Bangalore to Madikeri: The Ultimate 3-Day Coorg Road Trip Itinerary

The Coorg Chronicle: Your Perfect 3-Day Bangalore to Madikeri Itinerary

There’s a certain magic that hangs in the air when you swap the urban cacophony of Bangalore for the misty, coffee-scented hills of Coorg. The promise of winding roads, emerald-green landscapes, and a cool, gentle breeze is often all it takes to ignite the wanderlust in us. Coorg is synonymous to Indian coffee. While talking about Coorg, coffee deserves the first mention. 

Millennials who work a 9-to-5 or rather a 9-to-9 job like to escape the maddening rush of Bangalore city to a natural setting in wild Karnataka. Sometimes their parents visit, giving the youngsters another reason to drive to the many green and historical places to visit near Bangalore. Old Bangaloreans head out of the cosmopolitan state to find something more authentic.

And what could be more authentic than Coorg, a place which had been home to the Kodavas, the ethnic warriors, for centuries? Just a five-six-hour drive from Bangalore, Coorg offers the much-needed natural respite, too. (If you are looking for places to visit near Bangalore, check these short day trips)

Gearing Up for the Journey: Essential Pre-Trip Prep

A great road trip starts long before you turn the ignition key. A little preparation ensures a smooth, hassle-free journey, letting you focus on the views and the experience.

Best Time to Visit Coorg

The beauty of Coorg shifts with the seasons, offering a distinct charm throughout the year.

• September to March (Post-Monsoon & Winter): This is widely considered the best time to visit. The monsoons leave the landscape lush and vibrant, waterfalls are at their peak, and the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
   

• 

  

  

• July to August (Monsoon): Coorg in the monsoon is a breathtaking spectacle of mist-covered hills and roaring waterfalls. However, heavy rains can sometimes cause travel disruptions and make outdoor activities challenging. It's ideal for those who love the rain and want to enjoy the cozy indoors of a beautiful resort.
  
   

  

The Scenic Drive: Choosing the Best Route from Bangalore to Madikeri

The drive itself is an integral part of the Bangalore to Coorg road trip experience. The journey, spanning approximately 265 kilometers, typically takes 5-6 hours without stops. We recommend the classic and most scenic route via Mysore.

It’s a pretty straightforward route without any ghats (mountaineous regions) as such from Bangalore to Coorg. You cruise through Mysuru via the smooth Mysuru Expressway now ;). 

I’ll not get through the route – there are better blogs than this one for that. But like most people do, we stopped at a restaurant in Mysuru for breakfast. The whole ride was sleepy until Mysore, but then the day started to lighten up.

We made it to Madikeri by afternoon and began hunting down our homestay. As expected, the homestay was stowed away by a super-narrow muddy road that we were scared to put through with the rental.

There are a few great spots to halt along the way

Bylakuppe, a little Tibet in South India

Harangi Reservoir

Eat along the way?

Poojari's Fish Land

The Tibet Kitchen

Where to Stay in Coorg: Handpicked Accommodations 

Many coffee estate owners have opened up their homes to tourists. So one can experience the local life and hospitality of Coorg while staying on a coffee estate.

A few that we stayed at

Bendheka - Cliff Front Cottages, Coorg

One of the best food I have had at a homestay. And the hill across

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Aaghran Ghosh (@aaghranghosh)

Prathibimba Lake View Estate stay

The estate boasts a picturesque pond that truly sets it apart. If you seek a tranquil retreat away from the crowds, this is the ideal accommodation choice in Coorg. It's conveniently located not too far from Madikeri. Sandeep and Shruti are exceptional hosts, ensuring your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. 
Shruthi cooked us some great food for dinner and breakfast, and we loved each bite :). 
Sandeep even took us on a short hike through the coffee estate, providing detailed insights into the diverse flora and birdlife on the property. Overall, our stay was a delightful experience.

Flavors of the Hills: A Food Lover's Guide to Coorg

Your Madikeri travel guide would be incomplete without a dive into its unique cuisine. Kodava food is distinct, characterized by the use of local ingredients like forest mushrooms, bamboo shoot, and Kachampuli (a sour fruit vinegar).

• Must-Try Kodava Dishes:
  • Pandi Curry: The legendary Coorgi pork curry, known for its dark, rich gravy flavored with Kachampuli.
  • Kadambuttu: Steamed rice dumplings that are the perfect accompaniment to spicy curries.
  • Noolputtu: String hoppers or rice noodles, often served with chicken or vegetable curry.
  • Akki Roti: A flatbread made from cooked rice and rice flour, a breakfast staple.
• Don't Forget the Coffee!
  You cannot leave Coorg without some of its famous filter coffee powder. You can buy it directly from the plantations you visit or from trusted local stores in Madikeri.
• Local Produce:
  Coorg is also famous for its spices, especially pepper and cardamom, as well as homemade wines and forest honey. These make for excellent souvenirs to take back home.

Your Coorg Adventure Awaits

The Bangalore to Coorg road trip is a journey that rejuvenates the soul. From the thrill of the open road and the discovery of hidden gems along the way to the tranquil embrace of Madikeri’s misty landscapes, it’s an experience that stays with you. 

So, pack your bags, create that perfect road trip playlist, and set off on an adventure to the verdant paradise of Coorg. The hills are calling!