We kicked off our road trip to Coorg at dawn to beat the Bangalore traffic. As we left behind the high-rises and tech parks, the sky gradually transitioned from deep blue to golden. With a Spotify road trip playlist, hot chai in our travel mugs, and a sense of freedom, we took the Mysore Road (NH275) — one of the most scenic and well-maintained highways in Karnataka.
Ramanagara
Experience: Our first pitstop was Ramanagara, famously known as the shooting location of Sholay. The rocky hills rose dramatically from the plains, tempting us for a quick trek. Even if you’re not a climber, just stepping out and breathing in the dry, crisp morning air here is refreshing.
Locals offered fresh tender coconuts and banana bajjis near the hill base. A short visit to the Ramadevara Betta temple atop the hill rewarded us with panoramic views.
Distance from Bangalore: 50 km
Channapatna
Experience: Just down the road, we rolled into Channapatna, known for its traditional handcrafted wooden toys. We stopped by a government emporium to see the artisans at work — skilled hands painting lacquered toys in bright reds, yellows, and greens.
We bought a few colorful spinning tops and miniature toy sets — perfect souvenirs and great conversation starters.
Distance from Ramanagara: 15 km
Mandya
Experience: Driving through Mandya was like flipping through a living postcard — lush green sugarcane fields, bullock carts, and farmers waving at travelers. We stopped by a roadside shack for a glass of fresh sugarcane juice, extracted right before our eyes and sweetened only by nature.
The town itself was laid-back, but the rural charm and hospitality made this quick stop feel warm and grounded.
Distance from Channapatna: 40 km
Srirangapatna
Experience: Next came Srirangapatna, the island fortress town once ruled by Tipu Sultan. We explored the Ranganathaswamy Temple, where the vibe was spiritual, calming, and steeped in centuries of devotion.
Then we visited the Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Inside, murals depicted battles and daily life from a bygone era. We stood at the edge of the Cauvery River, watching the water rush by — a moment of complete stillness.
Distance from Mandya: 20 km
Mysore
Experience: Though it was a detour, stopping in Mysore was non-negotiable. We marveled at the Mysore Palace, its golden domes gleaming in the mid-day sun. Even just walking its outer grounds was an experience.
Lunch at a local mess brought us a true taste of Mysore Masala Dosa, rich ghee-topped rice, and chow chow bath. Before leaving, we couldn’t resist shopping for Mysore sandal soap and silk stoles.
Distance from Srirangapatna: 15 km
The Ghat Roads to Coorg
Experience: As we left the city behind, we entered the forested stretches of Nagarhole and Kushalnagar. The air became cooler, the roads curvier, and nature enveloped us from all sides.
Monkeys lined the trees, and occasional deer sightings on the roadside added a thrill. We paused at a roadside viewpoint to sip tea — the silence broken only by rustling leaves and distant bird calls.
Distance from Mysore to Coorg: 115 km
Once Reach Coorg
Coorg (Kodagu), nestled in the hills of Karnataka, offers the perfect blend of serenity, culture, and nature. If you’ve only got a day, here’s how to make it unforgettable—through misty mornings, coffee trails, waterfalls, and Coorgi hospitality.
Sunrise at Raja’s Seat
I began my morning at the serene Raja’s Seat, a historic viewpoint once favored by Coorg’s kings. As the mist slowly lifted over the valley, layers of hills appeared in waves—some green, some blue, all alive.
The morning sun painted the clouds golden, and a group of schoolchildren watched in awe with me, whispering stories. The neatly maintained garden and rhythmic hum of distant birds made the spot feel sacred.
Traveler Reflection: I came to see the view, but stayed for the silence. There’s something timeless about Raja’s Seat—like the hills have been watching over stories for centuries.
Filter Coffee & Breakfast at Coorg Cuisine
I walked into Coorg Cuisine, a popular local restaurant that feels more like a family dining room. The smell of fresh coffee and sizzling spices instantly lifted my senses. I had akki roti, spicy pandi curry (Coorg-style pork), and a steaming filter coffee to wash it all down.
Even as a first-timer to Coorg food, I felt welcomed. The flavors were bold but comforting.
Food Review: It was the kind of breakfast you don’t rush. I watched locals greet each other warmly over dosa and coffee. The food had love in it—earthy, spiced, and real.
Coffee Plantation Walk near Madikeri
Next, I joined a guided coffee estate walk on the outskirts of Madikeri. Walking through rows of coffee shrubs shaded by tall silver oaks, I learned how Arabica and Robusta are grown, harvested, and roasted.
Pepper vines wrapped around trees, and the air smelled like soil, spice, and wood smoke. Our guide—a third-generation planter—shared stories about wild elephants and the perfect roast.
Tourist Insight: Walking between coffee rows, touching the beans, hearing the birds… I understood why people fall in love with Coorg. It isn’t just the view—it’s how the air feels like home.
Abbey Falls
Just a short drive away, the roaring Abbey Falls came into view through a forested trail. The sound of water crashing from the cliff echoed through the trees. A suspension bridge let me stand directly in front of the falls—spray on my face, mist in the air, and greenery all around.
Nature Moment: The energy was electric. I stood still, soaked in the spray, and felt alive in a way I hadn’t for months. The forest, the force, the freshness—it stays with you.
Lunch at Raintree Restaurant
For lunch, I stopped at Raintree, a colonial-style bungalow converted into a restaurant. The ambiance was elegant yet relaxed, with wooden furniture, wide windows, and quiet conversations.
I ordered a Coorg-style chicken curry with rice, served with kootu curry, and a tangy mango pickle. The meal was deeply satisfying—warm, hearty, and flavorful.
Food Review: It felt like I was eating history. Every bite of the chicken had a story behind it—of grandmothers, pepper gardens, and family secrets.
Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), Bylakuppe
An hour’s drive took me to Namdroling Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries in India. As I walked through the golden gates, the smell of incense and the sound of monks chanting transported me to a different world.
Inside the main hall, three towering Buddha statues gleamed under skylights. The walls were painted with intricate stories of Tibetan deities, dragons, and lotuses.
Spiritual Reflection: I sat down, closed my eyes, and felt an unfamiliar peace. It was more than just a visit—it was a moment of connection, between stillness and self.
Local Market & Spices in Madikeri
Back in Madikeri town, I walked through the local market, where Coorg’s spirit truly comes alive. Shops were lined with homemade chocolates, spice mixes, honey, and handcrafted souvenirs.
I bought Coorg coffee beans, a bottle of pepper-infused honey, and a woven shawl. The shopkeeper even offered a coffee tasting right in his store.
Tourist Tips: Skip the big-brand shops. Talk to locals, ask about their family farms, and support them. They’ll tell you things no guidebook ever will.
Sunset Tea at Viewpoint Café
To end my journey, I found a small hilltop café with a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. With a cup of hot lemon tea in hand, I watched the sun set over the hills, fading into oranges and purples.
The wind grew colder, and lights began twinkling in the valley below. I didn’t check my phone once.
Final Thought: It wasn’t the sights or the food that made the day unforgettable—it was the rhythm. Coorg makes you slow down, breathe deep, and feel more.
