kodagu tour

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Nestled on the slopes of the Western Ghats , Coorg (also called Kodagu) woos you with its undulating hills, lush green forests and a spectacular landscape dotted with coffee plantations and orange groves. Coorg is the land of coffee, cardamom, colonels, and the Cauvery. Aptly dubbed as ‘the Scotland of India’ , Coorg offers a spellbinding visual treat with its cloud-capped peaks, chirpy birds and sparkling streams, not to mention the unique, mouth-watering flavours of Kodagu cuisine. 

Coorg is the land of coffee and spices. The steep hillsides, with natural forest cover, are ideal for growing coffee. In fact, the district produces nearly 30% of India’s coffee. The British left behind a legacy of coffee plantations, which remain the main source of the area’s revenue today.  One of the largest producers of honey in Asia, Kodagu is also renowned for its pepper and cardamom, producing large quantities of both for domestic use as well as export. Yet another produce grown in abundant quantities is the Coorg orange, making it a land that suffuses sweetness with spiciness, even as the heady aroma of coffee wafts through the air. It also has highest density of sacred groves in the world

Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Kodagu district and is located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats. Here, time seems to have stopped. Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings and a bustling bazaar, the town, situated at an elevation of 1525m, has a charming old-world look. 

Experience Coorg and discover nature at its best!

The unique culture of the Kodavas

The Kodavas, a warrior race that calls Coorg their home, have given the region a distinct culture. A community that worships weapons and reveres ancestors, the Kodava traditions are unique; be it their dialect (the Kodava Thak), the festivals they celebrate, unique style of dressing, cuisine or weddings.

For further information, visit the official district website click here!

When to go: The ideal time to visit would be between October and May. Between mid-December and June would also be a good time to visit when a series of annual festivals take place. The first festival in Coorg is kick-started by Kundath Bott in Kunda Village (after Tula Sankramana around October 17/18th) and the last festival takes place at Barana Namme in Kandangala Village. The post-monsoon months are quite rewarding for birdwatchers.

Forest Office/Tourism offices:

Office of the Assistant Director Department of Tourism Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Kodagu Tel: +91-8272-228580 Cell: +91-9844535509

KSTDC Information Office Hotel Mayura Valley View Near Raja’s Seat, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Kodagu Cell: +91-8970650028

KSTDC Hotel Mayura Talakavery Virajpet-Talakavery Road, Bhagmandala, Kodagu Tel: +91-8272-243143 Cell: +91-8970650033

Website: kstdc.co

Quick Links

Abbey Falls

Tadiandamol

Golden Temple

Adventure/Activities

• Tadiandamol (45 km): The highest peak in the Coorg region - Scotland of India, and the second highest in Karnataka, Tadiyendamol is a trekker’s paradise. Located at an elevation of 1,748 m, the gentle slopes and grassy terrain lures you with their scenic charm and serene ambience. A major attraction here is the Padi Igguthappa Temple. Igguthappa is the main deity of the native Kodavas and here the deity is worshipped as the ‘Giver of Grain’.
• Nishani Betta Trek: Nishani Betta is a beautiful peak near Talakaveri. Trek to this peak gives an amazing 360 degree view of the Brahmagiri hill range.
• Hike up the hill behind Talakaveri: Climb 400+ steps up the Brahmagiri hill from Talakaveri temple for a panoramic view of evergreen forests. During monsoon months/early morning hours, white mist and clouds will engulf the hill and offer a pleasant atmosphere and view.
• Kunda Betta trek/sunset view: Popular trekking destination 50 km from Madikeri, Kunda Betta offers amazing sunset views.
• Rafting in Dubare: Water Rafting is a popular adventure sports to try in Dubare.

Nature & Wildlife

• Cauvery Nisargadhama (30 km) : A breathtakingly picturesque riverine island carved by the Cauvery river, Nisargadhama is located 2 km from Kushal Nagar and can be accessed by travelling over a hanging bridge. The sprawling 64 acre island – developed into an eco-park – attracts visitors with its rich scenic beauty. You have plenty of things to see and do here; visit the deer park and orchidarium, go for a boat ride etc..
• Dubare Elephant Camp (30 km): If you are an elephant lover, Dubare Elephant Camp is simply the right place for you. Nestled between the Cauvery and the reserve forests, the Dubare Elephant Camp - once the training camp of the Mysore Dasara elephants - is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts as well as travelers. A unique eco-tourism destination founded by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, the Camp aims to protect and conserve these gentle pachyderms. Observe the elephants in action, learn about their habits and take part in various activities of the Camp such as feeding and bathing the elephants. A trained naturalist is at hand to explain the different aspects of elephant history, ecology and biology.
• Nagarahole - Rajiv Gandhi National Park (90 km) Located between the Mysuru plateau in Karnataka and the Nilgiri mountains of Tamil Nadu, Nagarahole is a 643 sq km. sanctuary that hosts an abundant variety of wildlife. A prominent hub of conservation under Project Tiger and Project Elephant, the sanctuary is home to the largest herd of Asiatic elephants and numerous species of birds, flora and fauna, including large predators like tigers, leopards and black panther, reptiles, gaur, deer, bears and other smaller animals. Take a jeep or boat safari, and gear up for an encounter with the wild. The state-run Jungle Lodges & Resorts operates the Kabini River Lodge, located at the edge of the park, which is rated as one of the finest wildlife resorts in the country.
• Abbey Falls (9km):  Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines,  the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down in steps to join the River Cauvery. These falls are most impressive during the monsoon.
• Iruppu Falls (85km): Surrounded by lush greenery, the Iruppu Falls is at its splendid best during the monsoons. Originating in the lofty Brahmagiri peaks, the magnificent falls plunge 170 ft in two different phases. Another major attraction is the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple, that draws a throng of devotees every year during the Shivaratri festival.
• Harangi Dam (38km): Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday. Harangi Dam was the first dam to be built across river Cauvery. Harangi dam is a popular picnic area, particularly during post monsoon season.
• Chelavara Falls: Chelavara is a wide and milky waterfall in Kodagu district. Chelavara Falls is a serene waterfall created by a tributary of river Kaveri, with a 150 ft drop over a rock said to resemble the shape of a tortoise. Chelavara Falls is located in Cheyyandane village, off Talakaveri-Virajapete road, State Highway 90.

Religious Places

• Omkareshwara Temple : Just a stone’s throw away from the Madikeri Fort is the Omkareshwara Temple, built in 1820 and featuring a blend of red tile-roofed Kerala architecture and Islamic-style domes. The Linga of this Shiva Temple is believed to have been brought from Kashi. A large temple tank with a mantap in it enhances the visual appeal of Omkareshwara Temple.
• Bhagamandala (36km): Situated on the foothills of Talacauvery, Bhagamandala is the meeting point of the three  sacred rivers; the Cauvery, Kannike and the subterranean Sujyoti. An important pilgrimage  centre that draws thousands of devotees every year, Bhagamandala has three temples  dedicated to Bhagandeshwara, Brahma with Subramanya and Mahavishnu. It is customary  for devotees to take a dip and worship here before journeying to Talacauvery.  The spot also offers a splendid panoramic view of the Brahmagiri Peak.
• Talacauvery (45 km) : Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri hills is the source of the Cauvery River, with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. Talacauvery literally means the ‘Head of the Cauvery’ and is believed to be the birthplace of River Cauvery. Here, the river originates as a small spring. Here, on the slope of the Brahmagiri Hill, the river emerges as a small spring. A ‘Kundike’ or rectangular pond and a small shrine mark this holy spot. In mid-October, on Tula Sankramana day; the spring miraculously wells up and the water gushes over. According to legends, this is the time when Goddess Ganga visits her sister Goddess Cauvery. Thousands of devotees from across the country throng the place to take a dip in the waters on this auspicious day.
• Bylekuppe (40 km): One of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India, it is known for its monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories, and incense factory. The landscape is dotted with several monasteries; the main ones amongst these are the Great Gompa of Sera Jey and Sera Mey. The Mahayana Buddhist University is located here. It also has an enormous prayer hall. The other important monastery in the neighbouring settlement of Bylekuppe is Tashi Lhumpo, renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Tourist Attractions

• Madikeri : A quaint hill town with sprawling coffee plantations, lush forests and mist-laden hills,Madikeri epitomizes Coorg’s bounteous natural charm as well as the rich history of the region. The capital from which Kodagu kings ruled, Madikeri is known for its majestic Fort, renovated and strengthened by various kings, including Tipu Sultan, before becoming a British bastion. Other major attractions include a museum highlighting Kodava history, Rajas’ Seat which offers a breathtaking view of the sun setting on the distant hills, the Omkareshwar Temple and the Gaddige, the royal tombs with ornate domes, minarets. By the way, do not miss the 18-hole golf course, yet another highlight of this beautiful town.
• Virajpet (36 km) : Virajpet, the second biggest town in Coorg, is acclaimed as the largest producer of honey in Asia. The Sri Rameshwara Temple, located here, is believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself. A prominent pilgrim destination, Virajpet is a favourite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival. Virajpet taluk has the highest concentration of sacred groves/ temple forests ( Devarakadu ).

Art & Festivals

• Huthri Festival: The harvest festival of the native Kodavas, it literally means " new rice crop " and is celebrated during the harvest season (November-December). The ceremonious cutting of the new paddy crop is accompanied by the chants of " poli, poli deva " which means " O God, give us bountiful harvest ".
• Kodava Hockey Festival: The Kodava's craze for hockey is legendary with many people from the community representing the country. And this love for hockey is celebrated by the natives with an annual hockey festival. The Coorg hockey tournament is one of the largest field hockey tournaments in the world. It’s a platform where the different Kodava families get together and play against each other. It also encourages the participation of woman and senior members in its teams. This hockey tournament has also found a mention in the ‘ Limca Book of Records ’ for highest number of team participation.

Heritage Sites

• Madikeri Fort: The Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts now houses a temple, a chapel, a small museum, a prison and assorted government offices. It was originally built as a mud fort by the Haleri Kings. Later, it was demolished and rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. In 1834, the British seized the fort and also had it renovated.
• Raja’s Seat: The Raja’s Seat is perched atop a hill. This is where the kings of yore spent many pleasant evenings watching the golden sunset. This vantage point offers a spectacular view of the distant mountain ranges. Another attraction here is the Baba Saheb Express, which is a toy train.
• Raja’s Tomb – Gaddige: Also visit the tombs of Veerarajendra, his wife and their son Lingaraja, which are oddly Islamic in architecture with its domes and minarets embellished in trellis work. However, the entrance to each tomb has carvings of Hindu deities.
• Nalkunadu Palace (41 km) Nalkunadu Palace, the summer home of the Kodagu kings, is situated in Tadiyendamol, Coorg’s highest point. With its interiors replete with ornately carved pillars and friezes, the 200-year-old palace is an architectural gem. Yet another attraction is the sculpted pavilion, which has four bull sculptures facing the cardinal directions. The Nalknad Palace, also called Naalnaad Aremane, was used by King Veerarajendra as a base to carry out operations against Tipu Sultan after Madikeri, the Kodagu capital, was captured.

Tour Location

Eco - Friendly:

Jungle lodges & resorts.

Evolve Back Coorg

Club mahindra madikeri, taj madikeri resort & spa, ibnii coorg.

KSTDC Mayura Valley View Madikeri

Abbidhama estate stay, shanti estate home stay.

Kings Cottage and Palace Estate in Kakabbe

Dubare inn at dubare, hotel vasathi madikeri, imarat hotel.

Welcome to heaven

Welcome to heaven, the land of great coffee, incredible experiences, and amazing hospitality.

           Explore Kodagu, a land of enchantment where nature's beauty thrives. Witness lush coffee plantations and misty hills that conceal hidden waterfalls. Encounter native wildlife, from vibrant bird species to elusive leopards. Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Kodava culture, where the harmonious blend of traditions and rituals shapes a unique way of life. Discover the rhythmic beats of Kodava music and savor the flavors of their exquisite cuisine. Kodagu is a place to uncover the secrets of the land, its people, and their captivating heritage.

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Mallalli Falls

Raja's Seat

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Coorg Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

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"The Scotland of India"

Coorg tourism.

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri is the region's centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your experience more memorable! 

Must Know Before You Travel to Coorg

• Some outdoor attractions may be closed or inaccessible during the monsoon season due to heavy rains.
• During the peak season (October to March) and long weekends,  it's advisable to book accommodations in advance.

Must Visit Places in Coorg

Abbey Falls

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Raja's Seat

Places To Visit In Coorg

Mandalpatti

Coffee Plantations in Coorg

Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery)

Dubare Elephant Camp

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Trekking and Hiking around Kodagu

Visitors may select treks that suit their level of fitness, from easy one-hour or day rambles to highly challenging climbs. If you’re keen to enjoy Kodagu’s beautiful landscapes and explore our vast wilderness areas, pack a selection of walking shoes and boots. Best season to plan your trekking is during December to May.

Tadiandamol

Tadiandamol is the highest mountain of Kodagu district, and the second highest in Karnataka. Located on the Western Ghats range, and reaches an elevation of 1,748 mtrs (5,734 Ft) this place is special interest for trekkers. The mountain, covered with thick forest, is flooded with leeches. This peak is situated near Virajpet about a 30kms away on the way to Napoklu, Bhagamandala and it lies adjacent to the Makutta forest.

Pushpagiri Hill

The Pushpagiri or Subramanya hill (5,626 ft.) is in the north-west of Kodagu, about 36 kms from Somwarpet and 1.5 km from Kumaralli, which is amidst thick forest. This is a remarkable two-pointed hill of precipitous height and peculiar shape and resembles, as seen from Madikeri, a gigantic bullock hump.

Brahmagiri Hill

From the source of River Cauvery, Talacauvery, you can Trek/hike towards the peak of about 300 feet. Besides stunning mountain peaks, lush rainforests, rushing streams, immense waterfalls, superb beech forests and wild coasts, trekkers have opportunities to see rare forest flowers, ancient trees and strange insects passing by.

Boating in Kodagu is truly exiting. Sailing through the nature amidst the tossing green is bliss in itself. Small boats for two or four are available in Nisargadam. Boating is also available in Dubare forest where you can see Elephants taking bath nearby. These days few plantation-stays also provide boating facility for a very nominal fee (however prior permission is to be taken).

White water rafting

White water rafting in Kodagu is ideal for first timers and adventure lovers. The stunning scenery is an added merit for your rafting action. Kodagu Rivers are well suited for easy rafting and provides an ideal setting for an easy float trip down the calm and pristine waters. You determine your level of involvement in the water; you can paddle, swim, or simply lay back and admire the landscape float by as you leisurely drift downstream. Location: Dubare Forest, Nisargadama and few Plantation-Stays

Elephant Back Ride

Indian elephant back rides are taken both in the early morning and in the afternoon. Being up close to an elephant in the bush is a moving experience but being on top of one is an ideal way to be a part of the wild, and see it from best advantage. Each Elephant’s personal groom (Mahooth) provides a wealth of knowledge of these magnificent mammals from their own first-hand experience. Put this on your MUST DO list of activities.

The Valnur fishing camp, on the banks of River Cauvery near Kushalnagar, is an ideal place for all the fishing enthusiasts. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Kodagu Wildlife Society. Wide range of fishes can be found here. Variety of birds can also be seen here.

Explore, Kodagu

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Talacauvery

Beedalli dormitory Men

Beedalli dormitory women.

Tent Pitching at Beedalli

Beedahalli to Girigadde

Mandalapatti to Kuruvatha Male

Subramanya to Kumaraparvatha

Talacauvery to nishanimotte, talacauvery to nadumale.

Kutiyala to Nadigunda-Sharadhabbi

Vatekolli to narayanapath-sollekolli.

Kokka to Pattimale

Pottachipare to pattimale.

Irpu to Narimale Camp-Brahmagiri Peak

Abailu to Udumbepare (Abailu Adlu)

Narimale Camp to Munical Caves

Narimale Camp to Narimale Peak

Aanepare to Manjachal

Forest check post base camp to thadiyandamol, hakkikindi to nishani betta, taj hotel to nishane motte-vanachal, beedahalli to dodda betta, kotancheri to thayanimotte, kabbebetta to udumbe, cauvery nisargadhama, dubare camp.

Most beautiful hill station of Karnataka

Kodagu (Coorg), the thickly wooded grandeur on the Western Ghats, is the most beautiful hill station of Karnataka. It occupies an area of 4,102 square kilometers (1,584 sq mi) in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka.As of 2001, the population was 548,561, 13.74% of which resided in the district’s urban centers, making it the least populous of the 30 districts in Karnataka.

Attractions

NEARBY PLACES OF ATTRACTION

Kodagu is considered rich with wildlife and has three wildlife sanctuaries and one national park: the Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Omkareshwara Temple

The temple was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820, supposedly to atone for killing an innocent Brahmin. The temple is in the Indo-Saracenic style, combining typically Keralite tiled roofs with Islamic domes and is about 1km from the Madikeri bus stand.

Bhagamandala

Bhagamandala is a religious place located 39 km from Madikeri. There is a triveni sangama, confluence of three river- Cauvery, kannike and Sujyoti. The imposing Bhagandeshwara Temple has a large courtyard and is built in the Kerala style, with red- tiled roofs.

Nagarahole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The word ‘Nagarahole(y)’ means ‘Cobra-river’ (Nagara=Cobra snake; Holey=River) in Kannada. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Nagarahole River flows through the park and gradually joins the Kabini River which also is a boundary between Nagarahole and Bandipur.

Raja's Seat

About 1 km west of the Madikeri bus stand is Raja’s Seat. Popular lore claims that Kodava kings their consorts spent their evenings in the fine park here. It is easy to see why: dramatic views of an orange sun dipping behind the mountains can mesmerize both royals and commoners. This point overlooks green mountains and valleys, beribboned with the distant silver of roads and rivers.

It is an Important religious place. It is the birth place of sacred river Cauvery, 46 km from Madikeri. A small shrine with a beautifully decorated silver Shiva linga marks the spot where the mighty river originates. On Tula Sankramana day, which usually falls on October 17th each year, thousands flock to Talacauvery to witness a sudden upsurge of water in the spring, which then bubbles over. Near the temple stands Brahmagiri peak which offers panoramic views of the mountains.

Dubare Elephant Camp

A unique eco- tourism destination, Dubare was once the training camp of the Mysore Dasara elephants. Today, the Dubare Elephant Camp is a centre for study of elephant behaviour, run by the Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Here, a visitor can watch and learn more about elephants. A traines Natualist is at hand to explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology and biology. Visitors can observe and also participate in various activities of elephants like feeding, bathing, etc.

Chiklihole Reservoir

Pronounced as ‘Chikli-holey’, it is a large body of water that offers both relaxation and tranquillity; perfect for holidaymakers and nature lovers looking to escape the stresses of their lives back home. The area surrounding Chiklihole reservoir makes this place particularly attractive. Watching the Sunset from here is extremely picturesque and photogenic. The green meadow on one side and thick forest on the other makes this place a great travel destination across Kodagu. The Chiklihole reservoir on the tributary of river Kaveri is also a wonderful picnic spot.

Harangi Dam

Close to Kushalnagar and 33 km from Madikeri, this reservoir is located in a beautiful natural locale and ideal for weekend breaks.

Madikeri Fort

Situated about 500m from the Madikeri bus stand and located on a hillock the imposing fort was built by Mudduraja in 1681. The earthen structure was rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan. Mudduraja also built a thatched roof palace here which was renovated in 1814 by Lingarajendra II, and then in 1933 by the British, who added a clock- tower and portico. Nearby are two startlingly life-like masonry elephants. The fort’s Veerabhadra Temple was demolished and a Gothic-style Anglican church built in its place in 1855. The church now houses a museum which displays historic items relating to Kodava life.

Raja’s Tomb (Gaddige)

Situated about 1.5 km from the Madikeri bus stand, the tombs of Veerajendra, and their wives, stand together and are exactly alike, Lingarajendra’s tomb was built in 1809 and Veerarajendra’s in 1821. The Islamic style central gilded domes and the corner minaret-like turrets, each topped with images of basavas (bulls), are prominent on the Madikeri skyline. The windows have handsomely wrought bronze bars set in sculpted stone.

No water, power, road for 70 tribal families at Kodagu settlement

M ADIKERI: While tribal people are given land under the Forest Rights Act, getting basic amenities has remained a challenging task for them. Thatalli tribal settlement at Maldare near Siddapura in Kodagu is a testimony to this.

For, the tribal people living in this settlement are yet to get electricity, toilets, water supply, and houses. With no help coming, they have threatened to launch a protest until their demands for basic amenities are met.

Over 70 families, including children and the aged, live in the settlement. Though a temporary water connection has been provided by Maldare gram panchayat, the residents of the settlement have to walk a distance to fetch water. This is because there is no electricity to enable piped water supply.

The residents, who have been living on the forest fringe for over seven decades, were granted RTC recently for the land given to them under the Forest Rights Act.

“Only a few families have been given some facilities. Though we have been granted RTC under the Act, no facilities, including permanent houses, have been given,” Shankar, leader of the tribal people living in the settlement, alleged.

He said most of them are living in huts. “There are no approach roads to the settlement. Over 40 people had applied for benefits under the Ganga Kalyan scheme, but only a few have been selected.

‘Tribals should be brought to the mainstream’

“Local officials are indifferent to the needs of the tribal people due to political differences,” he alleged. When they approached the local MLA recently, he ordered the officials to extend the scheme to the settlement.

“But a few panchayat officials backed by leaders of the opposition party are trying to stop the scheme from reaching beneficiaries in the settlement,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, stressing the need for the development of the settlement, leader of Jenu Kurubas JK Ramu demanded that the tribal people be brought to the mainstream. Most of the tribal people in the district are living in pitiable conditions.

“Action should be taken against the errant panchayat officials. Steps should be taken to develop the settlement at the earliest,” he said. Tribal leaders Krishna, Shivanna and Parvathi said they will launch a protest if their demands are not met at the earliest.