252 kms from Bangalore and 1,525 m above sea level lies Mercara, the district headquarters of Coorg- known as the Scotland of India. It is a mountainous area in the south-west of the state where the western ghats start to tumble down towards the sea, and is green, scenic and fertile. Traditionally the home of the Kodava tribe, Coorg is now an important coffee-growing area.

The 19th century Fort offers a beautiful view and a little museum inside a Chapel. The view from Raja's Seat of sunset is wonderful, 6 km from Mercara is Abbey Falls, a great place for picnics. Then there's also the Omkareshwar Temple built in 1820, which is a mixture of Islamic and Gothic styles.