Looking for a place which is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage? Welcome to Coorg in Karnataka — lovingly referred to as the “Scotland of India”. Resting on the Western Ghats, Coorg abounds in lush coffee plantations, misty hills, and gushing waterfalls. Coorg is one of the best destinations in India for a holiday with family and friends. It is also a great destination for an adventurous break or a romantic getaway.
To help you plan your next trip, Lohono presents the best places to visit in Coorg in one day. Adding to the magic, we also have two of our own villas in Coorg. We’ll tell you more about it later in this blog post, so stay tuned!
Here are the 15 Coorg places to visit in one day.
1. Dubare Elephant Camp
Animal lovers should head to Coorg’s Dubare Elephant Camp. Here you can get up close and personal with these four-legged giants. The camp is the product of a collaboration between Jungle Resorts and Lodges and the state forest department. Watch Asiatic elephants in their natural environment, and witness their mahouts feeding or bathing them. The trainers are always around, providing a unique yet safe space for visitors to interact with the elephants.
2. Raja’s Seat
One of the best places to visit in Coorg in one day is Raja’s Seat. It even comes with a royal seal of approval. Back in the day, it used to be a favourite spot among the region’s kings and queens. Raja’s Seat is a garden at quite a height. It offers a panoramic view of the valley. One can best visit the valley during sunrise or sunset, when the valley below is bathed in golden hues. It is a great picnic spot for couples and families alike. Little ones will love the toy train, whereas the musical fountain further adds to the place’s charm.
3. Abbey Falls
Another one of the 15 Coorg places to visit in one day is Abbey Falls. The waterfall roars through the valley after falling 70 feet. You can access it by walking 200 steps down from the main entrance.The short hike down glides through beautiful coffee and spice plantations. Swimming is prohibited at Abbey Falls, but visitors can enjoy its majestic beauty from the bridge directly across. Those feeling more adventurous can trek through the many trails around the area.
4. Madikeri Fort
Madikeri, Coorg’s main town, is the location of the fort.It symbolises the rich history and culture that Coorg has witnessed through the centuries. It was first constructed in the late 17th century. It passed through several rulers, each modifying the structure in their own way. The British were the last occupants and today it houses the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The fort’s museum stands as a relic of times gone by, making it one of the best places to visit in Coorg in one day. The fort’s elevation also offers you a stunning vista of the surrounding hills.
5. Mandalpatti
Mandalpatti is another popular spot in Coorg to watch the sunrise or sunset. Situated at a height of 1800 meters, it lives up to its alternate name, which means “market of clouds.”With the Pushpagiri forests lying below, Mandalpatti is one of the best viewpoints in Coorg. To reach here, you can make your way through the aromatic plantations — another one of Coorg’s staples.
6. Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara Temple in Coorg is unique by way of its architecture. People built the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in 1820. In an interesting blend of Islamic and Gothic architectural influences, the Hindu temple’s domes give it the appearance of a dargah. Inside it bears a shiva-lingam brought in specially from Kashi. It stands as a testimony to the region’s cultural harmony and the overall ambience here is peaceful. These factors make Omkareshwara Temple one of the best Coorg places to visit in one day.
7. Iruppu Falls
Nature-lovers, adventure-seekers, and devotees – all make their way to Iruppu Falls. The waterfall jets down the Brahmagiri Mountains. The Rameshwara Temple en route, along with Iruppu Falls, are tied together through a web of mythology, especially with stories from the Ramayana. While the waterfall attracts people throughout the year, Navratri is also a popular time to visit Iruppu Falls.
8. Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol Peak is Coorg’s highest mountain peak, which instantly makes it one of the best places to visit in Coorg in one day. It is a difficult trek to the top of the peak. The first half of the journey can also be done by car. The ‘Big Rock’ point marks the section of the journey from where onwards you must trek. The trek is certainly challenging no doubt, but the views — panoramic vistas of the entire surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls — are a worthy treat. Tadiandamol Peak is one of the must-visit places in Coorg for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies.
9. Namdroling Monastery
More popularly known as ‘Golden Temple’, Namdroling Monastery in Coorg is India’s largest teaching centre of the Tibetan Buddhism school. The ambience here is one of spirituality and peace. This sense of tranquillity is reflected in the monastery’s architecture and design. Built out of bamboo, the walls of the monastery are covered in ornate murals and artwork which are a sight to behold. Namdroling Monastery is definitely one of the best Coorg places to visit in one day. You can learn about the region’s history with Buddhism and appreciate the great architectural skills on display.
10. Visit coffee plantations
Coorg is one of the leading producers of India’s speciality coffee. The region’s first encounter took place in the 17th century with coffee beans from Yemen. However, it was under British rule that estates were established and coffee plantations flourished. They continue to prosper today. Want to visit a coffee plantation to walk around the lush green farms? Or want to head out on a guided walking tour of the production process? Head to one of the many estates in Coorg like Tata Coffee Plantation, Avadale Coorg, and Serene Woods to name a few.
11. Mallalli Falls
Lying in the northern region of Coorg, Mallalli Falls is a milky cascade. It falls in two tiers, off a courageous height of 1000 metres. Trekking is the most beautiful way to reach Mallalli Falls. There are wide steps laid down leading to the waterfalls. The ease of access makes it one of the best places to visit in Coorg in one day. Those feeling a little more adventurous can make the additional 40-minute trek to the bottom of the waterfall. It is slightly challenging, but the views of the gushing waterfall and the verdant greenery around make up for it.
12. Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
Located in the main town of Madikeri, the Gaddige Raja’s Tomb dates back to the 19th century. It is an important historical landmark in Coorg. The compound has three tombs belonging to members of the erstwhile Kodavad royal family and their royal priest. The architecture of the temple draws influences from the Indo-Saracenic style with domes and minarets. History enthusiasts should spend some time here.
13. Somwarpet
Somwarpet is a small town in the northeastern part of Coorg. It is well-known for its delicious local Kodagu cuisine, ranging from scrumptious steamed rice dumplings to chicken and pork curry, and more. The beautiful attractions of Somwarpet include the temple at Malemalleshwara Betta, Kotabetta Peak, and the Beelur Gold Club. Somwarpet makes for a great day trip and is one of the top Coorg places to visit in one day.
14. Harangi Dam
Harangi Dam is situated in the nearby town of Kushalnagar. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg in one day. The dam is built across the Harangi River which originates in the Pushpagiri Hills. The dam is a site to behold. You can appreciate its powerful beauty from the picnic spot that has been set up close to the dam. The river island of Nisargadhama is also a popular choice among visitors.
15. Ayurvedic Treatments
Coorg is one of the best destinations in India for getting Ayurvedic healing and wellness treatments. The fresh and peaceful environment in Coorg offers the right setting for such an experience. From undergoing a complete detox, or a full-body massage, to bathing with herbal oils and cleaning your body through and through. If you have one day in Coorg to spare, we encourage you to go for an Ayurvedic treatment of your choice.
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There is only one way left to turn your stay in Coorg even better – come stay with Lohono! We have two properties in Coorg. You can choose to stay at the 5-bedroom NP Villa in Madikeri, which has its own little stream running through the property. The villa comes with beautifully tiled floors, carrying a rustic yet warm ambience.
Or stay at Whispering Waters, a more modern villa a little outside of the main town. The 4-bedroom property is the perfect escape in Coorg, a home away from home. Both villas are surrounded by lush coffee and spice plantations, adding to the charm of your stay.
Think no further and stay with Lohono on your next trip to Coorg!
