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I have been to Coorg and thought, why not write a blog about Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Coorg? Coorg is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, India. From coffee gardens to age-old temples, there is a lot to explore on those hills!
Top 5 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Coorg
1. Best Time to Visit Coorg –
Winter! I visited during the summer, and while the scenery was breathtaking, the heat was intense! Avoid visiting in the monsoon season, as Coorg is surrounded by dense forests. Landslides and floods may occur during the monsoon season.
Winter, however, is the best time to visit Coorg. The cold breeze, fog, and blooming flowers make it even more wonderful! You can also witness the greenery of forests and coffee plantations in Coorg.
2. Hidden Gems to Explore in Coorg –
Dubare Elephant Camp –
If you absolutely love elephants, then this is going to be your next favorite destination. You can see a herd of elephants playing in the water, wandering around on the green lands, and happily meeting all the visitors. You can need them, play with them, and also click photos with them. They are very photogenic!
Abbey Falls –
Witness the mesmerizing view of waterfalls falling from the sky! (Not literally.) Abbey Falls is 8 km from Madikeri, and these waterfalls are surrounded by coffee and cardamom estates.
Coffee Plantation in Coorg –
Let me tell you about the backstory first. Once upon a time, the British ruled India. They fell in love with the pleasing weather of Coorg. They found out that the weather and soil of Coorg were perfect for coffee plantations. So, they bought some coffee seeds and started coffee plantations. When India gained independence, the servants of those British landlords received the lands and became coffee plantation owners! Isn’t that awesome?
There are multiple beautiful coffee plantations in Coorg, and all of them have a wide variety of coffee and other herbs. You can also get the best plant-based wine in Coorg.
Temples in Coorg –
Coorg has a rich cultural history. There are many beautiful temples in Coorg that you cannot miss out on. Omkareshwara, the Shiva temple, takes you back to the beautiful era of kings and their realm. Talakaveri is a temple on the top of one of the tallest hills in Coorg. If you wish to experience being in the clouds, go to Talakaveri. Bhagavan Sri Iggutappa Temple is another calm and peaceful place. Also, add Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple and Golden Temple to your list.
3. Where to Eat Authentic Coorg Cuisine –
When it comes to food, I believe in tasting authentic regional food. What’s the point if you go to Karnataka’s coastal + hill station region and do not taste their authentic Coorg food? Coorg Cuisine (that’s the name!), Thaliya, Capitol Village, and The East End Hotel are some of the best places to eat authentic Coorg and Mangaluru food. These are all family-friendly places to eat in Coorg.
Since I am giving travel tips for first-time visitors to Coorg, let me also tell you what the most popular and authentic Coorg cuisine is. Pandi Curry (Pork Curry), Koli Curry (Chicken Curry), Kadambuttu (Rice dumplings), Akki Otti (Rice Roti), Nuuputtu, Baimbale Curry (Bamboo Shoot Curry), and Kaad Mange Curry (Wild Mango Curry). So, if you are wondering what to eat in Coorg, then these are the dishes you must try. Since Coorg is near Mangaluru, you can also try Mangaluru Buns (Sweet & Namkeen Banana Puri) and some seafood.
4. Adventure Activities in Coorg –
River Rafting in Coorg –
How about some river rafting in Coorg? Barapole River rafting offers 360° scenic surroundings. River rafting in Coorg is safe and popular amongst tourists. Even the path toward river rafting is stunning and surrounded by greenery.
Trekking in Coorg –
If you are a trekking enthusiast, then these places are perfect for trekking in Coorg. 37 km from Madikeri, Chelavara Falls is one of the famous trekking destinations in Coorg. Almost 57 km from Madikeri, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is another amazing place for trekking in Coorg. As the name suggests, you can also experience the serene beauty of the wildlife of Coorg.
Camping in Coorg –
If you love lying down under the open sky and staring at those beautiful stars, then these camping places in Coorg are for you. Nalaknad Palace, Chelavara Falls, Coffee Hills Camping, and Gonikoppal are some popular camping destinations in Coorg.
5. Top Things to Consider While Traveling to Coorg –
As much as I loved Coorg, I also realized my lack of preparation for a hill station. In this part, I am going to share some tips that you must know before going to Coorg.
Carry Medicines for Motion Sickness –
The first thing I want to share is that Coorg has some crazy turns! If you hire a local driver as we did, you must know that they are used to the curvy roads and they drive really fast! If you have motion sickness when you travel on curvy roads, then do carry medicines or desi solutions like Aamla candy or cloves.
Winter Is Coming –
Carry warm clothes. If you have dry skin, then carry moisturizer as well. It is too cold in Coorg. Though the breeze feels soothing, applying moisturizer and wearing warm clothes is recommended.
Do Not Listen to Local Guides of Coorg –
For food or any other tourist place recommendation, do not listen to local guides. Coorg indeed has beautiful places, but some places are not worth spending an entire day at! There are many interesting things you can do in Coorg, as mentioned above, instead of just walking around in parks. For food, do your homework and check Google reviews.
Accommodation in Coorg –
Being a tourist place, Coorg has umpteen accommodation options. Make sure you select a good one. Try to book a hotel or Zostel that is close to nature; maybe in a coffee plantation or near a forest. In this way, you can enjoy leisure time in your hotel as well. We had booked Zostel Coorg, Madikeri, and it was beautiful! Abode in a jungle, the Zostel had much to explore: jungle, unique plants, unique flowers, tree house, good food, and some friendly pet dogs!
Final Words –
Coorg is home to many adventures and natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to Coorg, these above are the things you must know about Coorg. Also, if time permits, visit Mangaluru. It is a coastal city with beautiful nature, beautiful food, and beautiful people. Hope you have a great journey and an awesome experience. Happy traveling! If you want an experienced team to plan your Coorg trip, then ping us!
