Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka. It is a small district consisting of a number of scenic towns and villages. Madikeri and Kushalnagar are the two most popular tourist towns in Coorg. When you are visiting Coorg for a short trip, it can be overwhelming to try and see everything. In this post, we hope to simplify things for you. Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Coorg in 1 day.
Mist-clad hills, dazzling waterfalls, and refreshing greenery make it an ideal destination for those looking to escape city life and unwind. This natural paradise is affectionately nicknamed “Scotland of India”.
Coorg province was under British rule for more than 100 years. Mercara was the capital of the province.
After Indian independence, Coorg became a separate state. It was later merged with Mysore State which was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
The Kodavas are the early settlers of this region. They have their own unique culture, traditions, and language too.
That’s a brief history of Coorg. Without further ado, let’s look at the best places to visit in Coorg in 1 day.
A Quick Glance Through
- How To Reach Coorg
- Places To Visit in 1 Day
- Where To Stay
- Other Popular Places To Visit
- Map
- Best Time To Visit
- Where To Eat
How To Reach Coorg
Madikeri is the headquarters of Coorg (Kodagu) district. It is well connected to neighbouring cities like Mysore, Mangalore, and Bangalore by roadways.
You can take a bus or drive down to Coorg if visiting from a nearby city.
Distance and driving time from:
– Mysore: 118 km, about 3 hours
– Mangalore: 138 km, roughly 4 hours
– Bangalore: 265 km, approx. 6 hours
Madikeri doesn’t have train or flight connectivity. It is best served by Mysore Railway Station which offers train connectivity with several Indian cities.
The closest airport is located in Kannur (Kerala), about 90 km away. Other nearby airports are in Mysore and Mangalore.
Places To Visit in Coorg in 1 Day
Namdroling Monastery
Start your one-day Coorg sightseeing tour with Namdroling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Temple.
It is located in Bylakuppe about 35 km away from Madikeri. Bylakuppe is the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet, the largest being in Dharamshala.
The foundation of the monastery was laid in 1963. Initially a bamboo structure, today it is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in South India.
The monastery is home to thousands of lamas, monks, and nuns, making it the world’s largest teaching center of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Several beautiful Tibetan paintings adorn the temple interiors. In the prayer hall, there are huge golden statues of three Tibetan deities.
The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is placed in the center, flanked by Guru Padmasambhava on the left and Buddha Amitayus on the right.
Apart from exploring the temple, spend some time wandering around the lush green gardens of the monastery complex.
You can get there by local bus from Madikeri. The nearest bus stop is in Kushalnagar. From here, take an auto-rickshaw to the monastery complex.
Another option is to rent a cab from Madikeri which will drop you at the monastery in about an hour.
The monastery is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
Time required to visit: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Nisargadhama
Next up is the visit to Nisargadhama which is just about 8 km from Namdroling Monastery.
It is a picturesque island formed by the river Kaveri and covers 64 acres of lush forest area. You need to cross a hanging rope bridge to get here.
Teeming with greenery, this place is ideal for those looking for a nature retreat.
Some of the must-visit attractions on this island are deer park and bird park where you can even feed the birds. Besides this, you can enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of the Kaveri River.
If you are looking for some adventure, partake in activities like zip-lining and rope climbing.
It also offers overnight stay options in the river-side cottages. The property is run and maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Nisargadhama Island is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Time required to visit: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Madikeri Fort
Before heading to the next attraction, it’s time for a lunch break. Stop off in Kushalnagar for a meal or continue your journey to Madikeri and have lunch there. Check out the where to eat section for recommendations on places to eat in Madikeri and Kushalnagar.
Madikeri Fort is situated in the heart of Madikeri town at a distance of about 30 km from Kushalnagar.
It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Coorg. The fort was built in the late 1600s by Mudduraja, the then ruler of the Kingdom of Coorg.
Originally a mud structure, this fort was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan in granite. It has undergone numerous structural changes under the reigns of different rulers.
The British conquered this fort in 1834 after the Coorg War. They erected a church within the fort complex and also built a clock tower.
There is a museum abutting the church building. It showcases the history of Coorg through various artifacts. A Ganapathi temple is also located within the premises.
The opening hours are from 10 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays).
Time required to visit: 0.5 to 1 hour.
Practical information: Madikeri Fort is currently closed for renovation work. So, make sure to check the reopening status before you visit.
Abbey Falls
The next stop on this list of ‘amazing places to visit in Coorg in 1 day’ is Abbey Falls. It is roughly 6 km away from Madikeri and can be reached by an auto-rickshaw or by cab.
Set amidst lush plantations of coffee and spice, Abbey Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Coorg. It cascades down from a height of 70 feet and forms a deep pool at the bottom.
A short walk from the entrance via a series of steps brings you to the viewing area.
There is a hanging bridge right opposite the waterfall. You can enjoy excellent views of the falls standing atop the bridge.
The falls are most voluminous during monsoon and in the early winter months. If you are visiting in the summers, they may not appear equally impressive.
It is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Time required to visit: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Omkareshwara Temple
After visiting Abbey Falls, head to the Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the nineteenth century by King Lingarajendra II as an act of penance.
According to folklore tales, the king committed a sin by killing a brahmin for his political ambitions. He started getting nightmares and lost his peace of mind. In order to seek repentance for his deeds, he constructed this holy temple.
The temple overlooks a beautiful pond with a mandapa in the middle. The structure of the temple is inspired by the Islamic style of architecture. It features a central dome and four minarets, one at each corner.
Along with seeking divine blessings, you can admire the architectural uniqueness of the temple.
The opening hours are from 6.30 am to 12.00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8.00 pm.
Time required to visit: 0.5 to 1 hour.
Raja’s Seat
Your last stop for the day is Raja’s seat. It is approximately 1 kilometer from Omkareshwar Temple.
Once a favourite sunset spot for the royals of Coorg, Raja’s Seat today is a major tourist attraction in Coorg. It encompasses a viewing platform and a neatly maintained garden.
Affording panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the distant mountains, Raja’s Seat is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Coorg in 1 day.
On a clear day, you can see an arresting view of the sunset from here. In addition, you have a musical fountain show to enjoy if you stay back after sunset. It starts at around 7 pm.
This place remains open for visitors from 5.30 am to 8.00 pm.
Time required to visit: 1 hour, plus 30 minutes for the musical fountain show.
Where To Stay
Madikeri and Kushalnagar serve as a good base for exploring Coorg’s major tourist attractions. They offer a good range of hotels from basic to lavish.
Best Places To Stay in Madikeri
Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa (Luxury)
This gorgeous property is tucked in the lush hills of Coorg, just 4.5 km away from Raja’s seat. It’s a quiet, green escape offering stunning views of Coorg’s natural landscapes.
Rooms are well-appointed and gracefully decorated in European style. The resort is equipped with a range of modern amenities to make your stay comfortable.
Book a room in Coorg Wilderness Resort.
Hotel Coorg International (Mid-range)
If you are looking for a place close to the city center, look for Hotel Coorg International. Omkareshwar Temple and Raja’s Seat both are within 5-10 minutes’ driving distance from the hotel.
Rooms are spacious and well-furnished. The property is well-kept and offers adequate facilities to ensure a convenient stay.
Book a room in Hotel Coorg International.
Budget-friendly: KSTDC Hotel Mayura Valley View Madikeri, Hotel Madikeri Heritage.
Best Places To Stay in Kushalnagar
Amanvana Spa Resort, Coorg (Luxury)
Amanvana is a great place to stay if you want the most luxurious stay in Kushalnagar. Set on the banks of the River Kaveri, it puts you close to the attractions like Nisargadhama and Namdroling Monastery.
The property offers private bungalows with an attached private garden. Each bungalow is tastefully decorated with beautiful interiors.
Book a room in Amanvana Spa Resort.
Budget-friendly: The Casiita, Elegant holiday homes Coorg
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Coorg.
Other Popular Places To Visit in Coorg
If you have got more than a day in Coorg, here are a few more visit-worthy places.
Talakaveri
Talakaveri is the birthplace of one of the most sacred Indian rivers, the Kaveri River. It sits amid the Brahmagiri Hill, roughly 44 km away from Madikeri town.
There is a beautiful temple at the top dedicated to Goddess Kaveri. Besides the main deity, Lord Ganesha and Lord Agasthiswara are also worshipped here.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is heaven for wildlife lovers. The park is home to an astonishing variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.
It is a long drive from Madikeri and takes about 3.5 hours to reach. So, stay overnight in a hotel close to the park and take a morning safari the next day.
Also Read: 6 Best National Parks in Karnataka.
Mallalli Falls
Hidden away in the Western Ghats near Somwarpet, Mallalli Falls is one of the most charming waterfalls in Coorg.
The falls cascade down from an impressive 120 feet. It is 53 km from Madikeri and 47 km from Kushalnagar.
Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation
Mercara Gold Estate is a private coffee and spice estate, located just 8 km away from Madikeri town.
Coorg is known for its coffee plantations. And, a visit to this estate gives plenty of opportunities to learn about the growing, harvesting, and processing of coffee crops.
They offer guided walking tours of the estate. You can get more information about the tours on the Mercara Gold Estate website.
Map – Best Places To Visit in Coorg in 1 Day
Click the icons to get more information about each place.
Best Time To Visit
Coorg is magical year-round and perhaps at its best in winter. The best time of the year to visit Coorg is winter (October to February) and early summer (March to April).
In winter, the temperature varies from less than 15°C at night to around 29°C in the daytime. Coorg experiences the summer season from March to May. Although the temperature rises a bit, the weather remains comfortably pleasant.
It attracts huge crowds in late summer, particularly in May, when people rush to hill stations to escape the blazing heat of the plains. If you want to enjoy Coorg without the crowds, plan your visit in winter.
With the onset of the rainy season in June, the entire region turns into a monsoon wonderland. However, June to September is not a great time for sightseeing because of heavy rainfall.
Where To Eat
Best eateries in Kushalnagar
– Shanthi Bites: Offers South Indian and North Indian cuisines.
– Fish Curry Rice: Excellent seafood, particularly fish curry.
– Atithi: Best for vegetarian food.
Best eateries in Madikeri
– The Fort Mercara: Serves authentic Kodava meals. North Indian and continental cuisines are also on the menu.
– Coorg Cuisine: Speciality – Delicacies of Coorg cooked in local spices.
– Taste Of Coorg: Offers a variety of Coorg cuisines.
– Udupi the Veg: Speciality – pure vegetarian food.
Further Reading
If you are looking for more inspiration for your South India vacations, please read some of these posts.
- 12 Best Tourist Places in Kodaikanal – 3 Day Itinerary.
- Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit in Mysore in 2 Days.
- Mysore’s Best Heritage Hotels.
- 12 Amazing Two-Day Trips From Bangalore For A Quick Getaway.
- 10 Best Resorts in Kodaikanal For A Memorable Stay.
- Top 12 Tourist Places To Visit in Munnar in 2 Days.
- 10 Most Amazing Forest Resorts in Wayanad.
- 6 Best Places To Visit in Ooty in 1 Day.
- 8 Best Forest Resorts in Munnar.
Over To You Now…
We hope this guide has given you a fair idea about the best places to visit in Coorg in 1 day. What are your favourite sights and attractions in Coorg?
Thanks a lot Mam for sharing the information especially about places to stay as per budget and also regarding availability of food and apprioprate time to visit the hill station.
My pleasure!
Very well documented and informative
article.keep up the good job Rashmi.
Thank you. I am glad you liked this post.