Coorg or Kodagu  means ‘dense forest on steep hill’. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. If one wants to sit back, relax and enjoy a good vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Coorg, a small hill station in Karnataka is the place.

Situated on the Western Ghats, amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations one can visit. It is an endless expanse of scenic beauty - lush green valleys, coffee plantations, and majestic mountain ranges. With over 2,564 sq km carpeted shade of green and a land wrapped in white mist, Coorg, no wonder is a magical destination in Karnataka. It leaves a visitor spellbound during the rains.

Travelers who love nature and the unspoiled charm of villages should get off the beaten track and visit Coorg, a wild and rugged region located in the state of Karnataka. The wooded slopes, quaint villages, colorful scenery and undulating landscape has fascinated tourists until today. Endless mountain ranges, ridge after ridge of grassy and forest clad slopes rising to the sky, give Coorg its unique and irreplaceable character. It is an ideal destination for the couples who wish to experience the natural beauty and participate in adventurous activities. You can enjoy wide-ranging outdoor activities such as water rafting in Barapole River, trekking and golfing activities along Pushpagiri, Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri trails..

Along with your partner, you may also walk into spice and coffee plantations as well as cardamom estates. During your jolly visit, you must enjoy hot coffee and delicious local dishes prepared with curry leaves, coconut and multiple spices. If you want to enjoy fascinating wildlife experience? Go to the elephant camp to watch elephant bathing and enjoy jolly riding.

How To Reach Madikeri

One can get to Madikeri either by air as the closest airport is at Mangalore, which is only an hour’s drive away, or you can take a train till Thalassery, Kasaragod, or Mysore and then drive down to Madikeri. Bus and taxi services from Bangalore, Mysore, or Calicut to Madikeri are available in plenty.

• Raja’s Seat in Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India’s most scenic locations. The view from Raja’s Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja’s Seat. is a beautiful oasis of seasonal flowers and idyllic fountains. Built on high ground, the area affords a breath-taking view of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.
• Omkareshwara temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Madikeri town. The temple interestingly represents both the Islamic and the Gothic style of architecture. The temple has four minarets around it and a dome in the centre (similar to a Muslim Masjid).
• Talacauvery is the place from where the River Kaveri originates. The place is considered as one of the most sacred places in Karnataka. The place has a small spring or pond from where the river emerges as a perennial spring, but again flows underground to emerge a short distance away. Devotees as well as tourists come here in great numbers. The entire area is surrounded with wonderful sceneries. It is located about 48 kilometres from Madikeri.
• The Madikeri Fort was originally built as a mud fort by Mudduraja in the 17th century. It was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan in stone. Built of brick and mortar, the fort had witnessed many fierce battles. The palace in the fort was renovated in 1812-1814 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. Two life size masonry elephants are present in the north-east corner and a church is also located in the south-east corner. The fort is of archaeological value and offers stunning views of the city from its walls. Within the Fort's walls there is a prison, small museum, chapel, temple and various government offices.
• Abbey Falls is a popular waterfall just about 8 km from the main town of Madikeri. Here the River Kaveri cascades down from a height of 70 feet. A hanging bridge is built across the gorge offering an excellent view of the falls. The place offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. 
• Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in southern India. It is located near Kushalanagar and has several monasteries. The Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery are among the prominent ones in the area. The Buddhist statues in the monastery reflect the affluent cultural heritage of the Tibetans.
• Barapole River offers the exciting opportunities for white river rafting lovers. The Barapole River has some thrilling stretches to raft through rapids. The months of August and September are the best for river rafting in Coorg.
• Dubare Elephant Camp an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department. The camp is located at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on the Kushalnagar – Siddapur road. You can also go for rides on the Gentle Gaints.  It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery.
• Nagarhole National Park,  renowned for its wild-life population, is the most visited tourist spot in Coorg. Also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ is located a short 94 km from Mysore. One can spot elephants, tigers, leopards, sambars, spotted deers, and bisons in plenty in and around the watering holes. There are facilities for over-night stay inside the Nagarhole Park next to watering holes.
• Iruppu Falls also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is the fresh water cascade that has been a sight to behold during the monsoons. While the water falls are breath-taking the surrounding scenery is in no way any less beautiful than the falls. With a largely contained flow and a depth that is not too deep, the water falls attract a lot of amateur swimmers and adventure junkies. Changing rooms and toilets are available for the comfort of tourists who decide to jump into the falls. A small convenience store located near the entrance supplies a steady stream of snacks and refreshments.​