TOP PLACES YOU MUST

VISIT IN COORG

Abbey Falls

A visit to Coorg often begins with Abbey Falls. Here, the early waters of the Kaveri plunge over rugged rock faces from a height of about 70 feet. Encircled by dense coffee plantations and spice estates, this cascade was once called Jessi Falls, a name now lost to time. The spot is best visited during the monsoon when the water surges with force, roaring through the wilderness and echoing through the hills. A hanging bridge faces the waterfall, offering a striking vantage point for those who wish to pause and absorb the surroundings. With pepper vines clinging to tall trees and mist filling the air, Abbey Falls leaves an impression that lingers long after you’ve left.

Mandalpatti

Roughly 18 kilometres from Madikeri, a winding road through coffee estates leads to Mandalpatti. This highland is part of the Pushpagiri forest reserve. Known locally as Mugilupete, or the ‘market of clouds’, it is a befitting name. The hills open up to sweeping grasslands with little to obstruct the visual meeting of earth and sky. The sunrise and sunset paint the landscape in tones that change with each season, drawing both the solitude-seeker and the wandering photographer. As you ride or trek through the green trails, the stillness of the region reveals a different pace of life. A visit to Mandalpatti is more like slowing down to witness nature in its quiet, unfiltered form.

Raja’s Seat

High above the valleys of Madikeri lies a garden once favoured by Kodava kings and their queens. Raja’s Seat is a brick structure with four arched pillars, nestled in what is now called Gandhi Mantap. From here, the land dips dramatically, offering a clear line of sight to the western cliffs and distant peaks. The site has long been associated with royal leisure. Local tales tell of rulers spending tranquil evenings here, watching the sun sink behind the hills. Even today, as the light fades and shadows stretch across the valleys, visitors gather to experience the same view once reserved for kings. Though modest in scale, it's quiet dignity commands attention as it sits above the land.

Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe lies on the outskirts of Coorg, near the Karnataka-Kerala border, and is one of South India’s largest Tibetan settlements. It stands apart in tone and rhythm, with monasteries, prayer flags, and saffron-robed monks becoming part of the scene. The Golden Temple, or Namdroling Monastery, sits at the centre of it all. With richly decorated interiors and towering statues of the Buddha, the temple captures the spiritual character of the region. Bylakuppe is also home to the Mahayana Buddhist University, as well as craft centres and incense-making workshops that reflect the community’s self-sustaining ways. The Tibetan New Year, known as Losar, is celebrated here with colour and fervour. These festivities draw visitors from far beyond Karnataka. The settlement, though quiet in its daily rhythm, leaves an imprint of resilience and grace.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Situated on the banks of the Kaveri, Dubare presents a different experience. Once a training ground for Mysore Dasara elephants, it is now a learning space where you can watch these gentle giants up close. With a naturalist to guide you, you gain insights into their biology, history and role in the local culture. The activities are thoughtfully planned. After their river bathing activities, visitors can feed the elephants or walk beside them under a shaded canopy. Beyond the elephant interactions, Dubare also offers opportunities for white water river rafting. The camp isn’t merely a stop on the itinerary but a moment of reflection on how humans and animals have shared these forests over centuries.

Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls lies in the Brahmagiri Range and attracts visitors for both its spectacle and lore. Known locally as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, this freshwater cascade feeds a river of the same name. According to legend, Lakshmana created the stream by shooting an arrow into the hills when Rama was in need of water. That story alone pulls in pilgrims, especially on Shivaratri, who believe the waters carry powers of spiritual cleansing. But the experience doesn’t stop at the falls. A forest trail leads adventurous travellers up towards the Brahmagiri Peak.

Madikeri Fort

Right in the heart of Madikeri stands a structure that has outlasted rulers and regimes. Built by Mudduraja in the 17th century, Madikeri Fort carries the mark of many hands. Tipu Sultan later reconstructed the structure in granite and renamed the site Jaffarabad. Inside its walls sits the former palace, which now houses the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Nearby, St. Mark’s Church has been converted into a museum curated by the state archaeological department. Visitors can browse weapons, coins and other fragments of Coorg’s long past. A visit to the fort gives you a sense of how time has sculpted the identity of this town.

Tadiandamol Peak

Built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra II, Omkareshwara Temple stands out for both its purpose and design. It was created as an act of penance, and the architecture blends Islamic and Hindu styles. The central dome and four corner turrets give it a different silhouette from the temples typically seen in the region. Inside, a Shiva lingam sits close to the main door, and unlike many other temples, there’s no traditional hall of pillars. A water tank at the front is home to a variety of fish. The temple is open for visitors on all days, year-round.

Nagarahole National Park

For those drawn to the wild, Nagarahole is a spot worth visiting. Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it serves as a vital part of India’s conservation network. The park supports the largest known gathering of Asiatic elephants, along with Bengal tigers, leopards, wild dogs and bears. Nagarahole National Park also has a rich collection of teak and rosewood trees. Herbivores like sambar deer, chital, and wild boars are frequently seen on safaris conducted twice a day by the Forest Department. Birdsong filters through the trees, offering a natural soundtrack to a park that remains untamed at its core.

Coorg’s landscape shifts beautifully across seasons and each offers a distinct experience. October to February sees the region wrapped in fog, with crisp air, cool evenings and the scent of coffee lingering in the breeze. It's a popular window for travellers looking to enjoy panoramic views and clear skies while exploring key sights.

March to June brings warmer days, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 35°C. Though humid in parts, the season opens up opportunities for treks, nature walks and time spent by waterfalls and sanctuaries. The surrounding highlands offer a cool escape and uninterrupted views of mist-draped hills.

Between July and September, the monsoon takes over. The hills come alive in shades of green, veiled in mist and rain. While the serenity draws many, travel may be disrupted due to occasional landslides caused by heavy downpours. Still, for those who welcome adventure, it’s a season worth considering.

By Air

Mangalore Airport, located roughly 150 km away, is the nearest airport to Coorg. Kannur International Airport, about 90 km away, is also an alternative option. Flights operate frequently between Mangalore and major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Travel time ranges from one to three hours depending on the city of departure. From the airport, travellers can hire a cab or take a bus to Coorg.

By Road

Coorg enjoys strong road connectivity. KSRTC runs dependable deluxe buses to Coorg from cities such as Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. Most routes are non-stop, so it’s wise to carry snacks. Evening or overnight departures are convenient for early arrivals and smoother hotel check-ins.

By Train

Mysore Railway Station, approximately 100 km away, is the closest railhead. It’s well linked to major cities across India. Cabs and buses are easily available from Mysore, Hassan, and Mangalore for onward journeys.

Coorg invites travellers with its pleasant atmosphere and quiet rhythms. Beyond the postcard sights, there’s a unique beauty in the swaying plantations, the warmth of the local culture and the earthy freshness enveloping the district. Exploring tourist places in Coorg feels less like ticking boxes and more like slipping into a slower, richer pace of life.

Among hotels in Coorg, Gateway Coorg offers a stay that reflects indulgent ease. Luxurious rooms frame captivating views, and every corner is designed with care. The stay is elevated with modern comforts, attentive service and distinctive dining that celebrates local and global flavours. At Gateway Coorg, we promise a retreat that complements the soul of the region and gives you the space to linger a little longer.