Coorg Travel Guide

Coorg (Kodagu), with its hill town Madikeri in Karnataka's Western Ghats, is known as the "Scotland of India" for its misty coffee-planted hills. Coffee and spice estates, waterfalls, homestays and trekking trails make it a popular nature getaway from Bengaluru.

Roughly October to March for cool, pleasant weather. The June–September monsoon is heavy but the hills are at their greenest and waterfalls are at their fullest.

By air: Mangaluru Airport (~135–160 km) is the nearest airport; Bengaluru and Mysuru are common alternative gateways. By train: there is no railway within Coorg; Mysuru (~120 km) is the nearest convenient railhead. By road: regular buses from Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru to Madikeri.

Coorg is spread out — a hired car or taxi plus a base near Madikeri is the most practical way to explore. Local buses connect the main towns but are less convenient for estates and waterfalls.

Kodava cuisine is a highlight — try pandi curry (pork curry), kadumbuttu (rice dumplings) and local coffee. Homestays often serve authentic home-cooked Kodava meals.

Day 1: Madikeri sights — Raja's Seat at sunset, the fort and Omkareshwara Temple. Day 2: Abbey Falls and a coffee/spice plantation walk or stay experience. Day 3 (optional): Dubare Elephant Camp and the Namdroling (Golden Temple) monastery at Bylakuppe.

Light warm layers for cool mornings and evenings; a good rain jacket, especially in monsoon; sturdy shoes for estate walks and waterfall visits; insect repellent for forested areas.

Homestays and estate stays are the signature way to experience Coorg. Distances between sights are significant, so plan routes and allow driving time; leeches can appear on trails during monsoon.