COORG

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Coorg is known as the "Coffee Cup of India" and the "Scotland of India". It's famous for its coffee plantations, spice plantations, rolling hills, valleys, forests, and streams. 

• Winter (October to March): The best time to visit Coorg is during the winter months when the weather is cool and pleasant. This is ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the coffee estates.
• Monsoon (June to September): While the monsoon season brings lush greenery, it can also lead to heavy rainfall, which might disrupt travel plans. If you enjoy the monsoon atmosphere and don’t mind getting wet, this season offers a serene experience.
• Summer (April to June): Summer is warmer, but the temperatures in Coorg remain relatively mild, making it a good option if you want to escape the heat of the plains.

Coorg is home to the Kodavas, a proud race of people known for their hospitality and bravery. The Coorg Regiment in the Indian Army is one of the most decorated in the country. 

Coorg is Karnataka's smallest district, located halfway between Mangalore and Mysore. 

Coffee is the primary crop of Coorg.
 

Reaching Coorg (also known as Kodagu), a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is quite straightforward, although it doesn't have its own airport or railway station. Here are the best ways to reach Coorg based on your point of origin and preferences:

1. By Air (Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport or Bengaluru International Airport)

Coorg doesn't have an airport of its own, but the nearest airports are:

Mangalore International Airport (IXE):

Distance from Coorg: Approximately 160 km (about 4-5 hours by road).

Flights: Mangalore Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi.

How to Reach Coorg: From Mangalore, you can hire a taxi or take a private car to Coorg. You can also take a bus or rent a car.

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR):

Distance from Coorg: About 250 km (around 5-6 hours by road).

Flights: Bengaluru International Airport is well-connected to all major cities in India and several international destinations.

How to Reach Coorg: From Bengaluru, you can either take a bus, taxi, or private vehicle to reach Coorg. Several buses are available from Bengaluru to Madikeri, the main town in Coorg.

2. By Train (Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru, Mangalore, Shivamogga)

Coorg doesn't have a direct railway station, but there are several railway stations nearby where you can alight and then travel by road to Coorg.

Mysuru (Mysore) Railway Station:

Distance from Coorg: Approximately 120 km (about 3 hours by road).

Trains: Mysuru is well-connected by trains to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kochi.

How to Reach Coorg: From Mysuru, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Coorg. Alternatively, renting a private vehicle is also a convenient option.

Mangalore Railway Station:

Distance from Coorg: About 160 km (around 4-5 hours by road).

Trains: Mangalore has good connectivity to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai.

How to Reach Coorg: From Mangalore, you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or take a bus to Coorg.

Shivamogga (Shimoga) Railway Station:

Distance from Coorg: About 180 km (around 4-5 hours by road).

Trains: Shivamogga is well-connected to cities like Bengaluru and Hubli.

How to Reach Coorg: You can hire a taxi from Shivamogga to reach Coorg.

3. By Road (Best Option for Scenic Travel)

Coorg is very well-connected by road, and traveling by car or bus is a popular option. The scenic drive through the Western Ghats is one of the highlights of the journey.

From Bengaluru to Coorg:

Distance: About 250 km (approximately 5-6 hours by road).

Route: The most common route from Bengaluru to Coorg is via Mysuru (Mysore). The route passes through picturesque towns like Ramanagaram, Mandya, and Srirangapatna before reaching Madikeri, the district headquarters of Coorg.

Travel Tips: The road from Bengaluru to Coorg is well-maintained, with multiple food and rest stops along the way. You can either take a private taxi, rent a car, or opt for a self-drive car.

From Mangalore to Coorg:

Distance: Around 160 km (approximately 4-5 hours).

Route: This route takes you through Puttur, Sullia, and Kushalnagar before reaching Madikeri in Coorg. This road is scenic and offers views of lush greenery and coffee plantations.

Travel Tips: Mangalore to Coorg is a beautiful drive, and you’ll pass through a mix of hills, forests, and coffee estates.

From Mysuru to Coorg:

Distance: About 120 km (approximately 3 hours).

Route: From Mysuru, you can drive through Hunsur and then reach Madikeri via Kushalnagar.

Travel Tips: The road is good, and you’ll see beautiful landscapes along the way.

Buses to Coorg:

From Bengaluru: There are several KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses running daily from Bengaluru to Madikeri (Coorg). The journey takes about 6-7 hours. You can choose between volvo buses, non-AC buses, or private buses.

From Mysuru: KSRTC also operates buses from Mysuru to Coorg. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.

4. Self-Drive or Rent a Car:

If you prefer more flexibility and want to enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace, renting a self-drive car or hiring a taxi is a great option. This way, you can stop at various scenic spots, take breaks, and explore the region at your own convenience.

 1. Spend a Day with Elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp: 

 Location: Kushalnagar, Coorg District, Nanjarayapatna, Karnataka. 

2. Camping in Coorg

3. Trek to Tadiandamol Peak

4. Barapole River Rafting

5. Enjoy stay at Coffee Plantation Homestay

6. Jeep Safari at Mandalpatti

7. Enjoy Bird Watching at Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Coffee Plantation Tour

9. Enjoy Wildlife Safari at Nagarhole National Park

10.  Visit Madikeri Fort 

Do not carry any plastic bag along as it is strictly prohibited in the proximity. Do not litter anywhere while travelling, it is considered extremely intolerable in Coorg.

Keep enough cash with yourself or try to pre-pay on everything possible as the telephone lines and the mobile networks go down most of the time. Though there are few ATMs and Banks in Madikeri and other towns, it is better to stay on the safer side. 

Carry ample packed food and water along, so that you do not run out of the same anywhere in the midst of a secluded region. There are not many things available around the roadside in Coorg.

Carrying a fog lamp in your vehicle and drive slowly along the road. The visibility becomes difficult after 3 pm in winter due mist all over.