Places to Visit in Coorg, with Drive Times from Kushalnagar

The best places to visit in Coorg are the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Madikeri Fort, Mandalpatti and Talacauvery, the source of the Kaveri. Most visitors can see the main sights in two or three days.

Coorg is spread out and the hill roads are slow, so where you stay decides how much you see. Amanvana is in Kushalnagar, on the eastern edge of Coorg, the first stop on the road from Bangalore and Mysore (see Bangalore to Coorg for the route). Five of the places below are within 25 minutes of the resort, and Madikeri is about 40 minutes away. The table lists everything in this guide with distances from Amanvana, so you can plan each day before you set out.

All the places in this guide, with distances

Drive times for places near the resort and in Madikeri are the times we give our guests. For places further out, the times are estimates for hill roads, so allow extra in the monsoon.

Near Kushalnagar: under 30 minutes from the resort

Nisargadhama

A bamboo forest island on the Kaveri, reached by a hanging bridge. It is less than a kilometre from our gate, so it is an easy walk for an early morning or the last hour of daylight.

Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery), Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, and the Namdroling Monastery is its centre, with large gold statues in the main temple. It is 7 km from the resort, about 15 minutes by road. Go in the morning when it is quieter. See our full Golden Temple guide for timings and tips.

Dubare Elephant Camp

The camp is across the Kaveri, reached by boat. Go early in the morning, when the elephants are bathed. Rafting runs on the river nearby, depending on the season and the water level. It is 12 km away, about 25 minutes.

Harangi Dam and Chiklihole Reservoir

Harangi is 9 km away and is best after the monsoon, when water is released. Chiklihole, 12 km away, is a quiet reservoir for a picnic and has far fewer visitors.

In and around Madikeri: about 40 minutes

Madikeri is the main town of Coorg and makes an easy half-day or full-day trip from Kushalnagar.

Raja's Seat

A garden on the edge of a hill, with a wide view west over the valleys. Go for sunset.

Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple and Gaddige

The fort holds a small museum. Omkareshwara Temple, a few minutes away, has a domed design that is unusual for a Hindu temple. Gaddige is the group of tombs of the Kodava kings, on a small hill at the edge of town. All three fit into one morning.

Abbey Falls

The waterfall sits in coffee and spice estates just outside Madikeri, 31 km from the resort. A short walk down leads to the viewpoint. It is fullest from July to October.

Hills and viewpoints: 1 to 1.5 hours

Mandalpatti

A viewpoint high above the Pushpagiri forest, known for views over the clouds early in the morning. The last stretch of road is rough and is usually done by jeep.

Kote Betta

The third-highest peak in Coorg, with a trek through plantations and forest to a small temple at the top. Plan a full day.

Mallalli Falls

One of the biggest waterfalls in Coorg, formed by the Kumaradhara river as it drops off the Pushpagiri hills near Somwarpet. It is at its best during and just after the monsoon.

Talacauvery and west Coorg: about 2 hours

Bhagamandala and Talacauvery

Bhagamandala has a temple at the meeting point of rivers, and Talacauvery, a short drive further up the hill, is where the Kaveri begins. The river that flows past Amanvana starts here. Kaveri Sankramana, the main festival, is held at Talacauvery in mid-October.

Tadiandamol

The highest peak in Coorg. The trek starts near Kakkabe and takes most of a day, so leave early.

South Coorg: 2 to 3 hours

Iruppu Falls and Nagarhole National Park

Iruppu Falls is in the Brahmagiri hills in the far south of Coorg, with a temple near the start of the walk. Nagarhole National Park is further east on the same side. Book safaris in advance with the forest department. Both are long days from Kushalnagar, so pair them with an early start.

How to plan your days from Amanvana

One day close by: the Golden Temple in the morning, lunch at the Rainbow Room, Nisargadhama in the evening.

Family morning: Dubare Elephant Camp early, then Harangi Dam, back for lunch and the pool.

Madikeri day: Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple, then Raja's Seat for sunset.

Hills day: Mandalpatti early for the views, then Mallalli Falls in the monsoon.

Talacauvery day: Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, back by evening.

For a ready-made plan, see our 3-day Coorg itinerary. For activities like rafting, kayaking and coffee plantation visits, see things to do in Coorg from Kushalnagar. To choose your dates, see the best time to visit Coorg.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to visit in Coorg?

The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Madikeri Fort, Mandalpatti and Talacauvery cover the best of Coorg.

How many days do I need to see Coorg?

Two days covers the places near Kushalnagar and Madikeri. Three days lets you add Talacauvery or a hill viewpoint like Mandalpatti without rushing.

Which places to visit are near Kushalnagar?

Nisargadhama, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Harangi Dam, Chiklihole Reservoir and Dubare Elephant Camp are all within 25 minutes of Amanvana.

Which places in Coorg are best in the monsoon?

The waterfalls: Abbey Falls, Mallalli Falls, Iruppu Falls and Chelavara Falls are all fullest from July to October. Some river activities may close when the water is high.

Can Amanvana help plan my sightseeing?

Yes. Our team can plan your route and arrange trips to Dubare, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat and more. Call reservations on +91 80 7153 9970.

Stay close to the sights

Amanvana's private bungalows sit on the banks of the Kaveri in Kushalnagar, next to Nisargadhama and 15 minutes from the Golden Temple. Families can see our family stays, and couples our couples stays. Check dates and rates on our booking page, or call +91 80 7153 9970.