COORG – “Scotland of India”

Why it is called “Scotland of India”

Most of the British Planters who work in the Coorg are Scots and they coined the term ‘The Scotland of India’. The planters saw great similarities between the landscape of Coorg and Scotland such as mountains, greenery and pleasant climate.

How to Reach

By Air- The nearest airport is Manglore about 135 kms away. Hire a cab or board a bus to reach Coorg.

By train- The nearest station is Mysore about 120 kms away.

By Road- Coorg is well connected with major cities of Karnataka. You can take bus to reach Coorg.

Rip- Roaring Thing to do in Coorg

1. Abbey Falls– For Scenic Waterfall

Abbey Falls is a scenic waterfall 5 km from Madikeri. This waterfall is located between coffee and spice plantation which makes it more interesting and a perfect photogenic destination for photographers. Abbey waterfall is best to visit during monsoon season, typically some days after it starts raining in June up to the end of rainy season, while there is more water gushing in the streams and rivers.

Near-by Attractions

Spice plantation, home stays and mandalpatti

How to reach- You can reach falls by road from Madikeri which is nearly 8 kms.

Ticket Charges- INR 15 per rerson

Timings- 9 A.M to 5 P.M

Location

Near RTO office from madikeri 8 km, Karnataka 571201

2. Quad Biking- ATV Bike Adventure

Quad biking is done on ATV bike known as All Terrain Vehicle. It is must do activity in Coorg. Quad biking involves riding on steep and muddy slopes which passes through natural beauty of Coorg full of greenery, which make you mesmerized. Chelavara is one of the best place for quad biking in Coorg.

Tip- Driving license is compulsory for Quad biking.

Cost- Starts from INR 450 approx.

Timings- 10 A.M to 4 P.M

Location

Chelavara, Karnataka

3. Talakaveri- Dedicated to Lord Brahma & for Holy Bath

 Talakaveri the place where the River Kaveri originates. The temple on the riverbanks here is dedicated to Lord Brahma, and is one of only two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and Southeast Asia. At this famous Hindu temple, visitors can bathe in the spring waters of the holy river Kaveri.

Tip- Talakavery is also having wildlife sanctuary known as Greater Talakavery wildlife sanctuary, which is one of the best tourist attraction.

Temple Timings- 6.30 A.M to 5 P.M

Location

Tala Kaveri, Kodagu, Karnataka

4. Nagarhole National Park And Tiger Reserve– Premier Tiger Reserve

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a wildlife reserve and Tiger Reserve in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the park is backed by the Brahamagiri Mountains and filled with sandalwood and teak trees. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls. The park has a healthy predator-prey ratio, with many tigers, Gaur, elephants, Indian leopards, and deer.

Safari Charges- INR 300 per person

Location

Mysore – Madikeri Rd, Hunsur, Karnataka 

5. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary- Trek to Brahmagiri Peak

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary bounded by coffee and cardamom plantation is part of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary derives its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri peak, which is 1607m in height. It covers an area of about 181 km. so, pack your bag and trek to this blessed journey starting from Iruppu Falls.

Things To Do

visit Thirunnelai temple- built by lord brahma, pakshipathalam cave, Iruppu Falls, trekking & birds and wildlife species

Best Time to Visit- Octover to March

Entry Ticket- INR 200 per person

Guide Fee- INR 500 Compulsory

Location

Kappimala – Paithalmala Rd, Vellad, Karnataka

6. Pay a Visit to Omkareshwara Temple

Omkareshwara Temple built in 19th centuary, Prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva with 4 minarets, a dome & a fish-filled pond. It is one of the most attractive place in Coorg, representing Islamic and Gothic mixed architectural styles.

Timings

• Abhisheka- 6:30 AM to 6:45 AM
• Ganga Pooja – 7:00 AM
• Maha Pooja – 12:00 noon
• Maha Pooja – 8:00 PM

Location

SH 88, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

7. Raja’s Seat- For Commanding View of the Cliffs and Valleys

Raja’s Seat is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains. It is one of the most important tourist spots in Madikeri of Coorg District. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising in the east, the mist shrouded valley below offers a rare sight. There is also a Toy Train for children.

Tip- Visit flower festival in summer.

Entry Ticket- INR 5 per person

Toy Train Ticket- INR 20 per person

Timings

6 A.M to 7.30 P.M

Location

Near Rajadarshan hotel, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

8. Microlight Flying- Fly like Birds

Microlight Flying is the most thrilling & stunning activity to do in Coorg. It is a two seater light plane. Fly like birds above 5,000 ft. from ground and view unforgettable scenic beauty of Coorg & experience the cool breeze in the sky.

Charges- INR 2250 for 10 minutes

Location

Ponampet pomp, Coorg

9. White Water River Rafting

Experience the thrill in river rafting in white water of coorg. It is the activity that you must do in Coorg. Barapole is the best place for river rafting, as it offers river grades ranging from I to V.

Cost- Approx INR 900 per head

Location

Near Tata Tea Plantation, Virajpet Taluk River barapole, Coorg.

Lip Smacking & Finger Licking Food and Best Restaurants in Coorg

1. Kodava Food- An Authentic Coorg Cuisines

While in Coorg must try authentic Kodava cuisines, a varieties of mouth watering dishes which includes Pandi Curry (pork), Kadamuttu (rice ball), Noolputtu (string hoppers), Akki Roti (rice roti), Bamboo Shoot Curry, and Kommu Curry (mushroom curry).

Where

Coorg Cuisine, Stuart Hill,Madikeri

2. Big Cup Cafe- Heaven for Coffee Lovers

Big Cup Cafe is the expert name trusted by all locals of Coorg. They bring you a perfectly brewed “Cuppa from Crop to Cup”, served with a warm smile! This Cafe is must visit place for having a cup of coffee, thick shakes, tea and sundaes.

Cost for Two- INR 300 approx.

Location

 Mysore – Madikeri Rd, next to Wood Stock Villa, Kannanda Bane, Ibnivalvadi Rural, Karnataka 

3. Tiger Tiger- Worth your Money

Tiger tiger is an ethnic coorg restaurant, run by locals. With best ambiance, their combos worth your money. If you are visiting in summer then must try mango curry. This restaurant is nearby rajas’s seat.

Must Try

Ghee rice, pepper chicken, kadambuttu

Cost for Two- INR 500

Cuisines- South Indian, Beverages & Dessert

Location

Raja Seat Road, Near Rajdarshan Hotel, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

4. Taj Madikeri Resort- For Royal Dining

For experiencing royal and authentic varieties of Coorg, then head to the Taj Madikeri Resort. Here you will find variety of restaurants and bars which serving dishes with a scenic and mystic beauty. During non monsoon season try barbecue food along poolside.

Some of the best of restaurants are Nellaki, Hive Bar and Fern Tree Restaurant.

Average Cost for Two- INR 3500

Location

 Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Galibeedu, 1st, Monnageri, Karnataka 571201

5. Udupi Krishna Bhavan- Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Town

If you having a cravings for vegetarian restaurant then opt for Udupi Krishna Bhavan. This is the best place to have home quality food in Coorg with good hygiene.

Must Try

Dosa, Idli, Kaju Masala, Kesari Bath

Average Cost for Two- INR 300

Cuisines- North Indian, South Indian, Desserts & Chinese

Location

 Opp. government PU college, Kannanda Bane, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

---