Nature tourism in Kodagu district in Karnataka is a rejuvenating experience as there are a number of places of breathtaking beauty found all over the district. Hills, waterfalls and parks abound in the district and are truly captivating in their beauty.

Abbey Falls is 6 Kms from Madikeri, where the Madikeri or Muttaramutta stream naturally falls from a precipice at a height of 70 feet in between huge boulders to a rocky valley. `Abbi` in Kodava language means a waterfall. The British called it the Jessy waterfalls in memory of Jessy the daughter of Madikeri`s first chaplain. To reach the falls one has to go down from the road amidst coffee estate. This is a favourite spot for tourists.

Talacauvery is the birthplace of the sacred Kaveri River. It is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri Hills, and can be reached by a motorable road from Bhagamandala, which is at a distance of 8 Kms. There are temples dedicated to Ishwara and Ganapathi at the source of Kaveri. The Tula Sankramana Coorg festival (usually falling in the month of October) is regarded as the most auspicious day for visiting Tala Cauvery.

Kushalnagar, located just 32 Kms from Madikeri is resplendent in its natural beauty. It is a picturesque spot located along the banks of the river Kaveri, and found here are a number of picnic spots which are maintained by the forest department of the district.

The Cauvery Nisargadhama is a wonderful picnic spot o the banks of the river Kaveri. The main attractions of the place are the hanging bridge, pedal boat centre, tree top shelters, elephant safari and deer park. Maintained by the forest department, bamboo cottages and brick cottages are also provided to the tourists. Located at a distance of 9 Kms from Kushalnagar is the Harangi Dam.

A reservoir with a picturesque spot, it is one of the chief tourist attractions. Private buses ply directly to the district, and taxis can also be hired from Kushalnagar to Harangi. Another picnic spot near Kushalnagar is the Dubare forest, located along the banks of the Kaveri River. The Elephant Training camp belonging to the forest department is situated here. River Kaveri comes under Mahasheer fishing area, supported by Coorg Wild Life Society. This island situated near Kushalnagar is not connected by public transport. One needs to hire a taxi from Kushalnagar.

Found at Bylukuppa, a nearby village of Kushalnagar is a Tibetan Refugee centre. The Tibetans here have kept their culture and heritage intact. Tourists can witness their way of life, art and architecture, even taste Tibetian dishes and buy Tibetian handicrafts available here. Regular buses operate from Kushalnagar to Periyapatna via Bylukuppa.

Tadiandamol (5,724 ft) is the highest peak of the district and is situated near Nalknad Palace which is 40 Kms from Madikeri. The peak is not altogether inaccessible; two-thirds of it can be negotiated on a jeep. The topmost position is rather difficult to climb. But if one perseveres and climbs to the top, their exertions are amply rewarded and there from the giddy top of the peak they can look all around towards west and east and feast their eyes on the majestic grandeurs of the slopes. The best season to visit is during December to May.

Pushpagiri hill, also known as the Subramanya hill, the celebrated mountain (5,626 ft.), is in the north-west of Kodagu, about 36 Kms from Somwarpet and 1.5 km from Kumaralli, which is amidst jungle. This is a remarkable two-pointed hill of precipitous height and peculiar shape and resembles, as seen from Madikeri, a gigantic bullock hump. The ascent, which, on account of precipices of the southern and western parts of the hill, can only be effected by a circuitous route, is more difficult that of Thadiandamol.

Starting from Bhagati, at the base of Pushpagiri, it is about 10 Kms walking, the ascent taking a good walker about three hours. The summit commands an extensive view of Kodagu District, Dakshina Kannada District, Hassan and Mysore. On this hill there are a number of Hindu memorials in the shape of stone mounds. Within an enclosure, there are two stone structures, with the traditional imprint of two feet (paadha) said to be of celestial origin. There is a temple of Ishwara also on the top of the hill. Poojas are performed on a grand scale every year on the occasion of `Thula Sankramana`.

The Brahmagiri Hill is situated near the Talacauvery, the source of the river Kaveri. After reaching Talacauvery, it is a climb of about 300 feet to the summit. It is said that the seven great sages meditated at the peak of this mountain.

Kodagu district is thus full of the beauty and splendour of nature. The various places of natural beauty here are a must-see when travelling to Kodagu district.