Let your spirit ponder in the gentle sky of the slopes, far from the uproar of the city. Spend your day amidst the coffee and tea plantations, smelling the misty woods, touching the breeze, listening to the tune of waterfalls. Breathe the scent of the pristine atmosphere, and embrace the flourishing flowers. Experience the real meaning of tranquility.
Coorg (Kodagu) is an enchanting hill station located in South Karnataka, known for its ethnic warrior people and untouched beauty. Soak in the picturesque landscape and lose yourself completely in exploring the place and thrilling adventurous activities.
The Major Attractions
Madikeri Fort
Initially, the place was built up of mud and then restructured by Tipu Sultan. The monument has an Anglican Church, a temple, a prison and a museum. The entrance of the fort is decorated by two fascinating mortar elephants. The fort also holds the ruin of the erstwhile British era, including a vintage clock tower. Peep into the history of Coorg through this fort. A colourful panoramic view of the city can be sighted from the fort.
Raja’s Seat
The colourful garden that once was the evening retreat for royals is a must visit if you want to experience elegant nature’s beauty. The sunset and mist covered hills are something to watch from here. There is also a brick and mortar structure with four arches in the middle of the colourful garden and also a toy train. A walk in the early morning is a pure bliss.
Abbey Waterfall
Located at around 7 km from Manderi, this is a place where you can see river Kaveri descending from a height of 21 meters, the surrounding greenery and flowers, the clear crystal water with the fragrance will enchant you. The unexplored surrounding of the water fall where you can see the coffee plantation and creepers will make you fall in love with the whole atmosphere.
Dubara Elephant Camp
It is run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR). It is located between the south bank of river Kaveri and forest that gives you an opportunity to be with nature in the company of the elephants. Enjoy the routine of elephants in Dubara camp, learn more about them and be amazed.
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
It is the largest Tibetan Buddhism teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage in the world. You can see the beautiful and colourful splendid Tibetan architecture. The Tibetan New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm lasting for two days.
Talakaveri
Located at the Brahmagiri Hill, this place is the holiest place in Coorg, known to be the origin of river Kaveri. It has a tank and a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. A visit in monsoon is sure to give a breath- taking heavenly view of the origin of river Kaveri.
Nagarhole National Park
This national park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and has number of wildlife including large mammals such as leopard, wild elephant, tiger, dhole (Indian wild dog), Chital spotted deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, mouse deer, sloth bear, hyena, mongoose, civet and otter. And for the bird’s lovers, this is a place where you can find approximate 250 species of birds. The best time to visit is from September to May. The park closes at 6 pm so arrange your trip accordingly. If you want to go for trekking then do avoid coming in monsoon.
Omkareshwara Temple
It was built by King Lingarajendra II in the year 1820 to appease the soul of a Brahman whom he killed. He brought the Shiva-Ling from Kashi and placed in the temple. The architecture of the temple is an amalgamation of Islamic and Gothic style. In the middle, there is a dome and four turrets surround the dome. At the entrance of the temple, you will find pool full of fishes that add to the beauty of the entrance.
Veerabhoomi Tourist Village
This is historical theme village that is spread in 12 acres land. You can find cannons, bullock carts, canvas tents, that may remind you of a medieval war camp. The well-furnished cottages here provides you with the stay and are named after Karnataka’s dynasties such as Mysore, Bijapur, Chalukya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, Rastrakuta, Kadamba, Haleri and Ganga. At night be ready to be entertained by folk artists.
Pushpagiri
This is a perfect place to go on hiking and trekking. Enjoy the luxurious beauty of Coorg on foot, talking to the breeze and listening to the river’s flowing by. You can also go trekking in places like Brahmagiri and Virajpet.
Festivals of Coorg
Kailpodh
It is celebrated at the end of the paddy sowing season. Kail implies weapon and Podh means worship. The celebration signifies the importance of protection of crops.
Kaveri Sankramana
This festival takes place in mid-October and is one of the most sacred Coorg festivals. It is celebrated at Talakaveri, where River Kaveri originated. People come here to pray and take a dip in the holy river.
Puttari
This is the harvesting festival in Coorg where Puttari means new rice. Usually celebrated at the end of November or early December and, it is celebrated with the complete family who comes together to offer prayer. The place is decorated with banana, mango leaves, flowers and special food such as Thambuttu, Kadaumbuttu, Holige and Puttari are prepared.
Dasara in Coorg
This is celebrated with great pomp and show. This is one of the main festivals of Coorg that runs for around ten days. During this festival in Coorg, devotees get to see a processing of 10 Mantapas from 10 temples on the night of Vijayadashami.
Time to Visit
This unadulterated beautiful natural habitat attracts tourists around the year. With its pleasant atmosphere, Coorg is a round the year tourist destination, for the adventurous activities march to October is the best time.
Transportation
The nearest airport is Mangalore-160 km away and the nearest international airport is Bengaluru – 70 km. The nearest railway is Mysore – 90 km. There are daily bus facilities that run from Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore. And if you love to drive its 4-5 hrs journey from Bengaluru.
The splendid greenery, the refreshing breeze, the acres and acres of sandalwood, teakwood and scent of coffees plantation with sparkling waterfall is what Coorg is all about. The heavenly nature, the spectacular atmosphere, and the birds waking you with their singing will rejuvenate the whole and soul. Get immersed in the flawless and alluring atmosphere here.
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