Expansive mountain ranges and gorgeous green landscapes attract flocks of nature lovers to Coorg, or Kodagu as it is otherwise known. This splendid region in the southernmost corner of Karnataka is world-renowned for its lush coffee plantations, rural landscapes, fantastic trekking, and exotic spices.
While Madikeri (or Mercara) is the bustling central town with a thriving market, you should venture deep into the emerald coloured coffee plantations to get an authentic taste of rural life in Coorg. The spectacular Abbey Falls gush into the steep rocky valley below, a popular sight just 8 kilometres from Mercara. Southern India’s largest Tibetan monk settlement can be found in Bylakuppe. Here you’ll find Kakkabe, a tiny village and the perfect starting point for a mountain trek up Tadiandamol, Coorg’s highest peak.
Getting up close and personal with nature is the number one thing to do in this beautiful part of India. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to plenty of native Western Ghat creatures, and the Mallalli and Chelavara Falls are truly breathtaking.
A trip into the town of Madikeri holds some interesting monuments, such as the 19th-century fort and Ganesha temple, and Raja’s Seat: a seasonal landscaped garden with fountains and flowers surrounded by misty mountains, which is particularly enchanting at sunrise.
