Coorg or Kodagu is a very popular hill station in southern India. Due to its amazing beauty and serene sights, it is also known as the Scotland of India. The tourist places in Coorg that you can explore are so heavenly that it is often called the Kashmir of the South. In this article, we will get to know about all these amazing tourist attractions that you must explore in Coorg.
Before moving forward if you wish to know why you should visit Coorg then read this
Visit Coorg, the Scotland of India| The Kashmir of Karnataka
21 Best Tourist Places to Explore in Kodagu or Coorg
1. Madikeri Fort
Madikeri is the capital and a prominent hill station and a must-visit place in Coorg. It is also known as Muddu Raja Keri or Mercara. Full of rich history, the Madikeri Fort was built in the 17th century by Mudduraja and was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan and Lingarajendra Wodeyar II and the British. The fort houses a church which was earlier a temple dedicated to Virabhadra (Lord Shiva). The fort has a museum, Library, prison cell and the Kote Maha Ganpathi temple.
- Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week except Monday
How to Reach Madikeri Fort?
2. Abbey Falls
Also known as Abbi Falls, this is the most amazing and spectacular waterfall in Coorg. The water falls from a height of 70 feet. It is in its full form during the monsoons from July – October. It is situated amidst coffee, pepper, cardamom and other spice plantations.
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm every day
How to Reach Abbey Falls?
3. Honnamana Kere
It is the biggest lake in Kodagu and is considered sacred among the locals. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Honnamana. Every year there is a special festival organized here known as the “Gowri Puja” and offerings are given to the Goddess for her sacrifice. Among many other places, this is also a must-visit site in Coorg for every tourist.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm every day
How to Reach Honnamana Kere?
4. Talakaveri temple
Situated at a height of 1276 ft above sea level, this temple is considered one of the most important and sacred sites of Hinduism. This temple has a water spring known as the “Tirtha Kundike” or “Brahma Kundike” which is the origination point of the river Kaveri/Cauvery. The temple has a Shivalingam dedicated to Lord Shiva and also an idol of Lord Ganesha. The best time to visit this temple is in October on ‘Sankramana Day’ when you can see the water bubbling and frothing which is considered auspicious and symbolises the appearance of Goddess Kaveri.
- Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 7 am–1:30 pm, 2:30–6 pm, Tuesday: Closed
How to Reach Talakaveri Temple?
5. Raja’s seat
Located in the middle of the garden of ‘Gandhi Mantap’, this place literally means the “seat of the king“. The place is associated with real history as the kings and queens of Kodagu used to come here and enjoy the view from the point. You must visit this location as it can give you a drone view of the nearby places of Coorg. The best time to visit Raja’s seat is in the evening when the light and sound show is organised.
- Timings: 9 am to 8 pm every day
How to Reach Raja’s Seat?
6. Namdroling Monastery
Also known as the “Golden Temple”, this is a Tibetan monastery and one of the largest settlement places of Tibetans in India. The main attraction here is the forty feet tall statues of Lord Buddha. You can also buy authentic Tibetan souvenirs around the monastery.
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm every day
How to Reach Namdroling Monastery?
7. Mandalpatti Peak
It is the most famous tourist attraction in Kodagu. The viewpoint is situated at a height of 4050 feet uphill. It is called ‘Mugilu-Pete’ or ‘Mugilu-Peth’ by the locals which means “Market of Mist/Market of Clouds”. You can trek, take a jeep or take a bike here and enjoy the peaceful environment. It is an angelic destination for trekkers and campers and one can also opt for night camping here.
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm every day
How to Reach Mandalpatti Peak?
8. Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation
You can go and check out the whole process of making your favourite cup of sumptuous coffee. You will get a guide who will take you on a tour of the farm and the whole process of coffee making will be explained you can also get to shop and try some.
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm every day
How to Reach Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation?
9. Sri Bhagandeshwara/Bhagamandala Temple
The temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old and probably constructed during the Chola Dynasty. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Narayan and Lord Subramanya. The architecture of the temple makes it famous among others. The Karavali style of architecture is used in this temple. Located amidst the mystical elegance of nature, it is one of the best places to explore in Coorg.
- Timings: 6 am to 7 pm every day
How to Reach Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple?
10. Dubare Elephant Camp
It is situated near the banks of River Kaveri. It is part of a project undertaken by the Forest Department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Elephant riding and bathing are must-to-do activities at Dubare Elephant Camp. You can even feed them and spend some time in the lap of nature. It is an ideal destination for nature and wildlife lovers, families, kids and people of all age groups.
- Timings: 9 am to 11 am and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
How to Reach Dubare Elephant Camp?
11. Chelavara Falls
It is a naturally formed waterfall. It is also known as Embepare Waterfalls which means ‘Tortoise Waterfalls’. This fall is nearly 150 feet deep.
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm every day
12. Kote Abbe Falls
It is a small waterfall near Mandalpatti. You can spend some quiet time, feed fish and take a dip in the waters.
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm every day
13. Chiklihole Reservoir
It is located on one of the tributaries of River Cauvery, it is a horseshoe-shaped reservoir. Surrounded by lush greenery, it is an offbeat place in Coorg.
- Timings: 8 am to 5 pm every day
14. Nalknad Palace
Also known as Nalkunadu/Nalnad Aramane, it was the residence of the last Haleri kings. It is a small palace which was used as a refuge for the Haleri Kings.
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm every day
15. Harangi Dam
It is the first Dam to be built upon the river Kaveri. The place is generally secluded so it is best for people who are looking to spend some peaceful and private time.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm every day
16. Omkareswara Temple
This temple was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra ||. The architecture of this temple makes it quite unique among others as it is a mixture of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.
- Timings: 5 am to 8 pm every day
17. Mallalli Falls
It is located at the foot of the Pushpagiri hills. You can trek to Pushpagiri Peak and witness an amazing panoramic view of the waterfall from above.
- Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm every day
18. Raja’s Tomb
As the name suggests, it is a resting place for the bygone king and his family. Mixed with elements from Islamic architecture, this monument is a Tomb for King Lingarajendra, Veerarajendra and their wives and families.
- Timings: 8:30 to 7 pm every day
19. Kunduru Motte Sri Chowtti Maramma Tayi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamma who is an incarnation of Goddess Shakthi. It is very near to Raja’s Seat.
- Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm every day
20. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
This place is full of exotic flora and fauna. It is spread around an area of 181 km and is surrounded by coffee plantations and lush greenery.
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm every day
21. Kaveri Nisargdhama
It is an island formed by the river Kaveri. Connected by a rope bridge, the park around it has a children’s playground, a small zoo and an orchidarium.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
In the End
If you ever get doubts about which hill station in India you should be visiting, always go for Coorg. These places in Coorg are just immensely amazing and engaging. These 21 places in Coorg are more than just to explore. There are many fascinating things that you can do in these locations. This article was all about the 21 best places to explore in Coorg and the best way to visit them. Let us know in the comments if we were able to deliver the right information you needed in this article.
