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An escape to the mountains to make memories
Coorg is probably the most popular destination for a weekend getaway for many from Bangalore and Mysore. I knew it would be crowded, so I went there on weekdays, but my return was on Saturday morning. I was not prepared and dumbstruck by the amount of oncoming traffic towards Coorg. It was a respite that I chose to ride from Madikeri to Virajpet and cross the Nagarhole forest to join the NH275 just outside Hunsur town. The usual route via Kushalnagar would've been a mess for sure.
As a matter of fact, this was my first ride to the Coorg region. I intended to explore the routes around, enjoy the mountain road with its terrific twists and turns, and relish the wintery, chilly mountain air. In the two days, I rode through some spectacular roads, watched marvellous sunset, glorious waterfalls, magnificent mountain ranges, and captivating coffee estates and had cheerful conversations with amiable, humble people.
The onward route was through Hunsur - Kushalnagara - Suntikoppa - Madikeri town. I stayed at the KSTDC-run Hotel Mayura Valley View for two nights. The place is ideal for a short stay, with spacious rooms with high ceilings and large glass windows that offer the best view of the valley behind. You can watch the sunset right from your room. It was a perfect place to dive into the swimming pool after a long day of riding. The in-house restaurant dishes up decent south and north Indian food. The restaurant and hotel are both overpriced, in my humble opinion.
Ultimately, I don't understand why the place is so overrated. Could it be because of the proximity? Is it the ease of access? Not too much of wildlife conflicts? In my experience of travelling across western ghats in not just Karnataka, but the neighbouring states, there are several underrated places with far more spectacular scenery and welcoming locals.