Last Updated on Saturday, 28 August 2010 16:39
Tourist places in Coorg
Coorg conjures image of coffee plantations, lush forests, high lands, Homestays and the pretty Kodavas. Coorg district in Karnataka is a magical land with many destinations that are popular amongst tourists. This article describes places to visit in Coorg,Karnataka
Places to see in Coorg
View all the Coorg attractions in a map
Madikeri
- Mercara fort : An irregular hexagon structure built in a mix of European and Kerala architecture style. Outside the fort is a memorial for the martyrs of Kodagu. The fort was a mute witness to the interesting story of Coorg rulers
- Raja’s Seat : Arched pavilion where the erstwhile rulers of Kodagu used to spend their evenings watching the sunset.
- Omkareshwar Temple : This temple has an interesting tale was built by Lingarajendra to ward off evil spirits. It is a Hindu temple with a strong influence of Islamic architecture.
- Abbi Falls : Nestled in a private estate, Abbi falls is a spectacle to watch especially during Monsoons. To reach Abbi falls, take the convent road and drive straight until you reach the fork. At the fork turn left for Abbi Falls
- Chettalli (15 Kms from Madikeri on Siddapur road) houses the regional horticulture research centre. It is enroute to Siddapur and the 170 acres is definitely worth a visit.
There are many Budget Hotels and Homestays in Madikeri for accommodation
Talacauvery and Bhagamandala:
Talacauvery (15 Kms from Madikeri) is the birthplace of river Cauvery.There is an interesting story of river Kaveri and how she came to be the Ganga of South. On Tula Sankramana day (Mid October every year) the water gushes forth as a spring and it is believed that Cauvery comes as a person on that day. Thousands of Kodavas converge at Talacauvery on that day to celebrate Tula Sankramana.Close to Talacauvery is the Bhagamandala temple, a Coorg temple dedicated to Bhagandeshwara. There are many popular trekking trails that originate from Bhagamandala . Popular trails are Brahmagiri trek, Bheemana Kallu and Tavur Betta treks.
Siddapur
(25 Kms from Madikeri)
Siddapur and surrounding area, Pollibetta,
is home to some of the best
run coffee estates in Coorg. Pollibetta is popular for the Plantation
Trails run by Tatas and the
nine-hole golf course again managed by
Tatas.Siddapur is a place to unwind and indulge in leisurely walks
within the
estates. Angling in the Kummethodu River is also a popular pastime.
Homestays
and Resorts at Siddapur
Nagarhole
Rajiv Gandhi national park is one of the best run wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is easy to spot elephant herds, leopards, Jungle cats, jackal, chital and even tigers if you are lucky. November to February is the ideal time to visit Nagarhole (Safari Timings : 6 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM). Jeep safari at Nagarhole is an excellent bet for wildlife viewing
Kabini River lodge, once the hunting palace of Mysore Maharajah, currently run as a well-managed wildlife resort, by Jungle Lodges is highly recommended. There are plenty of homestay options at the outskirts of the Jungle.
Irpu
Irpu, close to Nagarhole forests, is home to the famous Irpu Rameshweshwara temple and the famous Irpu Falls. Monsoons is the best time to visit Irpu falls when the Lakshman thirtha river is full and the river cascades down in all its glory. Irpu falls is reached after a short trek from the Rameshwara temple. Adventure seekers can continue the trek from the falls to scale the summit of Bramhagiri. Forest department organizes treks in the Brahmagiri range (Tel: 08274-246693)
Kakkabe
Thadiyendamol, the highest peak in Coorg is a trekker’s delight. Kakkabe, located at the base of the Thadiyendamol and close to Kerala is the ideal base station for the trek to Thadiyendamol. The Padi Igguthappa temple, the main deity of Kodavas and the most sacred of Coorg temples, is also at Kakkabe. Nalkand Palace , just 2 Kms from Kakkabe used to the summer getaway for the Kodagu kings. Kakkabe is popular as an adventure getaway. Contact Coorg Outdoors for adventure activities
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