A quaint town nestled in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is fast becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in India. Characterized by panoramic landscapes, exciting adventures, and natural wonders, this town has something to offer to all kinds of travelers be it an adventure enthusiast or a wanderer seeking quietude. Though this place is primarily regarded as the ‘Scotland of India,’ since it is synonymous with great coffee, there are also many other aspects of this place for visitors to explore. Let’s take a look at the places to visit near Coorg that will lend adventure and excitement to your next holiday in Karnataka.
10 Scenic Places To Visit Near Coorg
Here is a list of the best tourist places near Coorg that you can explore with your loved ones for a fascinating and memorable short trip from this city in Karnataka.
- Abbey Falls – Pay A Visit
- Dubare Elephant Camp – Bathe Elephants
- Barapole – Experience River Rafting
- Madikeri Fort – Take A Heritage Tour
- Virajpet – Explore The Hidden Gem
- Kaveri River – Go Fishing
- Coffee Plantations – Wander!
- Namdroling Monastery – Have A Tibetan Experience
- Nagarhole National Park – Wildlife Sighting
- Raja’s Seat – Gaze At Panoramic Views
1. Abbey Falls – Pay A Visit
Image Source Also known as Abbi Falls, these pristine waterfalls are frequented by tourists throughout the year and are one of the best places to see around Coorg. The breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats everywhere in the line of sight along with the cascading falls looks truly wonderful with coffee plantations on one side and the spice estates on the other. An overhead bridge stands opposite the falls, which offers an explicit view of this natural wonder in its full force. When here, tourists can also visit the coffee and spice estates that they find from the point of entry until the falls. So, get your cameras ready to click some fabulous Insta-worthy pictures on your holiday to Coorg.
Location: Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 15/-
2. Dubare Elephant Camp – Bathe Elephants
It may not be your quintessential holiday experience, but this fun and enriching affair will surely give your some awesome memories for a lifetime. The Dubare Elephant Camp is touted as one of the most interesting places to visit near Coorg. One can find a large herd of elephants in the vicinity, playing in the water, peacefully walking around the area. On a visit to this camp, people are enlightened on how these majestic beings are saved from different situations like poaching, circus torture, abandonment, and more, and then brought here to give them a home and care. People are also given a chance to feed and bathe these mammoth animals, where they get to learn about their tender nature and friendly side. It’s a must-visit for wildlife and nature lovers.
Location: Kushalnagar, Coorg District, Nanjarayapatna
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry fee: INR 20/- (Boat ride to camp) + INR 800/- (Interaction With Elephants program)
3. Barapole – Experience River Rafting
Image Source One of the most exciting tourist places near Coorg, Barapole is a treat for adventure lovers. It’s Coorg’s hidden gem that offers the ultimate adventure activity of river rafting from grade I to V depending on the person’s experience and skill level. To take the adventure experience a notch higher, it is suggested for people to engage in a river rafting experience here in rafting in Barapole in the monsoon season when the water is flowing in full force.
Location: Barapole ( KKR) – near Tata Tea Estate, T.Shettigeri
Starting cost: INR 800/-
4. Madikeri Fort – Take A Heritage Tour
Image Source A glorious place around Coorg, the Madikeri Fort is an architectural wonder reveling in interesting anecdotes of the 17th century – the era in which it was built. Constructed by Mudduraja, the fort came to prominence after Tipu Sultan took it over and renovated it, eventually passing it on to the British invaders. The fort has a museum and a clock tower that narrate the story of its past and is particularly enticing for people with a knack for exploration and an interest in history.
Location: Madikeri Fort, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
5. Virajpet – Explore The Hidden Gem
Image Source Virajpet is yet another one of the most amazing places to visit near Coorg located around 22 km away from Coorg. A relatively quieter installment of the bustling Coorg, this town is best explored early in the morning, when each element of nature is lit up in its full glory by the first rays of the sun. Since this town is still far from commercialization, it has been able to maintain its original charm and culture, which is why it’s an excellent place to explore for people looking for offbeat experiences. When here, a tourist can take a half-day taxi tour of the city or just relax amidst the fruits of nature for an entire day.
Location: Virajpet, District Kodagu
How to reach: Virajpet can be reached via road from Madikeri (30 km) and Bangalore (250 km). The best way to reach this town is by taking a taxi or hiring a car from any of these two cities.
6. Kaveri River – Go Fishing
Image Source Another fun activity one can indulge in is fishing at the River Kaveri. One of the most preferred places near Coorg to visit, River Kaveri is rich in aquatic life, presenting a great opportunity for angling and catching fish. Monsoons are a great time to take up this activity as the river is abundant with fish food, making it easier for people to catch them. One of the most popular spots to go fishing at the Kaveri River is near the city of Kushalnagar.
Location: River Kaveri (Cauvery), Kodagu, Coorg
Best time to try: June to September
7. Coffee Plantations – Wander!
Image Source The coffee plantations are some of the best places to visit near Coorg. Your trip is incomplete without visiting one of its coffee plantations. Other than the one in the city itself, there are various untouched and pristine coffee plantations located nearby where you can go, pick out coffee, and walk around the lush green plantations. A tour of these plantations is bound to give coffee lovers the ultimate state of Nirvana. One can pick from the many estates dispersed throughout the district, not too far from the main town.
Location: Coorg District, Karnataka
Best time to visit: November (harvesting season)
8. Namdroling Monastery – Have A Tibetan Experience
Image Source In the list of places to visit around Coorg, the Namdroling Monastery is one of the most popular ones. Also known as the Golden Temple, the beautiful Tibetan Monastery is the only place in Southern India with a Tibetan settlement and is the largest teaching center of Tibetan Buddhism here. The intricate architecture of the monastery is also one of its most striking features characterized by elaborate artwork and gorgeous murals that can be seen throughout the temple complex. One should not miss the lovely paintings here, depicting Tibetan Buddhist mythology. A town in its own right, not only does one learn about the rich Tibetan culture when here but can also take a taste of the scrumptious Tibetan cuisine, ranging from momos to thukpa.
Location: Arlikumari, P.O. Bylakuppe
Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
9. Nagarhole National Park – Wildlife Sighting
Image Source One of the best known wildlife reserves in India, Nagarhole National Park is also one of the finest places to see near Coorg. The Asian Elephant, Indian bison, tigers, wild dogs, jackals, etc can be easily spotted at this place, making it a delightful experience for wildlife enthusiasts. There are also many species of birds – over 270 that can be found in this national park. Some of the main ones include the endangered Oriental White Backed Vulture and the Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon. A large number of reptiles like the bamboo bat viper, Indian Rock Python and crocodiles are also spotted by people here.
Location: Mysore-Madikeri Road
Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 250/-
10. Raja’s Seat – Gaze At Panoramic Views
Image Source Located in Madikeri, a much-loved picnic spot among the locals is the Raja’s Seat. With beautifully sculpted gardens, flowering plants, and artificial fountains, this sight is a treat for sore eyes. It was also a favorite of the kings of Kodagu who came here to rejuvenate and spend quality time with their queens. The place is absolutely lavish and is the perfect example of the exuberant royal life of the Coorg district. The panoramic valley views, small heritage structures, and a toy train for kids, only a few places around Coorg offer such a holiday experience to families like this place.
Location: Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
Opening hours: 6 AM – 8 PM Entry fee: INR 5/-
Coorg offers a holistic vacation to its visitors and keeps them hooked with its pleasing weather, congenial warmth, and exciting experiences. Be it nature lovers, food connoisseurs, adventure enthusiasts, or history geeks, this list of the best places to visit near Coorg is suited for all, making it a travelers’ paradise. So, when are you taking a trip to Coorg to experience all this and more?
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Frequently Asked Question About Places To Visit Near Coorg
What are the other places of attraction near Coorg?
Places of attraction near Coorg include Mandalpatti Road, Abbi Falls, Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation etc. Which is better, Ooty or Coorg?
While Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, Ooty is popular for its tea estates. While Coorg has more tourist attractions, Ooty makes up for that with some awesome weather and endless natural beauty.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
