Whether you are looking forward to a trip filled with rich legacies of the past or the bounties of nature in Karnataka, Coorg is the place to head to. One of the most beautiful districts in the state, it woos you with its lush green coffee plantations, panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and the rich and exquisite wildlife. Once the base of powerful empires, like the Kadambas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara, the region boasts of a rich cultural heritage too. In this article, we will tell you all about what to do and see in Coorg.

Fun Activities to Do in Coorg

Wildlife Viewing
Situated at a distance of 96 km from Coorg is the Nagarhole National Park, which initially served as a hunting ground for the royalty. Located at the foothills of Brahmagiri, the park is home to tiger, Asiatic elephant, and panther, apart from four-horned antelope, sloth bear, civet, spotted deer, flying fox, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers and various species of lizards can also be found in the forest.

Bird Watching
Nagarhole National Park is home to as many as 250 species of birds, making it a paradise for the birdwatchers. The most spotted bird species include the blue-bearded bee-eater, Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, crested serpent-eagle, crested hawk-eagle, Malabar pied-hornbill, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Indian Roller, Indian reed, Warblers, Grey jungle fowl, water fowl, scarlet minivet, ospreys, red vented bulbul, ring dove, common babbler, scinaitar babbler, lorikeet, red whiskered bulbul, biyth's myna, etc.

Elephant Safari
If you want to enjoy an elephant safari in Coorg, Dubare Elephant Camp is the place to visit. For reaching the place, you have to take a boat ride over Cauvery River. The elephants seen at the camp are trained under naturalists. The camp provides accommodation as well, around 10 cottages in toto, and the safari is undertaken in the nearby jungle.

Nature Walks
Coorg is one of those destinations in India that are known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. Copious coffee plantations, snow-clad mountains, steep lush valleys and picturesque vistas make the place a perfect getaway for nature lovers. And one of the best ways to explore this beauty is to go on a walk. Some of the most popular trails in the area are in the hills of Brahmagiri, all the way to the Iruppa Falls. Coorg plantations also offer some interesting trails.

Trekking
If you are planning to explore the beauty of Coorg through a trekking tour, the place would not disappoint you. Full of trekking routes, right in the midst of forests and hills, it is in fact a trekker’s paradise. The best trekking routes in the area include the ones to Tadiandamol, the highest peak of Kodagu, and Pushpagiri, the second highest peak. The best time for trekking comprises of the months of October to February.

Angling
Valanoor, the backwaters of the river Kaveri, presents you with the best opportunity to indulge in angling. Apart from the famous mahaseer, you can hope to catch a number of other fish species herein. So, do not forget to pack your fishing gear, when you come to Coorg, and explore one of the most beautiful and popular fishing destinations in Karnataka. The best season for angling is from October to May.

White Water Rafting
Amongst the numerous adventure activities that you find in Coorg, you can include white water rafting as well. Basically undertaken at the camps around Madikeri, it takes you down the volatile waters of Cauvery River. If you want some more action, visit the Upper Barapole River, which falls in Brahmagiri, to the south of Coorg. The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.

Golfing
For the golf loves coming to Coorg, there are active three golf courses worth visiting - Coorg Golf Links in Bittangala; Mercara Downs in Mercara (TATA Coffee), Coorg Golf Links near Virajpet. The Tata Coffee Course has 9 greens, while the Belur Club and Mercara Downs offer you the experience of playing on sand browns.