Secret Ashram Coorg

The remote region of Coorg is a hikers' paradise, with rolling hills, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls. It's also known for its world-class coffee, with plantations dotted throughout the mist-shrouded hills. If you're travelling around India, you'll find Coorg's lush scenery and mild climate a peaceful break from the energetic pace of the main cities. 

Hostels in Coorg are nestled in the region's incredible natural scenery, among the coffee plantations and forests. As well as standard dorms, you can even sleep under the stars in tents. Laze in a hammock after a long jungle trek – or grab a bite to eat in an on-site café while sharing stories with other travellers. Coorg hostels also offer free Wi-Fi and hot showers on tap: always welcome after a wilderness adventure. 

There are a couple of areas to visit in this region. Head to Siddapur to visit one of the most peaceful villages in Coorg. Most of its coffee plantations come complete with cafés where you can sample the goods – the smell of fresh beans is hard to resist. Another popular place to explore is Madikeri. As the main hub town of Coorg, it's near the region's most famous waterfalls, tombs and temples. 

Most travellers head to Coorg for trekking in the Western Ghat mountains. Some of the most popular walks head to waterfalls like Abbey Falls, which has a viewing platform that's perfect for a photo opportunity. At Iruppu Falls, you'll find a freshwater pool at the bottom – the ideal spot for a refreshing swim. Back in town, you'll find local antiques at the 17th-century Madikeri Fort, plus two life-sized elephant statues. If you're looking for a more quirky attractions, head to the vintage car museum.

Coorg is a rural retreat – naturally part of its charm. The nearest airport is in Mysore, 120km away. You can also fly into Mangalore (135km) or Bangalore (260km). As this region doesn't have its own train station – again, the nearest is in Mysore – you'll need to arrive by road. You can either hire a taxi once you land or get a bus from Mysore train station. This takes about three hours and 45 minutes, so try and grab a window seat to take in the views on the way!