Coorg is synonymous with coffee, we all know that. But did you ever wonder where that coffee bean in the famous Coorgi filter coffee is grown? Stop wondering, and start wandering! You can actually hike through the neatly lined coffee plantations and inhale the lingering aroma of coffee-laced air. Get an insight into the process of growing, harvesting, processing and roasting coffee. The next time you sip on freshly brewed filter coffee, you’ll keep in mind how the coffee beans make their way to you.
The wisest of the animal kingdom - the elephants are gentle creatures who are not half as intimidating as they look. Be up and close, feed or bathe these tuskers or just watch them as they prance around in the river. Adults and children are guaranteed to feel connected to these gentle giants and the spectacular beauty all around.
Back in the day, Raja’s seat or “Seat of the kings” was a leisure spot for the rulers of Kodagu. Essentially, it’s a brick and mortar structure that was the royals’ escape to basking in sunrise and sunset. A garden of seasonal flowers and man-made light fountains where you can get an eyeful from an elevated ground, it is a spectacle that bestows the viewer with lush views of the majestic cliffs and surrounding valleys. There’s also a toy train for the little ones and this is what makes it such a fascinating place with an intriguing history.
An attraction in every sense of the word, Abbey Falls can be seen cascading from a whopping height of 70 feet! Dotted by spectacular beauty all around, these waterfalls are snuggled between hints of greenery, atop a glorious cliff that has weathered the storm, quite literally! Although, there’s little to do here for the adventurer, the quintessential traveller and nature lovers would appreciate these enchanting falls. In close proximity to the town of Madikeri, the walk to these falls is filled with footprints of nature and rich biodiversity.
One of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, the Namdroling Monastery is home to over 6000 monks and over 15000 refugees. But that’s not why the Namdroling Monastery is a renowned name in Coorg. With a spiritual and serene ambiance, this is a colony that shelters a forty feet-high Buddha statue inside a golden temple. The interiors showcase intricate wall paintings with depictions from the Buddhist mythology. Interspersed with neatly manicured gardens and tiny souvenir shops, this monastery is of great interest to tourists and backpackers alike.
A 64-acre delta, also known as an island, Nisargadhama is encircled by the Cauvery river. The walk to this picturesque picnic hotspot involves strolling across a hanging bridge. With dense foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood teak trees, and various medicinal plants, this forest park also offers visitors the opportunity to go boating apart from various other attractions. Replete with a deer park, children park and orchidarium, this destination is perfect for those looking for an escape amidst nature.
An ancient shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, the Omkareshwara temple is situated in the town of Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka. What stands out about the temple leaving aside its religious affiliation to thousands of devotees that pour in, is the architecture. A breathtaking amalgamation of Gothic and Islamic construction, the temple is an epitome of post-medieval architecture. Built in the 19th century, the temple is noted for its historical relevance and should not be missed if you have a penchant for primitive Indian culture.
If the idea of a true-blue escape means immersing yourself in the raw beauty of nature, the nature trail walk is definitely designed for you. An experience to behold, this stunning trail follows a leisurely walk to the stream with a chance to absorb as much of Coorg's unique flora and fauna as you can. Along the way, you'll also chance upon views that give you personal and up close opportunities to birdwatch. This is an amazing experience for those who want to connect with nature or have a keen interest in the massive ecosystem that Coorg boasts of - low-decibel holiday at its best!