Things to Do in Coorg - Through the Busy Trails and Nature’s Wonders

Lost in the misty embrace of Coorg's mountains, I found a piece of heaven that will forever be etched in my memories.

Coorg (कूर्ग) or Kodagu, a quaint hill station located on the Western Ghats in Karnataka, is a place where nature takes a turn for the better, each day, every day. Famous for the misty mountains, verdant rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, remote waterfalls and lush green rainforest, Coorg is the perfect blend of an Indian paradise. A place of true relaxation, of indulging in green therapy, all the while being surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and spices. Coorg, in every possible way, is a pleasure to the senses. And a trip to Coorg is sure to leave a trace on your soul, one that will be hard to remove.

From Abbey Falls to Sri Omkareshwar Temple in Madikeri; Mallalli Falls or Harangi Backwaters in Somvarpet to Namdroling Monastery in Kushalnagar, there is no shortage of places to visit in Coorg and things to do in this part of South India. This rural district, The Scotland of India is an ideal retreat for anyone and everyone.

Things to Do in Coorg

• Experience the Tibetan Golden Temple
• Sit Beside the Tranquil Abbey Falls
• Tour the Coffee Plantations
• Camp Near Riverside and Jungles
• Tour the Madikeri Fort
• Bird Watching at Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Take a Dip in the Talacauvery

Out of the list of things to do in Coorg, we are sure you will find some that will excite the travelling spirit and get you going. So pre-book your Coorg tour with us and embrace the allure of Coorg, with its scenic landscapes, the vibrant culture of the Kodavas, the untamed wilderness, and the subtle fragrance of coffee and spices lingering in the air.

But before that, let us get to reading more about the best things to do in Coorg.

Experience the Tibetan Golden Temple

You read that right! Coorg has its own Golden Temple. But with a Tibetan twist.  Located in Bylakuppe, Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery in Coorg is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India. Nothing like its namesake in Amritsar, Namdroling Monastery offers a perfect escape from the chaos of daily life. With intricate designs, and infrastructure adorned with golden accents, paintings, and Tibetan vibes, taking a serene escape to this Tibetan monastery is one of the best things to do in Coorg. Though the initial structure of the monastery was made out of bamboo, the place was later on renovated with subtle additions to further enhance its beauty. Inside the temple, are three towering gold-plated statues of Gautama Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and Buddha Amitayus, each with small stupas, and sacred symbols etched on the sides, signifying faith, peace, wisdom, compassion and kindness.

Sit Beside the Tranquil Abbey Falls

Coorg is abundant in places that speak of nature and its beauty. Nestled between privately owned coffee and pepper estates, Abbey Falls or what was originally called Jessy Falls during British rule is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. It is a perfect place to unpack your picnic bags and enjoy the natural setting with the gushing waterfall in the background. A quiet afternoon by this waterfall is what anyone needs to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and to do fun things with family and friends in Coorg.

Tour the Coffee Plantations

If there is anything available in abundance in Coorg other than the scintillating beauty and eye-feasting views, it is coffee. As one of the largest producers of coffee in India, Coorg is a paradise for caffeine aficionados or those who appreciate the aromatic charm of a freshly brewed cup. There is no place in Coorg where the air itself is not infused with the rich scent of coffee beans. And a tour of one of the many coffee plantations is among the not to miss things to do in Coorg. Engage with locals, learn their methods, and their stories, passed down from generation to generation. Venture beyond the plantations and discover hidden cafés tucked away, their doors opening to the gentle whiff of coffee, each cup telling a unique tale of its plantation, extraction and every hand that plucked its bean.

Camp Near Riverside and Jungles

There is more to Coorg than roaming through the coffee plantations and gazing at the scenic landscape. Perfect for those looking to take a weekend trip away from the city, camping has recently become one of the best recreational things to do in Coorg for 2 days. Surrounded by soothing landscapes, and lush green trails, this hill station offers the perfect spot to spend an evening lounging on a hill or by the Cauvery River. Witness the mesmerising beauty, the gentle afternoon sun that peaks through the canopy of trees and the setting sun that paints the sky in soft hues of orange, pink and red. Sitting beside a crackling campfire, the place filled with laughter and stories is among the best things to do in Coorg at night.

Tour the Madikeri Fort

Dating back to the late 17th century, Madikeri Fort stands as a witness to the centuries of history. Its architecture, a seamless blend of Gothic and Islamic styles, weaves tales of the valiance and the cultural influence that shaped Coorg’s history. Built and rebuilt through the centuries, the intricately carved pillars and arches hint at the craftsmanship of the bygone era, every nook and cranny telling a unique story. Today the Fort is surrounded by lush green landscape and bazaars that showcase the local flavours. Inside the fort, there are several buildings, a museum, a public library, a temple and a district prison. A trip to the Madikeri Fort is one of the best things to do in Madikeri in Coorg.

Bird and Animal Watching at Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Somwarpet in Coorg is among the most well-recognised sanctuaries in India housing rare and endangered animal and bird species, including Indian Hare, Spotted Deer, Giant Flying Squirrel, Otter Species, Indian Wild Dog, black and orange flycatcher, grey breasted laughing thrush and Nilgiri Flycatcher, Travancore Flying, Brown Palm Civet, Wild Pig, Indian Giant Squirrel, Stripe-necked mongoose, Sambar, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Indian Muntjac, and mouse deer. Surrounded by the Kukke Subramanya Forest range on one side and the Bisle Reserve Forest on the other, a trip to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous activities to do in Coorg.

Take a Dip in the Talacauvery

Talacauvery or Talakaveri, is the birthplace of the revered River Cauvery. This is where the river emerges and disappears underground. Surrounded by myths and legends, Talacauvery has an aura so palpable that one cannot help but take a moment to reflect and connect with the inner self. The temple is situated in a breathtaking location in the lap of the Brahmagiri hills. The highlight of the temple is the sacred pond in between where the river originates. The crystal clear and cool water beckoned visitors to take a dip. Apart from being a famous Hindu pilgrim destination, Talacauvery is a place situated amidst hills and stretches of green meadows. If you are travelling with your folks, a visit to this temple is considered one of the best things to do in Coorg with family

As this journey comes to an end, or should we say, as the real journey begins, it pays to take a moment to reflect on the impact Coorg will leave on our souls. With the cold nights spent cosying in a cottage room on a hilltop, surrounded by coffee plantations and warm and sunny days frolicking the town, participating in recreational activities and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit, Coorg is undeniably one of the best places to visit.

Pick the best of your choice from the things to do in Coorg with family or curate your travel list. Take a road trip, hop from monasteries to temples, coffee fields, and peppercorn plantations, hike in the wee hours to the Raja’s seat or give an indulging bath to the elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp. Things to do and places to visit in Coorg!

If you are still curious about what to see in Coorg, we have designed some of the best itineraries. Also, browse through our Coorg honeymoon packages and amid the Coorg’s natural embrace, begin your journey as a newlywed or a couple celebrating their golden wedding.