If you’re one of those with an insatiable wanderlust, you certainly understand the eagerness to go on a trip once the nationwide lockdown ends. And when talking about trips, nothing can beat the thrill of traveling by road, right? So why not add a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg in your post-lockdown bucket list. As you finally leave your home after months and start winding your way towards this popular hill station in the South, scenic vistas en route will soothe your eyes and your weary soul. Here are the details of traveling from Bangalore to Coorg by road that you need to know before you put the pedal to the metal and get going!
Coorg: The Emerald Landscape
Coorg: The Emerald Landscape
Imagine waking up to the aroma of coffee and spices wafting through the misty air even as the sun rises lazily to spread its light….that’s Coorg, the land of Kodavas, in all its elemental essence! Officially known as Kodagu, Coorg is a scenic hill station in Karnataka blessed with nature’s abundance. The place is known for its verdant coffee plantations, aromatic spice gardens, cool climate, wild streams, gorgeous waterfalls, lofty hills, and rolling valleys, all of which have earned it the title ‘the Scotland of India’.
Apart from these rich natural assets, Coorg is also a cultural treasure trove and an explorer’s delight with plenty of sightseeing and trekking options. Another key feature of the region is its numerous homestays where you can put your feet up and enjoy some of the fine flavors of the Kodava cuisine, such as pandi curry (pork curry), akki roti, and kadambattu (rice balls). Madikeri is the headquarters of Coorg and the central hub of activities.
Want to explore some other hill station near the Garden City? Check out our blog on the top 33 hill stations near Bangalore that will relax and refresh your soul.
How to Reach Coorg From Bangalore by Road
Located in the pristine Western Ghats, Coorg lies at a distance of about 245 km from Bangalore. Since the roads to Coorg are well-maintained, traveling from Bangalore to Coorg by car or bike can be a pleasant experience. The best part is that you will be able to stop at will and enjoy the natural delights on the route. There is more than one route that you can take to reach Coorg. You need about 6 hours to cover the distance, but depending on the route you select, the traffic, and the speed of the car, your travel time can vary.
Popular Routes from Bangalore to Coorg
Popular Routes from Bangalore to Coorg
The best thing about taking a road trip is that you can soak in the beauty of the route and also explore the places that fall on the way. There are three popular routes that you can take to travel from Bangalore to Coorg by road, each with its own attractions. Outlined below are the details of each route:
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Route 1: The Kushalnagar Route
Here, you will be taking the Mysore-Madikeri Highway to reach your destination. You will start from Bangalore and pass through Ramanagara, Madya, Kushalnagar, Madikeri, and finally reach Coorg, in about 6 hours. Do not forget to check out a few of the tourist attractions dotting this route, such as the Bhagamandala Temple, Abbi Falls, and the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery. You can also make a stopover at the Dubare Elephant Camp.
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Route 2: The Channarayapatna Route
Your Coorg trip from Bangalore by car in this route will take about 7 hours. Starting at Bangalore, the route traces Channarayapatna, Hassan, and Sakleshpur before you reach Coorg. Among the tourist highlights on this route are Chennakesava Temple, Manjarabad Fort, Bisle Ghat, and Belur and Halebeedu. You can also explore the beauty of the Mallalli Falls, one of the enchanting waterfalls near Bangalore.
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Route 3: The Nagarhole Route
Your Coorg trip from Bangalore in this route will also take about 7 hours. Here, you will reach Coorg via Ramanagara, Mandya, Nagarhole, and Gonikoppal. This is the perfect route for anyone who wants to enjoy nature’s beauty while on the road. The Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve and the Nisargadhama Forest are the two places to visit on this route to Coorg from Bangalore.
Places to Visit in Coorg
Places to Visit in Coorg
Coorg counts among the most popular weekend getaways near Bangalore and for a good reason. The place has a number of attractions – from forts and temples to waterfalls, palaces, and plantations – which you can cover in a 2 days trip to Coorg from Bangalore. Here’s a list of them.
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Madikeri Fort
Dating back to the 17th century, the Madikeri Fort or Mercara Fort stands as a testament to Coorg’s stormy history. The iconic structure is among the many forts that were constructed or rebuilt by Tipu Sultan. This historical structure now houses the Madikeri Fort Museum that displays a wealth of weaponry and other artifacts.
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Nalknad Palace
Nalknad Palace was the last residence of the King of Kodagu, Chikka Veerarajendra before the colonial rulers deposed him. Located near the Yavakapadi village, the palace boasts of an exceptional mantapa present in the center. It is believed that the palace has an underground tunnel that connects it to Madikeri.
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Raja’s Seat
One of the top tourist hotspots of Coorg, Raja’s Seat is an enchanting seasonal garden that boasts of lovely fountains. But it is the panoramic vistas and the majestic sunrises and sunsets seen from this vantage position that makes it so popular among tourists.
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Chelvara Falls
This natural waterfall, which is formed by a small stream, is also known as Embepare Falls and is about 40 km from Madikeri. Located inside a forested area, Chelvara Falls presents a gorgeous picture of white water rushing down against a backdrop of greenery. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the monsoon season.
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Bhagandeshwara Temple
Considered to be more than 1000 years old, the Bhagandeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana, Lord Bhagandeshwara, and Lord Subramanya. It stands at the confluence of three rivers, namely- Cauvery, Kannike, and Sujyothi, and attracts visitors due to this very reason.
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Mandalpatti
Mandalpatti is a hilltop and a popular tourist spot that abounds in natural beauty. Since it is located at a height of 1600 m, the place provides fascinating views of the sunrise and sunset as well as the surrounding areas.
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Harangi Dam
Harangi Dam is a reservoir serving the Harangi River, a tributary of River Kaveri. It is a masonry dam that presents a wonderful sight to behold. During the monsoon season, the beauty of the dam enhances by many folds. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
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Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. It is revered as one of the 12 sacred jyotirlinga temples of Shiva. The temple is located on an island called Shivapuri in the Narmada River and presents a lovely picture of architectural beauty and serenity.
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Chettalli
A lesser-known beauty in Coorg, Chettalli is a quaint village that is laden with nature’s bounty. Green-carpeted valleys, mighty hills, misty environment, and cool climate, all come together here to create an enchanting picture. It is the ideal place to experience Mother Nature in all her glory and exquisiteness.
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Irupu Falls
Irupu Falls is a lovely fresh water cascade that is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. Legend has it that this was the very spot where Lakshman had shot an arrow and drew water for Lord Rama to drink, and hence the name. The captivating beauty of this cascade draws tourists to it in large numbers.
Things to Do in Coorg
Things to Do in Coorg
Coorg is a treasure trove of experiences, making it a dream destination for adventure chasers and serenity seekers alike. Take a look at some of the activities that you can enjoy in Coorg.
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Trekking to Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol takes pride in being the highest peak in the Kodagu region. Situated at an altitude of about 5735 feet, the mighty peak offers itself as a fantastic trekking destination. A trek to the peak will take you around 4 hours but is worth every moment of it. Besides this, there are many other trekking trails in the region which you can explore.
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Rafting in the Barapole River
Barapole River is famous as whitewater rafting destination in Coorg. The turbulent waters of the river ensure a thrilling experience for rafting enthusiasts of all levels. It takes around 3 hours to complete the total rafting session that is of about 4 km.
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Exploring coffee plantations
Coorg boasts of being the largest coffee producer in the country and is dotted with a number of coffee plantations. It can be a delightful experience to walk through a coffee estate and learn more about how this beverage transforms from mere beans to the world’s favorite drink.
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Relishing local cuisine
The local cuisine of Coorg is different from that of the rest of Karnataka. So do not miss out on exploring a few authentic local delicacies while you here. Do not leave the house without trying the Kodava pork curry made using aromatic spices (locally called Pandi Curry) and rice balls (called kadambattu).
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Camping under the open sky
Spending a night under a clear sky twinkling with millions of stars is something that can remain etched in your memory forever. Coorg is the best place for camping, thanks to its unpolluted atmosphere and an all-encompassing serenity. You can simply lie down on a bed of grass and let nature lull you to sleep.
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Angling in the lakes and rivers
Various lakes and rivers of Coorg are rich in aquatic life and make for great spots to try your angling skills. The best time for the activity is during the monsoon season or post monsoon when the water level is high in most of these water bodies.
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Kayaking in the river water
Kayaking is one of those outdoor adventures that you can enjoy and experience during your sojourn in Coorg. Whether you are a novice or an experienced adventure-enthusiast, you can always have a great time while indulging in this activity in the waters of the Kaveri River in Coorg.
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Bird watching
Coorg is a nature lover’s delight. Situated in the lap of the Western Ghats, the region is home to a number of exotic species of birds. If you love watching birds, you are sure to have a great time spotting various species of the avian population flying about or perched on the trees.
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Riding elephants
Playing with the gentle giants of the jungle is something that you can’t experience in a busy city life. Head over to the Dubare Elephant Camp if you want to play and spend time with the elephants. You can bathe, feed, and even ride these animals.
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Photographing nature
Coorg presents incredible photo shoot opportunities at every turn. If you are a shutterbug, you will be spoilt for choice, as far as capturing panoramic vistas is concerned.
Best Time to Visit Coorg
Coorg is one of those tourist destinations where you can head to all year round. But the hill station remains at the mercy of heavy rainfall from June to September. Well, this season has its own appeal too. Rains bring the waterfalls in and around Coorg alive, turning them into a spectacular sight. However, during the monsoons, you may not be able to enjoy outdoor activities due to the rains. If you want to explore Coorg minus the rains, October to May is the ideal time to plan your visit. Looks like the timing would be just right to visit the place by the time this crisis is over!
Fab Tips
All set to hit the road? Before you head off, take our two cents on the dos and don’ts of taking a trip from Bangalore to Coorg.
- If you go for trekking or exploring the waterfalls, keep an eye out for leeches, especially during the night and right after the monsoons.
- While going out for treks, do not forget to carry along enough water to remain hydrated.
- Carry your trekking essentials if you plan for an overnight trek or camping out. For instance, a torch, light food, protein bars, sleeping bag, and water are among the must-carry items.
- Include a good pair of trekking shoes in your luggage, especially during the monsoon season. This is the time when the ground gets really slippery and so, you must remain prepared from your end.
- Always keep a map handy when you are on your own and out exploring any unknown territory.
- Nights in Coorg can be chilly. So, carry along a light jacket to keep yourself warm after sundown.
- If you have kids accompanying you on the trip, make sure to carry appropriate clothes for them, based on the season when you are visiting the hill station.
- And obviously, follow all the COVID-19-related guidelines including hygienic practices and social distancing.
A road trip from Bangalore to Coorg is an exciting adventure filled with thrills at every turn. You never know what new treasures and pleasures you may discover on the way. So, be ready to make the most of your quest and journey.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Karnataka
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