By News18
When you think of Coorg, coffee estates and misty mornings come to mind. But in the monsoon, the hill town transforms into something more poetic 鈥 hidden waterfalls thunder to life, lakes shimmer with old legends, and lush forests hum with rain-soaked stillness. Time slows, the air smells of wet earth and coffee, and every turn offers a quiet kind of magic.
India鈥檚 first bilingual AI travel influencer, Radhika Subramaniam, recently spent a week in this slice of the Western Ghats during peak monsoon. Following her travel, she has shared a travel guide that will help you explore the best of Coorg.
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Where the Roads (and Rains) Take You
Start with Chelavara Falls 鈥 it鈥檚 not on every tourist map, which is exactly why it鈥檚 worth the detour. A short walk through dense greenery leads you to this gushing cascade that looks like it鈥檚 dropped straight out of a fairy tale. It鈥檚 best right after a good spell of rain, but be careful 鈥 it鈥檚 beautiful, but not meant for a swim.
If you鈥檙e up for a bit of adrenaline, head to Barapole River. The rafting experience here is wild (in the best way), especially with the monsoon currents in full swing. Expect rain on your face, water in your shoes, and stories to tell.
Radhika adds, 鈥淔or something gentler, I loved Nisargadhama Island near Kushalnagar. A rope bridge takes you over to a quiet little island full of bamboo groves, deer, and the occasional peacock. It鈥檚 the kind of place where you just walk, breathe, and maybe forget your phone for a while.鈥
Beyond the Postcards
Thadiyandamol, Coorg鈥檚 highest peak, offers a trek that鈥檚 both meditative and breathtaking. On a foggy day, you will feel like you鈥檙e walking through clouds. And if you鈥檙e interested in a bit of history, don鈥檛 miss the old-world charm of St. Mark鈥檚 Church inside the Madikeri Fort 鈥 it鈥檚 got character, and a quiet kind of grace.
Honnamana Kere, a serene lake near Somwarpet, is a hidden surprise. Locals believe it was named after a woman who gave her life for her people.
Stay Local, Eat Local
The best way to experience Coorg? Stay at a plantation homestay. Wake up to the smell of filter coffee, walk through dew-covered beans, and chat with hosts who鈥檝e lived on that land for generations.
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Do not leave without trying pandi curry (pork cooked Kodava style) and akki rotti (rice roti). And if you鈥檙e into snacks, stop by one of the local bakeries in Gonikoppal. Their plum cake is simple and perfect, especially with chai on a rainy evening.
Monsoon travel in Coorg isn鈥檛 always easy 鈥 the roads can be slippery, leeches are real, and you鈥檒l get wet. But the tradeoff? A version of Coorg that鈥檚 raw, quiet, and utterly unforgettable.