Coorg

COORG

Incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges, added to that a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest. Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India.  For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling options available. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbor Bangalore.
But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you’re the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, then Coorg is just the place for you!

Coorg Sightseeing / Attractions

Abbi Falls

Abbi Falls, around 8 km from Madikeri, the capital of Coorg, is a sight that is truly stupendous; the spectacular sight of cascading water is an absolute treat for the eyes and the senses! Nestled amidst private coffee plantations, the Abbi Falls provide a striking contrast to the sylvan surroundings of Coorg. A narrow road winding through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations leads to Abbi Falls. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.

Brahmagiri peak

One of the most fascinating Kerala temples is the majestic Bhangandeshwara temple is situated at the convergence of the underground river, Sujyoti, Cauvery and Kanike. The temple has a copper roof with the exterior intricately carved with sculptures. On 17th October every year, devotees throng the region for a holy dip at Talacauvery or the origin of the seven holy rivers and to worship at the shrine. The origin of the river is at the top of Brahmagiri, 1535 mt. above sea level.

Iruppu Falls

The Iruppu Falls is a sacred spot in South Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills, with the river Lakshmana-tirtha flowing nearby. According to legend, Ram and Lakshman passed this way while searching for Ram's wife, Sita. Ram asked Lakshman to bring him some drinking water and Lakshman shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri, bringing into being the Lakshmana-tirtha.

Kaveri Nisargadhama

Towards Madikeri, just 3 Km away from Kushalnagar, lies the beautiful tourist destination of Kaveri Nisargadhama. River Kaveri splits forming a beautiful island measuring 65 acres. The forest department develops this tourist centre by providing a hanging bridge into the island, boating, tree top shelters and elephant riding and other tourists attractions. The forest department has constructed nine beautiful cottages for tourists to dwell in. Kaveri Nisargadhama is located a few kilometres away from the Mysore-Coorg border and not in the hilly terrains of interior Coorg.

Madikeri Fort

On your trip to Madikeri, the capital of the idyllic and exquisitely beautiful Coorg, make sure you don't miss out on visiting the Madikeri Fort. Mudduraja first built the Madikeri Fort as a mud fort in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. Tipu Sultan, who named the site as Jaffarabad, eventually rebuilt it in granite. Madikeri Fort, built of brick and mortar, had witnessed several fierce battles. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. Consequently, Lingarajendra Wodeyar II renovated the palace in 1812-1814.

Nagarhole Park

Nagarhole National Park, a 247 square-mile park in Karnataka, has an astonishing abundance of wildlife including large mammals such as tiger, leopard, wild elephant, dhole (Indian wild dog), and gaur (Indian bison). Other species present are chital spotted deer, muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, mongoose, civet, otter, and more. The landscape is one of gentle slopes and shallow valleys. Dry deciduous forest trees are leafless in the summer rather than in the winter. There are grassy swamps where the soil is mostly clay, perennially moist, and which support a luxuriant growth of green grass all year. The change in terrain throughout the park in refreshing and the river system provides a unique wildlife viewing experience.

Namdroling Monastery (Little Tibet)

His Holiness, Pema Norbu Rinpoche, established Namdroling Monastery shortly after he came to India from Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bequeathed the name "Namdroling Monastery." Today the monastery is home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns, renowned as a center for the pure upholding of the teachings of the Buddha.
Now, the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa; a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The monastery is home to a sangha community of over five thousand monks and nuns, a religious college (or shedra) and hospital.

Omkareshwara Temple

Karnataka is often hailed for its quaint, most beautiful and oldest temples. The Omkareshwara Temple, in Coorg, was built by Lingarajendra in 1820. It is located just 1 Km away from the heart of the Madikeri, the capital of Coorg. The temple incorporates a unique mix of architectural styles, using both the Islamic, as well as the Gothic style of architecture. There is a tank in front of the temple and a footpath leading to a small Mantap.

Padi Iggutappa Temple

The Padi Igguthappa temple resembles the temples of Kerala in style. The temple governs and plays an important role in the traditional and cultural life of Kodagu. However, interestingly enough very little information is available regarding the history of this temple. In 1810 Lingarajendra captured eight tigers and killed thirty four elephants in the surroundings of this temple. To symbolise this culture he donated a silver elephant to this temple. According to scripts available Apparanda Bopu, a Dewan of Halarie rulers, renovated this temple between 1834-35.

Talakaveri

A trip to Coorg is never quite complete without a trip till Talakaveri. While the beautiful landscape of Coorg and the A trip to Coorg is never quite complete without a trip till Talakaveri. While the beautiful landscape of Coorg and the sprawling coffee plantations evoke much awe in the tourists, a trip to Talakaveri is quite the cherry on the icing, for those particularly spiritually inclined.
The Talakaveri is the source of the holy river Kaveri. Located on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of around 4000 ft above sea level, the spot can be reached by a 2 km journey from Bhagamandala up the Ghats. The Talakaveri is supposed to hold great religious importance and there is a holy kundike from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring and then flows underground again to emerge a short distance away. Taking a bath in this spot on Tula Sankramana in October is considered very sacred and many devotees can be seen bathing here at the time.

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