Are you looking for an exciting and refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Coorg, located in Karnataka, is the perfect getaway destination for all your travel woes.
With breathtakingly beautiful lush green hills and a dense wildlife population, it’s sure to leave you feeling replenished.
From visiting majestic waterfalls to exploring ancient temples, there's plenty on offer that will make your stay unforgettable.
Read on as we explore some of the best things to do in Coorg – all guaranteed to give you an out-of-this-world experience.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg is an experience like no other. Located on the banks of the Kaveri River, it offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with India's majestic elephants.
Visitors can observe the daily routines of these gentle giants as they roam freely within the camp, such as bathing in the river or participating in logging activities. They can also get the chance to bathe and feed them.
The camp is supervised by experienced mahouts caring for elephants here since 1998, making it a safe place for visitors to interact with these beautiful creatures.
To make the most of the experience, visitors should plan their trip during peak months (November-March) when more elephants are at the camp.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Coorg is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in South India. Located less than a kilometer from Kushalnagar, this temple provides an excellent opportunity to experience the unique Tibetan culture firsthand.
Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere, it offers a truly serene environment that allows visitors to unwind and relax. As one of the most important spiritual centers in the region, it is also home to various ceremonies and festivals throughout the year.
The temple complex includes two shrines dedicated to Padmasambhava and Sakyamuni and a large garden with many exotic plants and flowers. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions, admire the peaceful setting, and enjoy traditional Tibetan music.
From prayer flags to monks clad in maroon robes, the Golden Temple is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed if you want a refreshing escape from urban life.
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and natural scenery. It provides visitors with an unforgettable visual experience as the water cascades down from 70 feet height. The falls are easily accessible via road from Madikeri, one of the main towns in Coorg, and entry to the site is free.
Visitors to the falls have an amazing opportunity to take stunning pictures of the destination and capture the beauty of wildflowers and herbs growing in abundance around the site. The area is also home to numerous birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, making it a unique natural habitat.
Visitors can swim in the pond below the falls or stroll along the pathways.
Trekking
Coorg is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. From gentle walks through lush greenery to more challenging hikes on the hillsides, many routes exist to explore and discover. Trekking in Coorg will take you close to nature, where you can marvel at magnificent views of evergreen forests and rolling hills.
With their trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, these treks provide plenty of opportunities for adventure and a chance to experience the local culture. One of Coorg's most popular trekking trails is the Brahmagiri Hills in the Western Ghats mountain range.
Here you'll find some of India's best flora and fauna, stunning views of misty peaks, thick forests, and exquisite panoramas. The trail is challenging, so ensure you're properly equipped for the journey before setting off.
Food Tour
Coorg is known for its gorgeous natural beauty, but it's also a paradise for food lovers! A Food Tour in Coorg will take you through the local culinary scene to explore the diverse flavors of Karnataka. Your journey begins with breakfast at the iconic Coorg Coffee House, where you can savor authentic South Indian delicacies like idli and sambar.
Then, head to the Kodava cuisine-specializing joint Thimro for an unforgettable lunch. Sample dishes like pandi curry (spicy pork) and akki roti (rice pancakes). Enjoy snacks like bonda, bajji, and mirchi bhaji as you wander through Coorg's streets.
Finally, sip on the local specialty Kedarnath (black hen) beer when evening sets in. Coorg is home to many traditional eateries, so remember to explore them too!
Coffee Plantation Tour
A visit to Coorg is complete with a coffee plantation tour. Surround yourself with endless greens, dip your toes in the gushing streams, and explore the aroma of fresh coffee beans that fill the air. The plantations are integral to life here and will give you a break from everyday urban life.
You can witness firsthand how Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are grown, harvested, and processed. The plantation tours also offer a chance to meet local farmers, learn about the traditional practices of growing coffee beans, and even sample freshly brewed coffee from the estate.
Visitors can also participate in activities like tree planting as part of corporate social responsibility initiatives to give back to the community. Whether it is a stroll through the plantations or a more active experience, you'll be sure to leave with unforgettable memories of the endless greens.
So add this experience to your itinerary for a complete immersion in nature and all that Coorg offers.
FAQs
What is the best way to enjoy Coorg?
The best way to enjoy Coorg is to experience its diverse culture and natural beauty. You can explore the rich wildlife, trek on the gorgeous routes, relax at the golden temple, bathe elephants in Dubare Elephant Camp, stay in a homestay to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, and take part in activities like rafting in Barapole, fishing in the Kaveri River, and visiting coffee plantations.
What activities are available in Coorg?
The activities available in Coorg include trekking, visiting the Golden Temple to experience Tibetan culture, food tours to explore the flavors of local cuisine, coffee plantation tours, river rafting, fishing in the Kaveri River, camping in riverside and jungle areas, and homestays.
What is unique in Coorg?
Coorg is unique in many ways. The region offers abundant natural beauty with its lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountains. It also has a vibrant culture that can be experienced through visits to the Golden Temple and Dubare Elephant Camp. Activities such as trekking, rafting, fishing, camping, and homestays offer tourists something unique and memorable. Lastly, its delicious cuisine is renowned for its flavors and spices, making it a must-try on any visit to Coorg.
Conclusion
After considering all the amazing things to do in Coorg, it’s easy to see why this city is such a great destination for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life. Whether you want to learn about the Tibetan culture at Golden Temple, take pictures of the exotic Abbey Falls, trek through gorgeous routes, or explore flavors on a food tour – Coorg has everything that can make your trip worth remembering. Moreover, visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp and spending time with the pachyderms or wrapping yourself around endless greens of coffee plantation tours can be an experience like never before.
