Are you ready for your next adventure? Chennai to Coorg road trip is just the thing you need to break away from the monotony of everyday life and get yourself out of your comfort zone. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your Chennai to Coorg road trip experience a smooth one. From the best time to embark on your journey to the places to stop in between, everything you need to know about this road trip will be covered here.
Overview of the Chennai to Coorg Road Trip
The Chennai to Coorg road trip is a scenic journey through the Western Ghats, offering travelers a chance to explore the beauty of this region. The trip covers over 400 km (253 miles), taking you through towns and villages, past temples, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints.
The Chennai to Coorg road trip usually takes about 8 hours to complete, with several stopping points along the way. Here is a suggested itinerary:
- Chennai to Krishnagiri: Start your trip in Chennai and head west on NH 44. After about 2 hours, you will reach Krishnagiri, a town known for its silk sarees and granite quarries. Take a break here to stretch your legs and explore the local markets.
- Krishnagiri to Hogenakkal: From Krishnagiri, continue west on NH 44. After about an hour, you will reach Hogenakkal, a town famous for its waterfalls. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls for a refreshing experience.
- Hogenakkal to Mettupalayam: From Hogenakkal, head south on SH 88. After about 2 hours, you will reach Mettupalayam, a town located at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy the stunning views.
- Mettupalayam to Coorg: From Mettupalayam, continue south on NH 275A. After about 3 hours, you will reach Coorg, a beautiful hill station known for its coffee plantations and lush forests. Check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
The next day in your Chennai to Coorg road trip, you can explore Coorg and its many attractions. Some popular places to visit include:
- Madikeri Fort: This historic fort offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Abbey Falls: These waterfalls are located about 8 km from Coorg city center and are a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
- Iruppu Falls: These waterfalls are located about 60 km from Coorg city center and are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
- Raja’s Seat: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Coorg Valley.
Things to Pack
Making sure you have the right items packed for a Chennai to Coorg road trip can be the difference between a smooth relaxation experience and an unexpected hassle. Knowing what to bring and where to place it will save time, money, and stress in the long run.
Essentials
- Identification
- Credit/debit cards
- Travel tickets/documents
- Phone/charger
- Toiletries (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Medications
- Glasses (if needed)
- Itinerary
- Local currency (if applicable)
Clothing
- Clothes appropriate for the region you are visiting
- Breathable fabrics like cotton
- Natural fibers like wool
- Multi-use clothing items
- Layers of clothing
Extras
- Extra funds
- Copies of passports
- Travel insurance
- Umbrella
- Sunblock
Tips
- Pack light so you don’t have to carry a lot of luggage.
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.
- Pack a carry-on bag with essential items in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
- Make copies of your important documents and leave them with a trusted person at home.
- Label all of your luggage with your name and contact information.
- Pack for all types of weather, even if you’re traveling to a warm climate.
- Don’t forget to pack your camera and any other electronic devices you need.
- Pack a first-aid kit and any other medications you need.
Route
Taking a Chennai to Coorg road trip is an exciting and memorable journey. It is a great route for long-distance travelling, as it is well-connected and passes through the beautiful cities of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The route starts from Chennai and can be divided into several stages, depending on the length of your journey. This guide will cover how to plan and execute the perfect Chennai to Coorg road trip route.
Route from Chennai to Coorg
The route from Chennai to Coorg is approximately 570 kilometers long and takes about 9-10 hours to drive. The route starts from Chennai and heads west on NH 44 until you reach Mysore. From Mysore, you will take KRS Road to Madikeri, which is the gateway to Coorg.
Here is a more detailed route guide for Chennai to Coorg road trip:
- Start early in the morning from Chennai and head for Tindivanam via National Highway 45 (NH 45). This is a distance of 166 kilometers.
- After reaching Tindivanam, proceed towards Ulundurpet, covering another 51 kilometers on NH 45B.
- From Ulundurpet, move towards Krishnagiri through NH40/NH48. This is a distance of 121 kilometers.
- From Krishnagiri, continue your journey along SH 48 towards Hosur. This is a distance of 57 kilometers.
- From Hosur, get onto Nayakanahatti – Punajanur Road that leads you to KR Nagar. This is a distance of 52 kilometers.
- From KR Nagar, follow the road until you reach Hunsur near Mysore. This is a distance of 114 kilometers.
- At Hunsur, enter Karnataka and proceed along Bangalore – Madikeri Road or SH 88. This is your gateway to Coorg (Kodagu).
- Continue on SH 88 until you reach Kushalnagar. This is a distance of 20 kilometers.
- From Kushalnagar, continue on SH 88 until you reach Madikeri. This is a distance of 135 kilometers.
- Finally, from Madikeri, drive the remaining 4-5 kilometers to Coorg town center via state highway 73C.
Route from Coorg to Chennai
For traveling from Coorg to Chennai, one of the best routes to take is via the Mysore-Salem National Highway. The route covers approximately 400 kilometers and takes about seven hours to drive.
Here is a more detailed route guide:
- Start early in the morning from Coorg and head towards Mysore via SH 88. This is a distance of 135 kilometers.
- From Mysore, take NH 275 until you reach Hassan. This is a distance of 150 kilometers.
- From Hassan, take NH 48 until you reach Salem. This is a distance of 120 kilometers.
- From Salem, take NH 45 until you reach Chennai. This is a distance of 160 kilometers.
Accommodation
When deciding on your accommodation while on a Chennai to Coorg road trip, you have a range of options available. Staying at a hotel is a popular choice but there are also many hostels, homestays, Airbnb options and many more. You can also find camping sites in some of the towns and nearby national parks. It is important to decide on your budget, research the accommodation options and make bookings in advance.
Hotels and Resorts in Coorg
The hill station of Coorg is known for its breathtakingly beautiful rolling hills, rugged terrains, and jaw-dropping waterfalls fringing the landscape. It is situated in the southwestern part of Karnataka and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in India. Tourists flock to Coorg for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience in nature’s lap.
Hotels, resorts, lodges, and home-stays are some of the available accommodation options at Coorg that you can choose from according to your needs and preferences.
Here is a list of some preferred hotels and resorts in Coorg, with their website links:
Hotels:
- Vivek Palace Hotel & Resort: Website link
- Kedakal Residency Home Stay & Lodge: Website link
- Gate Way Hotel Club Mahindra Madikeri & resort: Website link
- Coffee County Resort: Website link
Resorts:
- Orange County Resort: Website link
- Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley: Website link
- Kimberley Palace & Golf Estate: Website link
- Ambatty Greens Resort: Website link
- Silver Brook Plantation Retreat: Website link
Homestays:
- Lazy beans holiday homes: Website link
- Arrabi Homestays: Website link
- Lakkammana Residency Homestay: Website link
Most of these hotels and resorts have ayurvedic spas that provide rejuvenation treatments while some also provide outdoor activities like trekking or cycling tours.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options then homestays are an ideal choice as they provide comfortable lodging as well as a local insight into the culture and cuisine of Coorg at very pocket-friendly rates.
Camping Sites in Coorg
Camping is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Coorg. There are many different campsites to choose from, depending on your budget and needs.
Here is a list of some of the best campsites in Coorg:
- Golden Castle Camps: Located in Thithimathi town, 6 kilometers from the Talacauvery temple, Golden Castle Camps is a great option for budget travelers. The campsite has basic amenities, such as toilets, showers, and a campfire area.
- The Windflower Resort & Spa: Located away from the hustle and bustle of city life, The Windflower Resort & Spa offers a more luxurious camping experience. The campsite has tents with attached bathrooms, as well as a swimming pool, restaurant, and spa.
- Orange County Resorts: Located on Raja’s Seat Road, Orange County Resorts offers panoramic views of Coorg. The campsite has luxury tents with all modern amenities,as well as a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
- Misty Woods Cottages & Resorts: Located on Chettalli-Nalkanad State Highway Road, Misty Woods Cottages & Resorts is a good option for those who want to be close to nature. The campsite is located near Nagarhole National Park, and offers a variety of activities, such as jungle safaris and nature walks.
- Kings Stronghold Adventure Campsite: Located 43 kilometers from Mysore, Kings Stronghold Adventure Campsite is a great option for those who want to experience an adventurous camping trip. The campsite offers a variety of activities, such as trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing.
- Grand Palmery Estates Stay India: Located in GuddeHosur Village near Kutta Village, Grand Palmery Estates Stay India is a good option for those who want to be close to the Dubare Elephant Camp. The campsite has a variety of amenities, such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
These are just a few of the many great campsites in Coorg. When choosing a campsite, consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences. If you are looking for a basic camping experience, one of the state government-run campsites may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a more luxurious camping experience, one of the private campsites may be a better choice.
No matter what your budget or needs are, you are sure to find a great campsite in Coorg.
Places to Visit in Coorg
Coorg is a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known for its lush green hills, coffee plantations, and waterfalls. Coorg is also home to a number of temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Coorg:
- Abbey Falls: Located 8 kilometers west of the town of Madikeri, Abbey Falls is an impressive waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Coorg.
- Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary: Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The sanctuary also includes the Talakaveri Temple, which is the source of the Kaveri River.
- Nisargadhama Island: Nisargadhama Island is a nature reserve that is connected by a hanging bridge over the Kaveri River. The reserve is home to a variety of birds, as well as deer, monkeys, and other animals.
- Omkareshwara Temple: Omkareshwara Temple is a Hindu temple that was built in the 1820s. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its peaceful atmosphere.
- Raja’s Seat: Raja’s Seat is a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset views.
- Golden Temple: Golden Temple, also known as Namdroling Monastery, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that was built in the 1960s. The monastery is known for its golden dome and its peaceful atmosphere.
- Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp is a camp where visitors can interact with elephants. Visitors can feed, bathe, and ride the elephants.
- Iruppu Falls: Iruppu Falls is a waterfall that is located in the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Nagarhole National Park: Nagarhole National Park is one of the largest national parks in India. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. The sanctuary also includes the Pushpagiri Peak, which is the third highest peak in Coorg.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Coorg. When planning your Chennai to Coorg Road Trip, be sure to consider your interests and the time of year you are visiting. Coorg is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but the best time to visit is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfalls are at their most impressive.
Food to Try on the Chennai to Coorg Road Trip
The Chennai to Coorg road trip is a great way to experience the best of South Indian cuisine. The route has many great places to eat, and you will come across some of the best local dishes Karnataka has to offer.
Here is a list of some of the best places to eat on the Chennai to Coorg road trip:
- Hotel Saravana Bhavan: This popular chain of restaurants is known for its delicious South Indian vegetarian food. The restaurant has branches all over India, and it is a great place to try some of the most popular South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, and vada.
- A2B – Adyar Ananda Bhavan: This is another popular chain of South Indian vegetarian restaurants. The restaurant has branches all over India, and it is a great place to try some of the most popular South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, and vada.
- Kamath Lokaruchi: This restaurant is known for its delicious Mangalorean cuisine. The restaurant has a variety of seafood dishes, as well as some meat and vegetarian dishes.
- Gowdru’s: This restaurant is known for its delicious Coorgi cuisine. The restaurant has a variety of dishes, such as pandi curry, bamboo shoot curry, and akki rotti.
- Byrappa’s Spice Kitchen: This restaurant is known for its delicious Kodava cuisine. The restaurant has a variety of dishes, such as chicken curry, pork curry, and bamboo shoot curry.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat on the Chennai to Coorg road trip. When planning your trip, be sure to do some research and find some places that you are interested in trying. You won’t be disappointed!
Here are some of the local cuisines that you can try on the Chennai to Coorg road trip:
- Mangalorean cuisine: This cuisine is known for its use of seafood and coconut. Some of the popular dishes include neer dosa, fish curry, and prawn curry.
- Coorgi cuisine: This cuisine is known for its use of spices and local produce. Some of the popular dishes include pandi curry, bamboo shoot curry, and akki rotti.
- Kodava cuisine: This cuisine is known for its use of meat and spices. Some of the popular dishes include chicken curry, pork curry, and bamboo shoot curry.
Be sure to try some of the local cuisines on your Chennai to Coorg Road Trip. You won’t be disappointed!
Restaurants and Cafes on the Chennai to Coorg Road Trip
The Chennai to Coorg road trip is a great way to experience the best of South Indian cuisine. The route has many great places to eat, and you will come across some of the best restaurants and cafes in Karnataka.
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants and cafes on the Chennai to Coorg road trip:
- Vistara: This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a great selection of Indian dishes, Chinese cuisine, tandoori items, and pizzas. Vistara is especially known for its ambiance overlooking amazing green valleys where visitors can relax and enjoy delicious food.
- Gypsy Corner Restaurant: Offering a range of North Indian, Chinese, and South Indian delicacies; Gypsy Corner is one of the best places to visit during your road trip from Chennai to Coorg. They specialize in traditional thalis known as ‘Vazhukka Thalu’ which consists of several different dishes – from dosa to curries served together on banana leaves!
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: If you’re looking for a place to sit back after your long journey with some coffee or tea then this cafe is perfect for you! The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has an extensive selection ranging from cappuccino to Earl Grey tea – all sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience!
- Jannarasi Bakery: Located near Kushalnagar Bus Stand, this family-run bakery has everything from hot buns, cakes, and pastries that offer just the right amount of sweet indulgence after your lunch meal or perhaps just as a snack while driving through the countryside? Whatever it might be, they’ll have what you need!
- Vairamudiam Hill View Hotel: Last but not least; if you’re looking for something local with genuine flavors then head over to Vairamudiam Hill View Hotel just off Highway 481 near Madikeri town center which offers classic South Indian food like idlis, dosas, and pancakes that are sure to make everyone’s bellies happy at the end of the day!
These are just a few of the many great restaurants and cafes on the Chennai to Coorg road trip. When planning your trip, be sure to do some research and find some places that you are interested in trying. You won’t be disappointed!
In addition to the restaurants and cafes listed above, there are many other great places to eat along the Chennai to Coorg road trip. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Coorg Cuisine: If you’re looking for a taste of local cuisine, be sure to try some Coorgi dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include pandi curry, bamboo shoot curry, and akki rotti.
- North Indian Cuisine: If you’re looking for something a little different, be sure to try some North Indian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and naan bread.
- Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine is always a popular choice, and there are many great Chinese restaurants along the Chennai to Coorg road trip. Some of the most popular dishes include fried rice, noodles, and Manchurian.
- South Indian Cuisine: South Indian cuisine is a must-try for any visitor to India. Some of the most popular dishes include idli, dosa, and vada.
No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’re sure to find something to your liking along the Chennai to Coorg road trip. Be sure to explore and try some new things!
Safety Tips for the Chennai to Coorg Road Trip
Planning Chennai to Coorg Road Trip is a great way to see the sights and experience the local culture. However, it is important to be aware of the safety risks involved in any road trip, and to take steps to minimize those risks.
Here are some safety tips for the Chennai to Coorg road trip:
- Get your car checked before you leave. This includes checking the oil, tire pressure, and brakes. It is also a good idea to have your car serviced before your trip, especially if you are driving a long distance.
- Pack an emergency kit. This should include items such as a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket, and a bottle of water.
- Be aware of the weather conditions. Avoid driving in bad weather if possible. If you must drive in bad weather, slow down and be extra cautious.
- Be aware of the road conditions. The roads in India can be dangerous, especially in rural areas. Be on the lookout for potholes,uneven surfaces, and other hazards.
- Use caution when driving at night. The roads in India are often poorly lit and can be dangerous at night. If you must drive at night, slow down and be extra cautious.
- Be aware of the local customs and laws. Be sure to drive on the left side of the road and obey all traffic laws.
- Take breaks often. Driving for long periods of time can be tiring and dangerous. Be sure to take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and rest your eyes.
By following these safety tips, you can help to en
sure a safe and enjoyable Chennai to Coorg Road Trip.
Here are some additional safety tips to consider:
- Let someone know your travel plans. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Be on the lookout for suspicious people and activities.
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
In conclusion, taking a road trip from Chennai to Coorg is a fantastic way to experience South India’s lush scenery and culture. Traveling by road is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery and be fully immersed in the scenery and culture that this area has to offer.
For anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience, Chennai to Coorg is a great option.
From the tranquil beaches to the lush tea plantations, the region is home to some amazing sights and natural attractions.
Planning your trip can take a bit of time and research, but it is well worth it. Be sure to factor in the time needed to drive, as well as time to stop and enjoy the sights along the way.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just enjoying the natural beauty of India, Chennai to Coorg is a great road trip to consider.
