Madikeri

Coorg, or Kodagu, is Karnataka's coffee country, a landscape of rolling hills covered in robusta and arabica bushes shaded by silver oak and pepper vines. Madikeri, the district headquarters at about 1,150 metres, is the hub, a small hill town with a fort, misty mornings and some of the most hospitable people in South India. The Kodava community's traditions, cuisine and warmth are a large part of what makes a stay here special.

Our Coorg trips stay on or near a working plantation, where you walk through the estate to see how coffee goes from cherry to cup and spot spices such as pepper and cardamom growing among the trees. You will watch the sunset over layered hills at Raja's Seat, stand in the spray of Abbey Falls and visit the Omkareshwara temple, which blends Islamic and Gothic styles. Another day takes you to the Dubare elephant camp on the banks of the Kaveri, the bamboo groves and hanging bridge of Nisargadhama, and the golden prayer hall of the Namdroling Monastery at Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. With an extra day, drive to Talakaveri, the source of the Kaveri, or take a jeep ride up to Mandalpatti for views above the clouds.

Coorg suits couples, families, friend groups and anyone who wants a slow, green weekend. Most travellers from Hyderabad fly to Bengaluru or Mangaluru and drive in, and Coorg combines well with Mysuru, Chikkamagaluru or a longer Karnataka heritage circuit. October to March is pleasant and dry, while the monsoon turns the hills a vivid green and fills the waterfalls. Evenings are for Kodava pandi curry, akki roti and a fire on the verandah.