Sometimes, travel nudges us to look at the world a little differently. To put aside the familiar routines, look around and take in the landscape. In India, Coorg, a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, and Kodaikanal, another gem in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, offer just the setting for that kind of escape. Think misty mornings, pine forests, rolling valleys and serene lakes. At Tamara Resorts, luxury meets sustainability, with nature and thoughtful hospitality coming together to create stays that feel connected to their surroundings. In Coorg and Kodaikanal, the destinations take centre stage, with Tamara offering a comfortable base from which to discover them.
This article presents two itineraries that allow travellers to experience the character of these destinations while making the most of what Tamara has to offer. Rather than simply moving from one sightseeing spot to another, the itineraries bring together outdoor adventures, local traditions, food, wellness and distinctive experiences at the resorts. The result is a holiday filled with moments worth remembering, from a morning among coffee plantations to an evening beneath a sky full of stars.
But why Coorg, you might ask?
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is one of the most picturesque hill stations in Karnataka. Located in the Western Ghats, it is known for its peaceful landscapes, cool climate, green hills, coffee plantations and flowing waterfalls. As you make your way into the region, the scenery changes dramatically, with forested slopes and plantations replacing the bustle of the city. The landscape seems to reveal itself in layers, with every bend in the road offering another glimpse of the hills.
While Coorg is undoubtedly known for its scenic beauty, there is much more to discover here. A plantation walk can introduce you to the story behind the region’s famous coffee, while forest trails reveal its rich flora and fauna. Local cuisine offers another window into Coorg’s heritage, with traditional recipes and regional ingredients telling stories of the people who have called these hills home. The more you engage with the destination, the more there is to discover beyond the postcard views.
And why Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal is a destination where nature is impossible to miss. Pine forests, mountain valleys, cool air and the shimmering waters of the lake have long drawn travellers to this hill station. During the 19th century, Kodaikanal was reimagined as a retreat from the intense heat of the plains during the summer months. The Collector of Madurai built a small bungalow at Devadanapatti, and in 1863, created a man-made lake spread across 60 acres. Today, it is known as Kodaikanal Lake and remains one of the defining landmarks of the town.
Tamara Kodai offers a setting from which to discover the many sides of Kodaikanal, from its scenic trails and wellness experiences to its colonial history and natural attractions. Whether you are walking through the hills, visiting one of the town’s cultural landmarks or simply enjoying the mountain air, the destination has a way of making even ordinary moments memorable.
Day 1: Reach Tamara Coorg
To reach Tamara Coorg, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is a convenient starting point. Arrive in Bengaluru, spend a night in the city and set out for Coorg the following morning after breakfast. The journey by taxi covers approximately 275 kilometres and takes around five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The arrival at Tamara Coorg brings a welcome change of scenery. Set amidst the Western Ghats at an elevation of more than 3,500 feet, the resort is spread across 184 acres of untouched greenery. Inspired by Kerala’s traditional architecture, the property blends naturally into its surroundings, with the landscape becoming an integral part of the stay.
The first evening can be spent getting acquainted with the resort and its setting. As night falls, enjoy a carefully crafted four-course dinner beneath the stars, paired with fine wines. A personal butler is assigned to you throughout your stay, ensuring that everything from meals to activities is taken care of.
Day 2: Discover Coffee Like Never Before
If there is one thing that feels inseparable from Coorg, it is coffee. So, on day two, what better way to get to know the region than by wandering through its fragrant plantations on a guided tour with Tamara?
As you make your way through the organic coffee plantations, you will discover the story behind the coffee in your cup, from the first bloom of the plant and the development of the coffee cherry to the final brew. Along the way, the walk becomes an introduction to much more than coffee. You will learn about the local ecology, the flora and fauna of the area, and the relationship between the plantation and the surrounding environment.
The tour also takes you to Tamara’s organic vegetable garden, while offering an insight into its waste-management system and other sustainability practices. It is an opportunity to see how the resort’s approach to responsible hospitality works beyond the more visible aspects of a stay.
And, naturally, there is a delicious way to finish. The tour ends with a coffee-tasting session, allowing you to bring together everything you have learnt and appreciate the flavours in the cup a little differently.In the evening, the setting changes but the connection with nature remains. Enjoy dinner amidst the forest, with a cascading waterfall not far from your table. A curated four-course meal paired with a bottle of fine wine makes for an atmospheric evening, while a conversation with your butler can offer another way to get to know Coorg and its traditions.
Day 3: Go for a Hike
By day three, it is time to venture further into Coorg’s natural landscape. You can set out on trails such as Thadiyandamol and Balliyatre, each offering its own views, terrain and character. Tamara’s expert naturalists accompany you throughout, helping you navigate the trails while sharing stories and insights about Coorg’s rich ecology.
The walks offer a different perspective of the region. Instead of simply looking at the green hills from a distance, you become part of the landscape for a few hours, noticing the forest, the changing terrain and the smaller details that can easily go unnoticed.
After lunch, the pace can slow down once again. A trek through the hills deserves a little recovery time, and an outdoor spa treatment offers just that. Choose from rejuvenating body scrubs or relaxing massages and allow yourself to unwind amidst the tranquillity of Coorg. Alternatively, take a dip in the swimming pool and soak up the views of the surrounding hills and lush landscapes.
Come evening, food provides another introduction to the region. Dinner takes you into the heart of Coorg’s culinary traditions with a traditional Kodava-style meal. Prepared with locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured recipes, the meal brings together bold regional spices and age-old cooking techniques. More than just a dinner, it offers a taste of the heritage, hospitality and deep-rooted culture of the Kodava community.
Day 4: Take It Slow
Day four begins at dawn, when Coorg’s forests are at their most alive. This is the time to discover the region’s birdlife on a guided bird-watching experience. From the majestic Malabar Grey Hornbill to the elusive Nilgiri Flycatcher, the morning offers opportunities to spot a variety of species in their natural habitat.
High-quality binoculars are provided, while expert naturalists lead the way and help identify the birds along the route. For anyone with an interest in nature, it is a rewarding way to spend a morning, but even those who are not dedicated birdwatchers can appreciate the simple pleasure of being outdoors and listening to the forest come alive.
At The Tamara Coorg, the guided bird-watching sessions and the Rudraksh–Cardamom Trail offer further opportunities to discover the landscape thoughtfully, without feeling the need to rush through it.
Travellers can also enjoy something a little more unusual by exploring Tamara Coorg’s apiculture programme. Here, guests are introduced to the fascinating world of bees and learn about their vital role in the ecosystem. Accompanied by expert naturalists, you can visit the beekeeping boxes, observe the bees at work and understand the intricate process of honey extraction.
And the lesson ends, appropriately, on a sweet note. At The Verandah, guests can take part in a tasting session featuring honey harvested from the estate, bringing a delicious conclusion to the experience.
After dinner, it is time to look upwards. Coorg’s clear, relatively unpolluted skies make it an ideal setting for an evening of stargazing. With the help of a technologically advanced giant telescope, an expert guide can take you through the night sky, pointing out constellations such as Orion and Ursa Major, along with planets, stars and other celestial sights.
Day 5: Head to Tamara Kodaikanal
Coorg to Kodaikanal is around 470 kilometres and takes approximately 11 hours by taxi. For those who would prefer to break up the journey, there is another option. You can return to Bengaluru, a journey of around five hours by taxi, spend a day or so exploring the city and then take a flight to Madurai. From Madurai Airport, Tamara Kodaikanal is approximately 137 kilometres away, a journey that can be covered in around three and a half hours by road.
Once you arrive at Tamara Kodaikanal, there is no need to immediately head out again. After the long journey, take some time to settle in with a relaxing spa session. Later, enjoy a candlelit dinner by the poolside, with gourmet dishes and fine wines creating an intimate setting. Your personal butler will also be on hand, allowing you to ease into your Kodaikanal stay without having to think about the details.
Day 6: Explore the Beauty of Kodaikanal
The following day is a chance to get acquainted with Kodaikanal itself. Begin with a leisurely yet immersive walk through Kodaikanal town, starting with Coaker’s Walk. Constructed in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker along the steep mountain slope, the walkway offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape.
The Pambar River valley lies towards the south-east of the walkway, and on a clear day, visitors can see Dolphin’s Nose to the south, along with Periyakulam town and, from the viewpoint, Madurai city in the distance. From The Tamara Kodai, reaching Coaker’s Walk is relatively easy, allowing guests to enjoy one of Kodaikanal’s well-known viewpoints without spending too much time travelling.
The outing can then continue with a walk to the Kurinji Temple, an important religious site among Tamils. The temple was constructed in 1936 by a woman of European descent who had adopted Hinduism. Every May, the temple hosts a summer festival that draws thousands of devotees. Located on a hill, it also offers wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and Kodai Lake, which lies around four kilometres away.
The walk can also take in Bryant Park and the vibrant Tibetan Market. Together, these stops offer a quick but enriching introduction to Kodaikanal, bringing together its viewpoints, cultural landmarks, local atmosphere and distinctive hill-station charm.
End the day with an outdoor barbecue experience at The Tamara Kodai. The resort’s expert culinary team will create a bespoke feast tailored to your preferences, with delicious grilled dishes served beneath the stars. After a day spent walking through the town and taking in its sights, it is a relaxed way to settle back into the resort.
Day 7: Try Something New Today
Today, travellers can choose to learn a new sport. Focus your aim and test your precision with an exciting archery session amidst nature. It is a chance to combine concentration and skill with the simple pleasure of being outdoors, and makes for a change of pace after days spent walking and sightseeing.
If archery is not your thing, there is another way to spend the day. Set out on a serene walk through the scenic landscape surrounding the resort, making your way towards the historic La’ Saleth Church, which once stood as a peaceful sanctuary. The leisurely stroll offers time for reflection, accompanied by sweeping views and the tranquil ambience of the hills.
As evening arrives, gather around a crackling bonfire and enjoy dinner beneath the open sky. It is the kind of evening that calls for lingering a little longer, sharing stories and simply enjoying the warmth of the fire and the cool mountain air.
Day 8: A Walk at the Kodaikanal Lake
For the final day, make your way towards Kodaikanal Lake and the surrounding areas. Travellers can begin at Bombay Shola, just a short distance from The Tamara Kodai, and take a scenic 90-minute walk through lush greenery and past historical landmarks before arriving at the serene Kodaikanal Lake.
The lake was built in 1863 by the Collector of Madurai and played an important role in the development of the settlement around it. Today, it remains one of Kodaikanal’s most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, while the track around it offers an opportunity to explore the area by bicycle.
Return to the resort in time for lunch, leaving the afternoon free to rest and recuperate. Later, enjoy a foot reflexology session at the resort’s spa before settling into a poolside dining experience.
The following day, it is time to head home, with a flight from the nearby Madurai Airport taking you onwards from Kodaikanal. But after a journey through coffee plantations, forest trails, misty hills, lakes, local traditions and quiet evenings beneath the stars, perhaps the greatest souvenir is the feeling that the hills gave you something that busy everyday life rarely does: time to slow down.