Pleasant weather throughout the year and undulating green hills make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for couples. Apart from its widely famous coffee plantations, this hill station of karnataka has so many things to offer. It is admirable at whatever it offers to tourists. Whether you will talk about its glorious history, natural beauty, thrill-packed activities, or mouth-watering cuisine, you can enjoy this town in many dimensions on your vacation.
This hill station is widely famous for its breathtaking landscapes that can easily win the heart of anyone. It embraces every kind of traveler and gives you something that suits you. Enjoying the coracle ride on a nearby river is one of the best things to do when you are in Coorg. Brahmagiri Peak is the answer for every nature lover, tranquility-seeker, and adventurous soul.
Tourist attractions of Coorg
- Abbey Falls
- Iruppu Falls
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Nagarhole National Park
- Brahmagiri Peak
- Chettalli
1. Abbey Falls
Madikeri boasts an abundance of natural beauty, and photography is a popular activity in this area. The picturesque Abbey Falls, situated amidst a breathtaking coffee and spice plantation, provides an ideal setting for a flawless Instagram shot. If you’re wondering what to do in Madikeri, visiting Abbey Falls with your loved ones is a great option to appreciate the scenery. You can capture some unforgettable moments here through photographs to treasure life’s precious memories.
The falls are located just 8 kilometers away from Madikeri and cost an average of INR 15 per person. It’s a suitable destination for couples, friends, and families alike.
2. Iruppu Falls
On the borders of Wayanad district in Kerala, Irupu Falls is one of the popular sightseeing places in Coorg, Karnataka. Iruppu Falls lies in Brahmagiri Hill range between Srimangala and Kutta. Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, Iruppu Falls gets its name from Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery River, that starts from this waterfall.
A freshwater fall, with its striking streams of water flowing down the hills, allures not only nature lover but everyone. Amidst the evergreen forest of Western Ghats, it presents an incomparable scenic beauty adding further charm to Coorg.
What makes this Iruppu Falls even more special is its association with Hindu religion. There is also a temple located near the fall, which attracts thousands of devotees every month.
About Iruppu Falls
Falling from a height of 170 feet, Iruppu Falls is a sight worth remembering. A popular place to visit in Coorg, this waterfall catches everyone’s attention not only with its mesmerising beauty but with its thundering sound as well.
In the midst of refreshing greenery of Western Ghats with the sounds of birds and animals around in an otherwise peaceful environment, Iruppu Waterfalls create nothing less than a heaven for nature seekers. Most of our Coorg tour packages do include Iruppu Falls.
Timings and Entry fee of Iruppu Falls
Visitors can visit falls throughout the year. The opening timings of Irupu Falls are from 6AM to 6PM. There is a minimal entry fee to Iruppu Falls which is Rs.50 per person.
The time taken to have a relaxed tour to Irupu Falls is around half a day.
How to reach Iruppu Falls
A popular tourist attractions of Coorg Tour, it can be be easily reached from various other cities as well such as Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Virajpet, etc.
The distance from Bangalore to Coorg is around 243 km, while Mysore to Coorg is around is 100 km and Mangalore to Coorg is 150 km making it possible for tourists to plan a day tour to Iruppu Falls from these places.
The nearest railway station to Iruppu Falls is Mysore railway station. It is about 110 km away from the falls. From Mysore one can take locally run buses to Kutta.
The nearest bus station to Iruppu Falls is Kutta. It is well connected to cities like Mysore, Madikeri, Virajpet, Kozhikode, Kalpetta.
Iruppu Falls lied between Srimangala and Kutta. Both the places are 10 km away. One can hire private vehicles from Kutta or Srimangala to reach the Falls.
To reach Iruppu Falls, tourists can buy then entrance ticket near Rameshwara Temple. From the temple, travelers are required to walk for around 15-20 minutes through the forest.
3. Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is Jungle Lodge and Resorts Ltd.’s (JLR) project located at the riverbank of Kaveri. It lies in Kodagu or Coorg district in Karnataka, a major Coorg attraction on its own. Every year tourists find solace in exploring the different elephant species at this camp.
These elephants are in fact, highly trained by the naturalists or the Mahouts—the person who is in charge of taking care of tuskers and other elephants. In fact, these naturalists are very well aware of the history and biology of the elephants. Visitors from across the globe get to know more about these elephants’ lives, eating habits, rules and regulations, etc.
Apart from that, the Dubare Elephant Camp is also home to plentiful of flora and fauna, namely the animals like tigers, deers, and gaurs. And that’s why this project is highly monitored and is under the control of JLR.
Innovative ways have also been introduced by these authorities for the betterment of the camp’s life led by these animals. Some of these ways are interactions of the tourists with the elephant, opportunity to bathe them and then feed them. Also touring the whole forest area around in the Jungle Safari is another delight. Multiple activities like trekking and camping are regularly hosted around the Dubare Elephant Camp by highly trained professionals.
Pricing Info for Dubare Elephant Camp
- Adult: ₹1,499
- Children(6-12)Year: ₹750
How To Reach Dubare Elephant Camp
Government Bus: This bus drops travelers to the nearby towns. The ticket costs Rs 80-100. After the final stop, a traveler can always try out an auto or local town bus.
Auto: Travellers can hail an auto from Kushalnagar town, which is 17 KM away from Dubare. The total cost of this auto might be around Rs 200-300.
Town Bus: The town bus might be a bit cheaper than the auto, but it will be crowded and more congested.
Another way to reach Dubare is from Bangalore:
By Road: The NH 48 covers the distance of 253 KM from Bangalore to Dubare. The second route is NH 275, which completes the tour with 234 KM of the drive. Finally, the third route includes both NH 275 and NH 209 for a distance of 263 KM.
4. Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is a place where one can see a wide variety of flora and fauna. Nagarhole National Park is located in the Western Ghats and is part of Coorg district. The park is also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is spread in a sprawling area of 247 square miles. The average number of tourists visiting the park are around 25 lakh a year. The park can be explored on a day trip. The distance from the main city to Nagarhole National Park is around 73 kilometers.
History of Nagarhole National Park
In the Sanskrit language, the word ‘Naga’ means snake and ‘Hole’ means streams. Located on the boundaries of Kodagu district and Mysore district, Rajiv Gandhi National Park or Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is one of the most popular National Parks in India. Existing as a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve near Bandipur National Park, the park has been declared as one of the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO World Heritage Community. There are three rivers that flow through this national park – Lakshmana, Teentha, and Kabini. River Kabini separates Nagarhole National Park in Coorg from Bandipur National Park. The park was an exclusive Hunting Reserve for Wadiyar Dynasty, who ruled Mysore and in 1955, it was turned into a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1999, it was marked as a Tiger Reserve.
Area Wise Guide for Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is divided into 4 areas and the altitude of the park changes from 680 meters to 1454 meters.
North: This part of the park is surrounded by the Kabini River which is the main source of water for the animals in the park. One can spot many wildlife animals near the shore of the river.
South East: This part of Nagarhole National Park is dry and is famous for discovering predators. The place is also visited by many migratory birds and is a famous spot for bird watchers.
Center: In this region, one can spot elephants, gaur, and deer. The place is popular for Kabini river backwaters.
West: The entire west region is dotted with mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and streams. The place is also famous for bamboo and sandalwood trees.
Flora of Nagarhole National Park
The prominent part of Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is covered in the deciduous forest. In the southern part of the park teakwood and rosewood are in abundance and the central part is covered in a dry deciduous forest. Other famous trees found here are pala indigo, Eugenie trees, silver oak, sandalwood, teak, crocodile bark, Indian kino tree, axle wood, Kadam, cotton tree, Indian gooseberry and many more.
Fauna of Nagarhole National Park
Having a variety of flora and fauna, it is a hub for various species of plants and animals. Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is home to animals like Tiger, Gaur (Indian Bison), Porcupine Bonnet macaque Jungle cat, and Giant Squirrel; birds like Honey Buzzards, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrikes, Malabar Trogons and a variety of Woodpeckers, along with elephants and ducks found in abundance.
Type of Safaris
In terms of accommodation, one can prefer to stay in Forest Rest Houses (five of them lie within the area of Nagarhole) or various Resorts or Lodges located nearby. The major attractions of this place include Nagarhole National Park Safari and they conduct
Boat Safaris: The boat safari is for 3 hours in Kabini River. One can spot many rare species of plants and animals on this Safari. One can see elephants, Indian Bison, jackals, tigers, leopards, and wild boars can be spotted on the river bank.
Road Safaris: The duration of road safari is also 3 hours, road safari takes you into deep jungles of Nagarhole National Park. You can spot many endangered animals. The best time to go for Road Safari is from October to May.
Nagarhole National Park, is thus, a pristine panorama of nature and adventure with enchanting species of plants and animals around and is a one of a kind experience.
Attractions near Nagarhole National Park
Kutta: The place is believed to belong to Goddess Kali, the Goddess resided in this place and stayed with low-caste Kurubas. A major festival is celebrated every year where one can witness the goddess.
Iruppu Falls: Another famous place to visit near Nagarhole National Park, the place is popular for its scenic beauty and is a popular picnic spot. Water coming from Brahmagiri forms a fall called Iruppu falls.
Ishwara Temple: An important pilgrimage center that is flocked by devotees is the Ishwara temple. It is believed that Shivakinga was laid down by Lord Rama himself here.
Bandipur National Park: The place is known for tigers and a great variety of flora and fauna. The area is protected under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Wayanad National Park: It is the second-largest national park of Kerala and has a wide variety of endangered species of plants and animals.
Things To Carry
Warm clothes, if you are going for Jeep Safari
Don’t wear flashy and bright colored clothes, as it might disturb animals.
Carry sunscreen lotion.
Don’t forget to keep your camera, binoculars, and sunglasses with you
Carry a water bottle.
5. Brahmagiri Peak
Visitor Information
- Famous For: Sightseeing, trekking activity, campsite, wildlife, bird gazing, and photography
- Entrance Fee: Entry & trekking charge is 275 INR per head.
- Trek Timings: Best time to start your trek is 9AM onwards, from Iruppu Falls.
- Trek Duration: The entire hiking trip takes up nearly 12 hours for two-way journey.
This is a 1608 meters-high magnificent hill, situated atop Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. It is part of Brahmagiri range of mountains that lies in southern Western Ghats. Coorg district (Karnataka) and Wayanad district (Kerala) borders this mountainous region. Visitors generally trek to this peak from Iruppu Falls, Coorg. This landmark peak is covered with tropical forest and abundant in wildlife.
Things to Do
- Enjoy the cool climes of the forested area as you continue your hike.
- Capture the natural beauty of its tropical plants, flowers, and grasslands with your camera.
- Have a rendezvous with wild animals inside the sanctuary.
- Gaze at different species of birds chirping and perched on these tresses.
- Get entertained by the antics of various monkeys and macaques sitting and swinging around.
- Set up camp, rest your tired muscles, and have refreshments, at Narimale forest campsite.
- Get mesmerized by amazing panoramic view of the surrounding regions, from Peak’s ridges.
- There is a plaque with engraved inscription providing name and details about the site.
How to Reach
Travel to Srimangala village (10km) or kutta to reach Iruppu Falls that lies 9km from here. You can hire vehicles to come to the waterfall site. You will need to walk through a forest trail passing near this cascade zone. Make a stop at Narimale Camp (5km) for a camping break while en route to the imposing peak.
Mysore Railway Junction (110km) and Mysore Airport (113km) are the nearest railway station and airport, respectively, to its location.
