Coorg, situated amidst the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains in the southern state of Karnataka, is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. With stunning landscapes and a rich culture, there are amazing tourist places in Coorg with ample options for a memorable holiday. Also known as the ‘Scotland of India’, this hill station has earned its reputation for reasons beyond mere topographical similarities of cool climate, misty hills, coffee plantations, long walking trails, gushing waterfalls, and more. Coorg surprisingly finds many similarities to Scotland.

The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, located 120 km away, while the more well-connected Bangalore International Airport is 240 km away. Mysore has the nearest railway station to Coorg, approximately 90 km away. This accessibility makes Coorg an easily reachable holiday destination.

Places to Visit in Coorg

For nature lovers, Coorg is one of the top travel destinations in India, with the region’s rich biodiversity leaving people in awe. The Nagarhol Tiger Reserve (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park), the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Greater Talacauvery Reserve surround the region, making it ideal for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, camping, and hiking. The Dubare Elephant Camp is yet another option to see wild animals up close, where you can bathe the elephants, and is among the best places to visit in Coorg. The Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls (which are abundant with butterflies during the peak season), the nearby Madikeri Fort, and the sunset near the Chiklihole Reservoir make visiting the place worth it.

The coffee plantations in the Coorg region produce around 60 percent of India’s coffee and have walking and educational tours where tourists can learn about the coffee-producing process. The tea plantations, spice gardens, as well as rosewood and sandalwood forests scattered along the region, add an extra layer of allure for tourists. Another attraction is the ‘Little Tibet’ settlement in the bylanes of Coorg. This is in the Namdroling monastery in Bylakuppe, one of India’s largest Tibetan settlements with 1600 Tibetan refugees and over 600 monks. It has the Golden Temple, renowned for its artwork, and 40-foot-tall gold Buddha idols.

The numerous temples like Omkareshwar, Talakaveri, Padi Igguthappa temple, churches and cathedrals such as St. Michael’s, St. Anne’s Church, and the Dargah Sharif of Yemmemadu reflect the religious diversity and spiritual serenity that surrounds Coorg.

The Best Time to Visit Coorg

The moderate climate of Coorg is part of its charm, making it a year-round destination. Temperatures in summer range from 22 to 31 degrees Celsius, offering mild respite to those wanting to escape the jarring heat of South India. During the monsoon season, from late June onwards, adventurous activities can be avoided, although this is when Coorg becomes its greenest. There is a further dip in the temperature from October to February, making it the best time to visit Coorg. Many people from much colder regions flock to Coorg during this period. This is also the most comfortable time for exploration and adventurous activities such as camping and hiking.

Places to Stay in Coorg

The unparalleled beauty of Coorg is further elevated with accommodation options that know how to blend luxury with sensory delights. The Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, located amidst the dense trees of eucalyptus, rudraksha, jasmine, and many more, offers an intimate escape and immersion right into the lap of nature. It is built along the lines of traditional Kodagu architecture, with each room offering stunning views of the forests surrounding it. The Tamara Coorg, another five-star hotel, offers guests private cottages and wellness treatments such as hot stone massages and full body scrubs in their on-site spa.

The Montrose Golf Course and Spa has a sprawling golf course, a coffee museum, a dairy, and a goat pen that beautifully brings together modern comforts and authentic rural experiences for its guests. All these resorts organize their own birdwatching tours, village and nature walks, and cultural nights for their visitors to delve into the traditions, music, and culinary delights of Coorg.