The mist-clad terraced hills, verdant valleys, and the profuse green expanse colour the environs of Coorg, making it the ‘Scotland of India’
The busy Bangaloreans nurse a special affection for the popular coffee-producing hill station of Coorg, located on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats. Surrounded by misty hills, lush green forests, tea and coffee plantations, orange groves, and spectacular views give this hill station its due recognizance as the “Scotland of India.” A weekend trip to Coorg provides for a stimulating experience for mind, body, and soul. The economy of Coorg depends primarily on agriculture, forestry, coffee plantations, and tourism. It is one of the places to receive highest rainfall in India. The major attractions in Coorg include Raja’s seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Chelavara Falls, and Talacauvery.
Places to visit in and around Coorg (Within 100 Km)
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, also known as Jessy Falls, is one of the most visited waterfalls of Karnataka. It is the most popular tourist place in Coorg thronged by people of all ages. It is situated within a private coffee plantation, nestled amidst the mountains of Western Ghats. Abundant rainfall and the numerous small streams combine to form Abbey Falls. A hanging bridge built above the gorge gives beautiful scenic view of the waterfall. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 70 feet to combine with River Cauvery. During monsoons, the sound of waterfall can be heard from the main road. The path leading towards the waterfall from the main road is filled with thick vegetation and coffee plantations and offers a wonderful experience.
The best time to visit is during the monsoon season and also during the onset of winter.
Abbey Falls, Coorg
Raja’s Seat
Raja’s seat offers a commanding view of valleys and cliffs, and was once a favourite recreational spot of King of Coorg. It is a brick and mortar structure supported by four pillars connected by arches. It is a sunset point offering a breathtaking view of the nearby hills. The best time to visit Raja’s Seat is during the early morning and evening hours.
Iruppu Waterfalls
Iruppu Falls is a majestic waterfall – cascading from a height of 170 feet through various stages of thick forests – situated in Brahmagiri Hills of Western Ghats between Srimangala and Kutta in Coorg district of Karnataka, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. Iruppu is one of the most popular and important waterfalls to visit in the Coorg region, not just for its enchanting beauty and greenery, but also for its religious importance. It is also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. For locals, it is their favourite picnic spot because the roaring waters and the vivid surroundings make it worth visiting.
The best time to visit Iruppu Falls is from August to January, while the peak season is from September to December.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in South India and also one of the top places to visit in Coorg. The park is spread in an area of 643 sq. km and includes wild animals, reptiles, mammals, and over 250 species of birds. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys, and waterfalls and also offers boat riding facility on the Kabini River.
Nagarhole National Park, Coorg
The park is usually closed for safaris during peak monsoon season. The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is from November to May, especially April to May.
Cauvery Nisargadhama
Cauvery Nisargadhama is an island formed by River Cauvery and is a famous picnic and a tourist spot. The island is spread over 64-acre land and is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. This island features several parks such as Rabbit Park, Peacock Park, Deer Park, and an Orchidarium.
Elephant and boating rides are the major attractions here. Tourists are allowed to get into water at few spots where it is safe. Several birds such as parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, and a variety of butterflies can be seen during boat riding. October to April is the best time to visit this island.
Chelavara Falls
At a distance of 43 km from Coorg lies Chelavara Falls. It is a natural waterfall situated near Cheyyandane village on Virajpet – Talacauvery road in Coorg. It is formed by a small tributary of River Cauvery and falls from a height of 150 feet and forms a big pool, having a depth of 50 feet. Since it’s a natural waterfall, it appears only during the rainy season. Chomakund Hill, 2km away from the waterfall, is also an awesome place to visit during monsoons. It is surrounded with lush green shrubs and trees and is almost covered in fog most of the time. Monsoon is the best season to visit the falls.
Talacauvery
Talacauvery is the origin of Cauvery River in Karnataka and a pilgrimage place of high importance. It is situated at an altitude of 1276 m on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges near Bhagamandala. It is among the prime places to visit on a Coorg trip.
Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike (a square tank) is considered to be the birth place of River Cauvery. The view of mist-laden hills with deep valleys offers picturesque surroundings from the temple and is a delight for nature lovers.
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