coorg, India
Explore Coorg:
Popularly known as the 'Scotland of India', Coorg is a lovely place to escape the heat of summers and the humidity of monsoons. With the temperature ranging between 15 to 20 degrees throughout the year, it becomes an ideal place to visit for a complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. Coorg is one such places in India where the beauty of nature is not only enjoyed, but is also worshipped as a way of life.
Getting There:
Coorg enjoys a good connectivity with other parts of India via road, rail and air. Being a hilly area, there's no airport or railway station within the town, however Mangalore airport and Mysore railway station serve travellers planning a trip to Coorg. The nearest airports are located in Mangalore and Bangalore, at a distance of 135 km and 250 km, respectively. Those travelling by rail can get down at Mysore station i.e. 120 km away from Coorg. Mangalore and Hassan railway stations are also conveniently located near Kodagu, and can be considered as an option to get to the city. Considering road trip, are you? Coorg is well connected to all the major cities in Karnataka by road. The majestic views and excellent roadways connecting the city to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore will make for an enchanting experience.
Where To Stay:
Imagine waking up to the views of misty mountains and sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee from the comfort of a home, while on your vacation. Sounds like a dream? Not any more. With homestays in Coorg you can actually live your dream. Staying at a homestay lets you come closer to the culturally rich experiences, as you get to live like a local and interact with the people living in the area on a daily basis. Whether you are looking for an elegant apartment, a cosy cottage, a lavish estate stay or a magnificent farm house, Travelguru Homestays has got it all covered. There are a total of 189 homestays listed on Travelguru. You can browse through the properties depending upon the area of interest. Out of 189 homestays, 22 are in Badipur, 18 near Budhhist Monastry, 5 in Madikeri, 5 in Virajpet and a lot many properties in areas such as Kodagu, Kushal Nagar, Ponnampet, Siddapur, Suntikoppa, Cheyyandane, Gonicoppal, South Coorg and Yavakapadi Village Post.
If you are on a budget and wish to stay at a property where you can spend reasonably then there are plenty of options available for the same. You can choose to stay at Jagale Homestay, Shreya Homestay, Mountain-Mist Coffee Valley, Coffee 'n' Mist - A Wandertrails Stay, Maduvan Homestay, Crystal Homestay and many such accommodations. Som's Getaway in South Coorg is yet another perfect homestay in Coorg which offers personalised services and brings you close to the nature, while Green Valley Homestay, Summer Palace Guest House and Charpy Heaven Homestay offer a traditional Kodagu experience. Chettys Homestay, Turtle Pond and Silverbrookstate offer beautiful vistas and stay at reasonable prices.
What To See:
Coorg, a quaint hill station of Karnataka has unspoiled landscapes, mighty waterfalls, stunning varieties of flora and fauna, and valleys covered with coffee plantations to keep one intrigued throughout their stay. There are also a number of tourist attractions in Coorg like Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Peak, Dubare Dubare Elephant Camp, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Raja’s Seat, Mandalpatti View Point and Bylakuppe, to name a few. Apart from these attractions, Coorg is also a trekker's paradise with places like Nishani Motte, Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri Hill, Tadiandamol and Peak of Iguthappa making for a perfect trekking routes. There are several ways to enjoy the beauty of Coorg, but one of the best ways to experience the local culture, cuisine and hidden gems of the town is by staying with the locals. There are some beautiful homestays in Coorg that will give you a sense of belonging and comfort of a home. These homestays are a unique way of exploring the lifestyle, culture and tradition of the town. Many of the Coorg homestays are a part of working plantations that not only allows you to learn the art of growing coffee, but you also get to taste the freshly brewed coffee.
What To Eat:
Coorg's local food reflects the history and geographical setting of the region. The staple food here is rice aka Sannakki accompanied with spicy, aromatic curries, with chicken, meat or pork as their main ingredient. Some of the local delicacies that are worth trying are Pandi Koli Saaru (Chicken dish), Kadabu, Karri (Pork dish) and Meenu Saaru (Fish Dish). Vegetarians need not get disheartened. There are a range of delicacies for them to relish, such as Pottu (steamed vegetable curries), Mudrakani (chutney made with Bengal-gram) and Mangye Pajji (Mango chutney).
Where To Shop:
Coorg doesn't have modern swanky malls, but there are several quaint little stores selling wonderful memorabilia, spices, coffee, chocolates and honey. When in Coorg, you must shop signature spices like pepper, cardamom, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, sage, mint, thyme, garlic, and rosemary, which are found in bulk. You can also get your hands on Coorgi costumes and traditional weapons which are visually appealing and are sold in local shops here. You can also buy Coorg jewels, including Kokkethathi and Peechekathi from retail stores.
Insider's Tip:
Visit Chelavara Falls if you want to spend some lone time admiring the beauty of Coorg, as no one knows about this secret waterfall.