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Bangalore
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Mysore |
Coorg |
Mangalore |
Dharmastala
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Udipi |
Hospet |
Belgaum |
Bijapur
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Easily one of the most
attractive regions in India Coorg or Kodagu is an enchanting expanse
of natural tourist spots of historic epic and natural importance
nestled amidst the hills and valleys of the picturesque Western
Ghats. Kodagu has three taluks-Madikeri Virajpet and Somewarpet.
As you move towards the west away from Mysore Bandipur and Nagarhole
traveling up north you reach Madikeri . 252 kms from Bangalore and
1525 mts. Above sea level is the beautiful hilly district
headquarters of Kodagu region a cool green mountains area in the
southwest of Karnataka and is nicknamed ‘Scotland of India’ . Misty
hills lush forests endless acres of tea and coffee plantation Kodagu
is the home to the proud Coorgi clan.
Kodagu was a mini state a world apart from the rest of Karnataka
till as recently as 1956. The locals are a proud people distinct
from their lowland neighbours. One of the most breathtaking places
in India Kodagu is a must see.The best time to visit is from
October-April Steep hills. The town centre has a pleasant climate
it’s good place to organize treks and is surrounded by picturesque
hills where the roads are lined with hedgerows flowering trees spice
plantations and coffee estates. Kodagu was a state in its own right
until 1956.
Places of attraction :-
Madikeri Fort:
The 19th century fort of Madikeri houses a temple chapel and a
prison. St Marks Church nearby has Jain sculptures. There is also an
Omkareshwara Temple which is an amazing blend to Kerala and Islamic
architecture.
Raja’s Seat:
According to the legends the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings
here probably to take home memory after memory of a spectacular
sunset which has changed very little.
Abbey Falls:
These are 8 kms. From Madikeri approximately half an hour away. A
cascade of icy waters slopes down endless slopes making it a
beautiful picnic spot.
Iruppa Falls:
This is another enchanting picnic spot on the way to kutta from
Gonikoppal.
Talacauvery:
This is a lifeline of the south. It bubbles up from Talacauvery and
reaches ground level at Bhagamandala 39 kms. To the west of Madikeri
. Cauvery is one of the seven major rivers of India. It is also
called ‘Dakshina Ganga’ or ‘Ganga of the south’. Bhagamandala is a
shrine of Bhagandeshwara. It is here that Cauvery merges in joyous
and divine form with the rivers Kannike and Sujyothi to form a
‘Triveni Sangama’.
The Bhagandeshwara Temple built in kerala style on the banks of the
Sangama has deities of Vishnu Subramanya and Ganapathy .8kms. from
here is the picturesque Bramhagiri range of hills at an elevation of
1,340 metres. It is here that Talcauvery the sacred birth place of
Cauvery is located. Every October during Tula Sankramana Mother
Goddess Cauvery is offered a special worship with a month long
celebration attended by thousands from all over.Well connected by
buses Bhagamandala has a PWD Guest House. The entire stretch is a
Nature lover’s dream come true with a picture-book quality.
Omkareshwara Temple:
Built by Lingaraja in 1820 it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple
is a quaint mix of Islamic and Gothic styles. The gold leaf
inscription atop a narrow flight of steps was used by the king to
survey his kingdom. The fishes in the pond leap in symphony to
gobble food offered to them. The annual Teppothsava or ‘Boat
Festival’ or ‘Boat Festival’ is a memorable event.
Nalkunadu Palace:
Built in 1792 by Dodda Veerarajendra this beautiful palace is close
to Tadiyendamol. To get here you have to travel 32 kms. From
Madikeri through Napoklu and Kakkabbe. Buses are available too.
Mallahalli – Bachalli Falls:
18 kms . To Hanchanahalli from Somwarpet to Pushpagiri approximately
2 kms. Walk on the rightside and enjoy these waterfalls that leap at
you from between boulders. |
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