Places to Visit in Kushalnagar, Coorg: 7 Spots within 25 Minutes

Photo: Nandini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The best places to visit in Kushalnagar are Nisargadhama, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Dubare Elephant Camp, Harangi Dam and its elephant camp, Chiklihole Reservoir and a coffee plantation visit. All are within about 25 minutes of the town, so you can see most of them in a day. Kushalnagar is on the eastern edge of Coorg, the first town on the road from Bangalore and Mysore. Amanvana is here, on the Kaveri, so these are the places we send our guests every day.

Kushalnagar tourist places, with distances

Distances and drive times are from Amanvana, the times we give our guests on a normal day.

1. Nisargadhama

Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A 64-acre island in the Kaveri, reached by a hanging rope bridge, with bamboo groves, a deer park and boating. It is usually open from 9 am to 5 pm. See our full Nisargadhama guide.

2. Golden Temple at Bylakuppe

The Namdroling Monastery at Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Its main temple, known as the Golden Temple, has large gold statues of the Buddha. It is usually open 9 am to 6 pm and entry is free. See our Golden Temple guide for timings and tips.

3. Dubare Elephant Camp

Cross the Kaveri by boat to watch the elephants being bathed and fed. Go for the morning session, about 9 am to 11 am. Rafting runs nearby when the river allows. See our Dubare Elephant Camp guide.

4. Harangi Dam

A dam on the Harangi River, a tributary of the Kaveri, at its best when water is released in the monsoon. See our Harangi Dam guide.

5. Harangi Elephant Camp and Tree Park

Opened in 2022 on the right bank of the Harangi reservoir, with a 40-acre tree park. It is smaller and calmer than Dubare, with views over the water.

6. Chiklihole Reservoir

A small reservoir about 12 km from the resort, with far fewer visitors than Harangi. Good for a quiet picnic or an evening drive.

7. A coffee plantation walk

Gudde Estate, a working coffee plantation, is about 10 minutes from the resort. Our team arranges a free visit, where the estate team walks you through how coffee is grown, picked and processed. Transport is not included, and our concierge can book a cab. See our coffee plantation guide.

A one-day plan for Kushalnagar

• Early morning: Dubare Elephant Camp for the elephant bathing.
• Late morning: the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe.
• Lunch: the Rainbow Room at Amanvana, by the river.
• Afternoon: Harangi Dam, or Chiklihole for a quiet stop.
• Evening: a walk at Nisargadhama before it closes.

With more time, add Madikeri, about 40 minutes away, for Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls and the fort. See places to visit in Coorg and our Coorg itinerary for 3 days.

Where to stay in Kushalnagar

Amanvana is a 4-star riverside resort in Coorg, in Kushalnagar, next to Nisargadhama. Each private bungalow is a standalone 540 sq ft garden bungalow with a lotus pond courtyard and a sunken stone bathtub. There is the Sunken Spa, the Rainbow Room restaurant by the river, and an outdoor pool. Comparing options? See our guide to hotels and resorts in Coorg. Check dates on our booking page, or call reservations on +91 94806 96070.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to visit in Kushalnagar?

Nisargadhama, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Dubare Elephant Camp, Harangi Dam and the Harangi elephant camp, Chiklihole Reservoir and a coffee plantation visit. All are within about 25 minutes of the town.

Is Kushalnagar worth visiting?

Yes. Kushalnagar is the first town in Coorg on the road from Bangalore and Mysore, and several of Coorg's most visited places are within 25 minutes of it. The drive from Bangalore is also shorter than to Madikeri.

How far is Kushalnagar from Madikeri?

Madikeri is about 30 km from Kushalnagar, roughly 40 minutes by road.

How many days do I need in Kushalnagar?

One full day covers the main sights near Kushalnagar. Two or three days lets you add Madikeri, Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat at a relaxed pace.