Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri is the region’s centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of “homestays” to make your experience more memorable!
Abbey Falls
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. Nestled within the lush greenery which is typical to the sceneries of Western Ghats, the waterfalls attract hundreds and thousands of people throughout the year – especially nature lovers and photographers. The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. There is an over-bridge that hangs opposite of the falls, from where the most picturesque scene of white foams gushing down the ridge can be seen, captured and remembered. The flow of the falls leaves a significant amount of water spray on those who stand on the bridge for some time.
Some small mountains streams and brooks join together to form one of the most beautiful waterfalls of South India and falling off its cliff as the water flows to join the River Kaveri or Cauvery as one of its tributaries. 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. It is a fantastic opportunity for shutterbugs to capture the real beauty and grace of the natural world. Even though bathing is prohibited in the falls now, the essence of the place itself is quite enough to draw tourists every day.
Talacauvery
Talakaveri 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 is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.
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.
Some interesting birds one can spot in the place include black bulbul, Malabar trogon, and emerald dove. Cobra, python and king cobra are some reptiles which can be easily spotted. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to many animals including macaques, gaurs, elephants, tigers, leopard, cats, wild pigs, Nilgiri langurs and sloth bears. It is a famous attraction visited by tourists almost throughout the year. It is also famous among the trekkers. It is said by the locals residing there that seven sages meditated on the top of the hill.
Golden Temple (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. It is spread over an area of 80 square feet and was built from Bamboo which was donated by the Indian Government to the Tibetans in exile. Today, it houses many auxiliary structures like educational institutions and a hospital, in addition to being home to about 5,000 members of the Sangha community.
Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat, a garden with beautiful flowering plants and skilfully designed artificial fountains, is located in Madikeri in the district of Coorg. The garden was a favorite 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. Even today, the breathtaking view of the Sun setting into the undulated mountains is mesmerizing. The delightful garden here is adorned with a multitude of flowers and is a treat to nature lovers, and the proximity of the location also makes it a preferred picnic spot for the locals. Visiting Raja’s Seat is an excellent way to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of royal indulgence in Coorg.
The Raja’s Seat has been built on an elevated ground overseeing the valleys that lie to the west. Early mornings are usually misty and cold, but as the sun rises, the mist clears slowly offering a mind-stirring view of the lush green gardens adorned with colourful seasonal flowers beds. The sunsets are equally splendid as the day slowly ends with the Sun setting in the mountains. 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 Garden is known for its beautiful seasonal bloom, panoramic view and picturesque location making it an apt attraction for Nature Lovers.
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