The Coorg region is known for its coffee and tea plantations, forests, verdant mountains and waterfalls. It is often called as the Scotland of India and is known for its picturesque views and sights. The Cauvery river flows through this region forming a number of waterfalls.
Places to visit in Coorg include Iruppu and Abbey falls which are popular places for sightseeing here. There are also some spice plantations spread across the area. Bylakuppe which is a Tibetan settlement has a monastery as well. Coorg is also a great place for adventure activities like river rafting, trekking and hiking. It is home to a number of treks like the Brahmagiri and Tadiandamol Trek.
This place was a summer retreat for the British and therefore has an old fort ( Mercara Fort) and a number of old churches. Coorg’s distance from Bangalore is around 250 kilometers. Coorg weather is pleasant all throughout the year mostly however the summers can be a bit hot.
During monsoons the area turns lush green and the rivers flow with full force here. Though there are many places to visit in Coorg, we have shortlisted 5 best places to visit in Coorg in this article. Here they are as follows-
#1 Abbey Falls
The Abbey Falls is one of the most picturesque falls in the Coorg region and draws huge number of crowds every year. The waters from this waterfall joins the river Cauvery. The waterfall is located amidst lush green forests and you have to walk through a coffee plantation to reach this place. The hanging bridge here is the best place to witness the grandeur of this waterfalls.
Water sprays from the waterfalls can be felt on the face while standing on this hanging bridge. The force of the waterfall is such that you can hear the sound of the waterfall from a distance also. There is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali beside the waterfall. There are a few stalls that sell tea and coffee here as well.
#2 Iruppu Falls
The Iruppu Falls is also called the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls because of a legend from Ramayana that is associated with it. Rama and Lakshmana were passing through this area and were searching for Sita when Rama asked Lakshmana to provide him some water to drink. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and that is how the Lakshmana Tirtha river came to existence and got its name.
It is also believed that the water of these falls possesses the power to cleanse sins and is therefore visited by thousands of devotees every year on Shivratri. The trail to this waterfall passes through lush green forests. The famous Rameshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located on the way. Monsoon is the best time to visit this waterfalls and the waterfalls with full force and views are absolutely stunning. The Iruppu Falls is located around 260 kilometers away from Bangalore.
#3 Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the border between the states of Kerala and Karnataka, this place provides surroundings which are vastly unexplored and pristine, far away from the maddening crowds of cities.This trek passes through picturesque locations with gushing streams and waterfalls at every corner.
There are also stunning sunsets and panoramic views that cannot be missed here. The campsite is surrounded by coffee plantations, streams, paddy fields, a lake and a river. Therefore this trek provides the best of all worlds. This is surely a trek you will love immensely. The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka is spread over an area of around 181 square kilometers and was established in 1974. The Nagarhole National Park is situated to its north west.
This sanctuary is situated some 250 kilometers away from Bangalore .The sanctuary derives its name from the Brahmagiri peak, which is the highest peak here with an approximate height of 1608 meters above sea level. There is a lot of variety in flora and fauna that is found here. Along with evergreen lush green forests, there are also grasslands and bamboo forests in between.
The Borapole river flows through the forest. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a number of wild animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, wild cats, boars, langurs and sloth bears. There is also a good variety of birds that can be found here like the black bulbul, Malabar trogon and many more.It is a famous tourist attraction that attracts tourists every year. Trekking and camping here is also a very popular activity. There are a lot of mythological stories attached with this place.It is said by the locals here that seven sages meditated on the top of the hill.
It is also believed that Rama and Lakshmana had passed through this forest while searching for Sita. The sanctuary is surrounded by coffee and spice plantations. The Iruppu Falls can also be visited while on a trip here. Popular tourist haunts like Coorg and Nagerhole National Park are located nearby.
#4 Mallalli Falls
The Mallalli Falls in located in the Kodagu district where the Kumaradhara river falls from a huge height of around 200 feet and is located 54 kilometers away from Madikeri. The river then flows into the Netravati river which ends up in the Arabian Sea. Mallalli Falls is surrounded by forests, mountains and lush green valleys. Therefore the surroundings are extremely picturesque.
This waterfalls is 5 kilometers away from Kumaralli. The road to the Mallalli Falls is accessible by road and then one can trek down to the bottom of the falls with the help of concrete steps which are well laid out. Jeeps and cars can be hired to reach this place. This is the starting point for the Pushpagiri Hill trek.
Buses to this place are limited and therefore it is essential to have your transport arranged beforehand. It is one of the most scenic waterfalls in this region and also that is not so crowded like our tourist destinations. It is pristine and vastly unexplored.
#5 Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park is spread across the Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka and is home to a large variety of wild animals and unique plant species.Elephants, tigers, deer, leopards and a variety of birds can be found in the forests here. Other than large tracts of forests, there are streams,hills and rivers. It lies within the limits of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
The huge Kabini reservoir lies at the centre of the Nagarhole National Park with the Bandipur National Park being present on the other side. Nagarhole National Park was once a hunting reserve of the Wodeyar kings but was later turned into a sanctuary and subsequently into a National Park. The Kabini river along with a host of other rivers and streams form the water source for the animals inhabiting the National park.
This national park remains closed during the rainy season and the best time to visit this place is from October to May. There are jeep safaris from where you can witness some of the wildlife and experience of being amidst nature’s tranquility. There are also boat or coracle reds available on the Kabini river from where you can spot crocodiles and other birds.Bus safaris are also available. Mysore is just 80 kilometers away from Nagerhole National Park. There are buses and cars plying between these places.
Conclusion
There are surely many places to visit in Coorg and experiences to come in contact with during a stay here. Being conveniently located from Bangalore and Mysore, it is easily accessible and serves as great weekend destination for short trips to take a break from our usual hectic lives. Coorg is blessed with a variety of natural wonders and sights which will surely mesmerise you.
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