Q: We are a family of four who are going to visit Coorg in August. We need your help as to where to travel and what are the places of interest. Please suggest a suitable itinerary.
Marco Says: I’m not into itineraries (see previous question)! But here’s some info you could use to plan your trip. Coorg is not connected by air. The closest airport is Mangalore (3hr30min); Bengaluru is also an option (5hr30min). Mysore (2hr30min) has the nearest railway station. Coorg itself is not a single town but a district in Karnataka—its correct name is Kodagu. Depending on your preferences and budget, you could simply check into a resort and let them handle all your sightseeing. If budget is not a constraint, Orange County (orangecounty.in), The Tamara (thetamara.com) and Vivanta by Taj (vivanta.tajhotels.com/en-in/madikericoorg) are all popular high-end options (all ₹20k-plus).
For a more immersive experience, opt for a homestay in a Kodava home. Kodavas are famous for their food, warmth and hospitality. Many of these homestays are located on working plantations, perfect if you’re travelling with kids. Here’s a selection from the many homestays that dot the district, most of which offer rooms for ₹4,000-6,000: Gowri Nivas in Madikeri (gowrinivas.com), Woodrose (goseekandhide.com/hills/woodrose), Silver Brook Estate (silverbrookestate.com), Little Jungle Homestay (coorglittlejungle.com). Popular things to do: Madikeri Fort; Talacauvery; the Dubare Elephant Camp (must-do with kids); Namdroling Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe; and a variety of lovely waterfalls, including Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls. A safari in Nagarhole National Park is also highly recommended.