Coorg (Scotland of India) is located within the Western Ghats and offers charming mountain villages in Karnataka blessed by beautiful natural landscapes. Its misty terrain, impressive mountains, gurgling waterfalls, dense woodlands, verdant valleys, cool climate, and stunning coffee plants. It is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife and of course incredible food and drinks.
The sweeping green landscape surrounded by dazzling blue and red skies all year makes Coorg a great place to visit for visitors. Coorg has a lot of interesting and beautiful places for you to visit. All types of tourists can discover Coorg as an interesting tourist destination with many different activities. The most interesting activities in Coorg are free as is everything else!
Coorg Top Attractions
Coorg’s great adventures include a camping trip in the wild. Sleeping under a million stars in the peace of the hills and forests of Coorg and in the aroma of the nearby plantation is an experience worth experiencing.
Camping at Coorg is a must for everyone, especially when camping at a scenic location and then trekking through dense forests, mountains, streams, and cultivated areas.
It’s an incredible opportunity to hear birds sing and munch on a delicious local breakfast which only makes it more fun.
List of Things to do in Coorg Karnataka
Visit the Golden Temple or the Namdroling Monastery

The monastery, which was constructed in 1963, is serene and contains Tibetan art and architecture. You can participate in or observe the prayer ceremonies here, rotate the prayer wheels, or simply wander the grounds and take in the spiritual energy.
The Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is the greatest teaching facility for the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to more than 5000 lamas.
The largest teaching facility for the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism is Namdroling Monastery, which is located 34 kilometers from Coorg.
Famous For: Daily prayers
The Namdroling Monastery, often known as the “Golden Temple,” is home to some outstanding examples of Tibetan architecture and art, as evidenced by the exquisite temple tower and decorative outside walls that are richly and meticulously painted with lovely paintings.
- Location: Arlikumari, P.O. Bylakuppe
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Time Required: 1 – 2 hrs.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Distance from Madikeri Town: 35 km approx.
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Madikeri Fort

In Coorg, Karnataka, the Madikeri Fort is a well-liked tourist destination. The magnificent fort, which is located in the heart of Madikeri, provides nature lovers with information about Coorg’s past. Additionally, the fort’s lofty structures offer sweeping vistas of the city.
On the occasion of announcing Madikeri as the new capital of Coorg, Muddu Raja, the monarch at the time, built the original version of this historic fort in the second half of the seventeenth century.
After being taken by Tipu Sultan, this fort changed ownership several times. As a result, the fort’s structure and design underwent extensive adjustments, the majority of which were undertaken by the British.
Famous For: 19th-century architecture
This is one of many religions that amalgamated many cultures. A Fort which includes temples, churches, jails, museums, and a library is very interesting, especially to history lovers.
Many aristocratic rulers have reconstructed and built forts and used this for reasons that they felt justified.
The Madikeri Fort currently houses the deputy commissioner’s office as well as other tourist-attractive items. These include a museum, significant artifacts, and life-size elephants at the entryway.
- Location: Madikeri Fort, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
- Average cost: Free entry
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Monday), Time Required: 1-2 hrs
Abbey Falls

Abbey Falls, also called Abbi Falls, is located just 10 kilometers away from Madikeri and is one of the more popular tourist attractions of and surrounding Coorg. The waterfall drops to 70 feet from the cliff providing breathtaking scenery.
The waterfalls are surrounded by lush green vegetation typical of the Western Ghat landscape. Throughout the year thousands of visitors – particularly photographers – flock to the waterfalls.
The falls are located between private coffee plantations and cultivated coffee trees and spice gardens.
Best Time to Visit: Like most rivers and falls in southern India, Abbey Falls is a non-perennial stream that depends on rainfall to survive.
- Famous For: Hiking
- Hike: 15-20 minutes
- Washroom Facilities: Available
- Parking: Available
So it is recommended that you go during the monsoon (July to October) if you want to see it in its entirety. However, due to the rain, the road leading to the falls is slick and quite dangerous.
- Location: Near Madikeri
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Daily, Time Required: 1-2 hrs.
- Entry Fee: INR 15
Dubare Elephant Camp – Bathe Elephants

In Coorg, playing with and caring for elephants is the most enjoyable activity. One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Coorg is the elephant camp in Dubare, which contains a sizable herd of elephants that visitors can ride, feed, and wash.
It’s one of the top things to do in Coorg in May and is situated on the riverbank, making it the ideal place to cool down in the summer.
Famous For: Conservation Tourism
- Location: Kushalnagar, Coorg District, Nanjarayapatna
- Average cost: INR 670 per person
Raja’s Seat

Raja’s Seat is a garden that is perched above the lowlands to the west. It is a well-liked spot to see sunrise and sunset. Raja’s Seat is situated in Madikeri in the Coorg area and is surrounded by flowering plants and expertly crafted artificial fountains.
The garden was a favorite place for the Kings of Kodagu to relax, and they enjoyed sitting there and enjoying the sunsets with their Queens. Locals often bring their picnics here in the garden.
Your kids can ride a toy train as well, and musical fountains have been added to the collection of fountains. The Archaeological Survey of India currently oversees this location, which is significant historically for the nation.
The Raja’s Seat View Point is a sizable pavilion situated in the garden so that guests can enjoy the best views of the lush valley, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- Timings : Garden: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM,
Musical Fountain: Weekdays – 7:00 PM onwards, Weekends – 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM, Time Required: 1-2 hrs. - Entry Fee : Garden: INR 5, Toy Train: INR 20
Coffee Plantation Tour

One of the nicest things to do in Coorg is plucking coffee beans. The area is the leading producer of coffee, and you can see plantations for both coffee and spice plantations.
Typically, the coffee harvesting season lasts from November until January. On a day trip to Coorg, you may also stroll through the plantations to learn more about them!
Famous For: Coffee tasting
- Location: Coorg
- Average cost: INR 400 (Approx.)
- Time Required: 1 – 2 hrs.
Talacauvery

Talacauvery, which is located on the Brahmagiri Hills, is well-known as the Cauvery River’s source. The main draws of the area are a shrine to the goddess Kaveriamma and a tank fed by a spring that is thought to be the source of the river Kaveri.
The most breathtaking sight you will see in Coorg, which is known as the river Kaveri, is the Talacauvery. Here, you’ll encounter spirituality and a serene atmosphere that will be soothing to you.
Talacauvery, which is devoted to the goddess Kaveri, is now a popular destination for tourists during the Tulasankaramma festival.
Famous For: Cultural observations
It runs through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The beginning or source of this sacred river is thought to be Talacauvery.
Hindu worshipers travel there because they believe it to be sacred. They travel here to use the public bath. This location’s natural beauty also draws a large number of visitors from throughout the world.
- Location: 44 km from Madikeri on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill
- Average cost: NA
Iruppu Falls

Want to see one of Coorg’s most breathtaking waterfalls? Then you should go to Iruppu Falls, which will provide you with lush greenery and tranquility in the arms of nature.
Travelers flock to the falls in great numbers because of the Shiva Temple Rameshwara, which was inspired by the Ramayana legend.
Iruppu Falls must be included in your schedule since it will utterly enthrall you and your senses.
- Location: Kurchi, Karnataka
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Average cost: INR 50 per person
- Distance from Madikeri Town: 80 km approx.
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The mountain here, which happens to be the tallest peak in the area, gave rise to the name Pushpagiri Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of India’s 21 officially recognized sanctuaries.
The sanctuary also includes the Kadamakkal Forest Reserve. Numerous rare and endangered bird species can be found in the region’s forested and lush highlands.
Famous For: Rare species
Explore this area on a birdwatching tour to discover some unusual flying animals.
- Location: Subramanya, Road, Kumarahalli, Karnataka 571236
- Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per head
- Distance from Madikeri Town: 67 km approx
Wildlife Safari – Nagarhole National Park

Coorg is endowed with a beautifully natural wildlife sanctuary. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Coorg is to go on a wildlife safari, Nagarhole National Park is one of the ideal locations for doing so.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve contains the park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The Kabini River runs through it, while the Brahamagiri Mountains surround it.
Famous For: Deer spotting
You may come face to face with tigers and Asian elephants on the safari.
- Location: Mysore – Madikeri Rd, Hunsur, Karnataka 571201
- Average cost: INR 400, INR 1500 per person
- Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Distance from Madikeri Town: 90 km approx.
Nisargadhama – Enjoy Natural Beauty

When on vacation in Coorg, you absolutely must visit Nisargadhama because it will provide you with natural beauty. The 64-acre Nisargadhama delta offers breathtaking views and an enriching experience.
A swinging bridge will take you here, where you’ll see other teak trees, sandalwood trees, and bamboo grooves.
Famous For: Sightseeing
- Location: Near Kushalnagar in the Kogadu district of Karnataka.
- Average cost: NA
Kopatty

Coorg can be explored by walking but the trip up to Kopatty is an amazing adventure to experience in Coorg. The half-day trekking to Kopatty at an average rate takes you through a wide range of landscapes.
The path leads you near the ledge and then back into thick trees which provide stunning scenery. It’s easy to travel this trail within about six and a half hours if one wants lunch.
- Best time to visit: Autumn and Winter
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The impressive landscape provides countless opportunities for relaxing at picnics or taking amazing photographs.
- Location: Kopatty hill, Coorg, Karnataka
- Charges: Rs 3,150
Offbeat Things to Do in Coorg
Off-road Jeep drives can always be fun and make people feel excited. An exciting trek into Nishi hills instigates you in a dangerous and exciting journey. Explore all the terrains and elevations in a Jeep offroad vehicle.
On this 2-hour heart-pumping tour, you will witness lush greenery using expert driving knowledge. A ride in the mountains steep mountains is the best way to escape from city life.
Quad Biking

Quad biking is one of the must-do activities in Coorg if you enjoy being active and daring. The fact that one may ride on Coorg’s natural terrain and enjoy its natural paths is the nicest thing about this activity.
In Coorg, quad riding is more exciting and interesting due to the challenging terrain, which includes sloping terrain and paddy fields.
Famous For: Adventure tours
- Location: Dubare Elephant Camp
- Average cost: INR 600 per person
Barapole – Enjoy River Rafting

River rafting is one of the most underappreciated things to do in Coorg. In reality, Coorg is a fantastic location for whitewater rafting, particularly during the monsoon season.
The Barapole River offers guests the ultimate adventure experience with grades ranging from I to V. You should include river rafting in Coorg on your list of things to do in Coorg in August.
Famous For: White-water rafting
Best Time: July and August
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
- Location: Virajpet Taluk
- Average cost: INR 1200 per person
- Timings: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Distance from Madikeri Town: 70 km approx.
Trekking Trails

Coorg is surrounded by the lush Western Ghats, which provide many chances for climbing and trekking. Kumara Parvatha, Tadiandamol, Mullayanagiri, Kodachadri, and Brahmagiri are a few of these treks.
Trekking is one of the most popular activities to do in Coorg in December since it is great during winter when the forests are dry but lush green.
Coorg, a hill station nourished by the Western Ghats, is home to numerous beautiful trekking paths.
Famous For: Stargazing
Exploring these breathtaking routes that wind over hills and valleys, whether you are an expert hiker or simply a beginner, is one of the most thrilling things to do in Coorg.
Hill Station for trekking include:
- Pushpagiri Trek (Easy to Moderate)
- Tadiandamol Trek (Easy)
- Iruppu Falls Trek (Easy to Moderate)
- Brahmagiri Hills Trek (Moderate)
- Kotebetta Trek (Moderate)
- Galibeedu – Subramanya Trek (Moderate)
- Kopatty Trek (Moderate)
- Location: Western Ghats
- Average cost: Varies for different treks
Camping – Riverside And Jungles

Over the past few years, Coorg has seen a rise in popularity for camping, and there are now many options available. In actuality, you won’t have to worry about what to do in Coorg if you go camping.
Simply choose, reserve, and spend the day sipping coffee in your tent while gazing up at the stars. One of the best nighttime activities in Coorg is stargazing.
Famous For: Stargazing
- Location: Coorg
- Average cost: INR 2000 onwards
Fishing

Lakes and rivers abound in Coorg. In fact, the river Kaveri, which has a rich aquatic ecosystem and is perfect for fishing, has its source in Talacauvery, close to Madikeri. One of the most popular pastimes in Coorg is fishing and angling.
Fishing is one of the best things to do in Coorg in June since the rivers are stocked with food for these fish throughout the monsoon season. It is also among the top places to visit in May.
Famous For: Fishing tours
- Location: Kaveri
- Average cost: INR 1500 onwards
Hiking – The Spellbinding Western Ghats

Hiking is another adventure activity in Coorg for individuals who enjoy being outside and discovering new places. When visiting Coorg, consider hiking to Raja’s Seat and enjoying the surrounding panoramic vistas.
Although the location is well-known for its spectacular sunset views, visitors can also come in the morning.
Famous For: Panoramic landscapes
- Location: Madikeri
- Average cost: NA
Jeep Safari

The Jeep Safari is one of the best things to do in Coorg if you enjoy exploring. One can select the ideal jeep safari tour based on their tastes from a variety of accessible options.
The greatest sites to visit on a Coorg jeep safari include Kabbe Hills, which offers stunning views of the surroundings, Nishani Hills, which can only be reached by off-road vehicle, and Mallalli Waterfalls, which leads to Coorg’s flowing waterfalls.
Famous For: Wildlife adventure
- Location: Kabbe Hills and Nishani Hills, Coorg
- Average cost: Varies for different locations
Homestays

In Coorg, homestays are a well-liked form of lodging. Colonial bungalows are common on coffee and spice plantations, and their owners have converted many of them into homestays.
Here, you may sample Coorgi culture and eat home-cooked food. One of the nicest things to do in Coorg is, if you’re lucky, to attend a Coorgi wedding.
Famous For: Local sightseeing
- Location: Coorg, Karnataka
- Average cost: INR 600 onwards
FAQs
What is Famous About Coorg?
It is known for coffee plants, hilltops, rivers, and a variety of flora and fauna. The lush forests have breathtaking views. Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Coorg are Nagarhole National Park, Abba Falls, and Iruppu Falls.
Which is the Best Way of Exploring Coorg?
It is advised to choose the greatest locations and activities first in order to explore Coorg the wisest way possible. Bathing elephants, experiencing Tibetan culture, taking pictures of the falls, trekking through the hills and forests, sampling regional food, strolling through coffee farms, camping under the stars, and many other activities are just a few of the well-known things to do in Coorg.
What Time is Ideal for Travelling to Coorg?
Coorg is a year-round vacation spot. The best months to visit Coorg for adventure activities like trekking are from October to March, when temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Make sure to book a homestay prior to reach Coorg.
How can I Get From Bangalore to Coorg?
From Bangalore, getting to Coorg is not difficult. Every day, numerous public and private buses travel from Bangalore to Coorg. From Bangalore to Coorg, one may also rent a self-driven automobile, a private taxi, or a shared cab.