Quick answer

Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka is a scenic hill district known for coffee estates, waterfalls, and misty hills. Plan for hilly roads, cool weather, and limited nightlife—ideal for nature, trekking, and relaxed stays.

Visa & entry requirements

• Foreign nationals: follow India visa rules. Most travelers need an e-Visa or regular visa obtained before arrival. Check India’s official e-Visa portal for eligibility and current rules.
• Indian nationals: domestic travel requires valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driver’s license).
• No internal permits required for Coorg beyond standard ID/visa.

Best time to visit

• October–March: peak season — cool, dry, great for sightseeing, trekking, coffee blooms finished but pleasant weather.
• April–May: warm but still popular; good for waterfalls early in season.
• June–September (monsoon): dramatic scenery, lush coffee estates, many homestays open; heavy rains can cause landslides/road disruptions and many treks/attractions have limited access.

Safety tips

• Roads: narrow, winding and often single-lane; drive cautiously, especially in rain or fog. Hire experienced local drivers if unsure.
• Wildlife: watch for elephants and other wildlife on rural roads—keep distance and follow local guidance.
• Health: carry mosquito repellent and basic first-aid; drinking bottled or filtered water is advised.
• Trekking: hire local guides for forest treks and check weather/permit needs.
• Emergency: mobile coverage can be patchy in hills and forests—download offline maps and share itinerary with someone.

Local customs & etiquette

• Respect Kodava culture: the Kodava community has distinctive traditions and attire—ask before photographing people or private homes.
• Footwear: remove shoes when entering temples and some homestays.
• Dress modestly in villages and religious sites.
• Offer greetings and politeness; Kannada is local state language, but Kodava Takk and English/Hindi are commonly understood in tourist areas.

Currency & costs

• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs available in larger towns (Madikeri, Virajpet) but can be sparse in remote areas—carry sufficient cash.
• Costs: mid-range stays and homestays are common; luxury resorts exist. Food, transport, and entry fees are generally affordable compared to big cities.

Transportation & getting around

• Nearest major airport: Mangalore (IXE, ~160–180 km) and Kannur (CNN, ~100–120 km). Bengaluru (BLR) is ~250–270 km by road.
• By road: Coorg is best accessed by car or bus. KSRTC and private buses run from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore. Travel times vary by road conditions (3–6+ hours from nearby cities).
• Local transport: taxis, auto-rickshaws (limited), and hired cars are common. Renting a car or booking transfers is recommended for flexibility.
• Driving: prefer a local driver for winding roads and navigation; many homestays can arrange drivers/taxis.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Stay on a coffee estate homestay for an authentic experience—book ahead in peak season.
• Popular attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat (Madikeri), Talacauvery (river source), Nagarhole and Pushpagiri wildlife/trekking areas, Dubare Elephant Camp, Iruppu Falls, Chelavara Falls, and coffee plantation tours.
• Wildlife safaris: book in advance (Nagarhole/Pushpagiri area) and follow park rules—safari slots fill quickly in peak months.
• Food: try Kodava cuisine (kadambuttu, pandi curry), local filter coffee, and South Indian staples. Inform hosts about dietary preferences/allergies.
• Connectivity: many homestays have Wi‑Fi, but expect slow or intermittent service in remote spots.
• Packing: layered clothing, rain jacket (monsoon), sturdy shoes for treks, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, and a small flashlight for rural stays.
• Responsible tourism: respect private plantations, avoid littering, and prefer locally owned homestays and guides to benefit communities.

Quick checklist before you go

• Valid visa/ID and photocopies
• Cash (INR) and card backup
• Confirm bookings (homestays, safaris, drivers)
• Offline maps and emergency contacts
• Appropriate clothing, meds, and insect repellent

Enjoy Coorg’s coffee-scented hills, relaxed pace, and scenic nature—plan for winding roads and variable weather to make the most of your trip.