Coorg

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful district located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, and is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious coffee. The region is covered with verdant forests, rolling hills, waterfalls, and lush valleys.

Coorg has a diverse population, with the indigenous Kodava people being the largest group. The Kodavas are known for their unique culture, including their traditional dress, martial arts, and unique cuisine. Coorg is also home to many other communities, including the Gowdas, the Muslims, and the Christians, all of whom contribute to the region's cultural richness.

Apart from its natural beauty and rich culture, Coorg is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to experience the pleasant weather, indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white water rafting, and camping, and sample the local coffee and cuisine.The region has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 28°C.Coorg is a great destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway amid natural beauty.

• Abbey Falls: This waterfall is located about 8 km from the town of Madikeri and is surrounded by coffee plantations and dense foliage. The falls are around 70 feet high and the water cascades down into a pool, creating a beautiful sight. You can reach the falls by trekking along a well-marked path.
• Dubare Elephant Camp: This camp is located on the banks of the river Cauvery and is home to around 150 elephants. Here, you can watch the elephants being bathed, fed and trained by their mahouts. You can also take an elephant ride and enjoy a ride on the river.
• Talacauvery: This is the source of the river Cauvery and is located about 48 km from Madikeri. It is considered a holy site by the locals and there is a small temple dedicated to the river goddess here. You can also climb up to the nearby Brahmagiri peak for a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.
• Raja's Seat: This is a beautiful garden located in Madikeri that was once the favourite spot of the Kodagu kings. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a great place to watch the sunset.
• Namdroling Monastery: This is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Bylakuppe, which is about 35 km from Madikeri. The monastery is home to around 5,000 monks and nuns and is one of the largest teaching centres of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Madikeri Fort: This fort was built in the 17th century by Muddu Raja, the Haleri king. It has since been renovated and today, it houses a museum, a temple and a prison. The fort offers a glimpse into the history of Coorg.
• Nisargadhama: This is an eco-tourism destination that is located about 28 km from Madikeri. It is a beautiful island formed by the river Cauvery and is surrounded by bamboo groves and teak trees. Here, you can enjoy a picnic, go boating, and even stay in the cottages available.
• Mandalpatti: This is a scenic spot that is located about 20 km from Madikeri. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a great place to go trekking.
• Chettalli: This is a small village located about 20 km from Madikeri. It is famous for its coffee plantations, and you can take a tour of the plantations to learn about coffee production. You can also taste some of the best coffee in the region here.
• Iruppu Falls: This waterfall is located on the border of Karnataka and Kerala and is surrounded by dense forest. It is considered a holy site by the locals and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the falls. You can reach the falls by trekking along a well-marked path.

• Pandi curry: This is a popular pork curry that is made using freshly ground spices and is usually served with rice or akki roti (rice flour bread).
• Coorg-style chicken curry: This is a spicy chicken curry that is made using a blend of Coorg spices and coconut milk. It is usually served with rice or naan.
• Bamboo shoot curry: This is a vegetarian curry that is made using bamboo shoots, potatoes, and spices. It is usually served with rice or chapati.
• Noolputtu: This is a popular breakfast dish that is made using rice flour and coconut milk. The dough is pressed through a special sieve to create thin noodle-like strands, which are then steamed and served with coconut chutney.
• Kadamuttu: This is a traditional Coorg sweet that is made using rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. The mixture is rolled into balls and steamed, then served with a drizzle of ghee.
• Akki roti: This is a popular bread made using rice flour, water, and salt. It is flattened into a thin circle and cooked on a griddle. It is usually served with pandi curry or coconut chutney.
• Coorg-style pork fry: This is a dish made using marinated pork, spices, and onions. The pork is slow-cooked until tender and crispy and is usually served as an appetizer.
• Coorg-style fish curry: This is a spicy fish curry that is made using a blend of Coorg spices and coconut milk. It is usually served with rice or naan.
• Kadambuttu: This is a popular breakfast dish that is made using rice flour and is similar to dumplings. The mixture is rolled into small balls and steamed, then served with coconut chutney.
• Coorg-style mutton curry: This is a spicy mutton curry that is made using a blend of Coorg spices and coconut milk. It is usually served with rice or naan.

• Taste of Coorg– Located in the town of Madikeri, Taste of Coorg is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Coorgi cuisine. The restaurant has a warm and cozy ambiance, and the menu features dishes like pandi curry, akki roti (rice bread), and bamboo shoot pickle.
• The Fort Mercara Hotel – This historic hotel in Madikeri is known for its elegant ambiance and delicious food. The hotel has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The restaurant also has a bar that offers a wide range of cocktails and mocktails..
• Raintree Restaurant – Located in the town of Madikeri, Raintree Restaurant is a popular eatery that serves a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance and serves some of the best coffee in Coorg.
• East End Hotel – This iconic hotel in Madikeri is known for its delicious Coorgi cuisine. The restaurant serves authentic Coorgi dishes such as pandi curry (pork curry), koli curry (chicken curry), and kadambuttu (rice balls).
• Coorg Cuisine – Located in the town of Virajpet, Coorg Cuisine is a popular restaurant that specializes in traditional Coorgi food. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and serves dishes like bamboo shoot curry, pandi curry, and kadambuttu.
• Beans N Brews– This cozy cafe in Madikeri is known for its delicious coffee and homemade cakes. The cafe also serves sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, making it a great spot for a quick bite.

• Purple Haze–This is one of the few nightclubs in Coorg, located in the town of Madikeri. The club has a dance floor, a bar, and plays a mix of Bollywood and English music.
• Beans and Leaves Lounge– Located in the Club Mahindra resort, this lounge offers a relaxing ambiance and serves a variety of cocktails, mocktails, and snacks. The lounge has a cozy seating area and a fireplace that adds to the ambiance.
• Barbeque Bay– This is a restaurant in Madikeri that has a bar and a lounge area. The lounge serves a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails, and has a small dance floor.
• The Falls at Club Mahindra– This is another restaurant and bar located in the Club Mahindra resort. The bar offers a variety of drinks and has a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys.

• Madikeri Market–Madikeri market is the main market in Coorg and is in the heart of Madikeri town. This bustling market is a popular destination for tourists as well as locals. The market sells a wide range of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Visitors can expect to find everything from aromatic coffee beans to traditional Coorgi jewelry here.
• Kushalnagar Market – Kushalnagar market is in the town of Kushalnagar, which is about 30 kilometers from Madikeri. The market is known for its fresh produce, particularly fruits and vegetables. Visitors can also find a variety of traditional Coorgi spices here, as well as locally made handicrafts. The market is open every day except Sunday, and it's a great place to stock up on essentials or to try some of the local delicacies.
• Gonikoppal Market – Gonikoppal market is in the town of Gonikoppal, which is about 35 kilometers from Madikeri. This market is known for its unique and authentic Coorgi products. Visitors can find a wide range of items here, including locally grown spices, honey, coffee, and handicrafts. The market is open every day, and it's a great place to experience the local culture and way of life.
• Virajpet Market– Virajpet market is in the town of Virajpet, which is about 35 kilometers from Madikeri. This market is known for its fresh produce and spices, particularly cardamom. Visitors can also find a variety of traditional Coorgi jewelry and handicrafts here. The market is open every day except Sunday, and it's a great place to shop for souvenirs or to try some of the local snacks.
• Ponnampet Market– Ponnampet market is in the town of Ponnampet, which is about 50 kilometers from Madikeri. This market is known for its variety of spices and fresh produce. Visitors can also find a variety of traditional Coorgi sarees and textiles here. The market is open every day except Sunday, and it's a great place to buy groceries or to browse the local handicrafts.

• Coorg Malls: Coorg Malls is in Madikeri and is one of the biggest shopping malls in Coorg. It offers a range of products including clothing, footwear, electronics, toys, and groceries. The mall also has a food court and a cinema hall. Coorg Malls is a great place to spend a day shopping and enjoying various entertainment options.
• Rajaseat Mall: Rajaseat Mall is in Madikeri and is a modern shopping complex that offers a range of products including clothing, electronics, and home appliances. The mall also has a food court and a cinema hall. Rajaseat Mall is a great place to visit if you are looking for some modern shopping options in Coorg.
• Gouri Shankar Complex: Gouri Shankar Complex is a popular shopping destination located in Madikeri. It offers a range of products including clothing, footwear, electronics, and groceries. The complex also has a food court and a cinema hall. Gouri Shankar Complex is a great place to spend an evening shopping and enjoying various entertainment options.
• Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium: Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is in Madikeri and is a popular shopping destination for traditional Coorgi handicrafts. The emporium offers a range of products including wooden carvings, brassware, pottery, and traditional Coorgi sarees. Visitors can also buy local spices and coffee at the emporium. Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is a great place to buy some authentic souvenirs and gifts.

• The Coorg Heritage Museum: This museum is in the town of Madikeri and showcases the history and culture of the Coorg region. It has a collection of ancient weapons, farming tools, and household items used by the local people.
• Karnataka ChitrakalaParishath Art Gallery: While not in Coorg itself, this art gallery in the city of Bangalore has a collection of contemporary and traditional art from across India, including works by local artists.
• Namdroling Monastery: This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is in the town of Bylakuppe, which is about 30 km from Coorg. It has beautiful murals and statues that are worth seeing.
• Kodava Heritage Centre: This cultural centreis in the town of Kushalnagar, which is about 35 km from Coorg. It has exhibits on the history and culture of the Kodava people, the indigenous community of Coorg.

• Kaveri Sankramana: This festival marks the beginning of the harvesting season in Coorg and takes place in mid-October. People gather at the source of the Kaveri River and offer prayers and perform rituals to thank the river goddess for a bountiful harvest.
• Puttari: Puttari is the harvest festival of Coorg and is celebrated in late November or early December. It is a time of feasting and merriment, and people offer prayers to their deities for a good harvest.
• NamdrMadikeri Dasara: The Dasara festival is celebrated all over India, and in Coorg, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the town of Madikeri. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the goddess Chamundeshwari on a decorated elephant.
• PuthariKolu: This is a unique festival celebrated in some parts of Coorg, where people create a colourful display of different types of crops, vegetables, fruits and flowers on their front porch. It is a way of celebrating the bounty of nature.
• Coorg Wildlife Society Annual Exhibition: This event takes place in the town of Madikeri in January and is a showcase of the wildlife and natural beauty of Coorg. The exhibition includes photographs, paintings, and other works of art related to nature.
• Coorg Marathon: The Coorg Marathon is a popular event that takes place in November, where people from all over the world participate in a marathon through the scenic landscapes of Coorg.

• The Sandalwood Factory
• Coorg Exotica
• Mercara Traders
• Coorg Coffee Works
• Coorg Handicrafts Emporium
• The Coorg Shop
• Coorg Wildlife Society Nature Shop

• The Tamara Coorg: Located in the middle of a coffee plantation, this luxury resort offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. The room rates start at around INR 17,000 per night.
• Evolve Back Coorg: Formerly known as Orange County Coorg, this luxury resort is located amidst lush greenery and offers an array of amenities such as an Ayurvedic spa, outdoor pool, and fine dining restaurants. The room rates start at around INR 26,000 per night.
• Club Mahindra Madikeri: This resort is in the town of Madikeri and offers comfortable accommodation and an array of amenities such as an outdoor pool, indoor games, and a spa. The room rates start at around INR 7,500 per night.
• Coorg Wilderness Resort: This luxury resort is amid a coffee plantation and offers a range of amenities such as a spa, outdoor pool, and indoor games. The room rates start at around INR 12,000 per night.
• Heritage Resort Coorg: This resort is in the town of Madikeri and offers comfortable accommodation and an array of amenities such as a spa, outdoor pool, and indoor games. The room rates start at around INR 4,000 per night.
• Coorg Cliffs Resort: This resort is in the town of Pollibetta and offers a range of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, and indoor games. The room rates start at around INR 7,500 per night.
• Plantation Trails by Tata Coffee: This resort is amid a coffee plantation and offers comfortable accommodation, nature walks, and coffee tours. The room rates start at around INR 9,500 per night.

The best time to visit Coorg is between October and March, which is considered the winter season in the region. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). This is also the time when the coffee plantations are in full bloom, making it a great time to explore them.

Another good time to visit Coorg is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the region receives heavy rainfall. This is a great time to witness the lush greenery and waterfalls in full flow. However, some tourist activities may be limited during this time due to the rain.

• By Air – The nearest airport to Coorg is the Kannur International Airport in Kerala, which is around 93 km away. The Bangalore International Airport is also a good option, located around 280 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Coorg.
• By Rail – The nearest railway stations to Coorg are in Mysore and Hassan, both of which are well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Coorg.
• By Road – Coorg is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, and Hassan.