What’s there that has not been said about the beauty of Coorg? The spectacular place never fails to amaze us. It's always a good time to visit Coorg, but it reaches a different level of jaw-dropping beauty when it is pouring.
If you are thinking of visiting Coorg this monsoon (which you absolutely must!), here’s how to make the most of your trip.
Soak in the serenity at Abbey Falls
Also known as Abbi Falls, this place looks ethereal in the rains.
Cascading down from a height of 70 feet, the thick streams of the waterfall fall into a plunge pool from where the water merges into the Cauvery river. Surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, Abbey Falls is the perfect way to begin your adventures in Coorg. Just make sure you don’t get carried away and risk your life for another selfie!
Catch stunning views from Raja’s Seat
After Abbey Falls, you can relax and take in the views at Raja’s Seat Park. This is possibly the best place to enjoy the enchanting landscape that make Coorg the Scotland of India. Surrounded by a thick layer of mist, the place once served as a relaxation point for the erstwhile rulers of Coorg. Kids will enjoy taking a toy train ride and so will adults. Though monsoons are the most blissful, the vantage point offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets throughout the year.
Visit a coffee plantation
If you are a coffee person, Coorg is nothing less than a paradise. And if you are a tea lover, Coorg will surely turn you into a coffee lover. Embarking on a coffee plantation trail in Madikeri will introduce you to the essentials of coffee production. You’ll also get information on the geographical factors needed for the production of good coffee.
Walking through verdant plantations filled with the inviting aroma of cardamom, pepper and coffee is surely an experience, you won’t mind digging your shoes in the mud for. And the cherry on the cake? You’ll also get to taste a wide range of freshly-brewed coffee. The Tamara Resort is a much sought-after place to experience the magic of the plantations.
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Join the morning prayers at Namdroling Monastery
The Namdroling Nyingmpa Monastery in Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Joining Buddhist monks during their early morning prayer service is an unforgettable experience. The powerful chanting of mantras and the music being played by the monks will refresh all tired souls.
Sit in meditation with monks, or drink in the views, it’s a win-win situation either way. The prime attraction at the monastery is the gorgeous 40 feet tall Buddha statue. You can also pick up attractive souvenirs and Buddhist prayer flags from the shops at the entrance gate. Regular buses ply from Madikeri to Kushalnagar. From the Kushalnagar bus stand, hire an auto. The monastery is also known as the Golden Temple.
Meet elephants in Dubare
From Kushalnagar, head to the Dubare Elephant Camp. Located at a distance of 14km, on the banks of river Cauvery, this is one of the few places in the country where you’d get to spend some quality time with elephants and learn a thing or two about them. A haven for wildlife lovers, the camp is a project run by Jungle Lodges with the support of the state forest department. The camp once served as the training ground for elephants used in the Dussehra processions of Mysore. It’s truly a one-of-its-kind place to interact with these graceful beings, and enhance your knowledge about them with the help of trained specialists.
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