Things to do
Start with a walk on the estate trail. Then head out: the Kushalnagar side is closest, Madikeri fills a day, and South Coorg another.
A forest camp on the bank of the Cauvery, where you can watch and take part in the care of the camp elephants. You cross the river by boat to reach the camp, and rafting runs from the same stretch of water. The morning session is the fuller one.
An island in the Cauvery reached over a hanging bridge. Bamboo groves, a deer park and shaded paths make it an easy stop for families with children.
Namdroling Monastery, the centre of the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe, founded in 1963. You can walk through the prayer halls and the grounds. Dress modestly and keep your voice down inside.
A quiet dam and reservoir on the Kushalnagar side, good for a short stop and a walk along the water.
A large reservoir on the Harangi river near Kushalnagar, with a view over the backwaters.
A trekking hill on the Kushalnagar side. Ask us about the route before you set out.
The source of the Cauvery, on Brahmagiri hill at 1,276 m, about 9 km beyond Bhagamandala and 44 km from Madikeri. It is usually visited together with Bhagamandala; carry something warm, as it is high and cool.
The meeting point of three rivers, the Cauvery, the Kannike and the Sujyothi, known as the Triveni Sangama. The temple here is a stop for pilgrims on the way up to Talacauvery.
A waterfall inside a coffee and spice estate near Madikeri, about 8 km from the bus stand. A path through the plantation leads down to the viewpoint. At its best after the rains.
A garden on the edge of Madikeri, 1.5 km from the bus stand, where the Kodagu kings came to watch the sun set over the valley. There is a musical fountain at 7 PM.
The tombs of the Kodagu royal family on a rise in Madikeri, a quiet place with a view of the town.
A Shiva temple built in 1820, 1 km from the Madikeri bus stand, with a large tank full of fish in front of it. Worth a slow half hour.
The fort in the centre of Madikeri, 1 km from the bus stand. It was first built in the 17th century and rebuilt in stone in 1781. The walls give a view over the town.
A grassy ridge above Madikeri, 25 to 30 km from town, with a wide view over the hills. The last 4 km is a rough track off the Abbey Falls road; go by jeep or in your own high vehicle, and buy tickets at the base. Carry water. Best from November to January, and not worth it in heavy rain.
A waterfall on the Lakshmana Tirtha river in the Brahmagiri range, at its fullest in the monsoon. The Rameshwara temple stands on the path to the falls.
The highest peak in Coorg at 1,748 m, reached on foot. It is a full-day trek; start early and carry water and food.
White-water rafting on the Barapole river, which runs through the Brahmagiri sanctuary area. Trips depend on the water level and the season, so ask us to check before you plan a day around it.
A large forest reserve on the Kabini side, home to elephants, tigers, deer and more than 250 kinds of birds. Go for a safari; ask us how to book one.
Dubare Elephant Camp and rafting, Chiklihole Dam, Cauvery Nisargadhama, the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Harangi Dam and Nishani Motte. All within a short drive of the cottage.
Talacauvery and Bhagamandala in the morning, then Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Raja's Tomb, Omkareshwara Temple and Madikeri Fort in town. Mandalpatti is a jeep ride off the Abbey Falls road.
Iruppu Falls, a tea estate on the way, and Nagarhole National Park. Tadiandamol and Barapole rafting are for those who want a trek or a river day.