Coorg

River Cauvery: This is the lifeline of the region, though you can see the river in occasional spurts here and there. It starts from Talacauveri, goes to Brahmagiri and disappears; reappearing at Bhagamandala and finally meeting the Kannike and Sujyoti. This criss-cross of rivulets and streams that this river forms is what renders Coorg life. This river is best seen near the Dubare Reserve Forest, where you can see find the occasional glint of a mahseer, gamboling elephants and the blue kingfisher.

Talacauvery: The birthplace of River Cauvery, it is located on the Brahmagiri Hills. From Talacauvery, steps lead to the Brahmagiri Peak, where 7 great sages are said to have performed a holy yajna. The peak houses two temples - one dedicated to Shiva and one to Ganesha. The water tank before the shrines is where devotees are required to have a dip before entering the temples.

Abbey Falls: This is a stunning waterfall located inside a privately-owned coffee estate, whose roaring sound can be heard from the main road! The fragrance of coffee and cardamom would lift your spirits as you walk through the trail to reach the breathtaking falls. Do carry along a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture its beauty.

Omkareshwara Temple: Built in 1820 by a King Lingaraja, the temple is noted for its mosque-like structure, with a dome in the center and four minarets supporting it surrounded by sacred bulls. Atop the dome are a gold-covered ball and a weathercock. Also located before the temple is a water tank where you can take a dip.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp: This elephant training camp is located between the south bank of River Cauvery and the Dubare Forest Reserve and is one of the best places to watch elephants engaged in a host of activities. Currently home to about 15 elephants, you'd get practically all information about these animals. The entry fee includes tea and snacks, a naturalist's services and an elephant ride. This program lasts about 2-3 hours and starts with you giving a scrub to these tuskers. Thereafter, you would be required to feed it jaggery and ragi and enjoy a 30-minute ride to the jungle.

Fishing & Angling: The Cauvery is known as an angler's paradise and the huge mahseer is found quite abundantly at the Valnoor area of the river. Get a permit from the Coorg Wildlife Society before you venture here and carry your own fishing rods. You also need to fill out a form, wherein you enter details of your catch, bait used and where the fish was found. Remember that angling here is strictly catch-and-throw, so you must release the mahseer back in the water once you have the photograph taken with it. Some varieties can be kept for consumption, so check beforehand.

White-water Rafting: Try and catch a session of white-water rafting at the Cauvery Nisargadhama in season. The rafting session starts in the morning and you can spend 3 hours rafting down the river. You must be medically fit to participate in this.

Kakkabe: It was once the largest producer of honey in South-East Asia. Today it is known for its scenic treks through orchids, plants and spectacular views of the mountains. The highlight of this region is the Thadiyendamol, which, at 5730 ft, is the highest peak in Coorg. The trek is mostly gentle, except the last bit of the climb. On a clear day, stunning views of the coastline is visible. The Igguthappa Temple is another must-visit here, dedicated to Lord Igguthappa who is the rain god and giver of grains. The Kaliyarchi Festival is particularly important, when the idol is carried to the Mallama Betta peak and brought back to the temple post several ceremonies. The erstwhile royal hunting lodge and summer home of the Kodagu kings, the Nalnad Palace is a two-storey structure has carved wooden wall paintings and murals.
Open from: Igguthappa Temple - 9.30 am-1.30 pm;
Puja timings - 11.30 am-12.30 pm

Irpu Falls: This sacred spot on the Brahmagiri Hills is one of the best places to catch spectacular glimpses of the serene environment. The falls are best visited after the rains, when the fall gushes down 60m. Close to the falls is the Ishwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a hub of activity during Shivratri Festival. A trail from the falls also leads to the Brahmagiri Santuary, which is home to a large number of wild animals, including elephants, bison, spotted deer, wild boar and peacocks. Trekking and exploring the park in private vehicles is allowed, though prior permission is necessary.

Nisargadhama: This island located in the middle of the River Kaveri, is known for its serene beauty and is an ideal picnic spot

Somwarpet: This is the coffee heartland of Coorg, worth visiting for its fine coffee estates. It boasts of a magnificent landscape dotted with towering trees and fragrant coffee beans. Local spices such as cardamom and pepper are grown here as well.