At a time when almost every place you go to has strong WiFi, is it any more possible to disconnect and unplug? Perhaps in a place like Coorg. That is not to suggest that the South Indian hill town doesn’t get phone signals or an internet connection, but the connection with nature is far stronger here. Famed for its spices, coffee plantations, and for being the residence of Kodavu ethnic warriors, Kodagu or Coorg makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Bengaluru. By Shubhanjana Das
When driving from Bengaluru, the change in landscape from concrete towers to the emerald hills of Coorg is breathtaking. The Mysore-Madikeri highway is the best and the most scenic route to Coorg, with stopovers that range from an ancient monastery to an enchanting waterfall.
On your way back, take the Nagarhole route to visit the Nagarhole Forest and Tiger Reserve.
1. Mandya
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The first stop after you leave the city behind, the small region in and around Mandya is studded with temples, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. The Krishna Sagar Dam, Kokrebellur Bird Sanctuary, Thonnur Lake and the Barachukki and Gaganchukki Falls are where you must stop if you are in a hurry. In case you have more time in hand, we suggest you check out Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan Museum and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary as well.
Total distance – 99.3 km from Bengaluru
Duration of the road trip – 2 h approx.
Best time to visit – November to March
Things to keep in mind – You can choose to make a pitstop at Ramnagar on the way to Mandya, the rocky village where Sholay was shot.
Where to stay – Nikhara Garden Mandya
Where to stop and eat – Maddur vada at any roadside eatery, Kadambam Iyengar Restaurant.
2. Namdroling Tibetan Monastery
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The largest Buddhist settlement in South India, the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery in the village of Bylakuppe is a must-visit on the way to Coorg. It is home to about 3,000 monks and is a sanctuary of quiet and spirituality. You can spend hours simply sitting in silence and observing the many artworks on its walls. With prior booking, one can even stay at the monastery as a guest.
Total distance – 120 km from Mandya
Duration of the road trip – 2 h 40 m approx.
Best time to visit – June to March
Things to keep in mind – The monastery is open from 07:00 am to 08:00 pm
Where to stay – Bota Royal
Where to stop and eat – Vinayaka Mylari
3. Nisargadhama
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Just a short distance away from the monastery, Nisargadhama is an island formed by the river Kaveri. With 64 km of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees, it is also home to numerous elephants and deers. The Forest Park here can be reached only via a hanging rope bridge, after which you will be enveloped by its intense greenery and the shallow river that can be crossed by foot.
Total distance – Eight kilometres from Namdroling Monastery
Duration of the road trip – 21 m approx
Best time to visit – October to May
Things to keep in mind – The park is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Where to stay – Forest Resort Accommodation (needs prior booking)
Where to stop and eat – Hotel Crown Grand Family Restaurant
4. Abbey Falls
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The hills, rocks and ravines of Western Ghats give birth to many waterfalls across the Deccan Plateau, and yet, Abbey Falls has to be one of the most breathtaking. Located about 10 km away from Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a gift of the River Kaveri. The 70 ft high waterfall is surrounded by spinach-green hills and coffee and spice plantations.
Total distance – 43 km from Nisargadhama
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 13 m approx.
Best time to visit – July to October
Things to keep in mind – Since the monastery and the falls are located close by, it is best to make a night stay in either place.
Where to stay – Abbydhama Estate Stay
Where to stop and eat – Fern Tree Restaurant
5. Bhagamandala Temple
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Located on the foothills of Talacauvery, the origin of the river Kaveri, and at the confluence of three holy rivers of Kaveri, Kanika and Sujyoti, the Bhagamandala Temple is an excellent and rare example of Karavali (west coast) architecture. The temple is said to be more than 1,000 years old, built during the Chola dynasty. It is dedicated to an avatar of Lord Shiva, Lord Bhangandeshwara and sits at an elevation of 898 metres.
Total distance – 41 km from Abbey falls
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 11 m approx.
Best time to visit – October to April
Things to keep in mind – The temple is open on all days from 06:30 am to 01:30 pm and 03:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Where to stay – Three Hills Coorg
Where to stop and eat – Nellaki
6. Coorg
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Even though Coorg is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ and ‘Kashmir of the South’, you will know that it is unlike any other place as you arrive into the hill town. Lulled by chirping birds, intoxicated by the greenery, its air heavy with the smell of coffee and spices from the plantations — any number of days spent here in Coorg is less. Iruppu Falls, Tadianmol Peak, Raja’s Seat, Chelavara Falls and Nishani Motte are only a few examples where you get to witness why Coorg is compared to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Take a tour of Coorg’s coffee plantations at Misty Wood Retreat, Ama Plantation Trails and Old Kent Estates, and don’t forget to take some back as an ultimate souvenir from the trip.
Total distance – 48 km from Bhagamandala via Madikeri-Bhagamandala road
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 25 m approx.
Best time to visit – October to March
Things to keep in mind – You can also visit the Madikeri Fort, which is just 6.3 km from the falls on the way to Coorg.
Where to stay – Old Kent Estates and Spa Resort
Where to stop and eat – Taste of Coorg
Related: Road Trips From Bengaluru: Explore The Secret Temple Trails Of Karnataka
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