The beautiful Coorg hill station is located in Karnataka state. Find nearest places to visit, best time, how to reach, weather, where to stay and more. It is spread in about 4,102 km2 and located in eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Belonging to the south-western part of Karnataka state, the place has an elevation ranging between 120m- 1750m above sea level. Tandiandamol is the highest peak and the river Kaveri flows through the district of Kodagu. The place is marked by beautiful panoramic view of the Aravalli hills, coffee plantations, friendly people and dense forests complete with several waterfalls and temples.
How to Visit Coorg Hill Station
Coorg is well connected via road, rail and several major adjacent cities. Madekeri is the nearest town. It can also be reached via Virajpet.
By road: This hill station is located at a distance of about 260 km from Bangalore city, whereas it is about 320 km from Coimbatore and Mysore is only 117 km. Several private as well as public transport is available to take one to Coorg. Madekeri is about 41 km from Coorg and is well connected via road to all major airports as well as railway stations.
By rail: Thalassery and Kannur lying in the state of Kerela have a well connected railway station. Furthermore in Karnataka state, Mysore and Hassan are the nearest railway stations.
By air: If you wanted to visit Coorg at shortest time then Mysore airport is for you. It is located at a distance of 130 km from Madekeri and 115 km from Virajpet. The Mangalore airport is distanced 140 km from Madekeri and 172 km from Virajpet and Kunnur airport is 85 km from Madekeri and 55 km from Virajpet and is the nearest amongst the three. All the airports are well connected to all major cities of the country as well as abroad.
By seaport: The New Mangalore Port at Panambur is located at a distance of about 145 km from Madekeri.
Where to Stay
Coorg offers a multitude of options ranging from cosy pocket friendly rooms to a range of 3, 4 and 5 star resorts and forest bungalows as well as home stays. Luxury hotels like Vivanta, Orange County, The Tamara, Coorg Cliffs Resort, Amanvana Spa Resort, Coorg Jungle Camp Backwater Resort and Windflower Resort are few of the top resorts offering world class services and excellent natural views of the place. Budget hotels include La Flora Jungle Hill Resort, City Comforts, Crystal Court Inn, Ulo Riviera The Spring Arc, Casiita Resort and many more.
Home stays with all modern facilities are available for people who would like to feel at home and cook their own food even on a vacation and stay with the entire family under the same roof. Whether it be a plantation stay or a hilltop stay Coorg offers comfortable bungalows or humble cottages. Few of the most preferred ones are Coorg JK Home Stay, Coffee Cottage, Mountains and Meadows, Mitra, Thelma Studios, Dreamland, Vacanza Estate House, Southland Estates, Flora Homes, Holidayinncoorg Orchid Villa and many more.
Best time to Visit
Temperature of Coorg ranges between 15C to 28C throughout the year. Heavy rainfall generally takes place between July-August. Winters are extremely pleasant with warm summers. April to May is hottest in Coorg. There is a rush of tourists between September to March due to the pleasant weather.
Sight Seeing
Coorg has a diverse range of sight-seeing spots to offer ranging from lush green forests housing a variety of flora and fauna, waterfalls, temples, rivers, hiking spots, rolling hills and ancient churches. Here are a few must visits based on tourist favourites:
Waterfalls:
The rolling hills treasures few of the most beautiful and mighty waterfalls. It is an absolute delight to witness the power of the white frothy waters rushing down the slope and flowing into infinity. Amongst the many Abbey falls, Irupu falls, Chelavara falls, Mallali waterfalls, Abbimatta falls are the most visited by tourists. Soak your feet in the cool water of the falls or simply click amazing pictures with waterfalls in the background. Also check the highest waterfalls of India here in detail.
Temples and Churches
Amongst the greenery lie several ancient temples and beautiful churches famous for its miraculous stories. Amongst them the Omkareshwara temple, Sri Bhagandeshwara temple, St. Michaels Church, Igguthappa temple, Mrityunjaya temple, Talakaveri temple, St Annes church and St. Marks church are few of the most celebrated ones. Not only are they famous for its devotees but they are uniquely built with beautiful carvings and intricate architecture.
Camping and hiking
The Dubare Elephant camp is one of the major attractions of the place which is fun for all age groups. Due to the diverse flora and rolling hills, Coorg is one of the hot hiking spots amongst adventure lovers. Hiking facilities are available to Pushpagiri hills, Makkala Gudi Beta, Brahmagiri hills, View Point, Kotte Betta and Tadiandamol hills. A hike to these places offer a spectacular view of the valley studded with natural water bodies and thick green carpeted forests.
National Parks and forests
The Greater Talacauvery National Park and Nisargadhama Island forest are the two must visits for a taste of adventure and experience the true flora and fauna of Coorg. The Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Nagarhole National parks are other forests for a visit. The forests houses asian elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars and above 300 species of birds. Ironwood, ebony, mahogany, cardamom, cane, black pepper, fern, bamboo, teak and sandal grow in abundance in these forests.
Other attractions:
Amongst the several other tourist spots, following are other tourist spots that you must visit:
- Madekeri Fort
- Rajas Seat
- Harangi Reservoir
- Nalkand Palace
- Mercara Downs Golf Club
- Virajpet Clock Tower
- Vitage Car Collection Museum and
- Adventure Park
A drive through Coorg in itself is rewarding due to the pristine environment lined with several coffee plantations and fragrant cardamom gardens. The hilltops offer breathtaking view of the deep valleys and the silence of the place leave one rejuvenated and full of life!