Coorg is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. What began as a quiet escape turned into a journey of scents, mist, silence, and warmth. If you’re planning a Coorg travel guide from Mumbai or looking for the best way to experience this hill-town, this post walks you through my complete journey — how to reach, where to stay, places to visit, and the little moments that made Coorg unforgettable

Why Coorg?

Whether you’re sipping freshly brewed coffee amidst emerald plantations, exploring ancient temples and forts, or simply standing still to watch the clouds drift through cedar-scented air – Coorg offers a kind of stillness that speaks to the soul. It’s not just a place; it’s a pause, a breath, a feeling of home in the wild.

It was the usual summer escape with my family. Shifting our focus from the scenic North to the vibrant South this time, we handpicked few of the most beautiful and largely popular destinations, keeping in line with our tradition. Coorg topped the list for the obvious reason: Its soul-soothing natural beauty, with lush green, misty forests and the rolling coffee estates!

How to reach Coorg from Mumbai

Mumbai to Coorg by Flight (Best Option)

Nearest airport to Coorg is Mangaluru (Mangalore) International Airport (145 Kms). You can also take a flight to Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru (Bangalore, 295 kms). From either of the airports, you need to take a bus / cab ride till Madikeri, headquarters of the Kodagu district.

We were travelling from Mumbai by air, and the route we took to reach Coorg was via Mangaluru; Reason being the distance! Coorg is closer to Mangaluru by road than it is to Bengaluru, though the flights to Bangalore are comparatively cheaper. Coorg is even closer to Mysuru, however there are no direct flights to Mysuru from Mumbai. So the only choice was either Mangaluru or Bengaluru. However, time was of essence and hence, Mangaluru!

Mumbai to Coorg by Train

Coorg does not have a railway station (obviously, its a hill station!). You will need to board a train to Mysuru (Mysore), Mangaluru Central or Hassan. From there you take the same route to Madikeri as mentioned above.

Trains to Mysuru

• Sharavathi Express (11035) from Dadar (DR)
• Ajmer Mysore Express (16209) from Kalyan Junction (KYN)

Trains to Mangaluru

• Duronto Express (12223) from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)
• Matsyagandha Express (12619) from LTT.

Mumbai to Coorg by Road (Road Trip Route)

Not recommended! However, if you still wish to be adventurous (1026 Kms), you can take the NH 48 that passes through Pune, Satara and Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belagavi and Hubballi in Karnataka.

Best Time to Visit

March to May – For enjoying pleasant weather, scenic views and outdoor activities
June to September – For experiencing the misty landscapes and cascading waterfalls
October to February – For enjoying chilly winter, lush greenery and cultural festivals

Where to Stay in Coorg

Coorg offers everything from quiet homestays to forest-view resorts, but the best place to stay really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. During my visit, I stayed at Treebo, The Rove, and it shaped much of my experience — the atmosphere, the convenience, and even the food. Here’s my review of that stay, followed by a simple guide on how to pick the right accommodation in Coorg.

My Stay at Treebo, The Rove

Our stay at Treebo The Rove was memorable for all the right reasons. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Napoklu Town Center, a quiet little locality that offered us pleasant weather and peaceful surroundings throughout the stay. Although it’s a little far from Madikeri, which is the heart of most tourist activity, the serene ambience more than made up for the extra travel time.

The rooms were well-maintained, clean, and designed for comfort — the kind of space you look forward to returning to after a long day of sightseeing. One of the highlights was the swimming pool, which was large, clean, and perfect for unwinding. However, if you are looking for rooms with great views, this place is not a great choice. You should be looking for some good options in Madikeri for that.

The staff here deserves a special mention for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to help, whether it was arranging small requests or offering local suggestions.

But the real highlight? The food.
The in-house restaurant surprised us with a balanced and thoughtfully curated menu. Whether it was North Indian flavours or South Indian staples, the dishes were consistently good — tasty without being heavy, flavourful without being overpowering.

Overall, Treebo The Rove may not sit in the prime tourist area of Coorg, but it offers a refreshing combination of comfort, good service, great food, and quiet surroundings.

Is This Stay Right for You?

Great for:

• Couples who prefer peaceful, less crowded surroundings
• Families looking for comfort, good food, and a clean pool
• Travellers who don’t mind staying slightly away from the main town

Less ideal for:

• Visitors who want to be right in the middle of Madikeri’s attractions
• Travellers relying only on public transport (you’ll need a cab or bike)

How to Choose the Right Accommodation in Coorg

If you’re visiting Coorg for the first time, here are simple guidelines that make choosing accommodation much easier:

1. Pick your base area wisely

Coorg is spread out, and distances can be long.

• Madikeri – best for first-time visitors, centrally located for sightseeing
• Kushalnagar – good for budget stays and close to the Tibetan Monastery, but far away from Madikeri.
• Napoklu / Virajpet – peaceful countryside, ideal for nature lovers

2. Choose based on the kind of trip you want

• Want greenery & silence → Estate homestays / Hotels in Napoklu / Virajpet
• Want convenience → Madikeri hotels
• Family trip → Resorts with a pool and restaurant
• Budget travel → Kushalnagar

3. Check distance to major attractions

To avoid long travel days, check how far your stay is from places like:

• Abbey Falls
• Raja’s Seat
• Mandalpatti
• Coffee plantations

From Napoklu, expect slightly longer but scenic drives. For quick access to the tourist spots, choose hotels in the central Madikeri.

4. Look for parking + food quality

Many travelers overlook this but in Coorg, these two things matter a lot. A good restaurant inside the hotel can save you long drives at night.

5. Read recent reviews (last 2–3 months)

Guest reviews are life-savers for me at least. Hotels may present a very different picture online than what guests have experienced. Hence, checking recent experiences helps you set correct expectations.

Choosing where to stay in Coorg can shape your entire travel experience. For us, Treebo The Rove offered comfort, good food, and peaceful vibes — everything you need after a day of exploring the hills.

The Road to Coorg

The distance from Mangaluru International Airport to the hotel was around 158 kms and took us approximately 5 hrs. to cover (including the short breaks we took on the route). The cab that we had pre-booked before coming to Mangalore, cruised along on the broad expressway (a part of NH 75 that connects Mangalore to Bangalore) for about 44 kms till we took an exit at the small town of Mani and connected to NH 275 that leads all the way to Madikeri through the hills.

The beautiful scenic road from Mani unfurled like a green ribbon, winding through thick forests, coffee plantations, and sleepy hamlets. The higher we drove, the cooler the air became — gently perfumed with the earthy scent of wet soil and coffee blossoms. I remember rolling down the car window just to breathe it all in.

We were in for a pleasant surprise when we arrived at Coorg. The weather had taken a swift turn from the sunny skies to rumbling clouds, owing to the cyclonic conditions along the western coast, bringing the rains early by almost ten days!

Places to Visit in Coorg (Top Attractions)

We spent the next three days of our stay exploring the true flavour of Coorg. And no, I don’t mean just the coffee — though sipping freshly brewed filter coffee on a chilly morning is a joy I’ll never forget.

Our cab driver was a decent guy and a local from Madikeri. Though a little shy, he did serve as a good local guide and showed us around with a lot of patience. We just blindly followed his itinerary!

Sunnyside: General Thimmaiah Memorial Museum

General Thimmaiah Memorial Musuem is a source of inspiration and enlightenment!

The museum is a poignant homage to one of India’s most esteemed military leaders, General Kodandera Subayya Thimmaiah and is housed in his ancestral residence named Sunnyside. The museum’s exhibits are a rich tapestry of military history and personal memorabilia. They reflect on General’s illustrious military career as a Chief of Army Staff between 1957 and 1961.

The residential building reflects the rich heritage of the Kodava culture and houses an array of artifacts, including decades-old arms and ammunition, military uniforms, and personal belongings of General Thimmaiah. A dedicated wing even showcases traditional artifacts, ancestral heirlooms, and exhibits that highlight the region’s unique customs and traditions.

The museum campus also features a decommissioned MiG-21 fighter jet and an Army Tank named “Himmat”.

Spices Garden and Coffee Plantation

Coorg is known as a Karnataka’s Coffee Country! And rightly so. Having mastered the art of growing aromatic Coffee beans for generations, Coorg, or rather Kodagu, contributes 30% to the state’s Arabica and Robusta harvests.

Coorg is also known for its vibrant Spice Gardens flourishing with Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon and Vanilla.

There are quite a few Spice Gerdens and Coffee Plantations around Coorg. However, our driver drove us from the museum to the Coorg Spices Garden at Siddapura, a village lush with coffee estates. There we were greeted by whom we believe was the Manager of the homestay and the estate. He asked us to join another group of tourists who had already reached there before us and then we were assigned a local guide who gave us a detailed tour of the spice plantation and the coffee estate as well.

We awed at the knowledge that we received as the guide vividly explained each plant’s origin, culinary and medicinal uses, and sustainable cultivation methods. We were also served locally brewed coffee blended with spices and jaggery that left behind an unforgettable flavour.

Abbey Falls

With the early onset of Monsoon, we were totally lucked out, as if the skies themselves had conspired in our favour!

Nestled around 8 km from Madikeri, this nature’s majestic cascade is a truly unforgettable experience. Abbey Falls, originally named as Jessy Falls is one of the most sought after tourist spots in Coorg! The mountain stream plunges about 70 feet over a rocky face, making its way to the early reaches of the Kaveri river.

From the entrance, we descended around 200 steps in the midst of verdant greenery, surrounded by pepper vines, cardamom bushes and towering trees. As we got closer to the fall, the roar unfolded like a rising symphony! And as the view slowly emerged, we were gripped by the magnificence of the thunder that echoed through the valley like a nature’s applause!

Bhagmandala Triveni Sangama

Our second day of sightseeing was dedicated to a spiritual sojourn through the popular pilgrimage spots at Bhagmandala

Bhagmandala is a peaceful town situated at the confluence of three rivers – Kaveri, Kannike and Sujyothi, known as the Triveni Sangama. The spot where the three rivers meet is surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can have a quiet moment enjoying the pristine sight of the Brahmagiri hills in the backdrop. Locals believe that a dip here purifies the soul. Though we didn’t take a dip as the water levels had risen to a risky level, we felt an undeniable sense of peace!

Right near the Sangama, There is the Bhagandeshwara Temple, with its traditional Kerala-style architecture and beautifully carved wooden pillars. It was a great way to introduce the kids to local traditions and deities like Bhagandeshwara (a form of Shiva), Subramanya, and Ganapati.

Talakaveri Temple

Approximately 8.4 Kms from the Triveni Sangama is the Talakaveri or Talacauvery temple, known to be the sacred place of birth of river Kaveri, one of the South India’s lifelines. Tucked away in the scenic Brahmagiri hills, this tranquil spot is around 1,276 meters above the sea level and offers a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and calm.

As we drove up the winding hill roads, the air grew cooler and purer, scented with the earthy freshness of the Western Ghats. Once we reached the top, the view was breathtaking! The temple had disappeared into the mist and all we could see was the majestic temple gate alluring us to come and experience the spiritual bliss. We entered the gate and took the steps to the temple as they appeared one by one from behind the dense fog.

A small spring marks the source of the river, enclosed within a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. The other deities worshipped here are lord Agastheeswara (form of lord Shiva) and lord Ganesha. We sought the blessings of both and descended back to the parking where our card was parked.

Though we couldn’t do the Brahmagiri Hill Viewpoint due to the climatic conditions, the climb up a few hundred steps is worth the effort. The panoramic views of the rolling hills, lush forests, and cloud-draped valleys from the top is perfect for a quiet reflection.

Namdroling Tibetan Monastery – Golden Temple

Nestled in a tranquil Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe (approx. 35 Kms from Madikeri and 5 kms from Kushalnagar). The Namdroling Monastery is one of the largest centers in South India for the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. (Source: triptocoorg.com)

As we arrived at the Monastery, a tall, Tibetan iljumun-style ornate gate welcomed us to a sprawling campus that hosts a wide range of shops and cafes. As we crossed the gate, it felt like stepping into an atmosphere of calm and reverence! Further walk for a few kilometers across the campus took us to the soaring temple tower with a gold plated facade.

Next to the temple tower is the main prayer hall (Gompa). Once we were inside, it felt like time had paused for a moment. The gentle hum of prayers, the mild scent of incense drifting through the air and the sound of prayer wheels spinning awakened our senses, as if our soul had wandered beyond time and space! It was truly a life-changing experience!

The walls are full of colours and are adorned with vibrant Tibetan murals that make the entire courtyard a visual spectacle! There are three majestic 60-foot golden statues of Lord Budhha in the centre and Lord Amitayus and Lord Padmasambhava on the sides.

Other than the temple, the complex also houses around 5000 monks and nuns, a monastic college, school and a hospital. Namdroling Monastery is a must in your itinerary if you wish to experience serenity, faith, and the global reach of Tibetan heritage.

Nisargadhama Bamboo Park

Around 8 kms from the Monastery, lies a lush green forest within a 64-acre delta formed by the Kaveri river. Nisargadhama Bamboo Park is a foliage of thick bamboo groves, teak and sandalwood trees. To access this natural retreat, we had to cross a hanging rope bridge over the river stream.

At the other end of the bridge was a tranquil maze of tall, swaying bamboos – cool, shaded and alive with the soft rustle of leaves. Mild showers greeted us as we made our way through the maze, with the chill rubbing off our skin and giving us a feeling of wandering through a rainforest instead!

Beyond its natural charm, the park also offers Elephant rides, Deer park, children’s play area and boating along the Kaveri. However, the rides were shut due to the unfriendly weather! The park also has aesthetically designed bamboo cottages and guesthouses for those who want to experience an immersive stay and tune-in to the nature’s rhythm!

Outside the park, there is a bustling local market where you can shop for local products and a dedicated food area to soothe your rumbling bellies with local delights

Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort, also known as Mercara Fort is located right in the heart of the Madikeri town, watching over the town for centuries. Having witnessed power shift for over four centuries, the fort has stood the test of time, with every hush of wind whispering stories from the past.

We went past the Life-sized stone elephants guarding the entrance as we reached the first structure inside the fort – St. Mark’s Church, which is now converted to a museum. There are historical artefacts, hero-stones and weaponry for display inside the museum. We spent a few quiet moments on the wooden pews inside the prayer hall, admiring the stained glass windows painted in vibrant blues, reds and golds and the silence full of unspoken prayers and lingering hymns!

The fort also houses a two-storey royal palace with Gothic architecture and a British clock tower. We couldn’t explore the palace from inside since it was closed for renovation. However, it still remains as one of the primary attractions of the fort.

Apart from the church and the palace, there are other structures like the Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple, a public library and an old district prison. Though we didn’t cover all of them, we did enjoy having a long stroll across the fort walls like an old guard patrolling the majestic structure with a sense of pride!

Omkareshwara Temple

Around 1.5 kms away from Madikeri fort, is the Omkareshwara temple, an architectural marvel with a unique blend of Gothic, Islamic and Kerala-style elements. A large pond. home to colourful fishes and lilies, stretches out in front of the temple, offering a tranquil welcome to all the devotees on arrival. There is also a stone Mantapa at the center of the pond connected by a narrow walkway. The tank did reminisced us of a similar pond at the Golden temple at Amritsar, though at a much bigger scale.

We sought the blessings of lord Shiva, did a quick tour of the tank and headed back to the parking. Since photography was prohibited and it was pouring heavily, we couldn’t click pictures at the temple.

Raja’s Seat Sunset View Point

Raja’s Seat, that literally translates to the Seat of the King, is a structure made up of four pillars bridged by arches and was used by the rulers of Coorg for enjoying the scenic beauty around the structure. It is surrounded by a picturesque garden that is adorned with colourful flower beds. It also has a dedicated play area for kids that includes a small toy train ride.

The Raja’s Seat structure was converted to a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi where he had visited in 1934. On 30th January every year, a procession is conducted in the memory of the father of the nation when his ashes are carried to the memorial, followed by Bhajans and reciting verses from Bhagwad Gita, Koran and Bible.

The sunset point is a semi-circled pavilion built next to the garden from where tourists can enjoy the stunning views of the lush green valley and the surrounding mountains. But the real beauty of the spot is enjoyed during the sunsets and sunrises. Hence, the name – sunset point.

It was still drizzling and the mercury had dropped considerably when we reached the spot. We enjoyed walking through the misty walkways through the garden though and let the chill rub off our skins as the day was nearing its end. Needless to say, we couldn’t enjoy the sunset as there was no sun! However, I could capture some essence of the beautiful place in a 360-degree view of the garden.

A Quiet Goodbye

Though we left those winding tails, misty forests and the rich aroma of spices and coffee behind, we carried more than souvenirs – we carried a piece of Coorg’s soul! It left a lingering memory in our hearts, like a poem we once walked through.

Though we couldn’t cover a few more attractions like the Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park, Chiklihole Reservoir due to bad weather and quite a few more listed below due to paucity of time, it was a blessing in disguise. We got a reason to pay this magical place a visit again! And we will!

• Iruppu Falls
• Chelavara Falls
• Mallalli Falls
• Mandalpatti Viewpoint
• Tadiandamole Peak
• Brahmagiri Peak
• Honnamana Kere Lake
• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kumara Parvata Hill
• Kote Betta Hills

Best Places to Eat

Shri Shankara Bhavana

Address: Ground Floor, Vistaar Complex, Yeyyadi Konchady Katte, Manguluru
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bCpYv2B2wodKeXuVA
Category: Pure Vegetarian
Other Information: This restaurant is near to the Mangaluru Airport. Best option for a nice South-Indian breakfast if you are on an early morning flight to Mangaluru. Set Dosa, Tuppa Dosa and authentic Filter Coffee are a must try here.

Shree Ambika Vaibhava

Address: Nandini Complex Sullia, Kallugundi, Karnataka
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EzGWg8ZLvXojB7rX7
Category: Pure Vegetarian
Other Information: This restaurant is on the way to Coorg from Mani and has North Indian food options as well. Quality of food is good and this is a better option compared to others in the area.

Shri Ambika Upahar Udupi Restaurant

Address: CSP Complex, Kohinoor Road, Stuart Hill, Madikeri
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6UCrwqjLVhx3BokS7
Category: Pure Vegetarian
Other Information: This restaurant is right in the heart of Madikeri town. Ideal for a best mid-day South Indian meal if you are on a sight seeing tour in and around Madikeri

Hotel Mayura Talakaveri

Address: Virajpet-Talakaveri Road, Bhagamandala
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eteU2aFwCMZLtnra8
Category: Pure Vegetarian
Other Information: This is a hotel managed by KSTDC and is on the road between Triveni Sangama and Talakavery Temple. This is the only good option for food if you are around that area during lunch. However, they served only South Indian Thali during lunch, which was kind of a limitation, albeit with good quality

Top in Town

Address: BM Road, Near Check Post, Kushalnagar
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vj1GxmTAfTbtjGk69
Category: Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian
Other Information: This is your go-to place if you are looking for lip-smacking non-vegetarian food on your way to the monastery or the bamboo forest, especially the Mangalorean-style Fish Curry.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of options to stay in and around Madikeri, both budget and luxury stays. However, I recommend to book your stay in the town of Madikeri since it is a central location for a lot of sightseeing spots and you get an easy accessibility to a lot of transport options, hotels and a bustling local market.

However, there are a fee good homestay options available away from the hustle and bustle of the district town of Madikeri and closer to some of the most serene locations in Coorg. Perfect for those who prefer tranquility over exploration.

Conclusion

My experience with Coorg was nothing short of phenomenal and transformative. How has been yours, if you have ever been to Coorg? Let’s swap stories in the comments.

I would also be glad to know if you found this post helpful in planning your trip to Coorg or if you were looking for something specific that you did not find in this post. Please drop your comments!