Coorg Height From Sea Level (2026 Elevation, Hills & Weather Guide) – Affectionately hailed as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg (officially known as Kodagu) is one of Karnataka’s most picturesque and ecologically rich hill regions. Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, Coorg is celebrated worldwide for its mist-shrouded valleys, sprawling Arabica and Robusta coffee estates, fragrant spice plantations, and cascading waterfalls. A frequent question among road trippers, trekkers, and geography students is about the exact Coorg height from sea level.
Because Kodagu is an expansive 4,102-square-kilometer highland district, its elevation varies significantly: while the district capital of Madikeri sits at an average altitude of 1,150 to 1,170 meters (3,770 to 3,840 feet), the region spans from 900 meters (2,950 feet) in the eastern river basin valleys up to 1,750 meters (5,740 feet) at the summit of Tadiandamol Peak. In this complete 2026 geographical guide, we examine Coorg’s elevation profile, town-wise altitudes, weather dynamics, road routes, and altitude comparisons across South Indian hill stations.
Geographic Parameter
Specification Details
District Capital (Madikeri Elevation)
1,150 m – 1,170 m (3,770 ft – 3,840 ft) above sea level
Highest Mountain Peak (Tadiandamol)
1,750 meters (5,740 feet)
Second Highest Peak (Pushpagiri / Kumara Parvatha)
Because Coorg is a mountainous district rather than a solitary hilltop town, understanding the elevation differences between its major settlements helps plan your stay:
Madikeri (1,170 m / 3,840 ft): The historic district headquarters established in the 17th century by the Haleri kings. Perched on an elevated plateau, Madikeri is home to Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, and Abbey Falls, enjoying cool evening breezes year-round.
Tadiandamol Summit (1,750 m / 5,740 ft): The highest mountain peak in Coorg and the third-highest in Karnataka. A popular trekking route through shola forests and grasslands offering sweeping views across Kerala’s Kannur border.
Pushpagiri / Kumara Parvatha (1,715 m / 5,627 ft): The second-highest summit in Coorg, located inside the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary near Somwarpet, famous for challenging trekking trails.
Talacauvery & Brahmagiri Hills (1,276 m / 4,186 ft): Located 48 km from Madikeri, this high ridge is the sacred birthplace of the River Cauvery, housing an ancient temple tank and panoramic ridgeline viewpoints.
Virajpet (920 m / 3,018 ft): The southern commercial hub of Coorg, known for spice trading and coffee curing works.
Kushalnagar (830 m – 890 m / 2,720 ft – 2,920 ft): The eastern gateway near the Mysore border, located in the lower river basin and known for the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) and Dubare Elephant Camp.
How Altitude Shapes Coorg’s Climate & Coffee Plantations
While the surrounding Deccan plateau plains of Mysore and Hassan experience hot daytime temperatures, Coorg’s 1,150-meter elevation creates a pleasant microclimate:
Summers (March to May): Daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C, with cool morning and evening winds that provide relief from South India’s coastal humidity.
Monsoon Deluge (June to September): As monsoon winds strike the Western Ghats escarpment, Coorg receives heavy rainfall (over 3,500 to 4,000 mm annually), causing gushing waterfalls like Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls to roar amidst misty coffee slopes.
Winters (October to February): The most popular tourist season. Crisp, clear mountain weather with daytime temperatures around 20°C to 24°C, dropping to 11°C–14°C at night. Early mornings frequently feature blanket mists across valleys and plantation lakes.
Ideal Shade-Grown Coffee Ecology: The moderate 1,000–1,400 meter altitude, high humidity, and red laterite soil provide ideal agro-climatic conditions for shade-grown Arabica and Robusta coffee, cultivated beneath towering native rosewood, wild fig, and silver oak trees draped with black pepper vines.
Elevation Comparison: Coorg vs. Renowned South Indian Hill Stations
To see how Coorg’s physical altitude compares with other premier hill retreats across South India, review this comparison:
Reaching Coorg involves scenic drives through the Western Ghats foothills:
From Bengaluru (~250–265 km): Drive via the Bangalore–Mysore Expressway to Mysuru, continuing along NH-275 through Hunsur, Kushalnagar, and Suntikoppa up to Madikeri (approx. 5 to 6 hours). The ascent from Hunsur is gradual and well-paved.
From Mangalore (~140 km): Ascend via NH-275 through Bantwal, Puttur, and Sullia across the scenic Sampaje Ghat (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours), snaking through rainforest ridges.
Nearest Airports: Mysuru Domestic Airport (MYQ, ~125 km), Kannur International Airport (CNN, ~90 km via Virajpet), and Mangalore International Airport (IXE, ~145 km).
Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru Junction (~120 km) and Hassan (~105 km). KSRTC operates regular Rajahamsa and Airavat Club Class Volvo buses directly into Madikeri.
Is Altitude Sickness a Concern in Coorg?
No. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) only presents a physiological risk when ascending past 2,400 to 2,500 meters (8,000+ feet). At 1,150 meters in Madikeri, blood oxygen saturation remains at normal sea-level levels (98%–99%). Toddlers, elderly family members, and individuals with cardiovascular sensitivities can visit without any acclimatization issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the exact Coorg Height From Sea Level?
The main town and district capital of Madikeri sits at an altitude of approximately 1,150 to 1,170 meters (3,770 to 3,840 feet) above sea level. Across the entire Kodagu district, elevation ranges from 900 meters in the river valleys up to 1,750 meters at Tadiandamol Peak.
Which is the highest peak in Coorg?
The highest mountain peak in Coorg is Tadiandamol Peak, rising to an elevation of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet) above sea level.
Is Coorg higher than Ooty and Munnar?
No. Ooty (2,240 m) and Munnar (1,600 m) are both situated at higher elevations than Madikeri (1,170 m). Consequently, Coorg experiences milder, more temperate winters compared to Ooty’s near-freezing nights.
Which mountain range does Coorg belong to?
Coorg is located along the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Range) in southwestern Karnataka, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot.
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