If you thought a vacation in Coorg only meant taking in the glorious sights, sipping hot coffee in the verandah of an idyllic homestay, think again. A heart-racing pack of adventurous activities awaits you here.
Coorg is no longer a quiet weekend getaway a few hours from Bangalore. With its stunning hills and lengthy waterways, the place bursts with the promise of adventure and thrills. If you are unwilling to while away your time in a hammock or eating pandi curry the next time you visit, you can spend your days conquering daunting peaks and navigating tricky water bends.
Here are the adventure activities you must experience in Coorg.
1. River Rafting On The Barapole
Image Courtesy: Philip Larson, Flickr
The gushing waters of the Barapole River, that snakes its way through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, makes for a splendid rafting spot. One of the most popular adventure activities offered here, the exciting yet not too tricky waters of the river are perfect if you are trying rafting for the first time. This can also make for a great group activity. For an extra dose of thrill, leap off your raft into the cool waters at one of the more serene rapids {your instructor will let you know when}. You can sign up for a rafting experience in Dubare as well but the waters tend to be less thrilling there.
2. Waterfall Rappelling In Chelavara
Image Courtesy: SHIYAS via Wikimedia Commons
Give your calves a memorable workout as you make your way up the Chelavara Waterfall. As the water rains down, you can make your way down the waterfall with the aid of expert guides. The surrounding view — made up of lush greenery — is worth feasting your eyes on too. However, the Chelavara drop is between 140 and 150 feet and it is a difficult terrain, so, sign up for this only if you are confident with your rappelling skills.
3. Kayaking In Kakkabe
Just outside Coorg, Kakkabe is dotted with coffee plantations, honey farms, and serene hills. You can spend a day here gliding along the waters of the gurgling River Kakkabe, in a canoe or kayak. Work those muscles as you row past unending greenery. This activity is perfect for those of you who’d like a relaxing yet adventurous experience on your trip to Coorg. If you can’t reach Kakkabe during the trip, you can head to Kushalnagar or Madikeri for kayaking outings.
4. Trek To The Tadiandamol Peak
Image Courtesy: Jyotirmoy, via Wikimedia Commons
Coorg is a trekker’s paradise, for sure. The getaway is abundant with trekking trails that span its entire length and breadth. The top pick, however, is Tadiandamol Peak that’s the highest around here. There are plenty of guided tours {including from Thrillophilia} that offer to accompany you to the pinnacle. Along the way, you can take in the sight of thick forests, gentle streams, and plenty of avian life. End the trek by spending the day under the starry sky as a bonfire crackles nearby.
Not sure of Tadiandamol? Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to pick from. The Nishani Motte Hills, a lesser-known gem, showcases nature’s bounty. The landscape here includes Shola forests and open meadows. Kumara Parvatha and the Brahmagiri Trek {more on that below} are also worthy experiences.
5. Camping In Brahmagiri
Image Courtsey: Bopannap, via Wikimedia Commons
For an out-and-out camping experience in Coorg don’t look further than the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Pack up your tent and make your way through this heavily forested area that’s nestled between hills. You can take on an experience that includes a day {or more} of trekking that will show you the scale of the popular Brahmagiri peak here. This can be a particularly rewarding outing if you are an avid trekker or a bird watcher. You can wind down the day by camping in the forest itself. However, do note that you need the necessary permissions from the forest department so it’s best you go one a guided tour that handles these details for you.
6. Microlight Flying In Ponnampet
Want a bird’s eye view of Coorg’s verdant bounty? Then, soar through the skies in a glider! You can book this thrilling experience on portals like Thrillophilia or Aktiv Experiences. Once you get to Ponnampet {in South Coorg}, you can choose between a ten-minute quick thrill ride or a 30-minute long experience {depending on your budget}. You’ll then be shown to your seat in the two-seat glider plane, that’s manned by an expert. When you take off, feast your eyes on an aerial view of Coorg – from the Brahmagiri range to the River Cauvery, the endless paddy fields, and the coffee plantations.
Featured Photo (Brahmagiri): Indi Samarajiva
This article was first published here.
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