Three days is enough to see the best of Coorg without rushing. Base yourself in Kushalnagar, on the eastern edge of Coorg, and you can see the Golden Temple and Nisargadhama on day one, spend day two in Madikeri with Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat, and visit a working coffee estate on the last morning. All drive times below are from Amanvana Spa Resort, and our concierge can find you a cab for any of the days.
Coorg itinerary at a glance
| Day | Plan | Drive from Amanvana |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, Golden Temple, Nisargadhama, evening by the river | 15 min to the Golden Temple; Nisargadhama under 1 km |
| Day 2 | Dubare Elephant Camp, then Madikeri: Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja's Seat at sunset | 25 min to Dubare; 40 to 50 min to the Madikeri sights |
| Day 3 | Gudde Estate coffee visit, Harangi Dam, drive home | 10 min to Gudde Estate; 20 min to Harangi |
| Extra day | Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, Mandalpatti or Nagarhole | 1.5 to 3 hours |
Day 1: Kushalnagar, the Golden Temple and the river
Coorg is about 230 km from Bangalore, a drive of four and a half to five hours (see our guide to Bangalore to Coorg, or Mysore to Coorg if you are coming from Mysore). Check-in at Amanvana is from 1 pm, so have lunch at the resort and head out in the afternoon.
The Golden Temple at Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe is 7 km away, about 15 minutes. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm and entry is free. Walk the monastery grounds, see the three gold statues in the main hall, and stop at a Tibetan cafe for momos.
On the way back, stop at Nisargadhama, a bamboo-forest island on the Kaveri reached by a hanging bridge. It is less than a kilometre from the resort.
Spend the evening at the resort, with dinner by the river.
Day 2: Dubare and Madikeri
Start early at Dubare Elephant Camp, 12 km and about 25 minutes away, where you can see the camp elephants and cross the river by boat.
Then drive west to Madikeri, the main town of Coorg:
- Abbey Falls, 31 km from the resort, about 50 minutes. Fullest from July to October.
- Madikeri Fort and its museum, 28 km.
- Omkareshwara Temple, known for its unusual domed design, 27 km.
- Gaddige, the tombs of the Kodava kings, 26 km.
Have a Kodava lunch in Madikeri. Try pandi curry (pork curry) with kadambuttu (steamed rice balls).
End at Raja's Seat for the sunset over the hills, then drive back, about 40 minutes.
Day 3: a coffee estate and the drive home
Coorg is India's biggest coffee district, and the last morning is a good time to see how coffee is grown. Amanvana arranges free visits to Gudde Estate, a working coffee plantation in Coorg about 10 minutes away, where the estate team explains how coffee is grown and processed. Transport is not included, so ask our concierge for a cab and book the visit at check-in.
Check-out is at 11 am. On the way out, stop at Harangi Dam, 9 km away, or Chiklihole Reservoir, a quiet picnic spot.
If you have a fourth day
- Talacauvery and Bhagamandala: the source of the Kaveri and the temple where rivers meet, about 2 hours away.
- Mandalpatti: a viewpoint above the clouds, about 1.5 hours away.
- Nagarhole National Park: a forest safari, about 2.5 to 3 hours away.
- Tadiandamol: the highest peak in Coorg, a day trek from Kakkabe, about 1 hour 45 minutes away.
For every sight with distances from the resort, see our guide to places to visit in Coorg, and our things to do in Coorg page.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Coorg?
Yes. Three days covers the Golden Temple, Dubare, Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat and a coffee estate. Add a fourth day for Talacauvery, Mandalpatti or Nagarhole.
Can I see Coorg in 2 days?
Yes. Follow day one and day two of this plan: Kushalnagar and the Golden Temple on the first day, then Dubare and Madikeri on the second.
Where should I stay for a 3-day Coorg trip?
Kushalnagar is the easiest base if you are driving from Bangalore or Mysore. The Golden Temple, Dubare and Nisargadhama are within 25 minutes, and Madikeri is about 40 minutes away.
How do I get around Coorg?
By car. There is no railway in Coorg and the sights are spread out. If you are not driving, our concierge can find you a cab.
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
October to March is cool and mostly dry, the easiest time for sightseeing. In the monsoon, from June to September, waterfalls are fullest, but allow extra time on the roads. See our guide to the best time to visit Coorg.
How many days are required to visit Coorg?
Three days covers the main sights: the Golden Temple, Dubare, Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat and a coffee estate. Two days is enough for a short break from Bangalore. Add a fourth day for Talacauvery, Mandalpatti or a Nagarhole safari.
What are the best places to visit in Coorg in 3 days?
The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Nisargadhama, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja's Seat at sunset and a coffee plantation. Planned from Kushalnagar, all of these fit into three days without long drives or rushed mornings at each stop.
Can I do this Coorg itinerary without a car?
Yes, with a cab. There is no railway in Coorg and buses are slow between sights. Our concierge can find you a cab for each day, and the Kushalnagar sights on day one are all within 15 minutes of the resort.
How much does a 3-day trip to Coorg cost?
For a couple, two nights at a 4-star resort like Amanvana typically cost Rs 28,000 to Rs 40,000, depending on the season and whether meals or spa treatments are included. Add Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 for local cabs and entry tickets, such as Dubare and Abbey Falls. Check live seasonal rates on our booking page.
Where to Stay for This Coorg Itinerary
This Coorg itinerary for 3 days is planned from Kushalnagar because it saves the most driving. Every stop on day one is within 15 minutes, Dubare is 25 minutes away, and Madikeri is about 40 minutes up the road, so you never spend half a day in the car. Amanvana is a 4-star resort in Kushalnagar, a short walk from the River Kaveri. Check-in is from 1 pm, which fits a morning drive from Bangalore, and check-out is at 11 am, which leaves time for the coffee estate visit on day three. Each stay is a standalone 540 sq ft bungalow facing the gardens, with a lotus pond courtyard and a skylit bathroom. After a day of sightseeing, the Sunken Spa and dinner at the Rainbow Room by the river are a few steps away. Book direct for the best rate, or call +91 94806 96070.