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Coorg is beautiful hill station
located in Karnataka , 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the
district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu(originally called
Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland
of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush
forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves,
undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an
unforgettable holiday destination.
Local Sights : Coorg
Madikeri Fort
This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a temple, a
chapel, prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of
Madikeri.
Raja's Seat
According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But
what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one
can enjoy from here.
Around Madikeri
The most visited tourist spot in Coorg is the Nagarahole National Park
which is known for it's wild-life population. One can find elephants,
tigers, leopards, sambars, spotted deers, and bisons in plenty. There are
facilities for over-night stay inside the Nagarhole park next to
water-holes. Madikeri or Mercara is the main town of Coorg and is also a
well known hill station. Some of the important places to visit around
Madikeri are Raja seat-a well maintained garden with a great views of the
hills, Abbi-Falls a beautiful waterfall, Bhaga-mandala and finally
Tala-Kaveri-the birth place of river Kaveri, is an astoundingly beautiful
place which is surrounded by mountains.
Talakaveri:
River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the
Hindu scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri in the
Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is marked
by a kundike from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but
flows underground again to emerge a short distance away.
There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where
devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva
temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple
dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where,
according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave
darshan to sage Agastya.
Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day (approximately
on 17 October) Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred
teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden unsurge of water in
the kundike and is considered very auspicious
From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7
great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna.
From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a
good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills.
Iruppu Falls :
There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri
range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama
and Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's
concert, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him.
Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being
river Lakshmanatirtha.
The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the
Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's
sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on
Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy
fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest.
This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National
Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road.
Abbey Falls
A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 kms
from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these
falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a
path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them.
The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill
the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera
when you go there.
Dubare :
This is mainly an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest
Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on
the Kushalnagar - Siddapur road. The largest land animal is captured here
with the help of tamed elephants and local tribals - the Kurbas - and is
held captive for upto 6 months in large teak wood cages.
The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the
evenings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by
their mahouts. Afterwards the mahout obliges eager tourists for free
elephant rides within the camp. In the evenings, all the elephants are
offered a special treat of ladoos made of ragi and jaggery, each no
smaller than a cannon ball!
Nagarhole National Park :
The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning
"snake river" - which flows through the park. The 640 sq km of gently
undulating terrain at the foothills of the Brahmagiri hills is covered
with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams.
The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere
reserve".
The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for
tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can be sure of seeing
the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar,
mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals.
Lucky people may see a tiger or panther or even a King cobra. Both
trekking and going by private vehicles is allowed, though permission has
to be taken first. Huts have been built for those who wish to stay in the
wilds.
Valanoor
Valanoor, 30 kms.from Mercara,the back waters of river Cauvery is one of
the most beautiful Angling sites in Karnataka. Types of fish include
Golden-Masheer, Maral and Mapp. Licence / permit can be arranged by local
tourist agents.
Nisargadhama
Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the
Kanika and the Sujyothi). The temple here, built in Kerala style, has
smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Nisargadhama
Known for its calm, serene beauty, this place is an ideal picnic spot
visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.
Harangi Dam is a great picnic spot 36 kms from Madikeri.
Essentials
Kodagu can be reached only by road, as there is no railway or commercial
air services that serves the area. The Mysore - Mangalore high way passes
through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km
from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136
km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are
regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.
Shopping:
Coffee, honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges ( season).
Local Food Specialities:
Pandhi, Koli and bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent
coffee.
Climate:
Pleasant all year round. The monsoon is from June to September.
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