Coorg lies in the Indian state of Karnataka, which offers some of the best and most charming hill retreats in the country. Coorg is also known as Kodagu lies 1525m above sea level in the Western Ghats and is spread over a 4102 sq km area. It is one of the most well-known hill stations in Karnataka, and a preferred summer vacation in the south.
It is fondly called ‘the Scotland of India’, and it is also known for its coffee. Natural dense forests, extrinsic wildlife, and a comfortable climate are a few things you can endure in these hills. Coorg also offers trekking, cycling, camping options, and white-water rafting. If you love trekking, then Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri hills are the best routes for you. Coorg is one of the top hill stations in South India and among the best tourist places in Karnataka that you can’t miss on your Karnataka tour.
As per legends, this hill station was ruled for ages by various Indian houses like the Rastrakutas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoyasalas, and the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Coorg was in more peace and prosperity during British rule. To improve the beauty of this place, the British began the coffee estates in this beautiful land. Even today, the district is engulfed with coffee estates and serves as a major attraction for tourists throughout the world.
The beautiful hill station has a unique culture and colorful festivals. The Coorg’s people celebrate all the festivals with great passion. There are three major festivals of Coorg: Kaveri Sankramana, Kailpodhu, and Puttari.
- Kaveri Sankramana is one of the foremost festivals of the Coorgs. The River Kaveri flows through the district from its source at Talakaveri is associated with this festival. The river Kaveri is known to spring from the fountainhead found in Talakaveri temple. Lakhs of devotees arrive in Talakaveri and Bhagamandala to take sacred dips in this water.
- Kaveri Sankramana is one of the foremost festivals of the Coorgs. The River Kaveri flows through the district from its source at Talakaveri is associated with this festival. The river Kaveri is known to spring from the fountainhead found in Talakaveri temple. Lakhs of devotees arrive in Talakaveri and Bhagamandala to take sacred dips in this water.
- Puttari is a very old harvest festival of the Coorgs, which means new rice. In November or in December a few days before the festival, when the crops are ready for harvest and there is a full moon in the sky every family member in each village assemble and pray to the gods, show their gratitude for another plentiful year.
Coorg is the biggest producer of Coffee in India. Make sure you buy the aromatic coffee while you go shopping. It is considered one of the places with the highest rainfall in India. Coorg receives a good amount of rainfall during the monsoon months from July to September. Coorg also has tourist spots like Raja’s Seat and Mandalpatti that offer a striking view of the Western Ghats lavishly loaded with thick forests and tea and coffee plantations.
Coorg is rich in flora and fauna due to its association with the Western Ghats. The three wildlife sanctuaries in this hill station are Pushpagiri, Talacauvery, and Brahmagiri. There is one Nagarhole National Park which was created by the former king for their hunting adventure. It supplies the best natural habitat for different wildlife. Few animal species in these wildlife parks are Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, and wild boars. The tourist spots which you can add to your itinerary while visiting this stunning hill station are Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Bagamandala – Temple and river confluence, Mandalpatti- Viewpoint, Talakaveri/Talacauvery, Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls, and Mallalli Falls.
Best Time to Visit Coorg/Kodagu
The good part is that you can enjoy Coorg hill station at any time of the year as it has pleasant weather all year long due to its high altitude. However, the best time to visit is during October to March and the peak season in between December to January & May to June. You can plan to simply relax and admire the magnificence of nature or go for adventure activities like hiking, cycling, and trekking, mountaineering, visiting waterfalls and touring tea and coffee plantations.
How to Reach Coorg/Kodagu
Coorg is at 132 km from Mangalore, 117 km from Mysore, and 265 km from Bangalore. The two airports, Mangalore and Bangalore are 136 Km and 270 Km respectively from Coorg, and not to mention that Bangalore airport is well connected by the rest of India. People are also taking the train route and can come down to Mysore, which is around only 110 Km from Coorg Hill Station. Kodagu is also well connected to nearby cities by road and public transport like cabs and buses are easily available.