if you are follower of Hinduism.
8 .Mallali Fall- This lesser known fall lie 26 kilometers away from the town of Somwarpet, at the foot of the Pushpagiri Hills . Mallalli Fall is seasonal fall and are best witnessed during the monsoons between August - November . Road to the falls is not as great, But once you reach there are plenty of parking space available. If you are fit enough, you can go down some 500 steps or so to view the waterfall,But climbing back can be quite tiring.
8. Dubare Elephant Camp: It is a legit place to have fun with and around elephants as much as you want. This is a forest camp area on the banks of River Kavery. However, tourists are mostly frolicking here for the elephants that get trained here for dussehra celebration in Mysore. If you are lucky enough you will find baby elephants to play around with.
This sounds like at least a five-day trip. While you are there, don’t forget to try the authentic Kodava Cuisine and indulge in some seriously out of the world coffee experience. So choose your time of the year and plan it wisely to fit your taste because Coorg has got it all!