Karnataka Tours and Travel

Coorg or Kodagu, as known to the locales is a major tourist destination in the Southern part of India. Situated in South Indian state of Karnataka, Coorg is a place that leaves every single tourist in Karnataka India spellbound. The extensive rolling hills, plentiful with dense green forests, the coffee plantations, the distinct culture, and lots more make Coorg a place of endless charms. Coorg has everything for its visitors and nature worshipers. For all those who are looking for an action packed trip to India, Coorg would be an absolute treat for them. Being very close to Bangalore, the silicon valley of India, Coorg is easily approachable from any part of the world. Travel to Coorg in Karnataka India for a soothing and rejuvenating trip and visit few of its spectacular attractions.

Few of the Major Attractions in Coorg:

Abbi Falls

Only 7 kilometers from Madikeri town is the Abbi Falls. The narrow and steep road to Abbi squirms though the dense flora of surrounding coffee plantations. Located on private property, a narrow pathway leads to the waterfall. Splashing hard against the huge boulders of rock, unmindful of the crevices and hollows, the water drops at enormous speed accompanied by gushing sounds. A feast for eyes, this white veil of water descends into a flowing stream to unite to the River Cauvery.

Irpu Falls

If you are sportiest, it is a great place to begin. You could start from behind the Rameshwarna temple, and relax at a refreshing pond halfway up the falls. Then, if you are some strange sort of enthusiastic trekker and have some spare RBC (the leeches demand that), carry on to the top. Direct buses leave Madikeri every couple of hours. You could also catch a bus from Gonikoppal. There are more of those from there.

Bhagamandala & TalaCauvery

At the unification of the rivers Cauvery, Sujyothi and Kanike, the Bhangandeshwara temple here has a unique Keralite touch. Due to these three rivers, it is also called Triveni Sangama. The quiet temple has intricate carvings and a copper roof. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby rejuvenates the soul, but for that prior permission is essential from the temple.

Every year on October 17, in Tulasankranama, thousands of devotees come here to take a dip and pray. For this is Telecauvery (meaning Head of the Cauvery), the origin of one of the seven sacred rivers. The source of this long river passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. 1535 metres above sea level, its steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where a viewer can take a panoramic view of Kodagu.
The buses leave Madikeri every hour, and take about 90 minutes to reach. The ride is very picturesque.

Kakkabe

The largest producer of honey in South- East Asia, mostly come here for the Padi Igutappa temple. It is Coorg's most renowned temple and the presiding deity of the Puthari Festival. Initially built as a hunting lodge, the Nalnad Palace is used as a kiddies' camp. Tourists can also visit the honey farms. There are daily buses that take about 90 minutes to reach. You could also catch a bus from Napoklu to reach Kakkabe.

Madikeri

Popularly known as the Scotland of India, the capital of Coorg was previously called Mercara. With its breathtaking scenic beauty, it has captivated minds of millions of travellers. The climatic condition of the place also complements it to be well-admired tourist destination. Madikeri is also world record holder for the Cardamom crop.

Cauvery Nisargadhama

If you want to be with your beloved to enjoy the nature's beauty, it is great place to be. This 2.5 sq. km. large island in the middle of the River Cauvery, is an ideal destination.

Omkareshwara Temple

The temple was built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra. With a dome in the middle of a square lake and minarets at each corner, the design of the temple is an amalgamation of catholic Keralite, Gothic and Islamic architectural styles.

A superb combination of magnificient art and architecture.

Nagarhole National Park

Despite the fact that the name literally means Snake River in Kannada, there aren't too many snakes around. Nagarahole is one of the best game sanctuaries in Southern India, providing natural living conditions to several wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers, rhinos and wild elephants, but one is more likely to see smaller game like gaur, deer, wild dogs and langur. Since its difficult to reach, it makes the place quieter than other parks. The weather is pleasant throughout the year. This in turn makes it a great place to relax. Jungle safaris are available as elephant rides. There are direct dailies from Mysore and Madikeri. You could also take a bus to Gonikoppal from either of these places, take another to Kutta, and finally hire a jeep.

Somwarpet

If you want to make an early start, a drive to Somwarpet is ideal. This 42-kilometer, one-and-half hour drive will be a great way to start your day. This is the coffee hub of Coorg. You will pass through some of the finest coffee estates you will ever get glimpse of. Gigantic trees reaching up to the sky, cast shade to the coffee plants. Mingled with cardamom and pepper as well. Somwarpet's other claim to fame is the Basappa Club. Like the cold stonewalls of taverns where sailors and ship mates would gather to make merry, drink, talk and pick up some gossip, the Basappa Club is often visited by the medium and small coffee planters, who meet here to unwind. Except that out here, there are no cold, stonewalls. One can have a game of Table Tennis or Snooker in this small, but compact club. And there's plenty of gossip to be picked up, as well. Apart from the popular sight seeing places, Kodagu district has whole lot of sport activities like Trekking Tracks for those who seek pleasure in wild and adventurous games.

Little Tibet is bustling with tourists, as it is one of the most beautiful places of Coorg. The people living here are referred to 'As the kindest people on earth'; the crowd living in this area mainly consists of many Tibetan refugees. Settled in the rolling hills near Madikeri is - the 'Namdroling Monastery, about 5 kms from Kushalnagar and it nests the 'jaw dropping spectacular golden temple' also known as 'Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara' which is dazzlingly presided over by a 18 meter high gold plated Buddha Idol. The temple is in particularly good form when school is in session and it rings out with gongs, drums and chants if hundreds of young novices. Also recently opened is the Zangdogpalri temple - a similarly spectacular affair next door.

Two kms from Namdroling is Sera village, which also homes 2 monasteries, 'Sera Jhe' and 'Sera Mey'. If you will visit this village, you will feel the atmosphere in the village is quite heartwarming and convivial. The village offers delicious and mouth-watering Tibetan food and unique and delicate artifacts.