Coorg from Bangalore: Your Weekend Escape to Scotland of India

Coorg or Kodagu is the most romantic tourist spot in Karnataka state in south India. Located deep amidst the Western Ghats, it is a hill station officially known as the "Scotland of India" due to its rolling hills, coffee gardens, and rain-soaked landscape. Renowned for its scenic beauty, salubrious climate, and historical significance, Coorg is a travel destination longed for by nature enthusiasts, sportsmen, and privacy seekers. Coorg is the country of the Kodavas, a people renowned for culture, customs, and hospitality. Winding with dense foliage, waterfall-decked hills, beautiful trekking trails, and aromatic coffee plantations, Coorg is the taste of indulgence and adventure in equal measure. The destination is also renowned for wildlife, as the different sanctuaries and parks provide shelter to different plants and animals.

Adventure Activities in Coorg

Located in the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg (Kodagu) is an adventurer's paradise. Known for coffee estates, misty hills, and dense biodiversity, the destination has a lot to present in terms of adventure activities for adventurous travellers. A trekker, water sports enthusiast, or a nature camping addict, the Coorg tour has something or other for everyone. A detailed account of the best adventure activities of Coorg is as below:

Trekking in Coorg

Coorg trekking is the best with its greeneries, trails, greeneries, and viewpoints. The destination has multiple trekking points of different difficulties, so they are best for beginners as well as for professionals.

• Tadiandamol Trek

  Coorg's highest and Karnataka's third highest point, Tadiandamol stands at an elevation of 1,748 meters above mean sea level. This trek is a nature lover's dream with stunning landscapes of valley mists and undulating hills. The trek goes through thick monsoon forests, thundering brooks, and grassland and is thus a scenic but strenuous experience. October to March is the best time for trekking when the weather is clear and cold. Brahmagiri Trek

• Brahmagiri Hill

  Situated near Nagarhole National Park, is a perfect experience for trekking and sighting diverse fauna. The 10-kilometre hike is a forest trek through dense forests, river streams, and open meadows to the summit of Brahmagiri where one has a glimpse of the Western Ghats. The trek has an easy as well as challenging trail and the best time for trekking would be during the post-monsoon months when the landscape will be lush green. Nishani Motte Trek A off-the-beaten-path trekking route,

• Nishani Motte

  Coorg's hidden gem. The trek starts at TalaCauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and passes through coffee plantations, dense forests, and rugged ridges, offering an exciting adventure for the trekkers. The last phase is a steep climb, but the payoff is a breathtaking view of the hill and valley around. This trip can be undertaken by the adventurous, who do not like the tourist crowd and seek silence and peace from them.

River Rafting at Barapole

White water rafting at River Barapole is a tour not to be missed by adventure seekers. The river takes its origin in the Brahmagiri hills and consists of grade II to IV rapids and is one of the most difficult places for rafting in South India. The rafting stretch is 4 kilometres long with strong currents and steep rapids challenging the skill and endurance of adventure seekers. River Barapole rafting can only be attempted during post-monsoons and monsoons of July to October when it will be in a high water state with the best rapids condition. 

Jeep Safari & Wildlife Sightings

Coorg has some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and hence it is a paradise for nature lovers. Jeep safari in these bio-diverse locations is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of rare flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Dubare Elephant Camp

High up over the waters of the Cauvery River is the Dubare Elephant Camp, a strange traveller destination where the elephant's just being present in natural surroundings provides viewing thrills. Jeep ride to campsites is done through thick jungles, with a possible peep into seeing elephants bathe, graze, and about them in their natural habitat. Reach provides the nearness of loving mammoths from such close range.

Camping & Bonfire Experiences

For all those fed up with the city people and sounds, camping in Coorg provides one with the peace away from civilization that one needs. Even the simple fact of being able to spend a night under the open arms of the sky, surrounded by uninterrupted forests, and cradled in tranquillity is enchanting.

Riverside Camping

Camping near the Barapole River or Cauvery River is perfect for adventure and relaxation. Bird songs and twirling leaves as the river streamflow is the serene ambience. Fishing, coracle rides, and kayaking are activities provided by all the camps with the inclusion of the theme of adventure.

Coffee Plantation Camping

Coorg is renowned for its huge coffee plantations, and camping in these lovely plantations is something one will always remember. Waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, walking around the plantations, and enjoying sitting in the warmth of a campfire amidst the starry night sky is something one would never want to miss.

Nearby Places in Coorg

There are some mythical places somewhere near Coorg which add grandeur to travel activity. From wilderness and adventure, wildlife to meditation retreats, if you're looking for something of these genres, see below a few of the best tourist places near Coorg, which you should not miss:

1. Nagarhole National Park (90 km): Heaven for nature enthusiasts, Nagarhole National Park has tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds. Jeep safari and boat cruising is a thrilling experience with nature.

2. Dubare Elephant Camp (30 km): Located on the river bank of the Cauvery River, Dubare Elephant Camp is a chance to get close to elephants, watch feeding time, and even take a ride on these giants.

3. Talacauvery & Bhagamandala (45 km): Cauvery River originates at Talakaveri, a location in the Brahmagiri Hills. Close by is Bhagamandala, a pilgrim centre and a meeting point of three rivers and thus a holy place.

4. Iruppu Falls (75 km): Sight of a fall stretching across its state boundary along Karnataka and Kerala, Iruppu Falls is holy as well as a wonder of nature. Enjoy the drive to the falls through dense forests.

5. Mandalpatti Viewpoint (20 km): Mandalpatti, one of the most picturesque spots of Coorg, provides a broad view of the Western Ghats. One gets there on a trek or jeep safari.

6. Wayanad, Kerala (100 km): Wayanad, a three-hour drive from Coorg, has dense forests, waterfalls, caves, and wildlife reserves. What to see are Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Soochipara Falls.

7. Chiklihole Reservoir (24 km): Less crowded but a serene destination to be, Chiklihole Reservoir is the perfect spot for a serene retreat, in nature and with wonderful sunset views.

8. Mysore (115 km): Culture and history seekers would be happy to visit Mysore. The Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, and St. Philomena's Church are all a perfect day out to have from Coorg.

9. Bisle Ghat (60 km): A paradise for nature enthusiasts, Bisle Ghat Viewpoint provides some of Western Ghats' best-looking landscapes with fog-shrouded valleys and untouched forests.

Local Food & Culinary Experience in Coorg

• Pandi Curry (Pork Curry): One of the most popular dishes of Coorgi food, Pandi Curry is a rich pork curry with a smoky taste due to the introduction of pungent spices and Kachampuli, a native souring agent. It is a smoky long-lasting meal and therefore a favourite among locals, as well, apart from tourists. Akki Roti or Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) is eaten along with, and because of its sheer tartness and pungency, it is one of the essentials in Coorg.

• Akki Roti (Rice Roti): Akki Roti made of rice flour is a staple day-to-day item among the people of Coorg. It is also distinct from other' Indians' wheat-rolled rotis in that Akki Roti is soft and crumbly to the mouth, typically flavoured with onions, green chillies, and cumin seeds. Akki Roti is served with Pandi Curry or any spicy curry so much so that it's part of Coorg cuisine.

• Bamboo Shoot Curry: An off-season dish that lasts only a few months, Karnataka Bamboo Shoot Curry is savoured as one of the vegetarian delicacies of Coorg. The bamboo shoots are boiled to remove their bitterness and then steamed along with mustard seeds, coconut, and a mix of spices. Slightly sour and earthy in taste, the final product has to be consumed hot with steaming hot rice.

• Kadambuttu (Steamed Rice Balls): Kadambuttu are light, fluffy rice balls served with vegetable and non-vegetable curries. A light, subtle side dish that soaks up rich gravies and contributes a general richness to the meal.

• Noolputtu (Rice Noodles): Or, String Hoppers, Noolputtu is a thin, filmy rice flour preparation. Noolputtu is served with Coorgi chicken or pork curry and is the native folk's breakfast dish.

• Koli Curry (Coorgi Chicken Curry): Koli Curry or Coorgi Chicken Curry is among the favourite dishes that suit the taste of the strong flavour of the region. The curry is a mixture of different spices and finished with coconut milk, which suits Noolputtu or Kadambuttu best.

How to Reach

By Road (Most Convenient)

• Coorg is easily accessible by road from other Karnataka and neighbouring state's major cities.

• From Bangalore: ~265 km (6-7 hours by bus or car)

• From Mysore: ~110 km (3-4 hours)

• From Mangalore: ~140 km (4-5 hours)

• Drive your car (sightseeing routes)

• Take a hired cab

• Take a KSRTC or private bus to Madikeri, Virajpet, or Kushalnagar (Coorg's major towns)

By Train

• There isn't any railway station in Coorg. The nearest major railway stations are:

• Mysore Junction (110 km)

• Kannur (120 km)

• Mangalore (140 km)

• You have to travel either by taxi or bus from the railway station to Coorg.

 By Airport

• The nearest airports are:

• Kannur International Airport (90 km)

•  Mangalore International Airport (140 km)

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (285 km)

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring Coorg trip from Bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator

escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides

Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries

Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else

With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Coorg that not many get to encounter.