INTRODUCTION
Coorg is popularly referred as the Scotland of India and was originally called as Kodagu.Coorg is nothing but dense forest on steep hill which attracts lot of tourists.Coorg is the right place for a holiday destination for it accommodates misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views.Coorg known for its scenic beauty is not only the birthplace of the Cauvery river but it is also the from where India's bravest soldiers were born.Coorg is a place which has plantations like coffee and sandal wood trees and in the Karnataka state it is the biggest producer of coffee.ORIENTATION
Coorg is located in the south-western part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. It is oriented towards 12.25 N, and 75.44.HISTORY
Changalvas were feudatory to both the above dynasties but they were independent till 14th century since Hoysalas overthrew Cholas in the 12th century. Changalvas accepted the supremacy Of Hoysalas from 14th to 16th century. Later in 1785, Tipu Sultan ruled the place and soon became under the control of the British.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Coorg is between April to NovemberFAIRS & FESTIVALS
ARMS KEILPOLDU
This festival highlights the weapons which are polished and worshipped before reuse and is celebrated anywhere between the months of June to September.KAVERI SHANKARAMANA
This festival falls in the month of October and it concentrates around the river Cauvery.PUTHARI
Puthari is the harvest festival, celebrated in the months of November or December, accompanied by folk songs and dances, performed by the different villages at their temples.PLACE OF WORSHIP
OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE
It was built by King Lingarajendra and is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Coorg.
The architecture of Omkareshwara Temple is a blend of Islamic and Gothic styles.
BAGAMANDALA TEMPLE
The Bagamandala Temple at the confluence of the Cauvery-Sujyothi Rivers is built in the multi-roofed Kerala style.PADI IGGUTAPPA TEMPLE
Padi Iggutappa Temple is considered to be one of the most sacred temples of the Kodavas who are the dominating community of the Coorg area. This was built around 1791 in the Nalnad Palace at a distance of about 2 km by road from Kakkabe.PLACES OF INTEREST
TADEVENDAMOL
Tadevendamol gives a breath taking sight of Arabian Sea in distance and is supposed to be one of the highest peak in this region.It is one of the best area for trekking.NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK
This is a wildlife sanctuary and it accommodates different species of animals which draws lot of tourists.
Nagarhole National Park is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts.
RAJA'S SEAT
This Raja's Seat is in a slightly elevated place close to the center of the town where the kings of Kodagu come here to see the sunset.
It is a beautiful spot presenting a panoramic view of the area.
KAVERI NISARGADHAMA
This is a picnic spot situated at a distance of about 36 km from Coorg.It is an island in the middle of the river connected by a rope bridge, and it is quite exciting reaching there.
It also entertains the tourists by boating and elephant rides.
Apart from these rides there is an elephant training camp run by the Forest Department at Dubare.
HARANGI DAM
Another tourist attraction of this place includes the Harangi Dam.ABBI FALLS
This is one of the most attracted tourist destination in Coorg and is located in the midst of coffee plantations, at a distance of about 7 km away from Coorg.The road leading to it is an adventure in itself with ups and downs and sudden curves and bends.
This waterfall flows to unite with the River Kaveri.
IRUPPU FALLS
Apart from the waterfall this is also a famous pilgrim point. There are folklores which says that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana passed through these hills in search of Sita. The river Lakshmana-tirtha, flowing through here, is said to have originated when Lakshmana was asked to fetch water by Ram and he shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills, thus bringing the river into being. There is also a Rama temple in the vicinity.TALAKAVERI
This is the origin of river Kaveri on the eastern slopes of Brahmagiri peak at 1350 metres altitude; about 8 km by road from Bhagamandala.An enclosure around the spring called Gundige is connected to a small pond beside.The water from the pond goes underground and comes out after about one kilometer down the hill. There are three shrines above the spring and birds eye view of west-coast from the hill range.
BRAHMAGRI PEAK
The steps from Talakaveri lead to the Brahmagri peak. It is believed that the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna here.LITTLE TIBET
This place houses the refugees from Tibet and it has few interesting sites to be visited here like the Namdroling Monastery, and 2 km from there two more monasteries of Sera Jhe and Sera Mey at the Sera village.THING TO DO
TREKKING
Coorg has number of trekking locations like the hills of Brahmagiri, Irrupa Falls and Pushpagiri, the second higest peak of Kodagu and Tadiandamol. TrekkingGOLF
Avid golfers can tee off at the 9-hole course of Virajpet.ANGLING
Valanoor is the backwater of the river Cauvery. It draws fishing lovers from all over India. You can try and catch the famous mahaseer and the best season is from October to May.WHITE WATER RAFTING
There are few good camps around Coorg that offer rafting down the Cauvery river.For some fast paced action, visit the Upper Barapole River to the south of Coorg in Brahmagiri.
The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.
EAT OUTSCoorg is famous for its unique cuisine. 1.Santrupthi, Hotel Rajadarshan. 2.East End Hotel 3.Hotel Choice 4.Coorg Cuisinette The other popular restaurants include Alath-Cad Holiday Retreat,The Granary and Hotel Coorg International. ACCOMODATION1.Alath-Cad Estate Holiday Homes Ammathi, 2.Kadkani River Resort, 3.Hotel Coorg International 4.Hotel Heritage Resort 5.Hotel Misty Woods 6.Greenline Stays, 7.Mahalakshmi Residency 8.Hotel Hill View. |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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SHOPPING
Coorg is famous its own typical Coorgi silk saris. Apart from this the tourists can go for shopping including Coorgi spices, coffee, and honey. Coorg is most known for its coffee produce, local spices like nutmeg, pepper and cardamom, available at the Friday Market. You can pick up some of the locally produced honey from Kakkabe. The shopping center at Kushal Nagar is an excellent place for browsing and bargaining for Tibetan artifacts.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR
The Mangalore Airport is located 135 kms away. Hire a private vehicle or the bus shuttle to reach Coorg.
BY RAIL
The nearest railheads are at Mysore and Mangalore. These railheads further link Coorg with all major cities of Karnataka. Head off to Coorg in a private vehicle or bus after arriving at any of the railway stations.
BY ROAD
Good road networks connect Coorg with Mysore, Nagarhole, Tellicherry, and Bangalore (via Mysore). The route via Mysore is the frequented route where the stretch is scenic and the drive through the coffee plantations is enchanting. The bus service in Madikeri has connections to almost every place in Coorg.