The biggest Coffee producer of India, Coorg or Kodagu is a picturesque hill station located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Tucked between the beauty of the Western Ghats, Coorg is famous for its coffee & spice plantation, honey, an abundance of natural beauty, exciting treks, waterfalls and amazing weather condition. The pleasant climate and the beauty of western ghats dotted with coffee plantations, waterfalls & rolling hills truly justify its tag – The Scotland of India.
In this guide, we will share the perfect 3-day itinerary to Coorg which includes places to visit, activities to do and how to reach. So, if you’re planning a trip to Coorg then our guide will be very helpful in making your vacation memorable –
Best Time To Visit Coorg
The weather in Coorg stays pleasant throughout the year however October to March is the best time to visit Coorg. This is the time when a large number of tourists visit Coorg due to the pleasant weather, natural beauty and adventurous activities. For more check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Coorg.
How To Reach Coorg
By Road – No matter how you come to Coorg, whether taking a flight or train the last 4 to 5-hour journey will be done by road. But the road journey to Coorg would be one of the best road trip experiences. The route is filled with picturesque landscapes, lush green forests, waterfalls, rolling hills and diverse wildlife. In certain regions, the road can be steep and rough but there is nothing to worry about it.
There are frequent buses available to Coorg from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore etc. Buses are the most convenient and budgeted way to reach Coorg.
If you want to enjoy the road journey then bikes or cars are the best option to reach Coorg by road. Either you can hire a private cab or rent a bike from cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore to reach Coorg. This 4 to 5-hour journey wouldn’t feel the exhausting opposite of this it gives you a refreshing and unique experience.
- Mysore to Coorg: 112 KM
- Bangalore to Coorg: 242 KM
- Mangalore to Coorg: 138 KM
By Train – Coorg doesn’t have any railway stations. But you don’t have to worry as the nearby cities like Bangalore and Mysore are well connected by train to all major cities of India. Mysore is the nearest place to Coorg where you can find the railway station. After reaching Mysore there are multiple options for Coorg. Either you can take the KSRTC bus to Madikeri (the main town of Coorg) or hire a private taxi. If you’re planning to visit during peak time, do book your train tickets well in advance (before 15 to 25 days) as tickets get sold out very fast.
By Flight – Coorg also doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport to Coorg is situated in Mysore at a distance of 112 KM. And for international tourists, Mangalore (138 KM) and Bangalore (242 KM) are the nearest airports to Coorg. If you’re coming from other parts of the country then you can easily get a direct flight to Coorg. From there either you can take a bus or hire a private cab.
Coorg Itinerary For 3 Days
First Day
| Places | Why to visit |
| Namdroling Monastery | Tibetan culture, monks, architecture, artifacts |
| Kaveri Nisargadhama (8 KM from Namdroling) | Island, forest park, deer park, elephant ride, boating, rafting, bird watching, hanging bridge |
| Chiklihole Reservoir (11 KM from Chiklihole) | Man made dam of semi circular structure, green meadows, peaceful surroundings, abundance of natural beauty |
| Dubare Elephant Camp (8 KM from Chiklihole) | Boating, Jungle Safari, Elephant feeding, Elephant bath and other wild animals |
| Raja Seat Park | Stunning sunset views, Bird eye view of the surroundings, magical musical fountains, and chairs |
Second Day
| Places | Why To Visit |
| Mandalpatti View Point | Panoramic views, bumpy jeep ride, trekking, overnight camp, peaceful, amazing view of sunrise & sunset |
| Kote Abbey Falls (8 KM from Mandalpatti) | Offbeat falls, enjoy bath inside the water, natural beauty, bird watching |
| Abbey Falls (27 KM from Kote Abbey Falls) | Situated amidst coffee & spice plantation, vast natural beauty |
| Raja Tomb | Click picture, get good view of Madikeri town |
| Tour of Coffee Plantation (19 KM from Raja Tomb) | Learn how coffee made, long walk amidst coffee plantation, taste fresh coffee, buy different types of coffee |
Third Day
| Places | Why to Visit |
| Talakaveri Temple | Seek blessings of Goddess Kaveriamma, take holy bath, have breakfast |
| Triveni Sangam | Meeting point of 3 rivers, take holy bath, enjoy soothing views |
| Omkareshwara temple | Seek blessings of Lord Shiva, Feed fishes |
| Shopping | Buy organic chocolates, coffees, spices, pepper, honey, oregano. And shop silk sarees, mythological figures etc. |
Day 1 In Coorg
Start Day with Namdroling Monastery
Start your trip to Coorg by visiting the famous Namdroling Monastery which is also known as Golden Temple. The 60ft high statue of Lord Buddha is the main attraction of this monastery. The amazing Tibetan architecture and colorful wall paintings depicting Buddhist mythology will make you feel like you’re in Tibet. This monastery is home to 5000+ monks and nuns. There you can easily spend hours while admiring its architectural beauty and watching monks meditating & doing regular work.
Due to its popularity, this monastery is visited by a large number of tourists. So, if you’re looking for a quiet place then there are 2 other nearby monastery – Sara Mey Monastery (5 KM from Golden Temple) and Sara Jey Monastery (3 KM from Golden Temple). Both are offbeat and less crowded. You can also shop Tibetan souvenirs from the nearby shops.
Visit Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest Park followed by lunch
Just 8 KM from Namdroling monastery there is a beautiful forest park on Nisargadhama Island which is the prime attraction of Coorg. Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, this forest park features a hanging bridge, forest area, elephants, deer, different types of birds, Zip Lining, a restaurant and various water activities. The laid-back atmosphere of this place helps you to get close to nature.
Owing to chirping birds, boat rides, elephant safari, peaceful forest region, children park, deer park, and Kaveri river it is the perfect spot for a picnic in Coorg.
- Timing – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees – 10 Rs for Adults, 25 Rs for an Elephant ride, 100 Rs for boating and 700 to 1000 Rs for Forest Resort Accommodation.
Click some pictures at Chiklihole Reservoir
Just 11 KM from Nisargadhama Forest Park there is another interesting destination called Chiklihole Reservoir. It is a man-made dam surrounded by lush green forests. This place has lush grassy meadows on one side and lush green woodlands on the other side. The semi-circular structure of the dam allows the water to overflow like foam on the curved structure and it gives it unique look.
This place is not so popular so there you won’t get much crowd. Therefore, it is the best place if you want to spend some time in the carpet of nature with a range of flora & fauna.
Spend Time with Elephants in Dubare Elephant Camp
Surrounded by diverse vegetation & Kaveri River, Dubare Elephant Camp is an interesting place to visit for all elephant lovers. Situated 8 KM from Chiklihole Reservoir, Dubare Elephant camp has 150+ elephants. Not only you can see the elephant but they allow you to get to know everything about elephants like how to prepare food for them, different species and their biology.
There you can also enjoy boating and white water rafting. And if you want to get a better view of flora & fauna then you can take Jungle Safari in Dubare Forest where you can see wild animals like leopard, gaur, wild dog, sloth bear, peacock, partridges etc.
- Elephant Interaction Timing – 9 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 5:40 PM
- Entry Fees – 20 Rs Per person, 30 Rs for boat, 100 Rs Elephant bathing, and 20 Rs for Elephant feeding.
Watch Sunset at Raja Seat Park
Raja seat park is a famous sunset spot situated in the main Madikeri town. Overlooking the valleys and mountains, this place offers breathtaking views of the sunset. There are different types of flowers in the park that looks beautiful in full bloom. And behold the amazing sight of musical fountains on the tune of rhythmic music is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
- Timing – 5:30 AM to 8 PM
- Musical Fountain Timings – 7 PM on Weekdays and 6:45 to 7:20 on Weekends.
- Entry Fee – 5 Rs.
Day 2 in Coorg
Admire the amazing views at Mandalpatti View Point
Start your 2nd day in Coorg with panoramic views of Mandalpatti. Overlooking the Pushpagiri forest in Western Ghats, Mandalpatti perched at the height of 1600 meters, is situated at a distance of 18 KM North West of Madikeri town. The views of rolling hills from the top are astonishing.
After reaching the top you’ll be welcomed by the refreshing winds and birds eye view of the western ghats. To reach up there either you can take a jeep ride or drive your own vehicle or take a trek traversing through lush green meadows, rich vegetation and amazing views. If you’re taking a jeep ride then be prepared for the bumpy ride as the road condition is not good. So, those who love off-roading could be the perfect place in Coorg.
And to set up overnight camp Mandalpatti is the perfect place as it offers stunning views of sunrise & sunset.
Tip: Always carry woolen and fully sleeve jackets because of the high wind speed at the top.
Take a Bath in Kote Abbey Falls
Kote Abbey Falls is a hidden waterfall near Mandalpatti. With less crowd, more natural beauty and scenic views this is the smaller version of the famous Abbey Falls. It has clear crystal water in which you enjoy a refreshing bath. It is the perfect place for those who love to explore offbeat destinations. Tranquilizing surroundings with the chirping of birds make it a must-visit destination in Coorg.
Visit Abbey Falls
Cascades down a height of 70 feet, Abbey Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in Coorg. Due to its strong flow of water bathing in the falls is prohibited. But the surrounding verdant landscapes of Coffee plants promise to delight people of all ages with unparalleled natural beauty that make you love this place.
- Tip: Be aware of leeches as they are common in wet forests. And always carry salt if leeches don’t want to leave your skin.
- Entry Fees – 15 Rs per person
- Timing – 9 AM to 5 PM
Click some pictures at Raja Tomb
Raja Tomb is a small yet beautiful place to visit in Coorg. The interesting thing about this tomb is that Lord Shiva is placed and worshiped inside the Tomb. It is located on the way to Abbey Falls so don’t forget to stop there and enjoy quality time. There is a point from where you can get a top view of Madikeri town.
Take a tour of Coffee and Spice Plantations – It is going to be the last place of your 2nd day in Coorg. The trip to Coorg can’t be complete without visiting its coffee plantations. There are many coffee and spice farms in Coorg where you can learn the process behind the coffee beans. Taking a tour of the coffee plantation and watching locals harvesting coffee beans, processing the cherries, drying & exporting the beans, and tasting and roasting the coffee would be a lifetime experience. There you can taste and buy different types of coffee.
- Time Needed – 1 to 2 hours
- Timing – 6 AM to 6 PM
Day 3 In Coorg
Seek Blessings at Talakaveri Temple
Start your day 3 with blessings of Goddess Kaveriamma at Talakaveri Temple. Situated 44 KM from Madikeri in Brahmagiri Hills, Talakaveri Temple holds great religious significance among locals & tourists. It is considered to be the source of river Kaveri. Therefore, it is believed that whoever take bath in this holy water will be healed from various physical and psychological miseries.
In the complex of the temple there is a small tank where the Kaveri river emerges into a small spring and then disappear to re-emerge at Nagathirtha where Sujyoti, Kannike and Kaveri River merges to make a single river this place is called as Triveni Sangam.
- How to reach – There are many KSRTC buses regularly plying between Madikeri to Talakaveri. Buses are the most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Talakaveri.
There are many stalls and shops where you can have a good breakfast.
Take a Holy Bath In Triveni Sangam
After visiting Talakaveri temple don’t forget to visit Triveni Sangam where three rivers merge into each other – Kaveri, Sujyoti and Kannike. It is a rare sight of nature that is hard to find. The surrounding natural beauty and tranquilizing views are meant to spend quality time. There you can also take holy which is believed to get rid of your sins and leave a positive impact on your soul.
Visit Omkareshwara Temple
Now it’s time to head back towards Madikeri for your next destination which is Omkareshwara Temple. Built in the 1820s, Omkareshwara temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its architecture features the Islamic style and is shaped like a mosque. There is a large pond on the premises of the temple that has many fishes. Sitting on the staircase of the pond and feeding the fish would be a very pleasant experience.
Do Shopping
This is the last day of your trip to Coorg so buying souvenirs would be the best way to say goodbye to Coorg. Coorg is famous for its coffee, spices, honey and chocolates. So, there you can buy different types of organic coffees, chocolates, spices, pepper, mint, garlic, oregano, honey and many more. While strolling around the town you can shop silk sarees, Tibetan artifacts, handcrafts, jewelry, mythological items, stationery products and many more.
Where To Stay In Coorg
Madikeri is the major town in Coorg and is situated in the center of it. From there you can easily cover most of the places easily like Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti, Coffee Plantations, Talakaveri etc. So, Madikeri is the best place to stay in Coorg. There are number of accommodations available in Madikeri like hotels, hostels, Coffee estates, resorts, homestays, cottages, and tree houses.
| Hotel Name | Price / Booking Info |
| Three Hills Resort | 3046 / Book Now |
| Whispering Woods | 2047 / Book Now |
| Evolve Back Coorg | 32203 / Book Now |
| Coorg Heights | 3960 / Book Now |
| Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa | 2800 / Book Now |
| Zostel Coorg | 499 / Book Now |
| Hosteller Coorg | 483 / Book Now |
| KSDC Hotel Mayura Valley View | 3359 / Book Now |
| Kingmaker’s Plantations With River Stream | 3402 / Book Now |
Things You Need To Know
- Due to the dense jungles and pleasant climate Coorg has rich wildlife. So, make sure you reach the hotel before getting dark. Don’t roam alone on the roads at night.
- Coorg is comprised of many small towns. So, most of your time will be used traveling from one place to another.
- A bike is the best way to commute in Coorg. The normal rent to scooty would be anywhere between 500 to 800 per day while the bike can cost you 1000 to 1200 per day excluding fuel.
- To avoid leeches while trekking always carries salt and wear full pants & shirts.
- If you’re traveling in the monsoon then always carry a raincoat and extra polythene. As the rain is pretty unpredictable in Coorg.
- Jio, BSNL & Airtel are the best networks in Coorg.
We’re sure this itinerary help you to cover some of the top attractions and activities of Coorg, from exploring the coffee plantations and waterfalls to hiking and rafting in the hills. Moreover, by choosing the right tour operators and packages, you can save time, money, and effort while enjoying a hassle-free trip.
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We hope this Coorg itinerary and our affiliate recommendations help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Karnataka. Don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us in the comments section below. Until the next post keeps traveling!
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