Coorg

Coorg, known to be the most affluent hill station in the state of Karnataka, is famous for its natural splendour as well as scenic environment. Nestled among lush green background of Western Ghats, it is one of the favourite tourist places in South India. Known as the “Scotland of India” and also as “Kashmir of the South” due to its cool climate and natural beauty, Coorg is located at an average elevation of 3500 ft. above the sea level and is ideal for both honeymoon and adventure tourism. Dense teak wood forests well spread coffee plantations and undulated mountain ranges give the place a unique touch of serenity.

Not only for holidaying or honeymooning, Coorg is an exquisite place for tourists looking for challenging treks seeking adventure. Peaks like Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri, and Tadiandamol offer great challenges for such visitors and trekkers. Choices amongst the best summer retreats in India, Coorg has a unique charm that can be best enjoyed during the monsoons with natural beauty unfolding to its maximum extent. Trekking and natural beauty is not all about Coorg. Unending trails starting from Talacauveri where the River Cauveri starts, parks, and temples are other great attractions in Coorg for nature lovers and pilgrimage tourists. Coorg also has some of the best golf courses like Mercara Downs housing some of the rare species of flora and fauna. For more facts, you can explore this travel guide to Coorg further.

October to March

Sightseeing in Coorg offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, tranquillity along with breath taking views of nature. Coorg has a lot on its palette for tourists be it camps, forts, sanctuaries, temples, falls, rivers or scenic spots. Some of the must see places in Coorg include the following:

Bamboo shoot curry, usually prepared in rainy season is one of the best delicacies in Coorg. Kadmbuttu rice dumplings are very popular. You can enjoy them with chicken curry. Pork curry or Pandi curry is consumed with Akki Roti made of rice or Kadmbuttu. Also the wine and beverages in Coorg are famous, especially the homemade wines prepared from a variety of fruits. Other lip smacking delicacies include Meenu Saaru or fish dish, Pandi Koli Saaru or chicken dish, Karri or pork dish and Kadabu. A professional tourist guide or your hotel attendants can guide you to the best restaurants serving these dishes.

Coorg does not have modern malls, but has many stores selling wonderful memorabilia. Spices like pepper, mint, cumin, oregano, basil, cardamom, bay leaves, sage, garlic, thyme, and rosemary and dry fruits like cashew, raisins, and figs are available in plenty and sold in small white boxes and jars. Honey is a great choice, but buyers should look for Ag-mark ones only. Unadulterated chicory coffee, Coorg costumes, traditional weapons, oranges, and chocolates of various types are some more options.

Coorg is well connected by road and Karnataka State Road Transport buses to all parts of the state, especially to cities like Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore. Nearest major railway stations are Hassan (105 km.), Thalassery (113 km.) and Mysore (117 km.). Public transport bus, hired taxi and cars are available here. Nearest airports are at Mysore (128 km.) and Mangalore (140 km.). For moving inside the city, hired Indica and other cars, SUVs, and jeeps that are comparatively cheaper are available. Buses ply in some areas but due to steep slopes, cars serve as the best option.

Coorg is ideally located with several places nearby which can be included in the itinerary. Hill station of Wayanad is located 120 km. from it and is famous for wildlife, falls, dams, and caves. Mysore that is 118 km. from Coorg is famous for palaces, lakes, museums, churches, temples and Vrindavan Garden. Nature lovers may visit Bandipur National Park about 187 km. away for wildlife excursions. You can also explore exotic sea beach of Mangalore located 138 km. from Coorg and Ooty the queen of hill stations in South India 238 km. from Coorg. Capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore is 249 km. away and is famous for IT Silicon Valley, shopping malls and museum.

There are numerous resorts, guest houses, homestays and hotels in Coorg under different categories. Orange County Resort and Heritage Resort are the luxury accomodations. Budget staying options include Ambatty Greens Resort, Sir Cauvery Homestay, and Prashanth Tourist Home. Medium range stay options include Pompei Valley Resorts, Narikadi Homestay, and Spice Village Bunglow. Homestays like Cool Cache Homestay, Garden Villa homestay and pure resorts like Kadkani Riverside Resort, and Parumpara Holiday Resort can also be explored. Coorg offers hotels befitting the requirements and budget of every class of visitor. Also tourist information is available from the hotel staff or friendly hosts at homestays.