Places To Visit In Coorg

Abbey Falls

Abbey falls or Abbi Falls is situated 1 km from the town of Madikeri. This waterfall is famous for its natural beauty. This is a famous picnic spot and is called as Jesse falls in the olden days.

Abbey falls located between the natural greenery of coffee plantations and spice estates is blessed with stunning beauty and serene calm. The falls has a wild beauty. Water cascading over rocks into the pool. The roaring sound of the waterfalls can be heard from the road.

During Monsoon the water flow is very high and in dry seasons the flow is low. There is a hanging bridge here providing the amazing sight of this waterfalls. The best time to visit Abbey falls is early winter.

Chiklihole Reservoir

Chiklihole Reservoir is place to be visited if your time permits. The place is away from the usual crowd at popular tourist spots and offers some calm and peace to its visitors. The water of the dam flowing beautifully and the lushness of area around create a refreshing atmosphere.

The Chiklihole Reservoir, pronounced as ‘Chikli-holey’, is located between the towns of Madikeri and Kushalnagar of Coorg district. The reservoir is at a distance of approximately 15 km from Kushalnagar and Madikeri and is nearest to the town of Nanjarayapattana.

On one of the tributaries of the River Cauvery, the reservoir offer tourists with seclusion and privacy unlike other tourist spots. The dense forest along with the rich flora and fauna add on to the charm of the place. It is a great picnic spot and thus perfect for family outing as well. The place with amazing scenic beauty is nothing less than paradise for photographers. Sunset view is mesmerizing from here and an experience in itself.

The place has no shops nearby and thus tourists are required to carry all the basic amenities with them while visiting the reservoir. The best time to visit the place is during the month of June to March that is in the monsoon and winter season.

The reservoir is located quite close to the Dubare forest reserve which is just few kilometers away. One can visit the forest reserve as well which offers good opportunities for trekking and nature walks.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Elephant rides for tourists are scheduled between 10 am to 12 noon and in evening from 4pm to 5pm. If interest one can stay here as well at the cottages which are part of Jungle lodges & resorts. These cottages offer comfortable stay amidst lush greenery and wild nature.

Dubare Elephant Camp is situated on the banks of River Kaveri in Coorg district of Karnataka state. A popular tourist spots, the camp attracts tourists, especially wildlife enthusiast from all over the world. It presents tourists with an opportunity to be close to elephants and engage in various activities related to them.

Elephant Camp at Dubare is the project undertaken by forest department and jungle lodges and resorts. Not just interaction with elephants, tourists also get mesmerizing natural settings consisting of lush greenery and refreshing environment to spend some memorable days.

Earlier at this place elephants used to be trained for Mysore Dussehra but now they are mostly used to jungle rides and other purposes. They are trained under naturalists. These trained naturalists assist tourists with details on Elephant history, ecology and biology. What makes this camp unique is the fact that tourists can participate in various activities with elephants which is three hour elephant interaction.

They can indulge in activities like 45 minute bath where they are allowed to give bath to elephants in River Cauvery, feeding them with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana and coconuts. After this, they can go on a 45 minute elephant ride into the jungle.

Harangi Dam

An interesting tourist spot, Harangi dam is situated in the Hudgur village near Kushalnagar if Coorg District. Built across the tributary of River Cauvery, Harangi dam is the first dam that has been built across River Cauvery. It has a height of 47 meters and length of 846 meters creating a marvelous view of forceful streams of water.

A popular picnic spot, it is good even for family outing where one can relax and spend some calm moments with his or her loved ones. It is located at a distance of approximately 36 km from Madikeri and can be reached without much difficulty.

It is a good place offering some seclusion and privacy as it is comparatively less crowded. So it you are looking for some break from usual hustle bustle of tourist spots, Harangi dam is the place for you. Calm setting and cool gentle breeze makes your time even more enjoyable. It is best to visit the dam is during the months of August to September as the water is more in the reservoir at time of the year.

If you like to stay over for a night or more, you can opt for the accommodation facilities available here. Tourists can opt for Guest house facilities are available here where tourists stay after reservation from the public works department.

Not just nature lovers, there is something for religious tourists as well. There is a Cauvery temple located quite near to the dam is a place worth visiting.

Omkareswara Temple

Omkareswara Temple, the famous Siva temple in Madikeri is built by Linga Rajendra in 1820. The temple located at a distance of 1 km from Madikeri is an architectural beauty. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic style of architecture.
There is a wonderful pool in front of the temple. There are four Minarets around and a dome in the centre of the temple. A footpath leads to the Mandap. Here the Sivalinga was named as Omkareswara. Regular rituals were performed here

Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort is one of the tourist spots in Coorg which you can’t afford to miss. First built in the last quarter of 17th century by Mudduraja, Madikeri Fort was later renovated with stones and bricks by Tipu Sultan who named the fort as Jaffarabad. The fort has rich history and has seen many battles and successions.

It was under the control of Doddavira Rajendra in 1790. Later it was renovated by the King Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. British also reconstructed the fort twice. In the year 1933, British added a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner’s car in the fort’s complex. Now, the fort is being used as the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

At ten entrance of the fort, you will see two life-sized elephants which are made of mortar. There was a temple as well inside the fort dedicated to Virabhadra which was later removed in the year of 1855 by the British. They built an Anglican Church in its place which is also a beautiful architectural work.

The Church presents beautiful architecture with Gothic style. The church is not a museum presenting tourists with different kinds of antiques and is run by the state archaeology department.

The fort has many other buildings as well such as Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison. The temple Kote Maha Ganapathi is one of the temples that participates in the Madikeri dasara festival.

Mallalli Falls

Located at the foot of Pushpagiri Hill Ranges, Mallalli Falls are one of the best places in Coorg to spend some time. It is situated in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat of Somwarpet which is one of the taluks in the district of Coorg. Mallalli Falls are created when River Kumaradhara drips down from the peak of Pushpagiri Peak, which is over a height of approximately 200 feet.

These falls are also good for trekking. Trekkers will come across interesting routes with beautiful settings around them which makes the experience all the more interesting and enjoyable. However, there are many leeches on the routes so it is better to be prepared for them while trekking. The falls at the foot of Pushpagiri peak and trekking till the peak, enhances your overall Coorg experience.

To reach the Mallalli Falls, one can hire a private taxi well from any of the nearby towns. The falls are 25 kilometres away from Somwarpet and 42 km away from Kushalnagar. If not interested in private transportation, you can also take public transportation.

You will get buses from Hanchinalli, the nearest village to water the falls from Somwarpet. Another village Bidalli is also just 2.3 km from the waterfalls and can be reached from any of the towns.

The best time to visit the falls in during the monsoon season and between the months of July to December. During monsoon season, there is more water in the falls making it look more beautiful and refreshing. Even the greenery around is at its best during this time.

Mandalpatti Trek

Located 4 km before Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti is at a distance of 25- 30 km from Madikeri town. Offering amazing scenic beauty and perfect opportunities to be amidst the best of natural settings, Mandalpatti is increasingly become popular amongst tourists.

The place offers tourists with some seclusion and space away from the usual crowdedness of the tourist spots. The place is perfect for trekking lovers and who like some adventure and seek best of natural settings. In order to go trekking, trekkers are supposed to take entrance tickets from the authorities at the base of Mandalpatti.

The trek presents trekkers with beautiful scenery and rich flora and fauna. However, you won’t find any facility on the route. So it is better to carry items like water and food as well other equipment for trekking with you.

For reaching Mandalpatti, tourists must take the deviating road which is 4 km before the famous Abbey Falls. No bus service is available for Mandalpatti and thus one if required to hire his or her private vehicle. Visiting during the rainy must be avoided as the route is not completely developed and thus can be risky and slippery.

It is best to visit during the months of November to January. Although the place is covered with the mist during this time, Mandalpatti offer picturesque setting. You will be amazed with view of the area around from the top of Mandalpatti.

Padi Iggutappa Temple

The Padi Igguthappa Temple is situated in the Kakkabe town. Built by Lingarajendra in the year of 1810, it is one of the most ancient temples and of utmost importance amongst Kodavas. Located in the Igguthappadevara Betta in Aiyengeri forest, the temple is 45 Km from Madikeri city and towards Virajpet. Dedicated to Lord Iguthappa which is another name for Lord Subramanya, the temple resembles to the Keralite temples in architectural design.

The temple plays an important role in the culture and traditional practices of Kodavas. The temple according to Kodavas holds magical powers and fulfils wishes of devotees. During the month of March, an annual festival is held at the month.

During the festival, devotees come together and offer special prayers to the deity. A procession of the God to the top of Mallama Betta Hill is carried out and later the same is reinstalled in the temple. Various ceremonial dances and performances are also performed during the festival.

Offering at the Igguthappa Temple is made in a unique way where devotees weigh weight themselves against fruits, sugar, coconuts, rice, etc. The temple plays a key role during the harvesting festival as well which is known as Puthari festival.

For reaching the temple, one can take private bus services. There are many private buses running from towns such as Madikeri, Virajpet and Napoklu. However, if one needs more comfort, he or she can opt for private vehicle as well.

Raja’s Seat

Located in the town of Madikeri, Raja seat is a popular tourist spots offering them with mesmerizing scenic beauty and enchanting environment. With a literal meaning of “Seat of the Kings”, Raja’s Seat used to be a favorite place of kings of Coorg.

They used to visit the place so as to get amazing view of the valley around and refresh themselves. The view of sunset and sunrise from Raja’s seat is exceptionally captivating and mustn’t be missed by tourists. Golden sunlight falling on the lush greenery offers amazing photographic opportunities as well. The environment is pleasant as well.

The calmness of the place and its scenic beauty makes for an amazing setting for morning and evening walks. Imagine being caressed by cool breeze and greeted by lush greenery. All this is possible at Raja’s Seat.

The experience tourists will have here is worth remembering. The place is now an amazing park. To the left of the park, Gandhi Mantap is located where remains of Mahatma Gandhi have been kept. An area for children’s amusement makes it perfect for family outing as well.

There is a toy train as well which goes around the Raja Seat. This is something which attracts both children as well as adults. Along with enjoying a wonderful ride, one can also relish delicious snacks inside the train. A minimum entry fee of Rs. 5/- per person is charged for entering the park.

Madikeri town has many other tourist spots as well such as Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara temple and Abbey Falls/Abbi Falls.

Tadiandamol Trek

Second highest mountain in Karnataka state, Tadiandamol is the highest peak of Coorg district. At a height of approximately 1746 meters above sea level, it is located 8 km from the town of Kakkabe and approximately 35 km from Madikeri. It is 30 km away from Virajpet and lies in the south-eastern part of Coorg.

An amazing place for trekking, the peak is one of the most popular tourist spots in Coorg. The best time to go for trekking is during early winters. It offers tourists with mesmerizing scenic beauty and captivating view of the areas around creating nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers. The best time to visit Tadiandamol is during the months of December to May.

Reaching Tadiandamol is an adventure in itself. Tourists can take private vehicle like jeeps and cover almost one third of the distance. To reach the top most point, one is required to trek through a steep path. The trekking till the peak is not easy and can be tiresome. On their way to the peak, trekkers can have a halt at the Nalknad Palace, which is good option for base camp at night.

It was Dodda Veera Rajendra in 1792 and is two storied and is now maintained by the state archaeology department. Trekkers can resume their climbing in the morning. There is a steep path from the palace which eventually leads to the peak.

One can also visit Padi Igguthappa temple from the Tadiandamol. One of the important temples for Kodavas, it is situated just few kilometers away.

Talakaveri Temple & Waterfalls

Talakaveri / Talacauvery, one of the popular tourist spots is located in the Brahmagiri hill. The hill is situated 8 km away from Bhagamandala and is 48 km away from Madikeri. It has high religious importance and is visited by many tourists every year.

Located at a height of 1276m above sea level, there is a small spring called as a Tirtha kundike or Brahma kundike here in Talacauvery. It is said that this is source of River Cauvery. Although the source of water is mostly invisible, one can see it generally during the rainy season. It is believed that spring flows underground and emerges after a short distance.

There is a shrine located quite close to the kundike. There is a huge tank as well where devotees take bath before offering their prayers to the deities. There are two temples as well. One temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with an ancient Shiva Linga while another temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Religious tourists can also see the holy Ashwantha tree where sage Agastya saw holy avatars of Lords-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

It is best to visit the place during the month of October. Many pilgrims visit the shrine during this time as festival of Sankaramana is celebrated during this time. At this time, one can see the small well with water symbolising the appearance of the Goddess Cauvery.

From Talakaveri, one can go to the Brahmagiri peak which is also a holy place as according to legend seven great sages called the Sapta Maharishis performed a special yagna at this place. The view of the valley from the peak is also mesmerising.

Nagarahole National Park And Tiger Reserve

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a wildlife reserve in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the park is backed by the Brahamagiri Mountains and filled with sandalwood and teak trees. The Kabini River winds through jungle landscapes, home to tigers, Asian elephants and a variety of birds. Nearby, the Irupu Falls cascade down tree-lined rocks