Coffee-growing hill district in the Western Ghats, centred on the town of Madikeri.
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Coorg (Kodagu) is a green hill district of coffee and spice estates, waterfalls, viewpoints and a riverside elephant camp. It suits couples and families who want a slow break in an estate homestay, and walkers who want easy hill trails. Most visitors come by road from Bengaluru or Mysuru.
Trip planner
Plan from your city
Photos
Raja's Seat viewpoint in MadikeriAbbey Falls near MadikeriGaddige, the royal tombs at MadikeriAbbey Falls among the coffee plantationsRaja's Seat garden, Madikeri
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
October to February
Cool and mostly clear, with winter temperatures of about 13 to 24 C. The most comfortable time for sightseeing and trekking.
March to May
Warmer, usually about 18 to 29 C, and busier with holiday crowds. Still fine for river activities and estate stays.
June to September
Monsoon. Very green and the waterfalls are full, but rain is heavy, leeches are common on trails, and late July and August can bring landslides.
Sights and activities
1
Raja's Seat
A garden viewpoint in Madikeri where the Kodagu kings are said to have watched the sunset. It has a small toy train for children.
Distance
About 1.5 km from Madikeri centre
Entry
About 20 rupees per person (sources quote 5 to 30); toy train about 20 rupees
Timings
About 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (sources differ on the opening time)
KSRTC and private buses run direct from Bengaluru (about 265 km, 6 to 7 hours) and Mysuru (about 118 km, about 3.5 hours) to Madikeri. By car from Bengaluru it is 5 to 6 hours via Mysuru.
By train
Kodagu has no railway. The usual railhead is Mysuru Junction, about 117 to 120 km from Madikeri; Mangaluru Central is about 131 km away.
By air
Kodagu has no airport. Kannur airport is about 120 km from Madikeri, Mysuru airport about 121 km and Mangaluru airport about 137 km.
Where to base yourself
Stay in or near Madikeri town for the main sights, or in a coffee estate homestay a few kilometres outside it.
Getting around
Public buses rarely link the tourist sights, so most visitors hire a vehicle.
A cab for a day of sightseeing costs about 1,500 to 2,800 rupees for a small car and about 3,000 rupees for a 7-seat SUV.
Rented two-wheelers cost about 300 to 700 rupees a day.
Auto-rickshaws work for short hops in Madikeri and for half-day tours; agree the fare before starting.
Shared jeeps do the rough road to Mandalpatti for about 1,500 rupees per jeep of six.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Kodava food is rice based and known for pork. Many homestays cook meals for guests, often charged separately at about 600 to 900 rupees per person per meal. Restaurants and shops tend to close by 8 or 9 PM.
Try these
Pandi curry (Kodava pork curry)
Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls)
Noolputtu (rice string noodles)
Akki otti (rice flatbread)
Koli curry (chicken curry)
Bamboo shoot curry
Filter coffee from local estates
Vegetarian food is available in Madikeri restaurants and homestays.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹2,000
₹500
₹300 per person
Mid-range
₹5,000
₹1,200
₹1,800 per vehicle
Luxury
₹18,000
₹2,400
₹3,000 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
No permit requirement was mentioned by any source checked for the sights listed here. Carry a photo ID for hotel check-in. Nagarhole National Park charges separate entry and safari fees.
Safety
By day
The main sights are busy and straightforward by day. Carry mosquito repellent, and watch for leeches on trails in the monsoon.
At night
Shops, restaurants and tourist spots shut by about 8 or 9 PM, and estate roads are dark. Plan to be back at your stay by then.
Solo women
Normal precautions apply; Arrange transport through your homestay after dark.
Roads
Hill roads are narrow with hairpin bends, so use an experienced driver. Late July and August bring heavy rain and a landslide risk.
Emergency numbers
108 (ambulance), 100 (police), 101 (fire)
Practical
Mobile network
All the main networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL) work in town. Signal is weak or absent at many sightseeing spots, and Wi-Fi is patchy in estates in deep valleys.
ATMs and cash
ATMs are found only in the town centres such as Madikeri, so carry enough cash for the day.
Fuel
There are several petrol pumps in and around town. Fill up in Madikeri or Kushalnagar before heading to remote sights.
Medical
Hospitals are easy to find across the city. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states. Madikeri is the district headquarters. Call 108 for an ambulance.
Town sights such as Raja's Seat and the fort are easy. The jeep ride to Mandalpatti is rough, and Abbey Falls involves a walk down to the viewing bridge.
Children
Children usually enjoy the toy train at Raja's Seat and the elephant camp at Dubare. Winding roads can cause motion sickness.
Wheelchair users
Expect steps and uneven paths at the waterfall, the viewpoint trails and the Dubare boat crossing.
Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
Culture and responsible travel
Dress modestly at temples and the monastery, with shoulders and knees covered.
Coffee estates are private working farms; walk in them only with your host or on a guided tour.
Booking a homestay directly with the owner is common, and some give a small discount for it.
Check whether meals are included in the room rate before you book.
What to pack
Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
Walking shoes with a good grip, a small daypack and a refillable water bottle
Clothes in earthy colours, a cap and binoculars for safaris
Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts
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