'''Kodagu''', also called Coorg, is a district in Karnataka State.

Regions

  • Madikeri
  • Somwarpet
  • Virajpet
  • Kushal Nagar
  • Cities

  • Madikeri also called Mercara
  • Other destinations

  • Honnamana Kere - A Holy & Adventures spot
  • Understand

    Talk

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    Get around

    '''Abbey falls'''

    A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 km from Madikeri. 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. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there.

    '''Nagarahole - Wild Life Santuary'''

    ''Nagarhole'' is a kannada word meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can surely see the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Lucky ones get the chance of seeing Panther or Tiger.

    '''Honnamana Kere'''

    ''Honnamana Kere'' is a holy and tourist place located in Daddamalthe near Sulimalthe village 6 km away from Somwarpet town. The lake (See picture) is surrounded by beautiful landscape including Coffee estates and Cliffs. Special pooja is offered to the Goddess Honnamma on the Gowri festival every year. Thousands of devotees come to this sacred place on this day and offers pooja to the Goddess Honnamma followed by climbing the cliff. 'Bagina' which consists of sacred belongings of the Goddess is left in the lake. A new temple was built several years back with the aim to improve the place and offer better facilities to the devotees, this was possible by the financial assistance of the people living in the surrounding villages.

    '''Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury'''

    ''Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury'' is 30 km from Somwarpet towards Kukke Subramanya. The Wildlife Sanctury is a apt for trekkers who want to experience the wilderness of Western Ghat. Home for different kinds of wild species like elephants, deers, wild cats etc.

    '''Mallalli Falls'''

    ''Mallalli Falls'' is situated around 25 km from Somwarpet. The exact location of Mallali falls is in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk. It is an eye feasting sight of river Kumaradhara gushing through the valley and falling into a gorge, with lush green mountains around.

    See

    Itineraries

    '''Madikeri Fort'''

    This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a ganesha temple, a chapel, district prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of Madikeri.

    '''Raja's Seat'''

    According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one can enjoy from here. A sophisticated musical fountain is also located here. Best timings for viewing the sunset and the musical fountains are from 17:30 to 19:30 Hrs.

    '''Bagamandala - Temple and river confluence'''

    At a distance of 39 kms from Madikeri, 8 kms before reaching TalaKaveri, Bhagamandala is on the banks of the confluence of three rivers, Cauvery, Kannike and the sub terranian Sujyoti, popularly known as "Triveni Sangama". The famous Sri Bhagandeswara temple is located on the bank of the river over here. Pilgrims visiting Bhagamandala bathe (or sprinkle water on your head) in the Triveni Sangama, confluence of rivers and worship at the temple complex.

    '''Talakaveri / Talacauvery'''

    River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri (head of Cauvery) in the Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is marked by a tirtha kundike or Brahma kundike (small spring/pond) from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short distance away. It is about 48 km from Madikeri.

    There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya.

    Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day (approximately on 17 October) Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden unsurge of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious

    From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills. On a clear and sunny day you can view the glittering of the mangalore sea just before sunset.

    '''Dubare - Elephant Camp'''

    This is mainly an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on the Kushalnagar - Siddapur road. The largest land animal is captured here with the help of tamed elephants and local tribals - the Kurbas - and is held captive for upto 6 months in large teak wood cages.

    The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the evenings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts. Afterwards the mahout obliges eager tourists for free elephant rides within the camp. In the evenings, all the elephants are offered a special treat of ladoos made of ragi and jaggery, each no smaller than a cannon ball!

    To get to the camp you will need to cross the small still water lagoon over motor boat or still water rafting or by a small trek over a rocky pathway (no trekking in rainy seasons). Ideally you can raft across the river to reach the camp and trek back over the river over the rock pathway.

    '''Iruppu Falls'''

    There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's concert, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being river Lakshmanatirtha. Also the river is said to be blesed with powers of cleansing one's soul, it is an important pilgrim point for many devotees and a temple dedicated to Lord Ram is a few km below.

    The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road.

    Do

    The best things to do in Coorg is outdoor sports. Fondly called The Scotland of India, it's a lush, green blanket covering ranges of hills, and valleys, great for mountain biking and trekking.

    Of course, if you could also come here for some time to cool off, or as a break from the usual tourist hot spots. Coorg has various options for adventure lovers. Some of the attractions are White water rafting, Trekking, Rockclimbing, Mountain Hiking, Dirt track racing etc.

  • [http://www.homestaykodagu.com/home_stay/coorg_adv_club.html Coorg Adventure Club] gives tourists all the facilities required like:
  • White water River rafting
  • Nature Camp
  • Trekking
  • Rock climbing
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Water skiing
  • Para sailing
  • Para gliding
  • Speed Boating
  • The White water rafting is from Dubare Elephant Camp to Cauvery Nisargadhama.
  • Another option would be [http://www.bethelestate.com/rafting.html White water rafting on the Barapole river].
  • Campfire at Beelur Golf Club. eelur, Somwarpet, Coorg. ocated 8 km from Somwarpet town . Beelur Golf Club is one of the oldest club in the town. The lush green golf ground attracts many tourists and movie makers.

    Also famous for kitty party and Campfire.</do>

  • Trekking, Hiking & Rock Climbing. onnamana Kere, Somwarpet, Coorg. Honnamana Kere is a hotspot for Trekking & Rock Climbing. Adjecent Cliffs (Gavi betta and Mori betta) are the favourite places adventure lovers.

    If you prefere to be relaxed you can take a Hike in the Coffee plantations.</do>

  • Boating or Fishing in Honnamana Kere Lake. onnamana Kere, Somwarpet, Coorg. The relaxed atmosphere at the Honnamana Kere Lake is exquisite for visiters for Boating & Fishing

    Eat

    Coorgi food is an elaborate mix of Indian pepper, curry leaves, and, simply putting it, a lot of other magical ingredients. With a tendency to be a little too hot for the foreign tourist, it does have a great potential to compete with Andhra cuisine. Since the people of Coorg have a warrior background, their food is a little different from the mainly vegetarian cuisine of the rest of India with an abundance of pork, chicken and meat in it. Many dishes reflect a melding of meat, particularly meat and pork. Stews are common, and rice is the main staple diet.

    And the very famous Coorg coffee to wash it all down.

    Drink

  • Homemade Wine & Tody. Homemade wines are available in local shops across Coorg and Tody is available in the local Plantations

    Stay safe

  • '''Orange County Resort''': Nestled within 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations Orange County provides a luxurious escape. You've got to Splurge but take your pick - Presidential Villas through to Luxury Tents. Get pampered while enjoying the rustic pleasures of Mother Nature.
  • '''Heritage Resort''': It is 11 kilometers from Madikeri. It is set on a slope. About 10 cottages. No room service. One has to trek to the top to the restaurant. Food is just okay. Hospitality is excellent. Be prepared for a late breakfast as it is not ready before 8.30 am. Always have a vehicle when you travel to Coorg as every place is so far off.
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