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Read this Coorg travelogue written by Akhil Benny and experience the traveller’s experience filled with nature, culture, and adventure.
Coorg, or Kodagu, has always been a dream destination for road-trip lovers. What started as a simple ride turned into an unforgettable experience as I completed three separate one-day trips, each covering around 250 km, with my best friend riding along on our two-wheeler scooter.
Every trip took us through misty hills, peaceful forests, powerful waterfalls, Tibetan monasteries, and serene reservoirs — proving that Coorg offers something magical every single time
Trip 1 – Coorg beginnings: reservoir views, island walks & Tibetan vibes
Our first trip to Coorg began in December 2024 from my hometown, Payyavoor in Kannur. We started early at 5:45 AM, excited for the journey ahead. Since our native place is just 25 km from the Kerala–Karnataka border, we entered the Coorg district within 45 minutes.
Riding at a calm pace of 35–50 km/h, we wanted to experience every corner of the route. We didn’t rely on Google Maps—local people and destination boards became our guides, adding more charm to the journey.
Our first destination was the Golden Temple, Kushalnagar, located around 110 km from our hometown. The usual route covers about 100 km via Virajpet–Siddapura–Hosapatna, but we chose a different, more scenic path through Gonikoppal and Piriyapatna.
On this trip, we travelled through Kannur – Kodagu – Mysuru Districts and back to Kodagu District.
First Destination – Golden Temple, Kushalnagar
The Golden Temple, also known as the Namdroling Monastery, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centres in South India. Located in Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar, the monastery is home to thousands of monks and nuns.
Known for its golden Buddha statues, vibrant Tibetan architecture, peaceful prayer halls, and colourful murals, the temple offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. The rhythmic chants, calm surroundings, and spiritual ambience make it one of the must-visit places in Coorg.
It is not only a religious landmark but also a cultural hub that showcases Tibetan traditions, art, and monastic life.
Second Destination – Nisargadhama Reserve
After exploring the iconic Golden Temple, we continued our ride to Nisargadhama Reserve, located just a short distance away. Nisargadhama is a serene river island shaped by the gentle flow of the Cauvery River. Visitors enter through a charming hanging bridge, one of the most loved attractions here.
The reserve is known for its lush bamboo forests, sandalwood trees, and peaceful walking trails, offering a refreshing escape into nature. It’s an ideal stop for travellers seeking a quiet, scenic, and calming break during their Coorg journey.
Third Destination – Chiklihole Reservoir
After enjoying the beauty of Nisargadhama, we ride towards Chiklihole Reservoir, located about 12 km away. The ride through the Attur forest stretch was refreshing and peaceful, adding more charm to the journey.
Chiklihole Reservoir is a calm and scenic waterbody nestled between Kushalnagar and Madikeri. Surrounded by gentle hills and thick forests. The curved dam and the vast, open lake create an ideal setting for photography, sunset views, and slow, relaxing moments in nature.
We arrived back at our native by 6 PM, completing a memorable circuit ride of approximately 250 kilometres.
Trip 2 – Two friends, two wheels, endless Coorg Memories
Our second trip to Coorg took place in April 2025. We started our ride at 6:30 AM, with our first destination set as Abbey Falls, Madikeri. The journey through the Makkuta forest and the changing Coorg landscapes gave us a completely different and refreshing experience.
After covering nearly 70 km, our scooter suddenly broke down. At this moment, we truly experienced the kindness and purity of the people of Coorg. We were stranded in the middle of the Virajpet–Madikeri road, yet within minutes, several locals approached us to ask what had happened and offered help. One person even guided us to a nearby workshop. At the workshop too, people asked about our destination, our route, and ensured we were comfortable.
After almost three long hours of repair work, we finally resumed our journey and reached Abbey Falls very late—around 12 PM.
Abbey Falls is one of the most popular and picturesque waterfalls in Coorg, located just a few kilometres from Madikeri town.
A short walk through lush plantations leads to a viewing bridge, from where all can enjoy the roar and beauty of the falls up close.
After we got to Raja’s Seat is one of Madikeri’s most famous viewpoints, known for its breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Once a favourite leisure spot of the Kodava kings, this garden is beautifully landscaped with flowers, fountains, and walking paths.
Since we focus on completing one-day trips, our third and final destination of this long circuit was the Ranipuram Peak in Kasaragod, Kerala—an important highlight that was missed due to a breakdown. After covering Coorg, we continued riding as per our planned loop:
Kannur → Coorg → Kasaragod → Kannur
This allowed us to experience a wide variety of landscapes in a single continuous journey.
Bhagamandala & Talacauvery Reserve Forest – A Scenic Transition
While returning from Kodagu, we passed through the spiritual town of Bhagamandala, where the Kaveri River meets. The atmosphere felt calm and refreshing after the long ride.
As we continued, the route took us across the dense Talacauvery Wildlife / Reserve Forest.
After entering Kerala from the Coorg side, we skipped Ranipuram Peak, known for its rolling meadows and hilltop views. We missed Ranipuram peak but made it a complete Kannur–Coorg–Kasaragod–Kannur triangle ride, covering diverse terrains—from forest roads and waterfalls to high-altitude grasslands.
After crossing the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, we entered Kerala near Panathur in the Kasaragod district. From there, we continued our ride back to our hometown, Payyavoor, Kannur, finally reaching home by 10:20 PM.
This second trip followed the route Payyavoor – Madikeri – Bhagamandala – Karike – Panathur – Payyavoor, covering a total distance of around 250 km as a round trip.
Trip 3:Our Third and Longest One-Day Journey: Coorg & Mysore – 350 km of Pure Adventure
After completing another one-day Kasaragod ride, we set out on our most ambitious journey yet, a 350 km one-day expedition covering both Coorg and Mysore. This unforgettable ride happened in October 2025, and it pushed our limits more than any trip before.
We began our journey early at 5:30 AM, riding through the misty roads of Gonikoppa – Piriyapatna – Bettadapura. Bettadapura marks the entry into the Mysore district, located around 65 km from Hassan, and known for the revered Sri Malikarjuna Temple.
The 3000+ Step Trek to Sri Malikarjuna Temple
Reaching Bettadapura by morning, we took on the challenging trek of 3000+ steps to Sri Malikarjuna Temple. The climb tested our stamina, but every viewpoint rewarded us with sweeping landscapes and fresh hill air.
Ride to Mallali Falls — 70 km from Bettadapura
Without wasting time, we continued our ride towards one of Kodagu’s gems, Mallali Falls, located about 70 km away. The route was scenic, with coffee estates, cool winds, and lush greenery accompanying us throughout.
We reached Mallali Falls by 3:00 PM, and the sight was magnificent. The powerful cascade, surrounded by dense forests and mist floating above the valley, made every kilometre worth it. We spent time exploring the viewpoints, absorbing the raw beauty of the waterfall.
Return Ride Through the Night
We began our return at 5:30 PM, riding through Kudige – Kushalnagar – Piriyapatna – Gonikoppa. The night ride was thrilling and a bit surreal. During this stretch, we had a rare encounter when we saw four elephants along the roadside. It was both breathtaking and humbling.
The final stretch tested our endurance like never before. After nearly 24 hours of continuous travel, we finally reached our hometown at 2:00 AM the next day.
A Ride That Redefined Our Limits
This was the longest and toughest ride compared to our previous two trips. It gave us a different kind of experience—one filled with adventure, challenges, surprises, and the satisfaction of pushing beyond our comfort zone. This trip became a milestone in our travel journey on two wheels.
