How to explore Coorg?
Coorg
View from Talakaveri
C
oorg is relatively large district (and not a specific place per se) with its attractions scattered all around. For example north to south the distance is well over 100 km. So is if you are traveling from east to west. And remember it is a hill country with winding narrow roads where the driving is a bit slower.The Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary is spread along the southeastern quarter of Coorg. Most of the wildlife oriented tourists head towards this direction. Dubare, the elephant camp is located on the eastern side Coorg along the banks of Cauvery. Close by is angler’s favourite spot, the Valnoor Fishing Camp. Further south on the fringes of the Nagarhole forest are some of the wildlife based upscale resorts like King’s Sanctuary. Beyond that in the south direction and inside the Nagarhole forest is the Murkal elephant camp. Further is the forest guesthouse and the safari point. At the southmost point is Kutta, a small town in Coorg. West of Kutta after the Kerala border is Wayanad, another highly sought after holiday destination.
Trekking enthusiasts typically head towards the westmost part of Coorg. This is the place of mountain ranges that are part of the Western Ghats.
Virajpet, the main town in this side of Coorg sits on the edges of the hills. Thadiyandamol, the highest peak in Coorg. If you are lucky enough with a clear sky, after that daunting trek you can see Arabian sea (over the Kerala state !) from the peak at Thadiyandamol. In short tourists with adventure as a reason to go for Coorg will find many homestays at the base of the popular trekking routes. And yes, many of them can arrange for the trekking expeditions.
Leaving the wildlife, trekking and plantations aside, some of the star attractions in Coorg are in and around the Madikeri town, the best connected part of Coorg. And yes, there are many homestays in are around Madikeri town.
Also keep in mind your entry and exit direction with respect to the orientation of Coorg district. Look for a homestay that is the most suitable base for your local tour itinerary. You’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary to and fro trips (saves you time and money!).
For example if you are coming to Coorg from the Mysore side, you’ll be heading straight to Madikeri. Or you can even take a deviation at Hunsur to enter the Nagarhole side without even going into Madikeri. Those coming from Mangalore side, approaches the Madikeri from the northwest of Coorg.
In short let the homestay and your tour plan compliment each other, as the distances are large and often circuitous.