Coorg (also called Scotland of India) is a hill station surrounded with coffee-planted mountains and a misty landscape. It is known for its flavourful coffee, peaceful environment and the lush forests on the hills. And the greenery, winding roads and multiple narrow streams of water on the roadsides charm many tourists.
Coorg is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka, and it is perfect for all kinds of visitors. Whether you are into adventure activities or historical places, you'll enjoy a visit to Coorg. Here, you will get the much-needed relaxation to get through a stressful life.
And Madikeri is in the heart of Coorg.
With numerous viewpoints, trekking sites and waterfalls, Madikeri is among the best tourist destinations to enjoy with friends and family. You can also go for coffee plantation tours or pick berries on the fields.
Coorg / Madikeri is also popular among the shopping lovers. Apart from the aromatic coffee, you can buy spices, honey and many other local products during your trip.
But when is the best time to visit Coorg/Madikeri? Let’s explore.
Coorg in Summer (March – May)
Summer in Coorg / Madikeri is from March to May, and the weather remains pleasant during those days. It might get a bit warm at times though. But even if the temperature rises, the cool mountainous breeze keeps the visit comfortable. The average maximum temperature is 35°C and the average minimum is around 25°C.
Places to visit in Coorg during Summer Season
In summer, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities in and around Madikeri. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Tadiandamol Peak and Kote Betta Hill are some places you might like during this season. And if you don’t want to go for strolls or treks, plan to go sightseeing. Visit places like Madikeri Fort and Raja’s Seat to get the best views of the green valleys and peaks of Coorg.
Summer Travel Tips for Coorg
- Book tickets and accommodation in advance.
- Pack light cotton clothing.
- Have sweaters and scarves.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Carry a hat and sunglasses.
Coorg in Monsoon (June – September)
The monsoons around Madikeri begin around mid-June and remain until September. The region receives a good rainfall during this season. It is unpredictable, but it is bound to happen. The average high temperature during the time is around 28°C, and the average minimum is around 23°C.
Places to visit in Coorg during Monsoon Season
The heavy showers in Madikeri will hinder sightseeing and other outdoor activities. But when possible, you can enjoy the lush green landscapes during this season. The panoramic scenery of misty peaks, swirling clouds and overflowing rivers can be enjoyed from the various view-points around Coorg.
And during the latter part of the monsoon season, you can also visit places like Talacauvery, Iruppu Falls and Abbey Falls. Mallalli Falls and Chelavara Falls are the other waterfalls to visit. Also, you can check water-based activities like white-water rafting and others in the rivers that flow through the hills.
Monsoon Travel Tips for Coorg
- Pack light cotton clothing.
- Have sweaters and scarves.
- Pack extra clothes.
- Have an umbrella/raincoat.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Carry plastic bags for gadgets.
- Take mosquito repelling creams and lotions.
Coorg in Winter (October – February)
The winter in Madikeri / Coorg is from late October to February. While the afternoons are warm and comfortable during these months, the mornings and evenings are accompanied by chilly winds. The average maximum temperature is 20°C; the average minimum is 12°C.
Places to visit in Coorg during Winter Season
During the winter months, you can participate in various adventure activities like camping and trekking among the fragrant coffee plantations in Coorg. Along with living among the fresh green landscapes, you can also enjoy river rafting and other water sports. Birdwatching and wildlife safaris are also available in winter.
Some places worth visiting in Coorg in winter are Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubare Elephant Camp and Nisargadhama Forest, among other popular ones.
Winter in Madikeri is a favourite among couples too. The wintry winds, bonfire and hot coffee set the right ambience for them. And if you're single, get in a blanket and spend your evening reading your favourite book. You can enjoy a glass of the local wine alongside.
In Madikeri, you can even get to witness various festivals throughout the winter.
Around October, you can be a part of the Dussehra celebrations. Then, if you plan a visit around the new year, you'll have time to celebrate Christmas, along with the New Year. And in February-March, you can be a part of the Tibetan New Year at the Kushalnagar Golden Temple Monastery.
Winter Travel Tips for Coorg
- Pack warm woollen clothing.
- Carry gloves, mufflers and mittens.
- Carry an umbrella.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Take sunscreen creams.
- Take mosquito repelling creams and lotions.
What is the best time to visit Coorg / Madikeri?
With a pleasant climate throughout the year, Madikeri can be visited at any time during the year. However, it is in the winter that you can enjoy the most.
After the continued raining season, it’s winter, when the mountains feel refreshing and you will come across an extensive variety of flora & fauna. It is when you can get to experience the serenity of Coorg and its landscapes.
Also, you'll be better able to explore the sightseeing places and adventure activities in Madikeri and the surrounding area. The temperature is just about right.
When is the peak tourist season of Madikeri in Coorg?
Coorg is a year-round destination, but many people prefer to visit it during the winter. The winter months allow adventure enthusiasts a comfortable experience in and around Madikeri.
However, summer is the peak tourist season of Coorg.
As it is a hill station, the temperature remains pleasant even during the hot summer months. Also, the views are clearer and most spots are accessible during those months. So, Madikeri / Coorg gets crowded in summer.
How many days are enough for Madikeri / Coorg?
You can visit most tourist spots and enjoy a little trekking if you stay for 2 days in Madikeri. Therefore, many people from the nearby cities come here during the weekends.
However, spend at least 5 days having a relaxed vacation in Coorg. You'll be able to enjoy the varied landscapes, visit the tourist spots and trek on the hills. But the place is not only about exploring all the places.
You can check the local cuisine during your stay. Dried fish and crab meat are some local preparations you can try. Also, check the bamboo shoots, baimbale curry, chekke curry with jackfruits and wild mushrooms curry.
And while you're here, shop for aromatic local coffee, fresh spices and traditional handicrafts.
What are the best places to visit in Coorg?
The top 10 places and experiences in Coorg (Madikeri) are –
- Abbey Falls
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Kushalnagar Monastery
- Madikeri Fort
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Raja's Seat
- Talacauvery
- Coffee plantation estates
- River rafting sites.
- Trekking trails
How to reach Madikeri in Coorg?
Coorg / Madikeri is among the popular tourist spots in the country. It is close to Bangalore (250 km), Mangalore (150 km) and Mysore (110 km). And it is easily accessible through these cities and many other prominent places. So, here are different ways to reach Madikeri –
By rail – The nearest railway station to Coorg is in Mysore. It has excellent rail connectivity with many major cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. And from there, you can board a bus or rent a taxi to reach Madikeri, Coorg. You can also book a cab for a comfortable journey and holiday.
By road – Public buses to Coorg are available from different cities like Bangalore, Hassan and Mysore among others. Then, you can also book a cab to enjoy the journey through the green coffee plantations along the narrow mountainous roads of Coorg.
By air – The airports at Bangalore and Mangalore are the closest international airports to Coorg. And they have daily flights from around the world. From there, you can get buses, cabs or taxis for Madikeri. Mysore airport is also near, but it has limited connectivity.
How to get around Coorg / Madikeri?
Auto Rickshaws and taxis are available in Madikeri for local sightseeing. You can ask them for half-day tours or full-day tours around the town.
For multi-day relaxed tours with your family or group, it’s better to book a cab from top car rental companies in Coorg. It will be more comfortable. And you will also be able to visit all the places in Coorg and enjoy the adventure activities.
