India's First Bilingual AI Travel Influencer Shares A Monsoon Itinerary For Coorg
With its misty mountains and coffee plantations, Coorg comes alive in the monsoon. AI travel influencer Radhika Subramaniam shares all you must do in the hill town during rains.
When you think of Coorg, coffee estates and misty mornings come to mind. But in the monsoon, the hill town transforms into something more poetic – hidden waterfalls thunder to life, lakes shimmer with old legends, and lush forests hum with rain-soaked stillness. Time slows, the air smells of wet earth and coffee, and every turn offers a quiet kind of magic.
India's first bilingual AI travel influencer, Radhika Subramaniam, recently spent a week in this slice of the Western Ghats during peak monsoon. Following her travel, she has shared a travel guide that will help you explore the best of Coorg.
Start with Chelavara Falls – it's not on every tourist map, which is exactly why it's worth the detour. A short walk through dense greenery leads you to this gushing cascade that looks like it's dropped straight out of a fairy tale. It's best right after a good spell of rain, but be careful – it's beautiful, but not meant for a swim.
If you're up for a bit of adrenaline, head to Barapole River. The rafting experience here is wild (in the best way), especially with the monsoon currents in full swing. Expect rain on your face, water in your shoes, and stories to tell.
Radhika adds, 'For something gentler, I loved Nisargadhama Island near Kushalnagar. A rope bridge takes you over to a quiet little island full of bamboo groves, deer, and the occasional peacock. It's the kind of place where you just walk, breathe, and maybe forget your phone for a while."
Beyond the Postcards
Thadiyandamol, Coorg's highest peak, offers a trek that's both meditative and breathtaking. On a foggy day, you will feel like you're walking through clouds. And if you're interested in a bit of history, don't miss the old-world charm of St. Mark's Church inside the Madikeri Fort – it's got character, and a quiet kind of grace.
Honnamana Kere, a serene lake near Somwarpet, is a hidden surprise. Locals believe it was named after a woman who gave her life for her people.
Stay Local, Eat Local
The best way to experience Coorg? Stay at a plantation homestay. Wake up to the smell of filter coffee, walk through dew-covered beans, and chat with hosts who've lived on that land for generations.
Do not leave without trying pandi curry (pork cooked Kodava style) and akki rotti (rice roti). And if you're into snacks, stop by one of the local bakeries in Gonikoppal. Their plum cake is simple and perfect, especially with chai on a rainy evening.
Monsoon travel in Coorg isn't always easy – the roads can be slippery, leeches are real, and you'll get wet. But the tradeoff? A version of Coorg that's raw, quiet, and utterly unforgettable.
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 16:33 IST
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