Coorg is called the Scotland of India for good reasons. There is history, nature, adventure, serenity, wildlife, water, and just about anything a tourist wants in a tranquil tourist destination. There are two main towns to explore in Coorg i.e. Madikeri & Kushalnagar.
Weather in January: Ranges between 14°C to 28°C
Day 1: Kushalnagar
- On day 1 you can go to the famous Namdroling Monastery aka Golden temple. It's one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. You can explore the Tibetan town & have local food, do some shopping of Tibetan artifacts & handicrafts here.
- After the monastery visit you can head to Dubare Elephant Camp. Home to several huge Asiatic elephants, this place once served as a training camp for the elephants taking part in the renowned Mysore Dasara procession. In addition to bathing and playing with elephants, you can also feed these majestic creatures and click photos with them.
- After the Elephant camp visit you can head to Nisargadhama Forest Park. Spend your evening at this river island on Kaveri river and explore the forest.
- Walk across the hanging rope bridge that connects Nisargadhama to the mainland.
- Enjoy boat rides and elephant rides.
- Visit the deer park and rabbit park.
- Back to the hotel & relax for the day.
Day 2: Madikeri
- On day 2 you can explore the Madikeri town which has many spots to explore. Witness the cascading beauty of Abbey Falls.
- Head back to town & explore Madikeri Fort.
- Visit St. Mark’s Church inside the fort complex and the museum.
- Take a look at the weapons used during the reign of Tipu Sultan.
- Watch the tortoise sculpture that has the initials of King Vijayarajendra carved on it.
- Visit Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple located within the complex.
- In the evening head to Raja’s Seat. A seasonal garden located atop a hill. It is one of the best spots in Coorg to watch sunrises and sunsets. History has it that Kodava kings used to spend their evenings here in the company of their queens.
Day 3: Madikeri
- On the last day of your trip you can visit the famous Omkareshwara temple.
- After the temple visit you can head to Raja’s tomb. Raja’s Tomb is the place where the mortal remains of the Kodagu kings remain. The place has two identical tombs, both designed in the Islamic architectural style. An interesting feature of these tombs is that they depict motifs related to Lord Shiva and his bull, Nandi.
- After this you can head for white water rafting in Coorg: Kodagu White Water Rafting.
- In the evening go shopping in the local market for spices, coffee, chocolates, honey etc. If there is time left in your day you can also visit Harangi dam. There are many coffee estates in and around Madikeri Town where you can visit the plantation and learn about the process of coffee making. The tour lasts for at least an hour.
Coorg, with its lush coffee plantations, mesmerising waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage, is a destination that will leave you enchanted.
