In and around Coorg: The Scotland of India during monsoon

If you’re someone who dreams of reconnecting with nature and in turn yourself during the upcoming monsoon getaway, then trip to Coorg is just the right destination for you.

Lush green landscapes. Aromatic tea and coffee plantations. Magnificent waterfalls. Mouth-watering cuisine. Misty hills. Exotic flora and fauna. Be it the food lover in you or the curious geographer, the wandering traveller or the nature enthusiast- Coorg is a gem that attracts thousands every year, leaving them with no other option other than to pay a visit to the place.

Alternatively known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg experiences monsoons from June till September. The temperature ranges from 22 to 26 degrees during the rainy season. During this period, the district undergoes a beautiful transition under the first few rain showers and carries on the legacy throughout the season. Its beauty only increases as it soaks in the replenishing vibe of the monsoon season and shares it with every passing tourist.

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How to reach Coorg

By Air: Coorg does not have an airport. Mangalore(160 kms) and Bangalore(260 kms) are the nearest airports to Coorg. They have flights to all major Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai as well as many gulf countries. Taxi/cab and bus services are also available from both the airports to Coorg.

By Train: Mysore(140 kms) is the nearest railway station to Coorg.Close railways stations are Mangalore and Hassan in Karnataka, and Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala. Trains like Mysore Express, Shatabdi Express, Bangalore Express stop at Mysore station and connect it to the rest of the cities.

By Bus: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides many deluxe buses to reach Coorg. Depending on the distance and condition of roads, the journey could take anywhere between 4-6 hours.

What to do in Coorg during monsoons

If you’re planning to visit Coorg during monsoon, be ready to encounter a visual feast that will leave ever-lasting imprints on your mind. Here’s a list of everything you can do in Coorg to experience everything monsoon has to offer in Coorg.

1. Get a taste of adventure at the Barapole River

Where: Barapole River, Coorg, Karnataka
Price:  ₹ 1000- ₹1500 per person
Timings: All days of the week
10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Visit Duration: 3-4 hours

Get your adventure buffs ready and pay a visit to the Barapole River in monsoon to indulge yourself in the most nerve-wrecking white water rafting experience ever.

2. Get your trekking shoes out

The trek through Brahmagiri is one of the most challenging ones, so if you’re someone who likes to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone- this is your go-to destination. It requires more than 3 hours of intense trekking to reach the top of Brahmagiri, which is about 1608m high. The trek begins from the Forest department camp shed at Thirunelli and is 10 kms long walking.

Do carry a pair of binoculars with you if you can. Climb over a  watchtower when you find one, and you’d be able to spot a herd of elephants or gaurs wandering in the valleys.

How to get there:

 By Road: Mananthavady is the nearest town and frequent buses are available from there.

By Rail: Thalassery Railway Station is 108 kms away and Kozhikode Railway Station is 130 kms away.

By Air: Calicut International Airport is 150 kms away.

If you’re not an experienced one, you can alsotake the Tadiandamol Trek as an alternative. It’s a moderate level trek with trek distance of almost 6 Km one side. You can reach the peak easily in 3-3.5 hours. There is no trek permission required.

3. Kayaking and Canoeing on River Kaveri

Accompanied by certified instructors, go on a ride on a 20ft deep stretch of the River Kaveri using a kayak or canoe. Experience the fun side of the river during monsoon with Jungle Mount Adventures.  The visitors are offered base camp facilities which include rooms, food gear, and bonfires at the end of the day.

End your day on an eventful note by experiencing the entertaining and adventurous side of Coorg during the rainy season.

Where to go in Coorg during monsoons

Although, Coorg might be a natural haven all year round, some places come alive under the first drops of the monsoon rains while other undergo a beautiful transition.

Here, is a list of some places you can visit in Coorg to witness the actual beauty of monsoon in the town.

1. Raja’s Seat

 Raja’s Seat is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains. It is one of the most important tourist spots in Madikeri of Coorg District. It is a garden where the kings of Kodagu are believed to have spent their sunsets enjoying the scenic change of the sky colours.

During the rainy season, this place has a charm of its own. With nature forming a protective girdle around it, it’s the best spot to watch over the changing hues of  the monsoon sky and witness the most beautiful sunsets.

2. Irupu Falls

Alternatively known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, Irupu Falls is a hidden gem in the treasure trove of Coorg. During monsoon, the waterfall comes gushing down in full speed and leaves you speechless. One can halt for a picnic at the spot or capture the most picture-perfect frames. The tourists can even enjoy a dip in the waters by staying within the safety railing. This major tourist destination, maintained by the tourism department of Karnataka, has all facilities including changing rooms, for the tourists.  An entry fee of Rs 50 per head is charged.

How to reach:

Iruppu waterfalls are 8 km from Kutta. Travelers from Kerala may proceed from Mananthavady.

3. Madikeri Fort

Entry fee: None
Timings: Open on all days
10:00 AM- 5:30 PM

Residing in the center of Madikeri, this heritage site is a popular destination for tourists visiting Coorg during monsoon. Being one of the most interesting places for sightseeing in Coorg, it is the go-to destination for all history buffs. Go on a trip down the historic lane of Coorg and explore its rich past.