On A Voyage of Paradise

Published on: 03/10/2025

Photo title: Coorg

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Photo Credits: Sudeep Gurtu

Walk Through Coffee plantations, witness the coffee brewing process, immerse in the rich mosaic of the Kodagu Culture and a lot more - Top Things to Do In Coorg.

Characterized by undulating hills, lush landscapes, rich cultural traditions, Coorg also known as Kodagu, is located in the Eastern slopes of Karnataka. With pleasant weather throughout the year and the misty hills, this slice of paradise coaxes me as I embrace the unique culture of Coorg.

A beautiful picturesque drive from Bengaluru took me to the elegant comforts of a lush 300 acre plantation paradise - Evolve Back Luxury Resort. The drive was long but beautiful, quiet dinner and early sleep was on the agenda so that I could wake up fresh for a day packed with curated itinerary. After all, I was there for well known ‘The Evolve Back Coorg Experience’.
The Resort team curates exclusive experiences to let you understand the local flora and fauna, culture and heritage.

My first day began with an early morning walk through the coffee plantation. I soaked in the fragrance of aromatic cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla pods. Truly, it was heavenly, enhanced with the playback music from Malabar Grey Hornbills and Grey-breasted Laughing Thrushes perched on their favourite trees. Ripe red coffee berries and pepper vines entangled on tree trunks, completed the picture-perfect scene.

And then my favourite breakfast at Plantain Leaf, the fine dining restaurant at the Evolve Back Resort. I had fallen in love with my special dosa platter and filter coffee.

Coffeeology At Sidapur Coffee and Culture Museum At The Resort
Do not miss a session on Coffee Cultivation process, called ‘Coffeeology’ - introduction to different varieties of coffee grown here and to top it all, tasting too! You will get to discover Coorg’s coffee legacy and the history of coffee cultivation, from seed to cup, and its deep connection to Coorg’s cultural identity.

Relax And Rejuvenate
A refreshing session at Vaidyashala, the in-house Ayurvedic Centre for rejuvenating treatments. I loved my one hour here amidst the healing hands of masseurs.

Plantation Tour
Guests can opt to go in a specially designed jeep, offering panoramic views of the coffee and spice plantation. The in-house naturalist organises a very interesting tour and has joyful surprises for his guests. A leisurely walk through the vast estate, exploring the Nature Shop and spending some time at The Reading Lounge, is not to be missed. Incidentally, this was my favourite corner overlooking paddy fields.

Lunch at leisure
Rest for some time and then head for a Kodava home.

Photo title: Coffee plantation

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Photo Credits: Sudeep Gurtu

Visit To A Traditional Kodava Home
Guests are taken to the Kandrathanda Ainemane - the traditional home of a Kodava Clan or family. Mr. Prithvi Madaiah, a member of the Kandrathanda family, shows the place and explains Kodava culture and history. The visit is followed by a typical Kodava lunch prepared by his wife at their residence.

Local Cultural Program in the evening
Enjoy your evenings with local artists and musicians as the Resort makes efforts to organise local music and dance programs to showcase the traditional culture and traditions.
Sleep well after a sumptuous dinner at The Peppercorn, where you get delicious Kebabs and grill platters in a serene setting overlooking the private lake.

The next day, early morning, I set out to the gorgeous Abbey Falls - pristine white waterfall cascading down a height of about 70 feet situated amidst lush green spice and coffee plantations.

I was looking forward to my next stop - the famous Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. An architectural delight, set in the Indo-Saracenic style, complete with turrets in four corners and a central home. A large water tank in the temple complex adds to the beauty of the entire complex.

It’s a delight to see the historic Madikeri Fort, located at a short distance from the temple. An imposing edifice on the top of Stuart Hill, it was built as a mud structure in 1681 by Mudduraja and later restructured in granite by Tipu Sultan. The fort houses a church, a museum, and a temple within its compound. A quick look at the collection of weapons used during the reign of Tipu Sultan and the tortoise sculpture marked with the initials of King Vijayarajendra, carved on it. And finally, I spent some peaceful moments at Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple, located within the complex.

After a well-spent morning, I was looking forward to my authentic Kodava lunch at the property, where the chef never disappointed me. Though there are several restaurants in Madikeri town to try the flavours of the region, I chose to get back as the chef had planned my lunch.

One hour rest in the room, and then I set out to visit Namdroling Monastery. Also known as the Tibetan Golden Temple, it is the largest learning center for the Nyingma Buddhist tradition.

The exquisite Tibetan architecture and art it features are outstanding. I soaked in the tranquillity of the place, turned the prayer wheels, and witnessed the resident lamas engrossed in prayer rituals. Do not miss other attractions here - three golden statues of about 40 feet each and colourful paintings depicting scenes from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. You can also shop for traditional Tibetan souvenirs from the shops within the complex.

Then head to Raja’s Tomb. The place has two identical tombs, both designed in the Islamic architectural style. And then the last stop - Raja’s Seat, the favourite place of the erstwhile Royalty. Located stop a hill, enjoy the sunset here amidst the delightful views of the valleys and cliffs. How can travel trips be completed without shopping? Pick up Coorg local stuff like honey, coffee, spices, and homemade chocolates at local stores in Madikeri town.

If you have time, you can visit Dubare Elephant Camp and Nisargadhama Island, which I left for my next trip to Coorg!

Sharmila Chand

Sharmila Chand is an Author, Columnist and senior journalist who writes on Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Culture, Holistic Wellness and a lot more. When she is not writing, she is busy with her students as The Guest Faculty in various Mass Communication Institutes.

Coorg

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On A Voyage of Paradise

Sharmila Chand