There’s something wonderful about bonding with your family in a spot where nature, comfort, and culture come together. For us, that spot was Coorg, which is known as the Scotland of India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Coorg (or Kodagu) is not only a holiday, but a ton of memories bathed in the scent of coffee, misty hills, and warm hospitality.
Coorg’s Charm – A Perfect Hideaway for the Family
As soon as we began driving from Bangalore, the energy was magical. The city’s madness gradually gave way to curving roads, large tracts of forest, and gentle hills. By the time we reached our charming coffee estate cottage, we were simply smitten. The children played on the squishy, wet lawn barefoot and we enjoyed our first cup of freshly brewed filter coffee.
Things to Do in Coorg – Fun for Everyone
The camp was a domestic elephant care and training center. While some of them were rescued elephants, the others are admitted for health reasons or rehabilitation.
1. Coffee Plantation Walks
We started our journey with a guided coffee estate tour, in which we discovered how those aromatic beans complete their journey from plant to cup. Our children were surprisingly engrossed, particularly when they spotted pepper and cardamom vines curled around trees. Strolling around the estate early in the morning mist was soothing for the family.
2. Visit to the Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery)
A quick drive from here to Bylakuppe led us to the largest Tibetan settlement in South India. The Golden Temple was a treat for the senses with its elaborate paintings, rhythmic chanting of monks, and colossal statues of Buddha, all evoked a sense of tranquillity and awe.
3. Abbey Falls and Nature Trails
No family vacation is complete without some exploration of nature. The brief hike to Abbey Falls via spice plantations and dense greenery was a success among the children. The falls, thunderous and misty during our trip, were a good photography opportunity and a refreshing mist after the hike.
4. Local Cuisine and Market Visits
We splurged on the Kodava traditional cuisine, which included pandi curry (pork), akki rotti (rice flatbread), and bamboo shoot curry. Most cottages provide home-cooked meals, and there's nothing quite like a Kodava warm dinner after a long day. We made rounds around the local markets for spices, honey, and of course, bags of freshly ground coffee.
5. Leisurely Evenings at the Cottage
Evenings were leisurely and enchanting. Activities like board games on the porch, firefly watching, and listening to the hosts' tales of Coorg's past made us forget our robotic television and digital distractions.
Quick Tips and Recommendations
Our Coorg family vacation was so much more than a holiday; it was an experience of reconnecting. We departed with full hearts, scented coffee bags, and a commitment to revisit. If you need a place that has nature, heritage, and hospitality in a serene environment, you should be heading to Coorg next.
Here are some quick tips from us to you:
Best Time to Visit:
October to March
How to Get There:
Coorg is 250 km from Bangalore. A road trip is the perfect way to enjoy the varying landscapes.
Timing is Everything:
Elephants leave for the forest by late morning, so reach before 7:30 AM.
Estate Cottages or Homestays:
Staying in these places offers authentic experience, so choose a homestay in a coffee plantation.
Packing for the Family:
Bring light woollens, rain gear (if visiting during monsoon), and comfortable walking shoes.
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