Coorg in 3 Days: What I Saw, Loved, and Recommend

Coorg—or Kodagu as the locals call it—has a way of capturing your senses slowly and completely. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the misty hills wrapped in silence, or the winding roads leading from one stunning viewpoint to another, this hill station in Karnataka never rushes you. When I explored Coorg in 3 days, I realised it’s not just a destination but an experience layered with culture, landscapes, and warmth. If you're planning your own escape, this guide will walk you through everything I saw, loved, and wholeheartedly recommend.

Day 1: Waterfalls, Coffee Aromas & A Slow Introduction to Coorg

Most travellers arrive in Coorg early in the morning, especially if they’re driving from Bangalore or Mysore. The journey itself sets the mood—lush forests, rolling hills and a cool, earthy breeze that hints at what awaits. The best time to visit Coorg is between October and March, when the weather is crisp and perfect for exploring.

I began my trip with a visit to Abbey Falls, one of the most popular attractions in Coorg. Even though it draws crowds, the sight of the water gushing down into a rocky pool surrounded by dense greenery is unforgettable. The short walk to the falls is easy and refreshing, especially when the morning mist hasn’t fully cleared.

After Abbey Falls, I visited a local coffee plantation, and this quickly became one of my favourite experiences of the trip. Walking among coffee shrubs and learning about the process of growing, picking and roasting coffee beans made me appreciate every cup a little more. The plantation tour ended with a tasting session, and trust me, coffee never tasted this good before.

By afternoon, I headed to Raja’s Seat, a viewpoint known for its sunset views. But even during the day, it’s beautiful. Rolling hills stretch endlessly, and the quiet gardens make it a peaceful place to sit, breathe and let Coorg sink in.

Day 2: Sacred Hills, Wildlife Trails & A Taste of Coorg Culture

My second day began with a trip to Talacauvery, the birthplace of the river Cauvery. The drive to the top of the Brahmagiri Hills is stunning, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The temple complex is serene, but the real magic lies in the scenery: layers of hills stretching into the distance, sometimes bathed in sunlight and sometimes wrapped in fog.

Just a short drive away lies Bhagamandala, where three rivers—Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi—meet. It’s a culturally rich spot, and spending some quiet time here helps you understand why Coorg is often called the Scotland of India.

Later that afternoon, I made my way to Nagarhole National Park, one of the most exciting nearby attractions. The safari ride takes you through thick forests where deer graze, elephants wander peacefully and, if luck is on your side, a tiger might even cross your path. I wasn’t lucky enough for a tiger sighting, but the beauty of the forest made the experience worthwhile.

To wrap up the day, I returned to my homestay to try an authentic Kodava meal—pandi curry (Coorg-style pork), akki roti, and bamboo shoot curry. Coorg’s cuisine is unlike anything else in Karnataka; it's earthy, flavourful and best enjoyed slowly.

Day 3: Dubare Elephants, Monastery Calm & A Relaxing Wind-Down

On my final morning in Coorg, I visited the Dubare Elephant Camp, a must-visit spot if you want a closer look at the gentle giants. Watching them bathe, learning about their care and walking alongside them on the riverbank is an experience that stays with you. It’s perfect for families, nature lovers and anyone who wants meaningful interactions with wildlife.

Next on my itinerary was the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) in Bylakuppe. The monastery is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, and stepping inside feels like entering a different world. The golden statues, the soft chants, the colourful murals and the peaceful atmosphere make this a beautiful place to slow down. I spent longer here than planned, simply because the calm was addictive.

I spent the rest of the day strolling through local markets, picking up homemade chocolates, spices, and of course, bags of freshly ground Coorg coffee. If you love souvenirs that actually smell and taste like the place you visited, Coorg will spoil you.

How to Reach Coorg: The Best Travel Options

Reaching Coorg is easy, especially from major South Indian cities.

• By road: Most travellers prefer driving from Bangalore (around 5–6 hours) or Mysore (2–3 hours). The highways are smooth, and the scenery only improves as you enter Kodagu.

• By air: The nearest airport is Mangalore (3.5 hours away), followed by Bangalore.

• By train: Although Coorg has no railway station, Mysore and Hassan are close options. From there, a scenic drive will take you into the heart of the hills.

If you get motion sickness, keep medication handy—the roads closer to Coorg can get curvy.

Local Tips, Safety & Suggested Budget

Coorg is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly destinations in Karnataka, but a few tips can make your trip even smoother.

Carry light woollens even in summer—early mornings and late evenings can get chilly. If you're planning on trekking or exploring forested areas like Pushpagiri or Tadiandamol, hire a local guide. Google Maps won’t always be accurate in these remote regions.

Food in Coorg is reasonably priced, and homestays often serve the best meals. For travel within Coorg, renting a bike or hiring a private cab is more convenient than depending on public transport.

For a comfortable 3-day trip, expect to spend ₹8,000–₹15,000 per person, depending on your choice of stay, food and activities like safaris or plantation tours.

Final Thoughts: Coorg Is About Moments, Not Checklists

The best part about exploring Coorg in 3 days is realising that the trip isn’t about ticking off attractions one after another. It’s about slow breakfasts with mountain views, evening walks through coffee estates, stories shared by locals, and the lovely silence that settles over the hills at dusk.