Coorg, the Scotland of India, is a place full of surprises. The beautiful hill station in Karnataka in the southern part of India is the perfect place to spend your vacation. There are so many places to see and so many things to do in Coorg that you won’t ever be bored. The great weather, delicious food, friendly people, and unique culture draw thousands of tourists every year. Along with all this, the raw beauty of the mountains of the Western Ghats, the myriad coffee and spice plantations, and the beautiful towns make for great sightseeing spots in Coorg. Even the rivers in Coorg, which are sometimes raging in full force or peacefully flowing on their course, are beautiful. The tiny hill station is an unspoilt bit of nature in the Western Ghats.
If you think Coorg is just another hill station with temples and historical buildings, think again! Scotland of India has something for everyone. From the history buff to the wildlife enthusiast, from the miracle seeker to the thrill-seeker—every kind of tourist will find different kinds of things to do in Coorg to make their vacation a perfect one. So if you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adventure in Coorg, don’t worry we’ve got you covered.
Also Read: Best places to visit in Coorg: Where to go and what to do
Adventurous Things To Do In Coorg That’ll Get Your Blood Pumping
These adventurous activities in Coorg will get your blood rushing and your heart racing. So hold onto your hats and get ready for some adventure in Coorg.
1. Trekking: Explore The Mountains Of The Western Ghats
Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, Coorg is a trekker’s paradise. The picture-perfect district is located in the lap of the Western Ghats. The mountain ranges all around Coorg have beautiful trails that will please any curious wanderer’s soul. Trekking is one of the best things to do in Coorg to satisfy your adventure lust. Here is a list of the best trails for trekking in Coorg.
Mandalpatti Trek
A mere 25 kilometres from the town of Madikeri is a place called the Abode of Clouds, also known locally as Mandalpatti. Mandalpatti, which is famous for its view from the peak, is one of the easier trekking trails in Coorg. If you’re a newbie looking for an easy trek, this is one of the best things to do in Coorg. The peak offers you an unforgettable sight of the mountains and the valleys of the Pushpagiri ranges swathed in milky-white clouds and mist. Mandalpatti is also one of the best places to view a spectacular sunrise and sunset.
Kotebetta Trek
Kotebetta is a mountain located between Somwarpet and Madikeri. The trek starts at Hattihole, on the outskirts of a small town called Madapur. The trail takes you through beautiful coffee plantations, a gurgling stream, and a scenic forest trail before reaching the peak. Kotebetta Peak is also home to a tiny temple dedicated to Shiva. The view from the peak is so spectacular that the 10-kilometre trek is definitely worth the hike.
Brahmagiri Hills Trek
The Brahmagiri Hill on the border of Kerala and Karnataka is another great place for trekking. The Brahmagiri Hill is home to the sacred Thirunelli Temple towards the south, in the Wayanad district in Kerala. And to the north, the hill is home to the beautiful Iruppu Falls and Rameshwara Temple in Kodagu. The forest trails in the beautiful Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary take you through grassy slopes, silvery streams zig-zagging across the landscape, and majestic shola forests. The peak offers great panoramic views of the mountains of the Western Ghats and surrounding forests.
Tadiandamol Trek
One of the best things to do in Coorg for a trekking enthusiast is the Tadiandamol trek. Tadiandamol is the second-highest peak in Karnataka and the highest peak in Coorg. You can trek from the base in Kakkabe town or drive up to Nalknad Palace and trek from there. The peak offers great views of the Brahmagiri Mountain range spread below. The Tadiandamol peak is one of the best spots to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the Brahmagiri Mountains.
Chelavara falls And Kabbe Hills Trek
For adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers, a visit to Chelavara Falls is one of the best things to do in Coorg for an adrenaline rush. The 150-foot Chelavara Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Coorg. It’s in the middle of a plantation and looks like a scene straight right out of a fairytale. Try waterfall rappelling to get your blood pumping.
Kabbe Hills is a grassy meadow, which offers great panoramic views from the peak. The meadow is a mere 10 kilometres from the Chelavara Falls. A tranquil forest trail leads you here. The trek to Chelavara Falls and Kabbe Hills is among the things to do in Coorg that you shouldn’t miss.
Read More: A detailed guide to all the best places to go trekking in Coorg
2. Rafting: Get Your Blood Pumping On The River Kaveri
If you’re a water baby and love water sports, river rafting is one of the best things to do in Coorg. The river Kaveri and its tributaries provide the perfect opportunity for one of the best experiences—river rafting in Coorg. Once you’ve experienced rafting on the beautiful waters of the Kaveri and Barapole rivers amidst lush greenery, you’ll never want to go back!
The Barapole River, in south Coorg, is known for its beautiful, yet fierce white water. The grade V rapids and the turbulent water make it one of the riskiest river rafting experiences in Karnataka. Risk-takers, who want to skyrocket their adrenaline levels must try white-water rafting in Coorg on the Barapole River. The scenic beauty of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary makes the experience all the more beautiful.
The Dubare Elephant Camp offers white-water and still water rafting on the Kaveri River. Rafting here is much calmer than the Barapole River, but it’s still a beautiful experience. The grade I and grade II rapids are calmer and perfect for beginners and those with limited time on their hands. White water rafting in Dubare is the perfect thing to do in Coorg for a quiet adrenaline rush. If you don’t want the thrill of rafting on the rapids, Dubare offers still water rafting.
Both places have trained professionals to accompany you on the rafting trip. They’ll conduct mock drills and give instructions before heading into the water. The best time to go rafting in Coorg is during the monsoon or just after the rains when the rivers are full.
3. Ziplining
Adventure junkies—Here’s one of the best things to do in Coorg that will give you the best adrenaline rush to date. Craving adventure? Imagine zipping between two peaks at high speed while harnessed to a cable with only air beneath your legs. Sounds thrilling, right? Breaking the rules of gravity as you sail down a zip line, high above the land will give you the best rush of your life.
Coorg has several places where you can experience ziplining. Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar and The Quarry Adventures near Madikeri, are great places to experience this adventure sport in Coorg.
4. Camping
Coorg with its fragrant plantations, lush green forests and beautiful river banks offers the perfect place for camping. There are several campsites all over Coorg amidst the verdant hills and sprawling coffee and tea plantations. Ditch the luxury of the resorts, pitch a tent, light yourself a bonfire and camp under the twinkling stars. If you crave solitude and want to spend some time in nature, camping is one of the best things to do in Coorg. The Civet Creek camping ground, the Jungle Mount Adventure Camp in Kakkabe, and the Hobbit House in Surlabi offer great camping experiences.
Adventure Is Out There!
From finding hidden waterfalls and trekking along hidden trails in the green mountains to rafting, there are plenty of things to do in Coorg. So, get your adventure spirit on. Skip the lazing around and sign up for these adventure sports in Coorg for a true adrenaline-pumping experience. So thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, next time you’re craving an adrenaline rush, head to Coorg for the experience of a lifetime.
Coorg, also known as the “Scotland of India,” is a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is renowned for its lush green landscapes, mist-covered hills, and coffee plantations. Besides its natural beauty, Coorg offers a thrilling array of adventure activities that attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.