Are you looking for a quick escape from the palaces of Mysore to the misty hills of Coorg (Kodagu)? A Mysore to Coorg one day trip is one of the most popular road trip routes in South India, offering a perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and nature.
However, covering the “Scotland of India” in a single day requires precision planning. The distance between Mysore and Coorg (Madikeri) is approximately 118 km, taking about 3 hours one way. To make the most of it, you need an early start and a reliable vehicle.
At mysoretocoorgcab, we specialize in crafting seamless travel experiences. To help you plan, we’ve created the ultimate 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM itinerary that ensures you hit every major landmark without feeling rushed.
The 1-Day Plan
| Time Slot | Activity / Location | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 AM | Depart from Mysore | Beat the traffic & morning mist |
| 08:30 AM | Dubare Elephant Camp | Elephant bathing & feeding |
| 10:30 AM | Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) | 40ft Golden Buddha statues |
| 12:00 PM | Cauvery Nisargadhama | Hanging bridge & bamboo forest |
| 01:30 PM | Lunch at Kushalnagar | Authentic Coorgi or Tibetan cuisine |
| 03:30 PM | Abbey Falls | Roaring waterfall amidst coffee estates |
| 05:00 PM | Raja’s Seat | Sunset view of the valley |
| 06:30 PM | Depart for Mysore | Relaxing drive back |
| 09:00 PM | Reach Mysore | Drop off at your hotel/residence |
Detailed Hour-by-Hour Itinerary
06:00 AM: The Early Departure
Why start so early? The key to a successful one-day trip is beating the highway traffic on NH275. Leaving Mysore at 6:00 AM allows you to enjoy the cool morning breeze and reach your first destination right when it opens.
- Route: Mysore → Hunsur → Kushalnagar.
- Tip: Pack some light snacks and water. If you haven’t booked a cab yet, check our Innova and Sedan packages at MysoreToCoorgCab.com for a comfortable ride.
08:30 AM: Dubare Elephant Camp
We prioritize Dubare as your first stop because the elephant interaction activities (bathing and feeding) usually close by 11:00 AM.
- The Experience: You’ll take a small boat across the River Cauvery to reach the camp. Here, you can watch eco-workers scrub elephants in the river—a delight for kids and adults alike.
- Duration: 1.5 Hours.
- Entry Fee: Approx. ₹30 for boat + extra for interaction.
10:30 AM: Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)
Just a short drive from Dubare lies the famous Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe.
- The Experience: Walking into the Namdroling Monastery feels like stepping into another country. The three massive golden statues of Buddha (Padmasambhava, Buddha Shakyamuni, and Amitayus) are awe-inspiring. The silence inside the temple, broken only by the hum of prayers, is spiritually uplifting.
- Duration: 45 Minutes.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
12:00 PM: Cauvery Nisargadhama
Next, head to this beautiful island formed by the River Cauvery.
- The Experience: The entrance is marked by a famous hanging rope bridge. Once inside, you can walk through lush bamboo thickets, see deer in the deer park, or even try a short zip-line ride. It’s a fantastic spot for nature photography.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
01:30 PM: Lunch Break (Kushalnagar or Madikeri)
You are now midway through your trip.
- Foodie Tip: If you love trying new food, stop at a local restaurant in Kushalnagar for Tibetan Momos and Thukpa. Alternatively, drive towards Madikeri to taste traditional Coorgi Pandi Curry (Pork Curry) with Akki Roti.
03:30 PM: Abbey Falls
After lunch, drive up the winding roads to Madikeri’s most famous waterfall.
- The Experience: You will need to walk down about 200 steps through a private coffee and pepper estate to reach the falls. The roar of the water is deafening during the monsoon! There is a hanging bridge opposite the falls that offers the perfect Instagram angle.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
Note: Swimming is strictly prohibited here for safety reasons.
05:00 PM: Raja’s Seat (The King’s Seat)
This is the grand finale of your Coorg trip.
- The Experience: Legend has it that the Kings of Coorg used to sit here to watch the sunset. The garden is filled with seasonal flowers and offers a panoramic view of the green valley and winding roads below. If you are lucky, you might catch the Musical Fountain show that starts after sunset.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
06:30 PM: The Return Journey
After watching the sun dip behind the hills, it’s time to head back. The drive down the ghats at twilight is magical. You can expect to reach Mysore by 9:00 PM, concluding a packed but memorable day.
Why Choose a Cab vs. Bus for a One-Day Trip?
| Feature | Private Cab (MysoreToCoorgCab.com) | Public Bus (KSRTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Stop anywhere for photos/breaks | Fixed stops only |
| Time Management | Optimized (Door-to-Door) | Wait times for local autos/buses |
| Comfort | AC, Music, Private space | Crowded, minimal legroom |
| Last Mile | Direct drop at Abbey Falls/Dubare | Drops at bus stand; need auto for sightseeing |
| Cost | Economical for groups (3+ pax) | Cheaper for solo travelers |
Many travelers ask us if they can manage this itinerary by bus (KSRTC). While possible, it is highly stressful for a one-day timeline. Here is a comparison to help you decide.
Verdict: For a one-day trip, a private cab is the only way to cover all 5 major spots stress-free.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
- Comfortable Shoes: You will be walking at Nisargadhama and Abbey Falls.
- Umbrella/Raincoat: Coorg weather is unpredictable, especially June–September.
- Cash: Many entry gates and small shops may not accept UPI due to network issues.
- Motion Sickness Meds: The roads near Madikeri are winding (ghat section).
5 Hidden Gems (If You Have Extra Time)
If you skip one of the main spots or move faster than expected, consider adding these:
- Harangi Dam: Less crowded, great for water views.
- Chiklihole Reservoir: Famous for its unique semi-circular spillway.
- Omkareshwara Temple: A mix of Gothic and Islamic architecture in a Hindu temple.
- Madikeri Fort: Historical significance and great city views.
- Coffee Estate Walk: Ask your driver to stop for a quick 10-minute walk inside a roadside estate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is one day enough for Coorg from Mysore?
A: Yes, one day is sufficient to visit the main highlights like the Golden Temple, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Abbey Falls, provided you start by 6:00 AM and have a private vehicle.
Q: What is the taxi fare for a Mysore to Coorg one day trip?
A: Fares typically start from ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 depending on the car type (Sedan vs. SUV like Innova) and diesel prices in 2026. Check mysoretocoorgcab.com for today’s best rates.
Q: Which route is best for Mysore to Coorg?
A: The best route is via Hunsur – Kushalnagar – Madikeri. The road condition on NH275 is generally excellent and it passes through major attractions like the Golden Temple.
Q: Can we visit Dubare Elephant Camp in the afternoon?
A: You can visit, but you will miss the elephant bathing and interaction activities, which usually end by 11:00 AM. Afternoon slots are mostly for boating and elephant watching from a distance.
Q: Is the road from Mysore to Coorg safe for driving?
A: Yes, the road is safe and well-maintained. However, the last stretch near Madikeri involves ghat roads (winding hill roads). If you are not comfortable driving on hills, hiring a professional driver is recommended.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Don’t let the stress of driving or bus timings ruin your holiday. Sit back, relax, and let our experienced drivers guide you through the misty hills of Coorg.
Book Your Mysore to Coorg Cab Now
- Call Us: +91-9480735315
- Email: info@mysoretocoorgcab.com
- Vehicle Options: Etios, Swift Dzire, Innova Crysta, Tempo Traveller.
Experience the magic of Coorg in a day—the right way!
