Coorg (Kodagu)

Coorg is a beautiful region about 100 kms from Mysore. It is famous for its coffee plantations and beautiful sights. Madikeri is the main district in Coorg region and the tourism tends to revolve around Madikeri.

The Coorg travel itinerary usually involves going to a Tibetan Monastery at Bylakuppe, visiting Madikeri and then proceeding to Talakaveri (which is the origin of river Kaveri). There are several other places of interest in Coorg which are not frequented by the general tourists.

What to expect at Coorg:

• Coffee estates. Coorg is a region full of coffee estates. There are also several types of spices that are grown here but coffee is main.
• Greenery. In general, Coorg is very rich in flora and fauna.
• Peace and quiet. With a population density of 139 per sq km, and  most of that in the larger towns, all of Coorg feels like its just for yourself. 
• Clouds in the rainy season. You can take a walk in the clouds in some of the higher regions of Coorg (like Talakaveri).
• A distinctly different culture and cuisine. The Coorg cuisine is different from the general Karnataka cuisine.
• Homestays. Coorg has lots of options for homestay and they tend to provide a better window in Coorg's culture than any commercial ventures. Also, the homestays tend to be better located and offer better food (based on Coorg's cuisine but tweaked to suit the tastebuds of people from other places).

Where to stay in Coorg:

• Madikeri town which is where the buzz is. It is also centrally located which makes traveling to various places easier.
• Tibetan monastery at Bylakuppe. Basic accommodation is available here and is suited for those who just want to be in peace without traveling deeper into Coorg or for those who want to get intimate with the Tibetan way-of-life.
• There are also various accommodation options which are scattered all over Coorg. Away from the mainstream places, they offer quiet time with nature (river, hills, animals, waterfalls).

Things to do/see in Coorg:

Nature is the only form of entertainment in Coorg. So, the things to do/see in Coorg revolve all around nature.

• Trekking. There are several places to trek in Coorg. And top of the hill always offers some breathtaking view.
• Watch elephant training at Dubare elephant training camp.
• A walk in the cloud during rainy season.
• In general, enjoy the beauty of nature.

What to watch out for:

• Leech during the rainy season. It's always better to carry some salt when venturing into untrodden or less-trodden paths.

Places around Coorg:

• Mysore is very close to Coorg. In fact that's the main entry path to Coorg.
• Visit Kabini backwaters.
• Kerala is not far away and so is Mangalore