Famously known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is really enchanting with the scenic view of the Western Ghats. The place nails the movie-like scene of scattered cows grazing in an open field with huge mountains and clear skies as a backdrop. No matter in what direction you turn your gaze, you’ll find something to admire. And guess what else it is known for? Coffee beans! Starbucks imports its coffee from Coorg. So, you might want to get some coffee to replicate a Starbucks recipe at home.
Places To Visit On Day 1
1. Namdroling Monastery
Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India, after Dharamshala, of course. Once you’ve checked into your room and freshened up, let’s begin your first day of the weekend in Coorg, shall we? Although it’s about an hour’s drive from the city, don’t you want to start the trip on a positive note? That’s why you have to make your way to Namdroling Monastery.
The place is home to more than 600 monks, and you get to see them go about their day-to-day life. At 1:00 pm, every day, they all gather to pray in the main shrine. Listening to the rhythmic chants can offer a calming experience that you don’t want to miss out on! The monks are also friendly and knowledgeable. You should strike up a conversation with them!
The prayer hall has three 40-foot-tall Buddha statues that are mesmerizing. Unlike many other places of worship, photography at the Namdroling Monastery is allowed. That being said, remember to respect the sanctity of the monastery. And yes, being inside a place of worship, please dress appropriately.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Free
Also Read: 9 Fun Things To Do In Coorg For A Relaxing Vacation
2. Tibetan Market
Right outside Namdroling Monastery, you’ll find a huge market filled with souvenirs for you to take from your weekend in Coorg. Having very little time on our hands, start shopping! From prayer wheels and prayer flags to dreamcatchers, grab whatever you want – that too at affordable prices. The best part? Whatever money is collected in these shops is all donated for the welfare of the monks.
To fuel your energy for the rest of the day, the monastery canteen serves praiseworthy vegetarian food. If you’re open to exploring, you can taste authentic Tibetan dishes like momos (we’re sure you’re familiar with this one) and thukpa. There are even a lot of delicious restaurants and cafes for you to try out.
Places To Eat: Malaya Pure Veg Restaurant, Buddha Cafe, Tashi Delek Restaurant
3. Nisargadhama Island
64 acres of land adorned with nature, this ecological paradise is where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air – a vital part of the vacation. Bamboo tree plantations are spread across the park and accompany you on your peaceful stroll. But, if you need your adrenaline fix, go ziplining here!
If you’re traveling with your kids, they will love Nisargdhama. The ecological park also has small streams of shallow water that you can be in. So, maybe a splish splash here and a splish-splash there with your kids would make that little moment etched in your mind forever. Keeping in mind that you’ll be in the water, wear shoes and pants that dry easily! Nobody likes soggy shoes or clothes.
Don’t forget to walk along the hanging bridge that connects Nisargadhama to the mainland. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world and connect with nature.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for kids
Boat Rides: INR 100 per person
Also Read: Best Homestays In Coorg
4. Chiklihole Reservoir
Will you look at the time? It’s evening, and the sun is about to set. We will take you to a destination that’s not known to many. Chiklihole Reservoir, built on one of the Kaveri River’s tributaries, is a dam offering beautiful visuals.
Reaching the destination itself is quite the experience. The reservoir is located inside a wooded area with a well-constructed road to reach it. There’s free parking for your vehicles and even wheelchair access! Before going inside, you’ll even find juice and Maggi stalls.
The dam has a hollow, semi-circular shape that makes it look like excess water spilling inside a bowl during monsoons. We won’t deny that Chiklihole Reservoir is primarily a monsoon destination, and it’ll likely be dry during the other seasons. Your visit won’t be in vain, however – the sun will still set and the walk there is beautiful!
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Places To Visit On Day 2
1. Karagunda Coffee Plantation
Good morning! Are you still tired from yesterday’s hectic day? We understand the feeling, that’s exactly why we added a coffee plantation as the first thing on your itinerary today! So, chop-chop. It’s time to get a dose of some freshly brewed caffeine.
The second you step into Karagunda Coffee Plantation, you’ll get a tantalizing aroma of those coffee beans along with white vanilla and pepper. You’ll have a guide with you to take you through neatly lined-up coffee plantations, explaining the different types of coffee and how they’re harvested. The walk is going to be muddy, and it might be a long one, so wear comfortable shoes.
Once you’re done with the coffee plantation tour, you’ll get to watch how the cherries are brewed into coffee beans and roasted to give them the distinctive flavors you enjoy sipping. After that, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, freshly brewed right in front of your eyes!
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 200
Also Read: Ooty vs Coorg: Which Is Better For Your Next Hill Station Trip?
2. Abbey Falls
Now that you’re up, energized, and ready to take the day by storm – let’s head to Abbey Falls! The experience starts a long time before actually reaching the main destination. Once you’re close enough, you’ll have to leave your vehicle behind in the parking lot, and there’s a bit of a trek. A twenty-minute walk and a few stairs to climb, to be precise. You’d pass through fields of coffee plantations and spices, letting the aroma envelop your senses. And when you’re close enough, you’ll hear the thunderous sound of the water pouring down.
At Abbey Falls, several streams come together to form a plunge pool that later connects with the Kaveri River. During the rains, the experience becomes more exhilarating as the water becomes more turbulent and the sound is deafening. While some of the waterfalls allow you to take a swim in their plunge pool, keep in mind that you can’t do it at Abbey Falls. You only get to witness it from a safe distance.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 15
3. Omkareshwara Temple
This temple in Coorg will take you by surprise in the best way possible! Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwara Temple was built as an act of penance by King Lingarajendra II. But unlike any Lord Shiva temple, the architecture is absolutely striking! You’ll see that the structure is a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles. There are turrets in all four corners of the temple, which resemble the architecture of a lot of Gothic-style buildings.
The holy Shiva lingam at this temple was brought from Kashi! Another fun fact – there’s a large water tank in the temple complex, home to plenty of fish. If you’re visiting Coorg for a weekend getaway, don’t miss the chance to experience this architectural marvel. The pooja timings are as follows:
- Abhisheka: 6:30 am to 6:45 am
- Ganga Pooja: 7:00 am
- Maha Pooja: 12:00 pm
- Maha Pooja: 8:00 pm
Timings: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Also Read: Coorg Travel Guide
4. Madikeri Fort
The Madikeri Fort stands tall right in the heart of the Madikeri District. It’s a place that unites those who love history and those who love architecture. The fort was built by Mudduraja and later rebuilt by Tipu Sultan, consisting entirely of stone and bricks. As you enter, you’ll find 2 life-size statues of elephants standing sentinel.
Madikeri Fort had a temple for Lord Virabhadra that was destroyed by the British in 1855 to create an Anglican Church. The church is now converted into a museum that has coins, artefacts, and sculptures that can be traced back to the 10th to 12th century! You can even visit the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple, which is known for its 5-day Madikeri Dasara Festival.
That’s not it. Along with the temple and the museum, the fort even houses a District Prison and the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library. That’s right, it’s not just a fort. Once you go inside, you’ll find a whole lot more.
Being in such a central location, reaching Madikeri Fort is easy. The bus stop is nearby, or you can even take an auto that’ll cost you INR 50. If you’ve booked a private vehicle, you’ll find parking easily.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Free
5. Mandalpatti Viewpoint
Are you bummed that you missed the sunset on day one? No worries! End your day and your Coorg weekend trip with a stunning view at Mandalpatti Viewpoint. Trust us, there’s no feeling compared to resting on a mountaintop, just coexisting with nature.
Take the road less traveled by to get to the viewpoint. Yes, we mean the off-road. Mandalpatti Viewpoint offers jeep safaris, and they’ll kick in that adrenaline! There are trek trails as well that you can opt for if you like a good challenge.
Once you’ve reached the table top, oh my! The view is bewitching. You’ll see mountain peaks in every direction, accompanied by a chilly breeze. As the sun would set, the sky would turn a hypnotizing color, giving you all the space to reflect on the trip and prepare yourself for life again.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 25
