Karnataka Tours and Travel

Coorg, originally called Kodagu, is the smallest but the most picturesque district of Karnataka; sometimes called the Kashmir of the South, it is located in the magnificent Western Ghats. Noted for its scenic beauty, the 1500 square miles of Coorg are almost entirely covered with coffee and spice plantations. This beautiful hill resort is the perfect getaway for the nature lovers. If you are looking for a picturesque hill resort that is enveloped in mist as you open your eyes in the morning, Coorg is the place to be in. Dotted with lush coffee plantations and sandalwood trees, Coorg offers a perfect blend of sight and smell; the beautiful villages present a novel picture. There are also a number of picnic spots in and around Coorg.

Coorg enjoys a moderate climate. Winters are pleasantly cool at 15-20 Degrees Celsius though during December to February the minimum temperature may go down to 9o C. Summers are only slightly warm at 25-35 degrees Celsius. June, July and August are the months with heavy rainfall. During this season the weather is cool, humid and wet. It is advisable to visit Coorg from November to April.

The name Kodagu originated from "Kodinalenad" which means "dense forest land on steep hills". Coorg, the tiny area in the Western Ghats has an ancient history, ruled successively by the Kadambas, Gangas, Chengalvars, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagara, etc. and finally the British. But the region always retained its b cultural heritage, distinctive to this day. The fiercely brave martial tradition has produced many brave generals for India. Add to that a distinct culture and the way of life of the Kodavas, its people, and their traditional costumes make Coorg an unforgettable place.

How to Reach Coorg
Air: The nearest airports, Mangalore (135 kms) and Bangalore (260 kms) are connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with major cities in India.

Rail: The nearest railheads are at Mysore(120 Km), Mangalore(135 Km) and Hassan (146 kilometers) and are well connected by rail with major cities and towns in India.

Road: From Bangalore, there are two routes to Coorg. Both routes are almost of the same 6+distance (around 250-260 kilometers). The route via Mysore is the oft-frequented route. The stretch after Hunsur is scenic and the drive through the coffee plantations is absorbing. The other route is via Neelamangal, Kunigal, Chanrayapatna, all of which are located on the National highway. After Chanrayanapatna, the state highway route takes you to your destination. Also, regular buses operate between Madikeri and Bangalore, Mysore--Mangalore, Hassan--Arasikere, Belur--Chikmagalur, Cannanore and Tellicherry. You could take a taxi. The drive to Madikeri is a memorable experience.

Prime Attractions in and around Coorg
Nestled in the Western Ghats, this green mountain area was known as 'The Scotland of India', in the days when the British colonialists were here. Half Century has past and Coorg still retains its old world charm intact. The colonial past of Coorg is still reminded by its spacious estate bungalows, many of which still have British names and the meandering roads that wind through the district.

In Coorg, the cluster of villages offer crisp air, thick tropical forests, miles of exotic spices and coffee plantations and extensive paddy fields apart from abundance of flora and bird life. It is estimated that Kodagu District takes up only two percent of Karnataka's geographical area but it has 40 percent of the state's floral diversity. In March and April it is coffee blossom time in Coorg. Stretches of these now white flowers waft a heady fragrance and their massed magnificence is an unforgettable sight. When the blossoms turn into berries, the bushes are cropped. The cherry-red fruit is then pulped, the separate coffee seeds dried and sent to the curing works.

Situated approximately 1,000 meters above the surface of the sea and not really far from the bustle of metropolitan cities, Kodagu or Coorg as it is better known, has maintained its serene picturesque beauty over the centuries. The breathtakingly beautiful rolling hills, cash rich coffee plantations, clear skies and a warm, friendly and hospitable people create a special aura unmatched anywhere else in the country.

There are a number of beautiful tourist spots around Coorg that you can visit during your tour to Coorg. Capitol Village just five kilometres from Coorg is a beautiful spot. Some of the wonderful places are located near Madikeri, the district headquarter, which is located at an altitude of over 5,000 feet above sea level. Tadevendamol, the highest peak in the region, is best for trekking. The peak offers beautiful view of the Arabian Sea in the distance. Hiking, cross-country or simply motoring down mountain trails in Coorg, the visitor encounters panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded hill slopes and the undulating paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies.

Coorg has a few temples that one can visit. Located on the confluence of the Cauvery and Sujyothi, the Bagamandala Temple is built in traditional Kerala style. The Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to lord Shiva is another beautiful temple that you can visit. The temple is about 200 years old. Raja's Seat, at a short distance from the center of the town, is wonderful spot that presents panoramic view of the area. It is believed that kings of Kodagu used to come here to see the sunset.

Kakkabe in Coorg is famous for being the largest producer of honey in South East Asia, though most come here for the Padi Igutappa temple. This is Coorg's most important temple and the presiding deity of the Puthari Festival. Built as a hunting lodge, the Nalnad Palace is used as a kiddies' camp, though no one will really mind you pottering around. You could also visit the honey farms.

Nagarhole National Park is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts. It was created from a former raja's hunting grounds. Nagarahole is one of the best game sanctuaries in South India, providing a 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. Pleasantly cool round the year, it is a little difficult to reach, which makes it quieter than other parks. This in turn makes it a great place to relax.

Around Coorg is Abbi Falls, the remarkable sight as you would see. The narrow road to Abbi Falls is a combination of steep ups and downs, twists and turns, wriggling through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.

Hotels In Coorg
Accommodation is not a problem in Coorg. There are many standard hotels, which provide good services to their guests.

Hotel Coorg International
Mercara
Coorg
Coorg International is the only hotel in Coorg, which offers all three star facilities, including a swimming pool and health club and is located near the valley town of Mercara. Hotel Coorg International is located at Mercara (Medikeri) in the Coorg region, (Karnataka, India). Coorg is easily approachable from all parts of the country. It is located a kilometer and half from the main bus terminus brings you to the peaceful setting of the hotel, on Convent road. It is just walking distance from the main shopping area yet distant from the clamor of city life.

Orange County Resort
Siddapur
Karadigodu
Coorg
India 571253
Orange County Resort, one of the most exclusive family getaways in Karnataka, is situated in Siddapur, Coorg (Karadigodu District), 100 kms from Mysore, amidst 300 verdant acres of coffee and spice plantations dotted with banana and coconut palms. Cosseted by River Cauvery on one side and Durbare Reserve forest on the other, this resort promises seclusion, exclusivity and tranquility.

Access:
1145 kms from Mangalore Airport
130 kms from Mysore Rly. Stn
140 kms from Mangalore Rly. Stn
71 kms from Madikeri Bus Stand

Hotel Rajdarshan,
Madikeri.

Hotel Chitra,
Madikeri.

Capital Village,
Madikeri.