7 Best things to do in Coorg: The 'Scotland of India'

Coorg, officially called Kodagu, is Karnataka's most sought-after and famous hill station. Lying serenely amidst a high mountain landscape, Coorg stays misty throughout the year. Being one of the largest producers of coffee, it is famous for its exciting coffee tours and pleasant climate. The temperature in the western Ghats is not extreme; the cool breeze refreshes the mood. In Coorg, one can enjoy miles of greenery, thick forests, acres of coffee estates and shimmering streams. It is also famous for its homemade wine, spices and chocolates. Everyone who visits should try these three things in Coorg.

Do you need more reasons to check the Scotland of India? Here are 7 best things to do in Coorg -
 

1. Witness the coffee-making process 

Want to catch up with friends? Want to ask your crush out on a date? Take a coffee plantation walk in Coorg. Even business meetings happen over coffee these days. An elixir to cope with modern life, it is only fair that when you visit the highest producer of coffee in India, you walk through the aromatic coffee plantations.

Find a vast expanse of coffee plantations and try one of the most popular things to do in Coorg - take a guided tour of these plantations. While taking a coffee plantation walk in Coorg you will get an elaborate understanding of how coffee beans are cultivated and taken care of and the processes they undergo before reaching your homes. Walking through the greenery is indeed an enriching and soothing experience. You can even be a part of the coffee-tasting sessions.  

Bean by bean, brewing magic

2. Try white-water river rafting on the Barapole river

Coorg is about more than just long, peaceful walks and relaxing stays. You can taste the thrill through numerous fun activities, too. Try rafting in Coorg on the Barapole River, one of the most adventurous activities you can try on your trip to Coorg. You do not need prior experience or expertise to try this. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 60 with adequate health can opt for it.

The landscape surrounding the river is not just breathtaking but also offers a variety of thrilling activities. The 3-hour rafting journey, covering approximately 3-4 km, is interspersed with calm patches for you to catch your breath. But rafting in Coorg is not the only adventurous activity here. Coorg also offers water rappelling, rock climbing, off-road jeep driving, and more. It's a place where you can experience a different kind of peace, being in nature while constantly being challenged at every turn.  

Adrenaline rush | Credits: Getty Images

3. Try out local cuisine

Who doesn’t like food? Trying out local cuisine would be one of the best things to do in Coorg. Being the coffee capital of India, make sure you try out the many unique flavours of coffee. These are a few suggestions from our side that are a must-try, Kadambuttu is a rice dish and a popular one among the local cuisines. Usually served with Pandi curry, it is super yummy. For all the noodle lovers, Noolputtu is a desi version of noodles made from steamed rice. Pair it with Keema curry or Bellath neer. One of Coorg's most famous street foods is Kuleputtu, prepared from the sweet, juicy pulp extracted from the banana leaves. Keep this list handy so you can gorge on these mouth-watering delicacies in Coorg. 

Noolputtu | Credits: Adobe Stock

4. Immerse yourself in Coorg's culture

Coorg has the most unexpected mix of cultures that is enriching to its core. Not known to many, it is home to the second-biggest Tibetan Monastery with the largest Tibetan settlement in South India. Visit Namdroling Monastery (also popularly known as the Golden Temple) and immerse yourself in the beauty and grandiosity of its architecture. When here, experience a deep sense of tranquillity within. The humongous structures of Lord Buddha, Lord Padmasambhava and Lord Amitayus are present at the Namdroling Monastery. You can try delicious Tibetan delicacies like Thukpa, and Dim sums around the Monastery.

Madikeri Fort, a testament to the rich history of Coorg, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The fort houses a palace, the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Ganapathi temple, a church, and a museum, each adding a unique chapter to its history. The museum is home to a fascinating collection of rare artefacts and weapons, offering a glimpse into the past.  

Majestic golden temple of Namdroling monastery | Credits: hegdetravelphotos.com

5. Go on a shopping spree 

It is a saying that when you go shopping at Coorg you will take back a lot of coffee from Coorg when you return. Do you know what else you can and must buy from Coorg? Though famous for coffee, Coorg also produces many natural products and spices. Take a trip to the famous Kushal Nagar Market to buy spices like cardamom, pepper, cumin, mint, oregano, bay leaves, sage, thyme, etc.

When you come shopping at Coorg you can also buy a range of Ayurvedic oils and dry fruits here. There is also a Tibetan flea market that you can explore for Tibetan artefacts, warm winter wear, aesthetic home décor, etc. You can easily shop here even if you are on a budget. Incidentally, Coorg's handmade chocolates are worth a shot. A treasure for souvenirs, make sure you have extra bags to load all your shopping adventures into.  

Treasure hunt in Coorg's shops | Credits: Getty Images

6. Get mesmerised by cascading falls 

Coorg is a destination surrounded by nature and its tremendously pleasant beauty. With an abundance of greenery, it also has stunning and picture-perfect waterfalls that you should not miss. Surrounded by the coffee plantations is the famous Abbey Falls of Coorg. Take a dip or click pictures for your Instagram, it is going to steal your heart.

There is one more waterfall just as exquisite as Abbey Falls, the great Iruppu Falls. There is a Shiva temple in the vicinity, which is believed to have a mythological significance. Visit it and you will come back with a great story for sure. With just a little bit of hiking, you can explore various spots with enthralling views. One of them is Raja’s Seat. Don’t miss this lesser-known spot as you will get a chance to enjoy the heavenly sunset from this location. 

The refreshing mist of the falls | Credits: Getty Images

7. Bathe with Elephants

Oh no, we are not kidding! We're talking about one of the most unique things to do when in Coorg. You can actually give a bath or even feed the elephants at this unique location in Coorg. Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Dubare elephant camp coorg is a treat for animal lovers. The best part of this place is that the elephants here are not caged but instead roam about freely within the open spaces dedicated to them.

Run by the forest department, it is one of the main attractions in Coorg. The elephants here don't just wander aimlessly but are trained by the naturalists or the Mahouts. A visit to this camp is not only interesting but also educational. By visiting Dubare elephant camp coorg understand the different species of elephants, their habits and their lives. Apart from this, one can also enjoy activities like camping, trekking and jungle safaris where animals like tigers, deer, and different species of birds can be spotted.  

 In the presence of such a majestic creature | Credits: Getty Images

Conclusion

We hope your questions of ‘Which are the best things to do in Coorg?’ have been answered. Coorg, the Scotland of India, offers lush landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. From peaceful walks in coffee plantations to trying out fun activities like bathing with elephants, trekking with friends and many more activities to explore in Coorg. Even though there are so many things to do in Coorg, a coffee plantation visit remains the highlight of all. So be sure to experience the beauty of the coffee plantation.

If you’ve made up your mind to visit Coorg, check out The Hosteller Coorg, Madikeri and The Hosteller Coorg, Rain forest Madikeri, budget-friendly stay options for travellers. Located in the heart of the ‘Scotland of India,’ The Hosteller Coorg Rainforest Madikeri makes exploring the region’s natural beauty easy, providing a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing and adventuring. Even The Hosteller Coorg, Madikeri is surrounded by the enigmatic aroma of coffee estates. Located about a 2-hour drive away from the Mysore Hassan Railway Station, our hostel in Coorg is itself a paradise amidst the breathtaking beauty of the city. So pack your bags and embark on the Coorg adventure today! 

The Hosteller Coorg Rainforest, Madikeri