Remember those postcards of scattered villages and old-world charm? Coorg — famously known as the “Scotland of India” — carries that same timeless magic.
Coorg is hard to capture in just one word. With its mist-covered hills, endless coffee and tea farms, and forests of fragrant sandalwood and tall teak,it truly feels magical.
Its beauty is unmatched and is often compared to Scotland, earning it the nickname ‘Scotland of India’.
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is one of the most popular hill stations in Karnataka.
During the new year of 2025, ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO Rooms, shared on his X accounts that many Indians chose off beat hill stations like coorg, musoorie to ring in the new year.
According to his post, “Coorg’s has witnessed a 28x 🤯 surge this New Year and Mussoorie, the surprise contender, isn’t far behind with a 10x rise in bookings”.
If you’re in or around Bangalore and looking for a 2 day trip from Bangalore, Coorg makes for an ideal destination.
The location is ideal if you want to enjoy some of the major festivals like Keli Poldu, where they worship the weapons, or Cauvery Shankaramana, which is the return of the river goddess, or the Huttari Harvest.
Which Place Is Called The Scotland of India?
People often ask which place is known as the Scotland of India, and the answer is Coorg, as I mentioned earlier. Coorg is peaceful, refreshing, and perfect for a relaxing getaway in South India.
It is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and sits at a height of about 3,500 ft. The weather stays cool throughout the year, and the hills are usually covered in mist. This gives Coorg a dreamy feel similar to the Scottish Highlands.
The landscape is packed with green coffee estates, thick forests, and spice plantations. You will find waterfalls, trekking trails, and beautiful viewpoints everywhere you go.
How to Reach Coorg?
Nearest airport to reach in Coorg is Mysore Airport (128 km) and Mangalore Airport (160 km).
By train you have to reach the nearest stations which are Hassan (105 km.), Thalassery (113 km.) and Mysore (117 km.)
From there you will get a bus and cab. But i will suggest you are travelling solo or travelling with your friends then you should go for a bus. Taking a bus is the cheapest and convenient way to travel in Coorg. State-run buses mainly travel to major cities or villages, while most private buses travel to every corner of Coorg.
Are you travelling from Bangalore, I am suggesting you most used routes to Coorg. The distance from Bangalore to Coorg is 260 km. There are two routes one is via Mysore and another is via Hassan.
Route 1: Bangalore → Maddur→ Mandya→ Srirangapattana→ right turn towards Ranganthittu bird Sanctuary→ Hunsur→ Coorg
Route 2: Bangalore→ Maddur→ Mandya→ Srirangapattana→ Mysore→ Hunsur→ Coorg
I went to Coorg by following the first route as i dont have to face the crowded roads of Mysore.
Why Is Coorg Called the Scotland of India?
You are not the only one thinking Why is Coorg called the Scotland of India. There are plenty of others like you—the reasons are rooted in the experience it provides and the geographical significance of the place.
Cool Climate Year-Round
The thing I liked the most in Coorg is the cool climate weather. This is why it is an all-season destination. The evening chills and the misty mornings mimic the weather of Scotland, more so during the winter months.
The place is cool, but it is not among the coldest areas of India like Spiti Valley or Dras. However, the occasional chills and refreshing weather will give you a taste of the cold weather without having to experience the extremities.
Rolling Green Hills & Valleys
If you drive up there, the lush green hills covered in mist will welcome you with open arms. These landscapes are like the highlands of Scotland; it is picture-perfect and ideal if you are looking for a peaceful retreat, photography, and nature walks.
Colonial-Era Charm
The place has got its colonial charm with all the old bungalows with red roofs. Coorg has been successful in retaining the colonial-era charm. This is another reason why it was given the name by British settlers.
If you are a nature lover or looking for the best honeymoon destination then I must suggest you to visit. Trust me , you will not be disappointed.
What Is Coorg Famous For?
Well, if you are traveling to a place, you need to know what the place is known for. Here are all the details:
1. Coffee Plantations
Are you a coffee lover? Do you know Coorg is India’s coffee capital? The place produces the finest Robusta and Arabica coffee beans. I’m not really a coffee person, but the coffee in Coorg won me over with its amazing taste.
2. Wildlife and Nature
This is home to Nagarhole National Park, where you will encounter elephants, deer, leopards, and more than 250 species of birds. This is almost a paradise for eco-tourists and wildlife photographers.
3. Waterfalls and Rivers
Coorg has some amazing waterfalls like the Mallalli Falls, Abbey Falls, and Iruppu Falls. It is the perfect spot for nature lovers and sightseeing. The place also has a sacred significance because the river Cauvery originates here.
4. Adventure & Trekking
This place also serves the trekking enthusiast. You can trek up the Tadiandamol Peak, which is the highest in the region. Also, you can explore the Brahmagiri hills. The panoramic view is amazing, along with the wildlife and dense forest.
But remember, you need to take permission to trek Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a completely plastic free zone. Also there are some cottages where you can camp at.
5. Kodava Culture
Kodavas are the natives of the region, known for their hospitality, dress, and distinct traditions. Their cuisine, festivals, and marital traditions add richness to Coorg’s culture. This is something you will not find anywhere else.
Top Attractions in Coorg
Here are some of the must-visit spots that you should not miss, no matter what your purpose is.
1. Seat Rajas
2. Dubare Elephant Camp
3. Abbey Falls
4. Nagarhole National Park
5. Omkareshwar Temple
6. Cauvery Nisargadhama
7. Bylakuppe
8. Namdroling Monastery
9. Chettalli
10. Talacauvery and Bhagamandala
11. Barapole River
12. Iruppu Falls
13. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Brahmagiri Peak
15. Chelavara Falls
These places are easy to navigate. All you have to do is plan your transportation, accommodations, and guided tours.
Best Time to Visit Coorg
Coorg is a place where you can visit all year round. When to visit Coorg largely depends on the kind of activities and experiences you’re looking for. But according to me, October to March is the ideal time, if you want to trek, indulge in outdoor activities, and go sightseeing.
But if you want to find nature at its best, you should go between June to September. However, you have to keep an eye out as the roads will be slippery from the heavy rains.
Pro Tip: Book in advance during peak seasons and festivals for the best experience.
What to Eat in Coorg?
No trip to Coorg is complete without savoring the local cuisine:
- Pandi Curry (Pork Curry): A spicy Kodava delicacy.
- Akki Rotti (Rice Roti) : It is thin, soft rotis made from rice flour.
- Koli Curry (Chicken Curry) : A spicy, rustic chicken curry with a Coorg-style masala.pairs with Noolputtu.
- Noolputtu: Steamed rice noodles are often served with coconut milk.
- Kadambuttu: Soft rice balls that go well with meat or veg curry.
- Filter Coffee: Straight from the source—strong and rich!
Also, you can try homemade wines, which local people prepare from fruits like passion fruit, ginger, and orange. For dessert, taste traditional sweets such as Ellu Pajji, Kajjaya, and Payasa. I suggest that when you are staying in Coorg, you experience a meal at a local Kodava home or a traditional homestay, where the food is authentic and far better than in commercial restaurants.
Where to Stay in Coorg?
Coorg offers everything from budget homestays to luxury resorts. The main town of Coorg is Madikeri. You can find various home stay, hotels near madikeri. The Room rent starts from Rs. 1200. Though the room rent will depend on the season.
I am suggesting you some names of the luxurious homestays in Coorg.
- Firefly by the River
- Vanandhaara
- Tanglewoods
- Vaishnavi Estate
- Silver Brook Estate
- Notting Hill
- School Estate
- Kedakal Estate
- Highfields Coorg
- Nook @ Tarang – The Nest
- Green Pastures
- Kailaasa
- The Canopy
- Tall Silver
- Sage @ Bask In The Greens
- Villa Estuaire
- 2 Rooms @ The Haven – Grandeur
- Lotus Lumiere
- Ivory Hill – Madikeri
- Mercara Hill
Use verified travel apps to filter based on budget, safety, reviews, and availability.
It’s Time to Visit the Scotland of India
No matter if you are a passionate trekker, a coffee enthusiast, or just a cultural explorer, Coorg will not disappoint you. It is a perfect combination of nature, adventure, and tranquility.
The moniker “Scotland of India” is not just poetic; it’s an accurate reflection of what this little gem has to offer.
So, it is time to pack your bags and set out on an amazing journey. Explore the place and you will feel like a world apart. And the best part, you will not even need a passport.
If you are a female solo traveler or looking for a peaceful getaway, Coorg can be a safe and welcoming place. The locals are quite helpful and friendly. Some resorts and homestays are safe, with some amazing reviews. You get reliable transport, especially if you use a trusted travel app. You can stay in a coffee estate, meditate by the river, go trekking, or just enjoy nature in silence.
FAQS
Coorg’s misty hills, cool climate, rolling green landscapes, and lush coffee estates resemble the scenic highlands of Scotland — earning it the famous nickname “Scotland of India.”
October to March is considered the best time to visit Coorg. This time is ideal for pleasant weather,sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities.
Popular tourist spots in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Madikeri Fort, Talacauvery, and coffee plantation tours.
A 2–3 day trip is usually enough to explore Coorg’s main attractions, enjoy the natural beauty, and experience plantation life.
Yes, Coorg is a romantic getaway perfect for honeymoons, thanks to its peaceful ambience, beautiful resorts, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Coorg is around 250 km from Bangalore, and can be reached by road via Mysore within 5–6 hours. There are regular buses, taxis, and self-drive options.
Coorg is mainly famous for its coffee plantations, spices, breathtaking landscapes, unique Kodava culture, and adventure activities like trekking and river rafting.
Yes, Coorg receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon (June–September).
Staying in a Coorg homestay is one of the best ways to experience local hospitality, traditional food, and the rustic charm of coffee estate life.
Must-buy items from Coorg include freshly ground coffee, homemade chocolates, Coorg honey, spices like pepper/cardamom, and organic wines.