ಕೊಡಗು | Coorg - Scotland of India
Coorg
Scotlad of India.
Kodagu district (also known by its former name Coorg) is an administrative district in the Karnataka state of India. It is a hilly district.
The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kasaragod district of Kerala in west and Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south.
The highest peak, Tadiandamol, rises to 1,750 metres (5,740 ft), with Pushpagiri, the second highest, at 1,715 metres (5,627 ft).
The main river in Kodagu is the Kaveri (Cauvery), which originates at Talakaveri,
Rivers: Kaveri (Bay of Bengal), Payaswini (Arabian Sea), Tejaswini (Arabian Sea), Kuppam River (Arabian Sea), Valapattanam River (Arabian Sea), Harangi (Kaveri), Lakshmana Tirtha (Kaveri), Barapole (Valapattanam River) & Kumaradhara (Netravathi River).
Peaks: Tadiyandamol, Kumara Parvatha, Brahmagiri, Kote Betta, Kabbe Hill, Mandalpatti, Nishane Motte & Malethirike.
Kodagu is the 4th highest average annual rainfall receiving district in Karnataka.
Kodagu has three wildlife sanctuaries; Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. One National Park; the Nagarahole National Park.
As per the elephant census of 2023, Kodagu with 1,013 elephants, had nearly one-sixth of total elephant population in Karnataka.
Kodagu is the largest Coffee and Pepper producing district in India.
The Kodavas were the earliest inhabitants and agriculturists in Kodagu, having lived there for centuries. Kodavas being a warrior community as well, they carried arms during times of war and had their own chieftains.
The temple Bhagamandala on the riverbanks here is dedicated to Lord Brahma, and is one of only two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and Southeast Asia.
Note: Above informations are sourced from Wikipedia. Thanks to Wikipedia.
Where it is located
Coorg is best place for Families, Couples and for all to have best hill station experience who are fed up of city life every day, Coorg is just 250 km from Bangalore.
How to reach
By road - Bangalore to Coorg around 260 km via Mysore or Channarayapattana, both the route is good, many private buses and government KSRTC buses available from Bangalore/Mangalore and from other districts of state too.
By train – No direct trains available for this place, nearest railway station is Mysore. Coorg is 95 km from Mysore.
By Air - Nearest airport is Mangalore, Kukke is 135 km. Mysore also has domestic Airport facility.
Best time to visit
Summer - Feb to May: Summer season, not much chilling experience, but will be crowded on summer holidays.
Rainy - June to September: This will be good for people who love to explore the place in rain, as this place receive rain continuously in monsoon.
Winter - October to January: Best time to visit, fully covered with green and peaceful climate.
Accommodation: Coorg offers wide range of hotels, Home stays & resorts, Too many options for stay and online booking has made very ease for search and choose as per your convenient.
Food: Many restaurants offers all types of foods and very few provides traditional Coorg dishes, do not forget to try these Malnad style.
Here’s a list of the best things to do in and around Mudigere.
1. With in the town
There are few must visit places inside and near to the town, These are must when you visit Coorg for the first time!
Abbey falls is one of the famous attraction around Madikeri, falling from 70 feet with surrounded by lush green and coffee plantation and leaves spectacular view when its full.
It is located just 5 km from Madikeri town. A hanging bridge just opposite to the falls provides tourists a perfect spot for photographs, going near the water is prohibited as it is very dangerous. do not miss this falls if you visit Madikeri.
Best time to see the falls is in July to November in rainy season, also in winter the climate will be good but the water flow will be less.
Raja’s Seat - This place is most visited and crowded attractions of Madikeri, Located at the tip of the town. The place has Beautiful garden and Artificial musical fountain! which runs every evening around 6 pm The best part is, this is the actual view point in Madikeri to see the breathtaking sunset! and best moments to spend time with families, kids and friends. A toy train also available for kids to enjoy!
Once the famous king of Kodagu use to spend time here with his queen, So the name came up as Raja’s seat!
Raja’s Tomb - This is a Historical monument with Indo-Sarcenic design, and one among the sightseeing’s of Madikeri. It has a beautiful garden outside and which is good to spend time with family and kids!
Omkareshwara Temple - This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the specialty of this temple is its design having both Gothic and Islamic architecture and a small pond inside the temple makes its beauty much better. This place is also a to do list for Madikeri tourists.
2. Talakaveri
Talakaveri is the holiest temple in Coorg/Kodagu district, its the birth place of Kaveri river located by the Brahmagiri Hills of Western ghats/Sahyadhri Hills. This place is must for all who plan for Coorg!
Even though its a birth place of Kaveri river, we cannot see any river on the top, but a spring of water emerges on a Holy tank and its unbelievable. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kaveramma and Lord Agastheeswara. from the temple around 350 to 400 steps to top of the hill a mesmerizing spectacular view point can be visited. Do not miss the spot.
This place is 42 km from Madikeri and Timing is from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm only, nearest city is Bhagamandala which is 8 km from the temple.
This place has a Small pond(Kalyani) with a Beautiful view point of western ghats which is just 300 to 400 steps from the temple.There are no Accommodation available near to temple, but between Bhagamanadala and Talakaveri there are few home stays and hotels available.
Also as said nearest city Bhagamandala, a temple Bhagandeshwara is a worth visit and in front of the temple we can see 3 rivers which joins and flows as one, called “Triveni Sangama”. 3 Rivers are Kaveri, Kannike & Sujyothi. its beautiful spot to spend some time with family, friends and play around with water. Careful in rainy season.
3. Mandalpatti hills
This is beautiful sunset view point, with surrounded by multilple hills range gives best relaxation to anyone.
This place is located around 20 km from Madikeri and till the peak of the hill can be reached by any vehicle. But in some rainy seasons our vehicles will not be allowed and either we have to walk or we can have a jeep ride on the hill. This place is paradise for camping and but hotels are not available for accommodation or food, we can find few local shops which sells tea/coffee and small snacks.
Usually tourists visit this place in winter from November to January for lush green western ghats experience and evening time to have beautiful sunset. Its the best place for sunset time lapse videos! Many movie shootings happened at this location.
As bus facility is not available to this place yet taking a cab or own vehicle is recommended.
4. Dubare & Nisargadhama
Dubare : Dubare Elephant Camp calls many tourists to have the adventures experience with the plenty of elephants and Dubare River Rafting is one of the famous bucket list place in Coorg visit!
Nisargadhama : Kaveri Nisargadhama forest park is a small island maintained by Karnataka forest department and which is the best place to experience river flow, forest, birds chanting, deer park, much more.
Dubare : It is located at 30 km from Madikeri town near to Kushal Nagar.. As said above, Dubare Elephant camps for many elephants, which trains elephants and caring center too. The naturalists who take care of elephants interacts with tourists to share elephants history, life cycle, ecology and much more. Even tourists can have elephant safari and can get a chance to bath these elephants sometimes. Its a best place for all to have close best experience with elephants. The Elephants for the famous Mysore Dasara were trained at Dubare elephant camp.
And Dubare River Rafting is the must to do list in Coorg, because you have read it already its rafting. The rafting divided into 2 categories 8 km and 12 km. There are many private groups which are well experienced, will take care of the rafting group with proper life jackets, helmets and precautions. Fee will be nominal depends on season.
The Still water rafting is safer and suitable for all types of tourists and which generally occurs after rainy season which is in winter.
The White water rafting occurs only in rainy season and its heavy and not suitable for kids. Which will not be open if the water flow is too much. Usually between July to September.
There are many jungle lodges and resorts near to this place and offers budget to premium facilities. All types of food available at this location for tourists attraction.
Nisargadhama : It is located at 40 km from Madikeri town near to Kushal Nagar. This is the best place for kids and families to play around with Elephant safari, deer park, rabbit park, wild life photography, bird watching, nature walk on hanging bridge and Boating. The river here is shallow, so tourists can enjoy playing in water and have a good time with nature.
The opening timings of Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest Park are from 9 in morning to 5 in evening. It is open on all days of the week. The entry fee for adults is Rs.10 per person while for children it is Rs.5 per person.
There are accommodation also available inside the park with limited forest guest houses, price ranges from 700/- to 1000/- per night,charges will vary depends on season.
5. Tibetan Monastery/Golden Temple
This small Tibetan colony gives beautiful spiritual ambiance of Tibetan culture. A must visit place around Coorg for all kind of tourists.
This Place is 35 km from Coorg next to Kushal Nagar, and is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. This is a must to -do list place for all Coorg visitors to experience Tibetan Culture. Must visit for kids.
Tibetan Monastery/Golden temple is the main attraction here with beautiful architecture, peaceful ambiance, new traditional experiences.
This place is shopping hub for Tibetan utilities, Coorg visitors never miss this place for shopping.
6. Chelavara water falls & Chomakunda Hill
Chelavara water fall is beautiful small hidden water falls, its easily accessible.
Chomakunda hill is a small trekking hill station, suitable for kids and families too. to have spectacular view from top of the mountain.
Chomakunda hill is a small trekking experience located at 40 km from Madikeri near to Virajpet. This place is a paradise for Photographers, Couples, Kids and families. This place will always be covered with fog and wet, which is located next to the highest peak of Coorg Tadiyandamol.
A small trek approximately 1.5 km or 1.5 hours to reach the peak from parking, At the top it will give a spectacular view of the Coorg western ghats range and its paradise for time lapse videos.
Visitors who trek for Tadiyandamol will visit this place or when returning back from Coorg will cover this place.
Chelavara waterfall is located just before the Chomakunda hill around 2 km. Tourists can cover both the places in 1 visit.
This waterfall can be accessed by only 200 meter of small 5 min trek. It is much beautiful to watch in rainy or winter seasons. Previously tourists was able to visit till the foot of the water falls but now its prohibited to go near the water. We can visit from a distance of 100 feet only.
7. Tadiyandamol Trek
This is the 3rd Highest peak of Karnataka, Which is moderate trek for all types of trekking enthusiasts.
Nalknad Palace is situated at base of th Tadiyandamol.
Tadiyandamol is located around 40 km from Coorg, This place is a 4 km (One side) moderate trekking paradise in Coorg, which is the highest peak of Coorg. Approximately 6-8 hours required to reach the peak and come back to parking or base point. No guide is required for this trek route.
The view from the top is mind blowing and sunset will be paradise watch for trekkers. Camping allowed and only limited space available at the peak and careful about the high wind speed.
No Food or accommodation available at this place, only few shops are located at the parking.
Click on the TADIYANDAMOL button to get to know complete guide for this place along with Nalknad palace.
8. Kumara Parvatha
Kumara Parvatha is located on the border of the Coorg and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka. It's the second highest peak in Coorg and the third highest in Karnataka.
It’s located next to kukke subramanya temple, the base camp or starting point of the trek.
Trek Difficulty level - Difficult. Suitable for average to pro trekkers. Not recommended for families due to lack of accommodation and food service.
Trek distance - 12km (One side) trek from base camp (Temple), Trek path is easily visible through out the trail.
Time required - 8-10 hrs required to reach the peak. Descending can be done in 5-6 hrs.,
Click on the KUMARA PARVATHA button to get to know complete guide for this place.
9. Brahmagiri
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Permission - Trekkers need to take permission from Forest department (FRH office) near to Baghamandala town.
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10. Iruppu Waterfalls
Foothills of Brahmagiri
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Permission - Trekkers need to take permission from Forest department (FRH office) near to Baghamandala town.
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11. Malethirike
Malethirike | Hidden Bells of Coorg
A Mysterious Temple of Lord Shiva residing at peak of western ghats
A Mysterious Temple of Lord Shiva residing at peak of western ghats coorg.
This is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by thick forest residing at top of the hill.
Localities believe this was bulit by Pandavas.
We can find more than 500 Bells around this temple and actually there is no temple built for the Self-Arise 5 small Lingas of Lord Shiva resided at the roots of the Trees. Its completely open to the Nature. That’s what it makes one among many unique temples of Lord Shiva.
Click on the MALTHERIKE button to get to know complete guide for this place.
12. Nishani Motte Trek
This is a small distance Day trek near Coorg, My next visit to Coorg will accomplish this and will update photos and complete Details.
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Permission - Trekkers need to take permission from Forest department (FRH office) near to Baghamandala town.
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13. kote betta Trek
This is easy to moderate half Day trek near Coorg, This place has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the peak. It is the 3rd highest peak in Coorg. Suitable for Kids and families too. My next visit to Coorg will accomplish this and will update photos and complete Details.
Whats is this place - Kote Betta 🌄 is the third highest peak in Coorg after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri.
Where it is located - It is located at 22 km from Madikeri town. Hattihole Village Bridge junction is the starting point of the trek. From this point 10 km to peak. An option available to hire a jeep to reach the foot of the Kote Betta via mud road from Hattihole bridge.
How to Reach :
Option 1 : Kote Betta can be reached by bike or car till the foot of the hill, the last few 4-5 km road condition is not good. Jeeps can be hired or you can try your driving skills on muddy road. Further steps hike and few min of trek leads to peak.
Option 2 : Kote Betta can be trekked from base junction Hattihole bridge of around 10 km.
Best time to visit -
Summer ☀️ - Feb to May : Trek might be difficult due to high sunshine and heat.
Rainy 🌧 - June to September : Trek will be good for people who love to explore the place in rain , but lot lot leeches will be there.
Winter ☁️ - October to January : Best time to visit, fully covered with green and peaceful climate.
Trek Difficulty level - 🤗 Easy to Moderate trek, Suitable for families and kids too.
Trek distance - 9-10 km one side. (From Hattihole bridge, which is between Madikeri and Somwarpet route.
Time required - 5 to 7 hours as an average.
Accommodation / Camping - Camping is allowed and plan yourself well to camp on the high wind peak. If you plan just a visit, then there are many resorts/home stays available in Madikeri as said earlier.
Permission - No permission required.
Things to carry - Shoes, rain coat, tent, sleeping bag, torch or headlamp, enough water bottles, emergency first aid kit, energy savers, fruits, energy bars, cookies, importantly camera. 😇
Precautions - Take some prevention from leeches in rainy season, and from heat in summer, no worry about wild animals, carry enough water to avoid dehydration, carry torch if your camping on the hill. No worry about wild animals.
14. kopatty Trek
This is a small distance Day trek near Bhagamandala Coorg, Ultimate 360° view of Western ghats can be seen. My next visit to Coorg will accomplish this and will update photos and complete Details.
Whats is this place - This is a Small trekking paradise, which leaves 360° view of Western ghats in Coorg range, Trek can be done in half day. Best place for camping too. This trek is suitable for families and kids too.
Where it is located - It is located 30 km from Madikeri between on Bhagamandala route. nearest village is Cherambane village. Koppati village temple is the starting place for trek. Which is 8 km from Bhagamandala.
Best time to visit -
Summer ☀️ - Feb to May : This might by a hot time and still beautiful at early morning.
Rainy 🌧 - June to September : Coorg receives heavy rain fall, at this time it will be a different ultimate experience on rain. Careful about leeches.
Winter ☁️ - October to January : Best time to visit, fully covered with green meadows, cold climate, everywhere fog, peaceful weather.
Trek Difficulty level - Easy trek, Suitable for families and kids too.
Trek distance - If you have bike or car, you can park near the tarred road ends, which is 2 km from Koppaty village temple and start trekking further 2-3 km on forest and open grassland to reach the Peak.
Or if you planing in Bus, you can start your trek from Koppati village temple, 2 km tarred road and few minutes of mud road and you will enter into forest then 2.5 km to peak, (Total 4 - 5 km)
landmarks : Trek trail starts with an Arch at Maha Vishnu temple, After mud road, take left at y-junction, 2 abandoned houses will be the start point of forest.
Time required - 2-3 hours is enough for the complete trek.
Accommodation / Camping - Camping is allowed and plan yourself well to camp to experience beauty of the sky. If you plan just a visit, then there are many resorts/home stays available in Madikeri as said earlier.
Permission - No permission required.
Things to carry - Shoes, rain coat, tent, sleeping bag, torch or headlamp, enough water bottles, emergency first aid kit, energy savers, fruits, energy bars, cookies, importantly camera. 😇
Precautions - Take some prevention from leeches in rainy season, and from heat in summer, no worry about wild animals, carry enough water to avoid dehydration, carry torch if your camping on the hill. No worry about wild animals.
15. Galibeedu Trek
This is a lesser known Day trek near Coorg, My next visit to Coorg will accomplish this and will update photos and complete Details.
Whats is this place - This is a very less known Coorg trekking destination, Trek can be done in a day. Best place for camping too.
Where it is located - It is located 12 km from Madikeri. nearest village is Galibeedu village and it is the starting point of the trek.
Best time to visit -
Summer ☀️ - Feb to May : This might by a hot time and still beautiful at early morning.
Rainy 🌧 - June to September : Coorg receives heavy rain fall, at this time it will be a different ultimate experience on rain. Careful about leeches.
Winter ☁️ - October to January : Best time to visit, fully covered with green meadows, cold climate, everywhere fog, peaceful weather.
Trek Difficulty level - Easy to Moderate trek,
Trek distance - 12 - 14 km trek (incl. Both side), More Details will be added shortly.
Time required - 6-8 hours is enough for the complete trek.
Accommodation / Camping - Camping is allowed and plan yourself well to camp to experience beauty of the sky. If you plan just a visit, then there are many resorts/home stays available in Madikeri as said earlier.
Permission - No permission required.
Things to carry - Shoes, rain coat, tent, sleeping bag, torch or headlamp, enough water bottles, emergency first aid kit, energy savers, fruits, energy bars, cookies, importantly camera. 😇
Precautions - Take some prevention from leeches in rainy season, and from heat in summer, no worry about wild animals, carry enough water to avoid dehydration, carry torch if your camping on the hill. No worry about wild animals.
TRAVEL PLAN
Detailed travel plans for Coorg with various options to see the above places are explained on the Travel Plan page.
Check the link below for more information.
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