Karnataka Coorg

Coorg( Kodagu )is also known as “ Indian Scotland” , Coorg is a tourist attraction,one of the prominent hill station in India , Karnataka. It is known for its coffee and its ethnic warrior people. The dominant group are its indigenous ethnic groups called Kodavas and Arebhashegowdas, who were freeholder farmers and militiamen in the ancient past. The chief languages presently spoken in Kodagu are Kannada, Kodava, Are Bhashe, Kasaragod Malayalam, Yerava, Kuruba, Konkani, Urdu, Tulu and English. Kodagu is home to the native speakers of the Kodava language and Arebhashe. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodagu include Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Dubare, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, and the Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.

Kodagu also known as Coorg, is located  in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka and is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and the Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. Agriculture is the most important factor that upholds the economy of Kodagu and the main crops cultivated in this region are rice and coffee. Coorg is rich in natural resources which included timber and spices. Madikeri (English: Mercara) is the headquarters of Kodagu.

Some important questions arise when we choose a destination.

Most important places to Visit in Coorg . / Sightseeing places in Coorg .

Which all places I can visit along with Coorg  ?

Tour Itineraries along withCoorg .

Best time to visit Coorg .

How to reach Coorg ?

Most important places to visit in Coorg / Sightseeing places in Coorg

Raja’s Seat

Raja’s Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India’s most scenic locations. The view from Raja’s Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills.

Omkareshwara Temple

The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and the spirit of the priest began tormenting the Raja. On the advice of his Dewan, Ponnappa, the Raja built the temple to appease the Brahmin’s spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance.

Abbi Falls

Coorg’s most popular waterfall is a 5  km drive from the main town.

The best time to visit the Abbey Falls is from July to October when monsoon brings in plenty of water.

Gaddige

Gaddige,  Rajas’ tombs or the tombs of DoddaVirarjendra&Lingarajendra II  is a significant historical monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General BiddandaBopu, the Commander-In-Chief of the 18th Century Coorg Army who defeated the Mysorean Army. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings.

Talacauvery&Bhagamandala

Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.

Cauvery Nisargadhama

Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children’s park and orchidarium in the resort.

ByleKuppe

Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the TashiLhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans.

Dubare Reserve Forest & Elephant Camp

This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalnagar famous for its elephant training camp. You can also go for rides on the Gentle Gaints.  It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery.

Which all places I can visit along with Coorg?

Tour itineraries along with Coorg

Bangalore - Coorg - Kabini

Coorg - Mysore - Wayanad

Hyderabad – Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hampi – Chitradurga – Chikmagalur – Malpe – Coorg – Nagarhole – Mysore – Bangalore

Kozhikode (Calicut) – Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Nileshwar – Coorg – Mysore – Bangalore

Bangalore – Mysore – Coorg – Bangalore

Best time to visit Coorg

Coorg is 365 days visiting destination for people who likes nature, November to April are great months to visit Coorg as the weather is cool and nature is at her verdant best in the hills and vales. It’s a good time for sightseeing and to be outdoors. Summers come in from March and stay on till May, winters start from December and continue till February and bring in soothing weather. The weather is unpredictable and so it is always best to carry woollens as it can get chilly during the night time.

If you love rainy season you will love it in Coorg, between the end of June and September but be sure to pack an umbrella while visiting anytime of the year as the heavens have an unpredictable way of pouring down when you least expect it.

How to reach Coorg?

How to Reach Coorg by Air

Kodagu has no airport. The nearest airport is Mangalore (135 km).You can also choose to fly to Bangalore (260 km) which is serviced by many national and international carriers. From the airport take a cab it will take 4 hours to reach Coorg or you can even take a bus to get to your destination.

How to Reach Coorg by Rail

There is no direct railway connection to Kodagu. However, you can travel by train to Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan first and then plan your journey by road- either by taking a bus or hiring a car to Kodagu.

How to Reach Coorg by Bus

Madikeri, the main town in the Kodagu region, is well connected by bus to Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore and Hassan. From Mysore it is 4 hours by road, from Bangalore six hours, from Mangalore four and from Hassan 3 1/2 hours. Most bus services are state-run and they get you to Coorg in considerably less time.

Hotel Website:

More references about Coorg:http://www.kodagu.nic.in/

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