One day covers Coorg's best-known sights if you leave Madikeri at about 08:50: Abbey Falls at opening time, Omkareshwara Temple, Kaveri Nisargadhama and lunch, then the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Madikeri Fort and Raja's Seat. It is about 85 km by cab, back by about 16:45.
Abbey Falls at opening time and Omkareshwara Temple before it shuts at noon, then east to Kaveri Nisargadhama, with lunch near Kushalnagar. After lunch, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, then back to Madikeri Fort and Raja's Seat. About 85 km, back in town by about 16:45. On a Monday the fort museum is shut.
A waterfall on the edge of a coffee estate about 6 km from Madikeri. A paved path and steps lead down through coffee and pepper to a hanging bridge right in front of the falls.
Tip: It is about 200 steps down to the bridge and back up. Swimming is not allowed. The falls are biggest from July to October, when the path is slippery.
A Shiva temple built in 1820 by Lingarajendra II, a few minutes from the fort. It looks unlike most temples, with a dome and four corner towers, and stands beside a tank full of fish.
Tip: It is shut from 12:00 to 17:00. Dress modestly and leave your shoes at the gate.
A forested island in the Kaveri near Kushalnagar, reached by a hanging bridge. Paths run through tall bamboo to the river bank and a small deer park, and boats go out on the river.
Tip: Paths are flat and shaded, easy for children and older visitors. Boating stops when the river is high.
A large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Bylakuppe settlement, just past Kushalnagar and about 34 km east of Madikeri by road. Its Golden Temple holds three gilded statues, each about 18 m tall, of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus.
Tip: Take off your shoes in the temple and keep your voice down during prayers. The Tibetan cafes outside are good for lunch.
A hilltop fort in the middle of Madikeri, first built in mud in the 1600s and rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. Inside are the old palace, two stone elephants and an old church that is now a small museum.
Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays and its ticket is cash only. Parts of the old palace can be shut for repairs.
A garden on the edge of Madikeri where the kings of Kodagu are said to have sat to watch the sunset. The view runs west over layer after layer of green hills and valleys.
Tip: It is busiest at sunset. Mist can hide the view in the monsoon, so check the sky before you go.
Drive times come from road routing without traffic. Coorg's roads are narrow and winding, so allow more time, above all on the Talacauvery road. In heavy monsoon rain the district closes tourist spots by order, and Dubare shuts when the river is high, so check the morning you go. Opening hours marked ? are not yet confirmed, so check them before you go.
Call or message a local Coorg operator with this plan. Tell them your hotel and dates, and they send a price for the car and driver.
Pickup from Coorg · based in Madikeri
The hours we planned around. Check before you go on a public holiday.
| Place | Open | Best time | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Falls | 09:00 to 17:00 every day; small ticket. The path can close on heavy-rain days | At opening time, before the tour buses. | 1 h |
| Omkareshwara Temple | 06:30 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 20:00; free | Morning, before it closes for the afternoon. | 30 min |
| Kaveri Nisargadhama | About 09:00 to 17:00 (one listing says 06:00 to 18:00); small ticket. Boating stops in high water? | Midday or afternoon; the bamboo keeps it shady. | 1 h 15 min |
| Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) | The monastery's site says 07:00 to 19:00; Karnataka Tourism says 09:00 to 18:00. Free? | Afternoon, when the monks gather for prayers. | 1 h |
| Madikeri Fort | 10:00 to 17:30; the museum is closed on Mondays | Late morning, with the museum inside open. | 45 min |
| Raja's Seat | About 05:30 to 20:00 every day; small ticket. A musical fountain runs in the evening when it is working | Late afternoon. Stay on, or come back from town, for the sunset over the hills to the west. | 45 min |
Dubare, the Golden Temple and Abbey Falls · Talacauvery, Bhagamandala and Raja's Seat
See the 2-day plan →Madikeri and Abbey Falls · Talacauvery and Bhagamandala · Dubare, Nisargadhama and the Golden Temple
See the 3-day plan →Every sight with what to see, opening times and how long to stay.
See all places →The highlights, yes: Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Nisargadhama, the Golden Temple, Madikeri Fort and Raja's Seat. It is about 85 km of driving. Dubare and Talacauvery need a second day.
Dubare is open to visitors only from 09:30 to 11:30, the same morning hours as Abbey Falls and the temple. The 2-day plan starts with Dubare instead.
Yes, but the museum inside Madikeri Fort is closed on Mondays, so you see only the fort walls and grounds.