Coorg travel guide

Best time

November to February

Nearest airport

Mangalore, about 160 km

Nearest railway station

Mysuru Junction, about 95 km

Main towns

Madikeri, Kushalnagar

Places to see

At Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar, the Namdroling Monastery anchors one of the largest Tibetan settlements outside Tibet, with several thousand monks and students. The golden temple hall is open to visitors.

Dubare Elephant Camp, on the Cauvery, lets you watch elephants and help mahouts bathe and feed them in the morning. In Madikeri, Raja's Seat is a garden viewpoint over the hills, best at sunset. Steps lead down to the viewing area, which is popular with photographers. Talacauvery, the source of the Cauvery river, is a sacred spot high in the hills and is often wrapped in mist.

• Abbey Falls
• Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri
• Bhagamandala Temple
• Raja's Seat
• Dubare Elephant Camp
• Namdroling Monastery

Weather and best time

Coorg has a mild climate through the year. Summer, from March to May, stays pleasant. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain, lush scenery and slippery roads. November to February is cool and clear, the favourite season for most visitors. Carry a raincoat whatever the month, as showers can arrive without warning.

Where to stay

Madikeri and Kushalnagar have the widest choice of hotels and restaurants. Plantation homestays across the district are a good way to taste Kodava food and walk through coffee and pepper estates. Many quieter spots remain little visited, which is part of the charm. Try local dishes such as pandi curry and kadambuttu, and pick up estate coffee, honey and spices to take home.

How to reach

Mangalore airport is about 160 km away. Mysuru Junction, around 95 km away, is the closest major railhead, with taxis available for the onward drive. Good roads connect Coorg to Bangalore, Mysuru and Mangalore. We often plan Coorg with Mysore, Ooty or Wayanad and can arrange the whole road trip.

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