The Wild Side of Coorg: A Backpacker's Expedition

Located in the scenic Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg or Kodagu, as natives prefer to refer to it, is a small hill station famously renowned for its resplendent beauty, coffee estates, and history. Coorg is famously referred to as the "Scotland of India" and is simply the right destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and even individuals who want to break away from the concrete jungle to spend some time in solitude. It is a matter of rolling hills, endless forests, thundering waterfalls, and hidden valleys which provide a cool and peaceful environment all year round. The largest of the most fascinating sites to see of Coorg is its extensive coffee plantations, some of which have been centuries old and are as old as colonial times. A visit to the plantations is not merely a chance to consume coffee that has just been ground but a window into coffee culture and up-country farm life in the area. Besides coffee, Coorg also grows pepper, cardamom, and other spices that make the location all the more scented and lovely.

Coorg lies in a dense wealth of fauna and flora and is nature lovers’ heaven. Nagarhole National Park, a World Heritage Site, lying near Coorg has tigers, leopards, elephants, and a few bird species. Nature lovers can have full adventure in Coorg in the forms of river rafting, camping, trekking, and jeep safari. Trekking points are Tadiandamol, the Coorg Peak, Pushpagiri and Brahmagiri hills. Culturally, Coorg is a fascinating and colourful town. The Kodavas, the native people, possess a culture, colourful attire, and warrior tradition. Festivals such as Puthari (festival of harvest) and Kailpodh (warrior spirit festival) are celebrated with gusto and provide the visitor with a glimpse into the local culture. Coorg's peaceful monasteries such as the Namdroling Monastery near Bylakuppe also provide a spiritual kick to the state. The monastery, or the Golden Temple, as it is popularly called, is India's largest Tibetan colony and tourist hotspot due to its picturesque location and peaceful surroundings. With its mix of natural splendour, cultural richness, and a variety of experiences, Coorg is a destination that appeals to all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural escape, Coorg promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Karnataka’s hill country.

History of Coorg

The history of Coorg, or Kodagu, is as vibrant as its landscapes. This scenically stunning part of Karnataka's Western Ghats is a land of centuries-long history behind, forged by the local people, dynasties, and European colonists. The Kodavas were the native inhabitants of Coorg, an independent and warrior-like people who have continued to remain the social and cultural centre of the region for centuries. The history of Kodavas is to some degree a mystery, there being speculations that they descended from Indo-Scythians, Greeks, or even Arabs, but nothing controversial up to now as regards their unique identity, tradition, and warrior culture. Coorg was governed by various native kings and chieftains in ancient times. It was under the control of South Indian empires like the Cholas and Hoysalas, and then the Vijayanagara Empire. However, it was highly autonomous because of its hilly country and effective local leadership. The Haleri dynasty, an offshoot line of the Ikkeri Keladi Nayakas, conquered Coorg in the 17th century. The Haleri kings ruled the kingdom for over two centuries and provided affluent contributions to its government, culture, and armed forces. The capital was first at Haleri and later moved to Madikeri (formerly Mercara), which was the district headquarters till current times.

The British East India Company directed their focus towards Coorg in the early 19th century. It was taken over by the British during a short war with then Haleri king Chikka Veerarajendra and became a direct British administration province in 1834. Coorg was a small but significant member of British India, famous for its Kodava troops who fought bravely under the British Indian Army and successful coffee estates that were established during colonial days. Following independence, Coorg was a standalone state until it was incorporated into the new Mysore State (now Karnataka) in 1956 under the States Reorganization Act. While now a part of Karnataka, Coorg has still managed to retain its own identity since it boasts its language (Kodava Takk), festival, dress, and traditions. Its ancientness still makes itself evident in its forts and temples, its colonial architecture hugging its hills, and above all, in the pride of its people. From tribal to royal to British days, Coorg's history is a living legend of victory, cultures merged, and tradition ever unbroken.

Top Backpacking Trails in Coorg

1. Tadiandamol Trek: Coorg trekking king, Tadiandamol, the highest around 1,748 meters. Shola forest thickets, grassland, and varieties of wildflowers welcome the trekker. The moderately difficult trek takes the backpackers through a scenic Western Ghats landscape and is ideal for professional and amateur backpackers. Camping on top under a crystal-clear night sky is something that will remain unforgettable with you.

2. Brahmagiri Hill Trek: Since it's located next to Iruppu Falls, Brahmagiri Hill Trek consists of forest trail roads and meadows. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is where it is located, and the chance to spot elephants, deer, or endemics along the way provides an added adrenaline boost. The trek ends on flat ground with panoramic views of the bordering Kerala valleys. It's an intermediate-grade trekking experience suitable for nature lovers and photography lovers as well.

3. Pushpagiri (Kumara Parvatha): Coorg's most challenging yet rewarding trek, Kumara Parvatha is the state's second-highest peak. With its rock surface, forested trek routes, and slopes, this adventurers' delight is a must-visit. From Somwarpet or Kukke Subramanya, it is an adrenaline thrill climb and a bird's eye view from the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary summit. It is better as a two-day trek with an overnight camp at Bhattara Mane or Kallu Mantapa.

4. Nishani Motte Trail: Much less popular but extremely picturesque, Nishani Motte is suited to the adventurous tourist seeking an off-the-beaten-track, secluded trekking experience. The trek begins close to Bhagamandala and passes through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. A moderately graded trek of forest trails, rolling hills, and peaceful, unspoiled beauty, this is best taken between June and August and October to March. Clouds envelop the summit in all directions and emerald fields as far as one can see.

Nature & Wildlife Holidays in Coorg

1. Nagarhole National Park: Famous as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole is India's top-end luxury tiger reserve and a World Heritage destination. Stretching over the Western Ghats, the park has tigers, elephants, leopards, bison, deer, and more than 270 bird species. Jeep safaris in the park take one deep into jungles, and wildlife sighting opportunities in its natural habitat are present. Kabini River runs through the park, making a dense habitat supporting vegetation and wildlife. Nature walkers and wildlife lovers can never miss it.

2. Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp lies on the riverbank of River Cauvery and is a treat in itself for nature lovers. It was once a Mysore Dasara elephant training camp and is now an interactive nature camp, where the tourists have the privilege of bathing, feeding, and playing with these gigantic animals. The camp has coracle rides and bird viewing along the river. Dubare, situated between thick forest and quiet water, is the ideal family nature resort that also offers adventure and learning conservation.

3. Birdwatching in Coorg: Coorg is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with a variety of habitats from evergreen forests to coffee plantations. It has over 300 species of birds from the Malabar Trogon and Nilgiri Flycatcher to the Great Hornbill, and kingfishers and woodpeckers in many species. Early morning is ideal for the guided bird-watching treks at places such as Nisargadhama, Mandalpatti, and Pushpagiri. Even a plantation or forest trail walking tour can be a valuable birding experience.

Best Time to Visit Coorg

October to March (Post-Monsoon & Winter)

• Cool, comfortable climate – best suited for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• Best suited for trekking, coffee plantation visits, and wildlife safari.

• Cold climate and clear sky.

• Best season for tourists during back-packers, honeymoon couples, and family tours.

April to June (Summer)

• Snug, yet warm owing to the altitude of Coorg.

• Best suited for nature walks, bird watching, and plantation walks.

• Less crowded, hence suitable for peaceful vacations.

July to September (Monsoon)

• Coorg is a paradise of green with foggy hills and waterfalls.

• Suitable for rain enthusiasts and couples.

• Trekking may be limited as there could be slippery roads.

• Peaceful and romantic ambience do not miss rain accessories!

How to Reach Coorg

By Airport: The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (approximately 90 km) and then Mangalore Airport (approximately 140 km) and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (approximately 265 km). taxi or bus can be booked from the airport to Coorg (Madikeri).

By Train: There is no railway station in Coorg. The nearest railway stations are:

• Mysore Junction (approximately 100 km)

• Kannur Railway Station (approximately 110 km)

• Mangalore Railway Station (approximately 135 km)

• cab or bus facility from these stations is available to Coorg.

By Road:

• Coorg is road-connected and well-connected by road from cities such as Bangalore (270 km), Mysore (120 km), and Mangalore (150 km).

• Regular KSRTC and private buses are running between other towns and Coorg.

For the most enjoyable experience, go for a Western Ghats by motorbike tour or car drive.

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring Coorg tour packages from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

•  Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other Coorg that not many get to encounter.