After completing our visit to Hampi, we boarded a train to Mysore, from where our four-day road trip through Coorg (Kodagu) began.

Covering nearly 350 km by road, this journey offered a delightful blend of spirituality, scenic landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, and the rich coffee country of Karnataka.

Our itinerary included the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, the origin of the River Cauvery at Talakaveri, beautiful waterfalls, and two wildlife safaris in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

Day 1 – Mysore to Madikeri

Golden Temple (Bylakuppe)

Our first stop was the magnificent Golden Temple, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India. The massive golden statues of Buddha inside the prayer hall, colorful murals, and peaceful surroundings create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. It is a wonderful place to spend an hour appreciating Tibetan culture and architecture.

Nisargadhama

Located on an island formed by the River Cauvery, Nisargadhama is a pleasant forest park maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. Connected by a hanging bridge, the park offers shaded walking trails, bamboo groves, deer enclosures, and riverside views, making it an ideal stop to stretch your legs during the drive.

Ila Homestay, Madikeri

By afternoon, we reached Madikeri and checked into Ila Homestay.

The rooms were neat, comfortable, and reasonably priced, with access to shared living spaces. The courteous hosts made us feel at home, while the delicious, healthy, home-style breakfast each morning was the highlight of our stay. It offered excellent value for money.

Raja’s Seat

In the evening, we visited Raja’s Seat, the most popular viewpoint in Madikeri. It is believed that the Kodava kings once spent their evenings here enjoying the panoramic views of the valley. The beautifully maintained garden and the sunset over the Western Ghats made it a relaxing way to end the day.

Omkareshwara Temple

Before retiring for the night, we visited the Omkareshwara Temple. Built in the 19th century, this unique temple combines Islamic architectural elements with traditional Hindu design. The temple tank in front reflects the structure beautifully, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

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Day 2 – Talakaveri and Abbey Falls

Triveni Sangamam (Bhagamandala)

Our day began with a visit to Triveni Sangamam at Bhagamandala, where the rivers Cauvery, Kannike, and the mythical Sujyoti are believed to meet.

The river is shallow enough for a comfortable dip, and we found the place exceptionally well maintained. Clean toilet facilities and separate changing rooms for women made the experience convenient for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Bhagandeshwara Temple

Adjacent to the Sangamam is the ancient Bhagandeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s Kerala-style architecture and peaceful ambience make it an important pilgrimage centre in Coorg.

Talakaveri

A short uphill drive brought us to Talakaveri, the revered birthplace of the River Cauvery.

Located amidst the Brahmagiri Hills, Talakaveri is both a pilgrimage destination and a scenic viewpoint offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Standing at the origin of one of South India’s most important rivers inspired a future travel idea—to someday undertake a “Cauvery Trail” following the river from Talakaveri all the way to Poompuhar, where it finally meets the Bay of Bengal.

Abbey Falls

Our final destination for the day was Abbey Falls, one of Coorg’s best-known waterfalls. Surrounded by coffee plantations and spice estates, the cascading water creates a refreshing sight, especially during and after the monsoon season. Although visitors can only view the falls from a hanging bridge, the scenery is well worth the short walk.

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Day 3 – Irpu Falls and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

Irpu Falls (Lakshmana Theertha Falls)

Our journey continued to Irpu Falls, also known as Lakshmana Theertha Falls. According to the Ramayana, Lord Lakshmana is believed to have created this stream by shooting an arrow into the ground to provide water for Lord Rama.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush forests, and the short walk to reach it is both scenic and enjoyable.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

The highlight of our Coorg trip was the evening Jeep Safari at Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

Among India’s best-managed tiger reserves, Nagarhole offers an excellent safari experience. We booked our Jeep Safari through the official government website at a very reasonable cost of ₹1,000 per person.

One important tip for visitors is that online bookings open just a few minutes before 6:00 a.m. IST exactly eight days before the safari date. Jeep safari slots fill up very quickly, so advance planning is essential.

We entered through the popular Kakanakote Gate near Kabini, renowned for its high probability of tiger sightings. The reserve has four safari gates, though one gate is operated exclusively by Jungle Lodges & Resorts for its guests.

Despite continuous rain, we enjoyed spotting numerous deer, wild boar, Indian gaurs, elephants, and even a sloth bear. Unfortunately, the elusive tiger remained hidden, with our guide explaining that the persistent rain had reduced tiger movement.

According to the guides, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is home to around 150 tigers, with approximately 25 inhabiting the Kabini region, making it one of India’s finest destinations for tiger sightings.

We spent the night at Kabini Lodge near the park.

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Day 4 – One More Chance for the Tiger

Our final morning began with another safari, hoping that the weather would improve and increase our chances of spotting a tiger.

Nature, however, had other plans. Rain continued through the morning, and although the tiger remained unseen, the safari still rewarded us with beautiful forest landscapes and some wildlife sightings.

Interestingly, we spotted more wildlife during our drives through the forest roads than during the official safaris.

After the safari, we drove back to Mysore and boarded the Vande Bharat Express to Chennai, bringing our memorable Coorg adventure to an end.

Our four-day Coorg itinerary perfectly combined spirituality, natural beauty, waterfalls, wildlife, and comfortable driving through the scenic Western Ghats.

Although we missed seeing the tiger, the journey itself proved immensely rewarding. From the peaceful Golden Temple and the sacred origin of the River Cauvery to the refreshing waterfalls and the rich biodiversity of Nagarhole, Coorg offered experiences that extended far beyond wildlife alone.