The Highland, Coorg
Disheveled meadow swells aloft
And the sailing blue whispers the song
Tickles the niched nature wind soft
Unearthed ecstasy stays strong
And the sailing blue whispers the song
Tickles the niched nature wind soft
Unearthed ecstasy stays strong
Coorg in Karnataka in South India is a beautiful hill resort. 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Coorg, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu(originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. It is beautiful hill country most of which is between 3000 and 4000 feet high. The tallest mountain peak is around 6000 feet high. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is famous for coffee plantations. The coffee estates here produce some of the world's best coffee.
Kodagu has three taluks - Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet. Steep hills, valleys and gorges with countless streams that gurgle through them, beckon intrepid trekkers and rock climbers. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are make Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination
Nagarhole National Park : The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. With over 250 varieties of birds, panthers, tigers, and flying squirrels, this park is made up of teak, rosewood, sandalwood, silver oak etc. Jeeps and elephants are available to tourists for transport. You can reach the park from Mysore via Hunsur and Murkal.
Talacauvery : This forms the source of the river Kaveri. A perennial spring situated at a height of 4,500 ft is the beginning of this mighty river. It is 45 km from Madikeri and also offers a spectacular view.
Abbi Falls : This water fall was also known as Jessey Falls.'Abbi' in the local language Kodagu means falls. Situated 8 Km from Madikeri, the beautiful Abbey Falls are a popular tourist attraction in the hill resort of Coorg. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them.
Iruppu Falls : These scenic waterfalls are situated at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. The people of Coorg believe that bathing in the Iruppu Falls will wash ones sins away. On the Holy day of Shivarati, devotees come in large numbers to bathe in these falls.
The Omkareshwar temple : This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has a mix of Islamic and Gothic style architecture. On the top of the dome of the temple is a guilded ball, with a weather clock. It is unique for its architectural beauty which is a combination of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture.
The Raja's Seat : This is a beautiful viewpoint in Coorg. This hilltop offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and the view of the sunset. It is said that the kings of Kodagu came to this viewpoint to see the panoramic view of their kingdom and spent their evenings.
Bhagamandala : It is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). It is famous for temples and is known as the temple town of this region. The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Madikeri Fort : Situated in the middle of Madikeri, this historic fort which was built in the 19th century, contains a museum, a prison, a chapel and a temple.
Sight Seeing And Trekking At Madikeri
Madikeri has an array of sightseeing spots for you to enjoy and a variety of activities too. There is the Madikeri fort which was built in the 19th century and consists of a palace, chapel and prison. The fort overlooks the town, and the view is almost breathtaking in the night.
It is believed that all the Kings in the Kodagu vicinity would come and spend their free time at Raja’s Seat. There are a herd of tourists that come to watch the sunset in the evening.
Abbey falls is about 8 km from Madikeri. It is the perfect place to spend an entire day, have a picnic, and laze around. Bhagamandala is a temple that is built at the junction of the Cauvery, Kanika, and Sujyothi rivers. It has a number of shrines all built under one roof.
Talacauvery is a very auspicious spot as it is the site of the origin of the riverCauvery. Nisargadhama is a very serine picnic spot, where you can enjoy the view with some delicious delicacies. Trekking is one of the major activities at Madikeri, and some of the trekking spots are Thadiyandamole, Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri, and Nishanimotte and many more.
How To Reach Madikeri
You can get to Madikeri either by air as the closest airport is at Mangalore, which is only an hour’s drive away, or you can take a train till Thalassery, Kasaragod, or Mysore and then drive down to Madikeri. Bus and taxi services from Bangalore, Mysore, or Calicut to Madikeri are available in plenty.
Local Food and Accommodation
Madikeri has some sumptuous traditional dishes on offer for you. You must look out for the Pandhi, Koli and Bembla curry, Kadumbuttu, and the Votti. There is also the traditional south Indian food like dosa, idly, vada, and sambar. For lunch, their main delicacy is rasam served with some hot rice and an array of cooked vegetables.
There are a number of hotels and resorts ranging from the luxury five stars to the mediocre ones. You can find a nice comfortable place to stay to make your trip even more memorable.
There are a number of hotels and resorts ranging from the luxury five stars to the mediocre ones. You can find a nice comfortable place to stay to make your trip even more memorable.
Madikeri is a very popular hill station with the tourists, and it is just the place if you want to get away from your everyday routine.