1. Abbey Falls: Cascading from an elevation of around 70 feet above sea level and nestled amidst lush spice and coffee plantations, the magnificent Abbey Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in Coorg. This fall is fed by the Kaveri river, which cascades through rocky faces, with the flow being at its peak just after the monsoon season.
Location: Abbey Falls Rd, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201.
Entry Fee: INR 15 per head.
Timings: From 9 AM to 5 PM, on all days.
2. Honnamana Kere Lake: Lying near Somwarpet, Honnamana Kere Lake is considered to be the biggest natural lake of Kodagu district. With a temple of Goddess Honnamana located on its serene banks, Honnamana Kere Lake is known popularly for its spiritual and mythological significance.
The lake attracts many devotees during the famous Gowri festival when a pooja is held here. Honnamana Kere Lake also propels a myriad of adventure enthusiasts, who love to enjoy fishing and boating here.
Location: Sulimalthe Village, Coorg, Karnataka.
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM, on all days.
3. Raja's Seat: Also known as Gaddige Raja’s Tomb, Raja's Seat was developed by Chikkavirarajendra back in 1820. In the bygone times, the Raja’s Seat was a favourite place among the rulers of Kodagu district, who frequently visited this spot with their queens to enjoy the sunset.
Surrounded by majestic hills and lush valleys, this vantage point remains as a sunset-watching spot at the present day. The place is also encircled by a breathtaking garden, which houses musical fountains and colourful seasonal flowers.
Location: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka.
Entry Fee: INR 5 per head.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Weekdays; 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM on Weekends. Musical Fountain is held at 7:00 PM.
4. Madikeri Fort: Built back in the 17th century by king Muddu Raja, Madikeri Fort was captured by a number of rulers in the later periods, due to which the monument went through numerous changes.
At the present day, the Madikeri Fort boasts two life-size elephant statues at its entrance and houses a tortoise sculpture, a church, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and a museum exhibiting rare collections, on its premises. It also has a clock tower, which was added to the structure in 1933 under the Britishers.
Location: Madikeri Fort, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201.
Timings: From 9 AM to 6.30 PM, on all days except on Monday.
5. Kopatty Hills: Kopatty Hills offers a short, moderate trek, which is known popularly for its varied landscapes. This off-beat trek takes the hikers through vast expanses of breathtaking coffee plantations, thick forests, rolling grasslands, silent meadows, verdant valleys, and meandering streams.
The trek is packed with a plethora of camping sites, where trekkers can pitch their tents and enjoy the night in the arms of mother nature. Some of the top activities that can be enjoyed at Kopatty Hills include sunset watching, jungle walks, village walks, plantation visits, and photography.
Location: Kopatty, Coorg, Karnataka.
6. Honey Valley: Also known as Nilakandi Falls, Honey Valley happens to be a 15 feet high, picturesque waterfall, located in the thick tropical forests, with its origin being somewhere in the mighty Tadiyandemol range. This waterfall is part of a privately-owned 56-acre resort and offers an amazing trekking opportunity. There is a 3 kilometres long trek, which takes trekkers to a serene stream, which meanders down from the waterfall.
Location: Coorg, Karnataka.
7. Tadiandamol Peak: Perched at an altitude of around 1,748 meters above sea level, Tadiandamol Peak happens to be the highest peak of Coorg district and the second highest peak of Karnataka state.
Offering excellent trekking opportunities to beginners, the trek to Tadiandamol Peak takes you through breathtaking dense forests. One of the important landmarks of this trek is the Big Rock, which is a magnificent rock at the foothills of the hill, which serves as an ideal camping destination.
Location: Kakkabe, Coorg, Karnataka.
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM, on all days.
8. Namdroling Monastery: Also known as Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling, the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was constructed by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche back in 1963.
Considered to be one of the world’s largest education hubs of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery has a religious college and a junior high school. The monastery is also home to more than five thousand lamas of the sangha community. There is also a fully functional hospital on the premises of the Namdroling Monastery.
Location: Arlikumari, Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104.
Timings: From 9 AM to 6 PM, on all days.
9. Mandalpatti: Set overlooking the Pushpagiri forests and flanked by abundant greenery, Mandalpatti happens to be one of the best vantage points in Coorg.
Nestled at an elevation of around 1800 meters above sea level, this place is often visited by nature lovers and amateur trekkers, who love to hike through the easy trails to soak in the breathtaking views of the underlying greenery. Taking the trekkers through breathtaking coffee estates, Mandalpatti Viewpoint is also known to offer mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views.
Location: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka.
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM, on all days.
10. Somwarpet: Lying in the north-eastern region of Coorg town, Somwarpet is known popularly for its premium quality coffee and spice crops. This beautiful region also houses several important tourist attractions of Coorg, including Beelur Golf club, Malemalleshwara Betta, and Mallalli Falls. Somwarpet also serves the most authentic and delicious Coorgi delicacies, including Pandi (Pork) Curry, Koli Barthad, Bamboo Shoot Curry, Kadambuttu, and Akki Rotti.
Location: Somwarpet Taluk, Coorg, Karnataka.
11. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Lying in Somwarpet, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary shelters a plethora of rare and endangered bird species, such as Gray-breasted Laughing Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Nilgiri Flycatcher.
Named after the Pushpagiri peak, this sanctuary is also home to a beautiful forest reserve, Kadamakal. While you are here, you can spot many unique animals, including Asian Elephant, Indian Giant Squirrel, and Spotted Deer.
Location: Subramanya, Road, Kumarahalli, Karnataka 571236.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per head.
Timings: From 7 AM to 6 PM, on all days.