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Tucked away in Southern Karnataka, the hilly Coorg region is perfect for a refreshing break. The cool mountain air, spice & coffee plantations, great trekking trails and a really friendly people make for a great holiday. The places to see in Coorg are a varied mix of natural wonder, architecture, religious places and historical sites. We’ve compiled a list of the 6 must see places in Coorg.

List of 6 Great places to see in Coorg

Omkareshwara Temple

Legend has it that once upon in a time (sometime in the early eighteenth century actually). King Lingarajendra II unjustly put a pious Brahmin to death. The spirit of the Brahmin started tormenting the king and in order to appease the spirit, he built this temple. A Shiva lingam was brought all the way from Kashi and is still placed at the entrance today. With a central dome and four minarets at the corners, the architecture is heavily Islam influenced.

Talacauvery

Talacauvery Coorg

The literal translation says “head of cauvery”; here it refers to the starting point or birthplace of the river Cauvery. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out of the small pond that is situated here. Thousands of pilgrims flock here to witness the rise of the fountainhead on Tulasankramana (the first day of Makara Masa, the Hindu calendar), which normally falls in mid October. There is a temple here dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara.

Tibetan Golden Temple & Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery

Tibetan Golden Temple

Located in Bylekuppe, the Namdroling Nyingmapa monastery is home to the largest Tibetan settlement in South India and the second largest in the country with more than 7000monks and nuns. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the temple are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans. The statues are of Guru Padmasambhava, Buddha Shakyamuni and Amitayus. The inhabitants of the monastery make handicrafts, carpets and incense.

Dubare Elephant Camp

This is basically an elephant training camp run by the Forest department of the Government of India. You can learn all about elephants here, ride them, feed them, even scrub them and take a bath with them. Although you’ll have to wake up pretty early and reach the camp by 9.00 am to catch the bathing. The Dubare forests are also home to the Indian bison, bears, crocodiles and a variety of birds including peacocks, kingfishers and woodpeckers.

Gaddige Tombs

Here, you will find the tombs of Dodda Virarjendra and Lingarajendra II along with the tombs of two army commanders and a priest. The tombs are also Islam inspired architecturally with fine brass bars and engravings. From here, you will get a bird’s eye view of the entire town. There is also a plaque commemorating General Biddanda Bopu, the Commander-In-Chief of the 18th Century Coorg Army who defeated the Mysorean Army.

Raja’s Seat

Raja’s Seat Coorg

The king’s seat is where the kings of the Kodagu dynasty would sit and watch the sunset with their consorts. Considered to be one of the most breathtaking views in South India, it is best enjoyed with a loved one or family. You can see the road curve up towards Mangalore and all the way to Kerala. These days, it is better to go there for during sunrise as it can get pretty crowded and noisy in the evenings. The area is surrounded by a Government run garden.

These are 6 places you must visit in Coorg.

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Shivangi Rajendran

As the newest member of the content team, Shivangi Rajendran comes from the world of professional dancing. With a passion for travel and a flair for writing, the Masters in Mass Communication is just an added advantage. A gypsy at heart, she doesn’t believe in planning and is always ready to pack her bags and leave.