''Coorg''  Karnataka

Having peace of intellectual and youth of spirituality, this place is ready to offer whatever it possesses by the grace of God and divine Nature. The dense forests covered with dew of early morning which mist has left behind as a tell-tale sign of her presence, coffee plantations on steep slopes, falling and flowing Cauveri River from a distant place refreshing and nurturing the flora and fauna and its harsh yet soothing noise, a golden yellow-orange ritually spread on the sheet of morning sky acting as backdrop to the contrasting green-brown small-big peaks, and many such vivid sceneries of Nature are a constant companion of those choosing to travel Coorg.

Hear the name Kodaimalenadu and it rarely strikes of Kodagu in Karnataka, if knowledge of places is limited. Coorg is the name with which masses remember this hill beauty of south which is nothing but the anglicized version of the local name of the place- Kodagu. Getting caught in names and in their origins is easy when it is southern part of India being discussed. The rich language heritage which is witnessed on Coorg tourism is not just in terms of culture or tradition but also in terms of Nature and history written in forts and palaces.

Past of this place under various rules and kingdoms is remembered in these relics and preserved monuments. The sleepy town of Madikeri is one of the many places affirming and emphasizing this fact and thus making Coorg suited for an escape richer in experience and most awaited by many vacationers. And over and above all the sightseeing, there is joy of adventure in check but waiting to be unleashed on a single cue!

Tourist Attraction

Omkareshwar Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is among the oldest in the region built in 1820. While visiting the temple in November during a festival celebrated here, the combination of Gothic and Islamic structure is hard to miss.

Padi Iggutappa Temple - Built just ten years before Omkaresahwar Temple, its deity is Lord Igguthappa. The holi festival has a different color altogether when celebrated in this premises.

Bhangandeshwara Temple - Architecture which is prominently found in Kerala could be seen in this temple nestled at convergence of three prime southern rivers, namely, Sujyoti, Cauvery and Kanike at the Brahmagiri Peak.

Dargah Sharif of Yemmemadu - Bodies of two great souls, Hazrath Sufi Shaeed and Sayyed Hassan Sakaf Halramir rest here making the place worthy of the respect and homage that it receives from people of all faiths.

Honnamana Kere - Sacrifice often results in lasting memories, just as this place represents. Doddamatlthe, home to this lake, receives many tourists and visitors, especially during Gowri Festival.

Namdroling Monastery - Located in Bylakuppe, the place is a great attraction for the believers of Buddhism as well as those who seek to know Kodagu as much as they can on their trip.

St Anne’s Church - With gothic styled architectural construction dating back to 1792, one gets easily hooked by the antiquity of the existence of this church as well as enamored by the beauty of the art.

Nature’s Lure

Waterfalls

    Iruppu Falls -Also read as Irpu and Irupu, the fall has its origin in Brahamagiri as a stream of Lakshmana-Theertha River, coming down through the hill, later joining with River Cauveri. Area around has a famous temple as well as a Protected Area.

    Abbi Falls - Other variations of this name are Abbey and Abby. The sight of the water taking plunge for a glorious fall is indeed worth.

    Mallalli Falls - River Kumaradhara takes a mighty jump from around 200 ft.

    Chelavara Falls - Some leg-ups on rocky structures, and these falls would be in sight. The greenery around and hilly area makes it an excellent place to adieu sun in companionship of beloved ones.

Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserves

    Nagarhole National Park - Named after the river which flows through the park, it is a feat enjoyed by wildlife lovers and enthusiasts. Situated between Kodagu and Mysore, it combines with other two National Parks- Bandipur and Mudumalai to make largest Protected Area of south.

    Cauvery Nisargadhama - Walk on hanging bridge to reach this wonder Nature land and settle in treetop cottage for full vista of the place.

    Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary - One of the 21 wildlife sanctuaries, it is great for bird watching along with locating other fauna. If one wishes to see highest peak in the sanctuary- Kumara Parvat with 1,712 m, this is the place to be in.

    Brahamagiri Wildlife Sanctuary - Named after highest point of the park- Brahamagiri Peak, it was established in the year 1974. River Borapole serves as its lifeline, where different animals and birds come for respite. Here, temple and the scenery around is sufficient for comfort.

    Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary - Origin of River Kaveri (Cauveri) has given name to this sanctuary which took this status in 1987. People with strong legs get a lot to test their perseverance.

    Dubare Reserve Forest - Known for moist deciduous forest, it is home to many animals and birds that give excellent reason to leave hotel for the warmth of Nature. Dubare Elephant Camp is a nice place in here to see the way elephants are reared and trained. Safaris are also enjoyed.

Chomamale Hill - if trekking is a loved activity, this place is heaven, to which journey starts from Honey Valley.

Bhagamandala - The holy site of confluence of rivers Cauveri and Kanika, is revered by taking holy dip in the waters where it is believed that River Sujyothi also joins underground.

Mandalpatti - It is a viewing point meant to take vistas of Nature as they are in Coorg.

Chiklihole Reservoir - A water body on the Cauvery River, the meadows on one side and setting sun on the other, it provides an excellent site for picnic.

Gaddige - It is the tombs of the kings of the place (names- Virarajendra and Linga Rajendra) and priest of the court. Built in 18th century, the site is reminiscent of the kingdom ruled the place.

Madikeri Fort - The fort is last few leftovers in the sands of time of Coorg, constructed by Muddu Raja in 17th century. Tipu Sultan later strengthened the fort and named it Jaffarabad, which was again reconstructed by Linga Rajendra Wodeyar II. The Palace inside is another feature of the fort.

Harangi Dam - Visiting this dam which is located in Hadgur Village in the season of monsoon is the utmost delight. It attracts tourists from everywhere due to its height of 47 m.

Nalknad Palace - Tadiyandamol Hills is the location of the palace built by Dodda Virarajendra in 1792.

Raja’s Seat - Made completely scenic with the seasonal flowering plants and artificial (and musical) fountains surrounded by the hills of Western Ghats, the place also has entertainment in toy train’s ride.

Clock Tower - The town of Virajpet witnessed the construction of this landmark by Mukkatira Aiyyappa in the honor of King George V.

Places around Coorg

Bylakuppe - The second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet is this, located on NH 88. During Chinese aggression, monks and other follower fled to this area and settles as a town. The sense of peace is actually deeply felt once here, especially in the attractions of place like Ingalakere Lake, Ganapathi temple, Rangaswamy temple and some well known and much visited monasteries.

Somwarpet-

Kakkebe - Tadiyendamol is a popular name to be heard while on a trip to this town. It is the highest peak located in Coorg and well known among the trekkers who take pain in locating best trekking sites of the area they are visiting.

Things to do

What all one can plan to get done in addition to the Coorg Travel Package? Well, some cue follows.

Drop bait in sometimes-hurried-and-sometimes-languid waters of Cauvery and know for sure that some unfortunate fish is there to be hooked by it. Valnur Fishing Camp aids tourist to get the most of angling fun. However this is not all. In numerous protected areas in and around Coorg, one can find time to meet Nature as it is in its truest form. Birding, riding elephants, trekking and hiking are some of the commonest of activities followed ritually in the sanctuaries and national park, full of wild opportunities waiting to be explored. Lovers of water activities can come to Barapole and choose to play with rapids of the Kithu Kakathu River during white water rafting. Trekking in places like Brahmagiri gives real kick to those who seek it.

Hotel Information

As usual, being famous opens a lot of opportunity and so is the case with the accommodation in Coorg. Hotels, resorts, home stays and cottages are some of the prime options vacationers can pick from. Relax and relish the freshness in the crisp mountain air coming from above the coffee plantations while enjoying breakfast. The services might vary from one place to the other but most of them cater to the general needs of the visitors. Like with other places, pre-booking before arrival is always recommended, especially when the place witnesses sudden rise in the number of individuals visiting the hill stations.

Climate

With moderate climate the place is pleasant mostly throughout the year. Temperature is seen to be dipping to 11°C in winters, which stays from December to February. If 34°C is reached in March to May, the season is summer that still is pleasant by the standard of heats of Indian plains. Medium rainfalls from June to September are Monsoons of Coorg.

Best Time to Visit

With the above knowledge in climatic conditions of Coorg, it is easy to deduce that the time during October to April is the most enjoyed. However, that doesn’t stop people from coming here to see lush greenery which is trademark of rainy season.

How to reach

Queen Of Hill station     ''OOTY ''   Tamil Nadu...

The 'Queen of Hill Stations' Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty, is the most popular hill station in South India. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 2240 metres, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiri district. The Toda tribe has been living here since time immemorial, but the credit for 'discovering' Ooty, making it accessible and developing it, surely goes to the British. In 1822, John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore, constructed the 'Stone House', which is now the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College and one of Ooty's better known landmarks. Ooty was the summer capital of the Madras Presidency, in the days of the British Raj.

Ooty is connected by narrow gauge railway from Mettupalayam, which is linked to Coimbatore and Chennai. A ride in this in this 100-year - old railway system is a scintillating experience. The nearest airport is 100 Km away in Coimbatore, which is connected to Chennai, Bombay and Bangalore. Udhagamandalam is well connected by good roads to Coimbatore, Chennai and other closer places.

The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers to visit the place and have a great time in this wonderful place. The environment is so wonderful that is invites a lot of tourist attraction who come here to enjoy a wonderful time with nature while staying close to huge landscape.

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 Ooty has blooming vegetation and wonderful tea gardens and fine pine and eucalyptus trees, which keep enhancing the beauty of the place. Several areas are preserved like that of sanctuary so as to conserve the beauty of the nature and avoid extinction of the various animals.

Tamil Nadu Tourism Place About Kodaikanal:

Kodaikanal is the most beautiful and popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the famous Palani Hills in Western Ghats and is known as the Princess of hill stations. Kodaikanal is situated about 7,200 feet above the sea level.

Kodaikanal is the most sought after honeymoon destination in South India because of its scenic beauty and it has the attribute to leave any nature lover mesmerized by its charms.

The word Kodaikanal means gift of the forest in local language. The dense forest with many varieties of trees, the huge rocks in the wilderness and the enchanting waterfalls, makes it a real gift for the tourists visiting this place. Kodaikanal is famous for eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, plums and pears. Kodaikanal is famous for the kurinji - flowers, which blossoms only once in twelve years. Woolen clothing is available at cheaper rates in the Tibetan refugee bazaar.

There are many internationally renowned educational institutions like Kodaikanal International school, Kodaikanal Christian College etc, in and around Kodaikanal. Mother Theresa University, which is India’s one and only women’s university, is located in Kodaikanal.

A tourist can indulge in various activities - one can go for cycling, horse riding, boating, trekking and many more adventurous activities. Kodaikanal is influenced with Christian culture and the sculptures in the churches of Kodaikanal are worth a visit.