Coorg is a district in the state of Karnataka. This destination is a favored weekend getaway for nature lovers and adventurers. The visitors are highly mesmerized by the colorful landscapes, slopes flanked with trees and simple villages of Coorg. The mountain ranges of Coorg are visited by thousands of peace loving tourists year after year. Coorg is also known as Kodagu. Madikeri is the main town in Coorg.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is at Mysore at a distance of about hundred kilometers from Coorg. One can hire a cab or bus at Mysore to reach Coorg, it takes about four hours drive from Mysore to reach Coorg.
Places to see in and around Coorg
1. Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls is at a distance of eight kilometers from Madikeri. Summers or winters alike the gushing water in Abbey falls makes for a wonderful sight. The serene sound of water crashing from a height can be heard from the main route. A path from the main route or road travels through beautiful coffee as well as cardamon plantations straight to the falls. The constant chirruping of hundreds of birds compliments the roar of the falling water.
2. Wildlife Sanctuary Nagarahole: You can spot elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, mangoose, jungle fowl, bison, peacocks, sambhar, wild boars and several other intriguing animals as well as birds on a guided tour conducted by the forest department every morning and evenings. If you are lucks you may even get to see a tiger or a panther.
3. Madikeri Fort: This fort is situated in the heart of the Madikeri town. Inside the fort you will find a museum, a small prison, a chapel and a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This fort offers a breathtaking view of the small scenic town. This fort is said to be made of mud in its initial existence, it was reconstructed by King Tipu Sultan using concrete stones.
4. Bagamandala: This temple is situated at a distance of thirty nine kilometers from Madikeri. This temple attracts thousands of devotees as well as visitors as it is situated on the confluence point of three rivers namely Kannike, Cauvery and Sujyoti. This place is also known as Triveni Sangama. The devotees take holy dips on this point to seek blessings and wash away their sins.
5. Mandalpatti: This is a viewpoint which provides amazing and heavenly view of the hillside. This point is situated at a distance of thirty five kilometers from the Madikeri town. The road from Madikeri to the viewpoint is flanked by beautiful coffee plantations. If you seek adventure then you must go downhill from this viewpoint from the opposite side to reach a small but scenic waterfall. However, you must either go downhill with a guide in a group or in a large group.
6. Raja’s Seat: It is said that the Rulers of Kodagu came here often to enjoy the sunset and relax in the calm. The best timing to visit this place is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Several other places worth visiting in and around Kodagu are Honnamana Kere, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury, Talakaveri / Talacauvery , Dubare – Elephant Camp, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park.
Koduga is fondly referred to as The Scotland of India. Apart from the peace and calm you can also enjoy splendid adventure sports in this place. It is also a nice place to spend your honeymoon.
Happy Travel!
