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Introduction
The misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, and acres of tea and coffee plantations of Kodagu are, in a word, stunning. Also known as Coorg and dubbed "The Scotland of India," Kodagu is a postcard-perfect region of scattered villages and hamlets, which are the epitome of old-world charm. Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldhu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Sankramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival are a huge draw.
Must Visits
1. Abbey Falls:
Also known as Abbi Falls, is located around 10 kilometres away from the town of Madikeri and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in and around Coorg. The water cascade coming down from the cliff from a height of 70 feet provides a spectacular scene to behold.
The walk to the falls from the main entrance has around 200 steps downwards throughout and takes you through exotic coffee, cardamom, pepper and other spice plantations. Even though bathing is prohibited in the falls now, there is an over-bridge opposite the falls to witness the beauty.
2. Talakaveri:
It is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Kodavas erected a tank which is now considered as its origin. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank or a Kundike and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri some distance away. The place has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.
On the Cauvery Changrandi day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the stream to witness the rise of the spring's fountainhead, when the river water gushes up at a predetermined moment. One can climb the 407 steps to the top of the hill to get a birds-eye-view of the evergreen forested land and the misty hills of Coorg. The most exciting thing about the hills is that even when one is standing on the uppermost step, one can still hear the temple bells ringing down below in the temple. If one visits Talakaveri during the rainy season, one will be greeted by the mesmerising sight of the origin of the Kaveri River.
3. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 181 square km and has got its name from the Brahmagiri Park which is the highest peak with a height of 1608 m. The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands and bamboos. The sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom.
4. Raja’s Seat:
Raja's Seat is a garden built on an elevated ground overseeing the valleys that lie to the west, making it a popular viewpoint to watch sunrise and sunset. Dotted with flowering plants and skillfully designed artificial fountains, Raja's Seat is located in Madikeri in the district of Coorg. The garden was a favourite venue to rejuvenate for the Kings of Kodagu, and they loved watching the sunsets sitting here as they spent some memorable time with their Queens. The garden here is a preferred picnic spot for the locals.
There is also a Toy Train available for your little ones to take a ride on and the fountains have been modified into musical fountains. Today, this place is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and is considered of historical importance in the country. The Raja's Seat View Point is a huge semicircle pavilion built in the garden and located in such a way that the visitors get the best view of the green valley, especially during sunrise and sunset.
5. River Harangi:
The river Harangi is a tributary of Kaveri. The river originates from the Western Ghats – the Pushpagiri Hills – at Coorg in Karnataka.
Other Destinations
1. Coffee Plantations
A walk through the beautiful plantation estates is one of the most wonderful things to do in Coorg. The region is known for its coffee plantations that also have a variety of spice plants and vanilla trees. Most of these coffee estates provide a paid guided walking tour and have stores from where you can buy coffee and spices.
2. Madikeri Fort
The Madikeri Fort is a popular attraction in Coorg in Karnataka. Situated in the centre of Madikeri town, the majestic fort offers tourists insights into the history of Coorg. The elevated structures of the fort also provide panoramic views of the town.
3. River Rafting in Coorg
Barapole River is a famous white river rafting destination in Coorg. The white frothy river with speedy waters and rapids, flowing through beautiful landscapes, makes for an ideal river rafting experience. White water rafting is organized in Upper Barapole in Kithu-Kakkatu River which is a strong catchment area for the monsoons, thus providing some of the most challenging stretches of rapids. The Barapole River surges through dense forests and offers rafting participants a breathtaking view of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery, situated at a distance of 34 km from the Coorg, is the largest teaching centre of the school of Tibetan Buddhism known as Nyingmapa. Popularly known as the 'Golden Temple', the Namdroling Monastery holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork, as seen with the elaborately decorated temple tower and ornate outer walls, intricately adorned with beautiful murals.
5. Mallalli Falls
Mallalli Falls is a stunning milky white waterfall that lies in the northern region of the Kodagu district in Karnataka. The best way to reach the location of the Mallalli Falls is by trekking. It's a pleasant route and has wide concrete steps that lead to the waterfall. The Government has taken efforts to make the waterfalls easily accessible and convenient for visitors. The falls originate from River Kumaradhara and takes a deep plunge of over 1000 metres in two tiers. It's a pleasant route and has wide concrete steps that lead to the waterfall.
References:
Must Visits (Abbey Falls, Talakaveri, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Raja’s Seat): https://www.holidify.com/places/coorg/
Must Visits (River Harangi): https://www.karnataka.com/coorg/
Other Destinations: https://www.holidify.com/places/coorg/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html
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