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Coorg doesn’t have an airport of its own yet flying down is the most convenient and the fastest way to reach the hill station, if you are coming from far. Depending on which part of the country you are traveling from will decide the most convenient airport for you. The closest international one is Mangalore International Airport, sitting at a distance of just 140 kms from Coorg city centre. For domestic flights, the nearest one is at Mysore, 120 kms from Coorg. The most well-connected airport near Coorg, however, is the Bangalore International Airport, albeit 286 kms away.
Mangalore Airport services the Middle East sector and has flights coming in from all major destinations in that region. Bangalore Airport is a hub for most domestic and international airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air India, Jet Airways, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways, and JetLite. Whichever part of the world that you are flying in from, there’s a flight that will bring you to Bangalore.
Whether you alight at Mangalore or Bangalore, once at the airport, you can hire a cab or hop onto any of the state-owned or private luxury buses that ply between these two cities and Coorg.
Do note, August-September is the rainy season, and heavy downpour can delay or lead to cancellation of flights, especially at Mangalore Airport.
Just like the missing airport, Coorg does not have a railway station of its own. However, if you like train journeys and want to take your time getting to Coorg by train, there are a few options. You can take a train till the neighbouring cities of Mysore or Bangalore, both of which are well-connected to nearly all corners of India by train. Between the two, Mysore is closer at just 120 kms away from Coorg.
Since many tourists wishing to visit Coorg alight at these railway stations, continuing in your onward journey will never be a problem. Hire a private taxi or hop aboard any of the state-run or private buses that connect these cities to Coorg. Opt for a registered taxi service and ensure that you are clear about the fare cost to avoid getting duped.
If you plan your vacation during the holiday season and wish to take the train to Mysore or Bangalore, do book your tickets well in advance. You can visit the Indian Railway official website or go to any Indian Railway booking counter at a railway station to book your tickets. Remember, you can board the train only with a confirmed reservation.
Whether you come by flight or decide to take the train, the last leg of the journey to Coorg is by road. And what a spectacular journey that is! The 4-5 hours that you will take to reach Coorg promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. The entire route as you head towards Coorg is replete with stunning landscapes, verdant mountains and unbelievable weather. The road winds its way through the hills and can get steep and bit rough in certain patches. Nothing that a seasoned traveller should be too worried about.
If you are traveling from any of the nearby places such as Ooty, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore or Coimbatore, the road trip is enjoyable as it is short enough to not become too tiring and yet allows you to enjoy the journey without dozing off.
Here’s a quick look at the distances between Coorg and some major nearby cities:
Mysore and Coorg: 107 kilometres
Ooty and Coorg: 236 kilometres
Mangalore and Coorg: 138 kilometres
Bangalore and Coorg: 265 kilometres
Coonoor to Coorg: 267 kilometres
If you’ve travelled by train or flown in to either of the nearby airports, you will need to hire a taxi or book a seat on the state-owned or private luxury buses. Travel only with a registered taxi service and agree on the fare before you leave to avoid getting taken for a ride. The journey will take you 4-5 hours.
Bus tickets are not very expensive. In fact, some buses do not need prior booking but some private players might require it. Check these details before planning the journey.
Coorg is a hill station with limited means of travel than most tourist destinations. Having said that, it is not difficult to move about the place and there are several local transport options for you to choose from depending on your budget and needs. From buses, auto rickshaws and shared taxis, to a private cab or even a bike, you will have many avenues of commute within Coorg.
Bus: A bus is perhaps the most convenient and cheapest way to move about Coorg, especially if you are traveling long distances. You can choose between state-run government buses or book a seat in a private bus. The state-run buses have fixed routes and mainly operate between main towns or villages, while private buses can take you to literally any corner of Coorg.
Taxi/Cab: If you are traveling as a family or with friends, you can hire a taxi to take you around Coorg. It is a convenient way that gives you complete control over your itinerary. Since Coorg is a tourist destination, you will find a taxi stand easily around your hotel. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to book you one as well. Discuss your complete schedule and arrive at a good deal before booking the taxi. You are allowed to bargain, and in fact, the taxi driver will expect you to haggle a bit.
Alternatively, if you are traveling from Mysore or Bangalore, you can rent the taxi for the entire duration of your vacation from there itself. This is a better way to move around Coorg district. You are also likely to be able to strike a better deal this way since booking a taxi at Coorg will leave you at the mercy of the rates the tax drivers will demand at the tourist spots.
Auto Rickshaw: You can hire an auto rickshaw to cover shorter distances within Coorg. This is the cheapest means of transport in Coorg and you will find one readily available almost everywhere. Bus stands, main junctions, popular eateries and shopping districts will always have several auto rickshaws milling about. Check the price and haggle before you hop into one.
Bikes: If you are confident about your bike-riding skills, this is a fantastic way to explore all the districts of Coorg. Coorg has several bike rental services that will be more than happy to give you a bike on hire. Scooters go for Rs 500-600 a day, while bikes will cost you 1000-1200 for a day. You need to have a valid licence although some rental guys will give them to you if you are confident about riding a bike. Remember, a holiday in a new destination, especially one with a hilly terrain like Coorg is not the place for you to start getting bike riding lessons.
Walking: Coorg has a lovely, quaint, small-town feel to it. And the best way to really enjoy the beautiful hill station is to see it on foot. Pack along a pair of sturdy walking shoes and you are set to go. Arm yourself with a map or just let your feet decide where you wish to go next. Mobile connectivity can be a little spotty and not all parts of Coorg are populated with people. Choose your walking track carefully and also do not venture outside city limits after dark.
Planning a trip to Coorg? Take a look at our Coorg Tour Packages and pick a holiday that suits your needs. If you wish, we can help you with all your travel needs, including tickets and stay.
Coorg Tourism is absolutely amazing and there are many places to visit in Coorg. Also, check out the best time to visit in Coorg.
