Hill district of coffee and spice plantations, with Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.
Kodagu is a hill district of forests, coffee, cardamom and pepper, and Madikeri is its main town. Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat are the usual sights; the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe has the Namdroling monastery with its golden temple. Dubare elephant camp on the Cauvery offers early-morning visits. Kodava cuisine, with pandi curry, is a local highlight. Because of the distance this is a weekend trip. Monsoon landslides have closed roads in recent years.
| Distance | About 250 km west of Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 5.5-6.5 hours each way by road; an overnight stay is advised |
| Getting there | Mode: Bus or car; Detail: KSRTC and private overnight coaches from Majestic; no railway in Kodagu; nearest station is Mysuru |
| Cost | Homestays and resorts range from ₹3,000-12,000 (approx $31-125 USD) per night |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Madikeri, Kodagu, Karnataka 571201, India |
How to get there
- Bus: KSRTC and private coaches from Majestic to Madikeri, ₹500-1,300 (approx $5.21-14 USD)
- Car with driver: about ₹7,500-12,000 (approx $78-125 USD) for a two-day round trip
- Train plus road: rail to Mysuru, then a 120 km road transfer
- Organised tour: plantation stays and Abbey Falls packages
Location
Madikeri, Kodagu, Karnataka 571201, India
12.4244, 75.7382 View on map
Highlights
- Abbey Falls
- Raja's Seat
- Namdroling monastery, Bylakuppe
- Dubare elephant camp
- Coffee estate stays
Tips for visiting
- Plan at least one night
- Check road status during monsoon
- Book homestays early for weekends
When to visit
October to March.
Frequently asked questions
Can Coorg be done in a day?
It is too far for a comfortable day trip; a two-day trip is best.
Is there a train to Coorg?
No, the nearest station is Mysuru.