Unmissable Weekend Places to Visit Near Coorg in South India

• By : Gaurav Batra
• In : Weekend Getaways
• Create Date: 2025-05-02

Coorg, Karnataka’s misty hill station, is surrounded by captivating destinations perfect for day trips or extended getaways. Whether you are seeking historical wonders, wildlife encounters, or serene landscapes, here’s a curated list of cities near Coorg and their highlights, including best times to visit and top things to do.

Mysore (120 km)

Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, blends royal heritage with vibrant markets. The Mysore Palace, illuminated on Sundays, is an architectural masterpiece. Chamundi Hill offers panoramic views and the iconic Nandi statue, while Brindavan Gardens dazzles with musical fountains. Don’t miss the Devaraja Market for spices and silk.

Best Time to Visit: October–March

Things to Do:

• Attend the grand Dasara festival (October).

• Savor Mysore Pak at local sweet shops.

• Explore Srirangapatna’s Tipu Sultan relics.

Sakleshpur (65 KM)

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a haven for trekkers and coffee lovers. The Bisle Viewpoint offers misty vistas of three mountain ranges, while Manjarabad Fort’s star-shaped design intrigues history buffs.

Best Time to Visit: September–February

Things to Do:

• Trek to Hidlumane Falls.

• Stay at a homestay amid coffee plantations.

• Drive the Hassan–Mangalore Highway for scenic bends.

Hassan (103 km)

Hassan is a gateway to Hoysala architecture. Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple (12th-century) and Halebidu’s Hoysaleswara Temple showcase intricate carvings. The submerged Shettihalli Church emerges eerily during monsoon.

Best Time to Visit: November–February

Things to Do:

• Join guided heritage walks.

• Taste Benne Dosa at local eateries.

• Visit Gorur Dam for sunset views.

Wayanad (124 km)

Wayanad’s lush forests and waterfalls make it a top tourist spot near Coorg. Edakkal Caves feature Neolithic carvings, while Chembra Peak’s heart-shaped lake is a trekker’s delight.

Best Time to Visit: October–May

Things to Do:

• Bamboo rafting on Kuruva Island.

• Stay at treehouses in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Visit Thirunelli Temple for spiritual solace.

Chikmagalur (98 km)

Chikmagalur, the birthplace of Indian coffee, boasts Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak. Bababudangiri shrine and caves are steeped in Sufi lore.

Best Time to Visit: September–March

Things to Do:

• Tour Tata Coffee Plantations.

• Trek to Hebbe Falls through dense forests.

• Sip fresh coffee at Kudremukh homestays.

Kabini (90 km)

Kabini is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Nagarhole National Park hosts tigers, leopards, and elephants. The Kabini River offers serene boat safaris at dusk.

Best Time to Visit: October–June

Things to Do:

• Stay at luxury jungle resorts like The Serai.

• Photograph birds at Rameshwaram Temple.

• Join tribal dance performances by local communities.

Belur (103 km)

Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features 10,000 carvings depicting Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes. Yagachi Dam offers jet-skiing and banana rides.

Best Time to Visit: November–February

Things to Do:

• Attend the Car Festival (March–April).

• Shop for sandalwood crafts.

• Explore Halebidu twin temples (16 km away).

Nagarhole (90 km)

Nagarhole’s dense forests, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, make it one of the most thrilling places to visit near Coorg. A Jeep safari through this lush jungle offers the chance to spot majestic tigers, elusive dholes, elephants, and a variety of rare bird species in their natural habitat. The tranquil riverbanks and untouched wilderness make Nagarhole a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers alike, offering a raw and unforgettable experience just a short drive from Coorg.

Key Attractions: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Brahmagiri Hills

Best Time to Visit: October–April

Things to Do:

• Camp near Lakshmana Tirtha River.

• Visit Iruppu Falls (45 km from Coorg).

• Learn about tribal ecology at Kutta Village.

Bandipur (120 km)

Bandipur, a tiger reserve, is ideal for monsoon safaris. Gopalaswamy Betta offers 360° views of the Western Ghats.

Best Time to Visit: June–September (for lush greenery)

Things to Do:

• Night safaris for nocturnal wildlife spotting.

• Stay at Jungle Lodges for guided walks.

• Visit Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple shrouded in mist.

Udupi (170 km)

Udupi is famed for its Krishna Temple and vegetarian cuisine. Malpe Beach’s golden sands and St. Mary’s Island’s basalt columns are unmissable.

Best Time to Visit: October–March

Things to Do:

• Attend the Paryaya Festival (January).

• Surf at Kapu Beach.

• Relish Masala Dosa at Mitra Samaja.

Mangalore (150 km)

Bangalore's coastline and spice trade history shine at Sultan Bathery’s markets and Panambur Beach’s watersports.

Best Time to Visit: November–February

Things to Do:

• Explore Mangaladevi Temple.

• Cruise on Netravati River.

• Try Kane Rava Fry (ladyfish) at local taverns.

Kasargod (110 km)

Kasargod’s Bekal Fort overlooks the Arabian Sea, while Chandragiri offers sunset river cruises.

Best Time to Visit: October–March

Things to Do:

• Stay at Nileshwaram’s heritage resorts.

• Kayak through Valiyaparamba Backwaters.

• Shop for Theyyam masks.

Halebidu (105 km)

Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple is a Hoysala marvel with Ramayana carvings. The Kedareshwara Temple showcases Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.

Best Time to Visit: November–February

Things to Do:

• Hire guides for sculpture storytelling.

• Visit Belur (16 km) for twin temple tours.

• Attend Hoysala Festival (December).

Why Explore Places to Visit Near Coorg?

Coorg’s neighboring cities offer diverse experiences-from wildlife in Kabini to history in Hassan. Whether you are craving adventure, culture, or tranquility, these attractions near Coorg promise unforgettable journeys. Use this guide to plan trips to tourist places near Coorg India, and don’t miss hidden gems like Halebidu’s temples or Wayanad’s caves.