Coorg

Even in a state filled with beautiful landscapes, Coorg stands out for its lush rolling plantations and exciting wildlife. In the western part of Karnataka, and spanning about 4,100 square km (2,548 square mi), Coorg is a coffee and pepper growing area, so part of its charm is its easygoing plantation lifestyle. The Kodava people are extremely friendly and hospitable, and the food of the region has its own unique flavor because of all those local peppercorns and the special malt vinegar used in meat dishes. Pandi (pork) curry is a specialty—Coorg is one of the few places in India where pig makes any appearance in dining rooms. The weather is great year-round outside of the July and September portions of the monsoon periods, when it's wet, but not horrible.

Coorg is a trekker's dream; several established trails pass by dams and waterfalls, and, of course, plantations. Ask at your hotel to choose the most convenient trekking route. The main town is Madikeri (also known as Mercara), but you're better off staying in the forest or plantation areas. The National Park is one of the loveliest of its kind in the country. The Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe and the elephant camp at Dubare are both worth a quick visit.