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BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN COORG
Madikeri
Madikeri is a hill town in southern India. Framed by the Western Ghats mountain range, it’s known for the Raja’s Seat, a simple monument overlooking forests and rice paddies. In the centre, the 17th-century Madikeri Fort features 2 stone elephants at the entrance. Nearby, the domed Omkareshwar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. To the northwest, cascading Abbey Falls is surrounded by spice plantations.
Omkareswara Temple
The Best places to visit in Coorg: Omkareswara Temple, the famous Siva temple in Madikeri is built by Linga Rajendra in 1820. The temple located at a distance of 1 km from Madikeri is an architectural beauty. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.
There is a wonderful pool in front of the temple. There are four Minarets around and a dome in the centre of the temple. A footpath leads to the Mandap. Here the Sivalinga was named Omkareswara. Regular rituals were performed here.
Madikeri Fort
Best places to visit in Coorg: Madikeri Fort also called Mercara Fort is a fort in Madikeri, in the Kodagu district of the Indian state of Karnataka, first built by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century. Mudduraja also built the palace within the fort. It was rebuilt and restructured in granite by Tipu Sultan, and the site was then renamed Jaffarabad. Madikeri Fort is one of the many forts built or rebuilt by the Tipu Sultan during his reign in the second half of the 18th century. In 1790, Dodda Vira Rajendra took control of the fort. The palace underwent renovations by Linga Rajendra II from 1812-1814. The British made additions to the fort in 1834. Notable structures in the fort include two stone statues of elephants at the northeast entry and a church in the southeast corner. Today, the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner’s Office is housed in the palace building, while St. Mark’s Church houses the Madikeri Fort Museum, managed by the Karnataka State Archaeological Department. The museum has exhibits which display artefacts and weaponry from the time between the fort’s construction and British rule. The museum also has a large portrait of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa.
There is no entry fee to visit Madikeri Fort. Madikeri fort timings are from 10 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening. It is closed on Mondays.
Raja’s Seat
Best places to visit in Coorg: Located in the town of Madikeri, Raja seat is a popular tourist spot offering mesmerizing scenic beauty and an enchanting environment. With the literal meaning of “Seat of the Kings”, Raja’s Seat used to be a favourite place of the kings of Coorg.
They used to visit the place so as to get an amazing view of the valley around them and refresh themselves. The view of sunset and sunrise from Raja’s seat is exceptionally captivating and mustn’t be missed by tourists. Golden sunlight falling on the lush greenery offers amazing photographic opportunities as well. The environment is pleasant as well.
The calmness of the place and its scenic beauty makes for an amazing setting for morning and evening walks. Imagine being caressed by the cool breeze and greeted by lush greenery. All this is possible at Raja’s Seat.
Abbey Falls
Best places to visit in Coorg: Located in the town of Madikeri, Raja seat is a popular tourist spot offering mesmerizing scenic beauty and an enchanting environment. With the literal meaning of “Seat of the Kings”, Raja’s Seat used to be a favourite place of the kings of Coorg.
They used to visit the place so as to get an amazing view of the valley around them and refresh themselves. The view of sunset and sunrise from Raja’s seat is exceptionally captivating and mustn’t be missed by tourists. Golden sunlight falling on the lush greenery offers amazing photographic opportunities as well. The environment is pleasant as well.
The calmness of the place and its scenic beauty makes for an amazing setting for morning and evening walks. Imagine being caressed by the cool breeze and greeted by lush greenery. All this is possible at Raja’s Seat.
Mandalpatti Peak
Best places to visit in Coorg: Located 4 km before Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti is 25- 30 km from Madikeri town. Offering amazing scenic beauty and perfect opportunities to be amidst the best of natural settings, Mandalpatti has increasingly become popular amongst tourists.
The place offers tourists some seclusion and space away from the usual crowdedness of the tourist spots. The place is perfect for trekking lovers who like adventure and seek the best natural settings. In order to go trekking, trekkers are supposed to take entrance tickets from the authorities at the base of Mandalpatti.
Raja’s Tomb (Gaddige)
Best places to visit in Coorg: Gaddige also known as Raja’s Tombs is a popular 19th-century monument located in Mahadevpet near Madikeri. Dedicated to the royal members of the Kodava clan, this complex is a major tourist attraction in Coorg.
Built over a hilltop, the monument has an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Decorated with central domes and minarets, the tombs are inspired by Muslim architecture but are dedicated to Hindu rulers.
Set amidst verdant gardens, the Raja’s Tombs offer a serene spot to spend the day in the lap of nature. You can also enjoy breathtakingly stunning views of Madikeri Town from the monument and unwind in the charming weather of Coorg.
Government Museum Madikeri
Best places to visit in Coorg:If you’re planning an itinerary for your upcoming trip to Kodagu, you have one more place to add to your list – General Thimayya Memorial Museum. For those who love the age-old culture of India, Madikeri provides you with a facility to feel that ancient value with the Government Museum established in the year 1970. An archaeological museum, it houses sculptures from the 11th century AD, old photographs, old attires of Coorg Rajas and the British, old implements, arms, inscriptions, coins, bronzes and wooden carvings.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Best places to visit in Coorg: Dubare is known for its elephant camp, a forest camp on the banks of the river Kaveri in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department’s elephants.
There are opportunities for trekking, elephant interaction, and stay. These are hosted by Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. (JLR). JLR is the eco-tourism wing of the Tourism Department of Karnataka. In addition to the elephant training camp, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomiare the other main attractions of the forest area.
The moist deciduous forests of Dubare are home to many wild animals and birds. Sightings of wild Asiatic elephants are regular and so is spotting the sambhar, the spotted deer, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and gaur. Bears are also seen in these forests. Crocodiles can be seen in the river.
Dubare camp is open for elephant interaction from 9 to 11:30 and then in the evening from 4 to 6.
Glass Bridge Madikeri
Best places to visit in Coorg: Among the multiple famed tourist attractions in the hill station of Coorg(Kodagu)— a captivating destination for travellers from far and wide throughout the year — is a new must-visit place, a brand-new glass skywalk bridge.
It is made of tempered glass panels or flooring that provide visitors with a thrilling experience of walking above ground level, often offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The glass skywalk bridge in the district is the second such attraction in South India, the first one being at Waynad in Kerala at 900 Kandy Eco Park. This remarkable Glass Skywalk Bridge of Kodagu is nestled amidst the forests and hills of the Western Ghats, attracting tourists like a magnet.
Chiklihole Dam
Best places to visit in Coorg: At a distance of 7 km from Dubare, 15 km from Kushalnagar and 24 km from Madikeri, Chiklihole dam is a small reservoir located near the town of Nanjarayapattana. It is one of the popular places to visit in Coorg.
The unique shape of the dam in itself is a great attraction for visitors. The dam has a semi-circular structure without any crest gates. With the increase in inflow, the water overflows like foam on a curved structure and offers a breathtaking sight to visitors. The area around Chiklihole reservoir is bestowed with lush greenery and rich fauna and flora of the forest creating a pleasing setting to spend a few special moments with your family and friends. Watching the sunset from the dam is a wonderful experience. The dense forests and open areas make for absolutely awesome picnic spots.
As the place is a remote one, there is no store or shop offering any kind of facilities to travellers. Visitors must come prepared with food, water, and snacks if they want to spend a relaxing day or even a few hours in the vicinity of the dam.
Caveri Nisargadhama Forest Park
Best places to visit in Coorg: A forest resort on an island, maintained by the forest department of Karnataka, Caveri Nisargadhama Forest Park is undeniably one of the most beautiful and enjoyable parts of any Coorg tour package.
When at Nisargadhama Forest, you will find a wide variety of things to do and see. The elephant ride is something that adults and kids both will enjoy. There is also a deer park and rabbit park that one can visit.
The view of River Caveri is also something that tourists must stop by and notice, capture in their cameras, and cherish forever. The view, especially from the hanging bridge is breathtaking. The water in the river here is quite shallow. Hence, interested tourists can even cross the river on foot, letting its cold fresh water refresh them.
Although the old hanging bridge has been replaced by the new hanging bridge and isn’t functional now, it is still a popular tourist attraction.
Honnamana Kere Lake
Best places to visit in Coorg: Honnamana Kere (Honnama Lake) (Kannada: ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮನ ಕೆರೆ) is a popular tourist spot in Coorg. Being the largest lake in the region of Coorg, Honnamana Kere attracts hordes of tourists every year. It is located in Daddamalthe, near the village of Sulimalthe which is at a distance of 6 km from Somwarpet town. Somwarpet is one of the taluks of Coorg.
The lake doesn’t attract just nature lovers but also religious tourists. It has religious importance and is named after the Goddess Honnamma. One can also see a temple dedicated to Goddess Honnamma, located near the lake.
It is believed that Goddess Honnamma sacrificed her life for the well-being of the people. The temple sees many visitors, especially during the festival of Gowri Pooja. Many newly wedded couples visit the lake and pay their offerings and seek blessings from the Goddess.
The Lake offers captivating scenic beauty as well. It is a place where one can just relax and enjoy some quality moments with their loved ones. It is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and a huge expanse of coffee plantations along with two hills named Gavi Betta and Mori Betta. Along with sightseeing, one can also engage himself/herself in various kinds of outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.
Kotebetta Trek / Peak, Coorg
Best places to visit in Coorg: One of the popular tourist spots in Coorg, Kotebetta is the third highest peak in the Coorg region after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri. At a height of approximately 1620 m above sea level, Kotebetta is situated in Madhapur which is located between the Somwarpet and Madikeri towns. It is at the border between the Dakshina Kannada and Coorg districts and can be easily reached without much of a hassle.
Kotebetta offers tourists amazing trekking opportunities. It is 10 km away from Hattihole. Tourists start their trek from the Hattihole and end at the peak. Along with lush greenery and the especially huge expanse of coffee, estates accompany you on your trekking.
The best time to go trekking at Kotebetta is during the months of October to March. One doesn’t require any official permission from authorities to go trekking at this place. While going trekking, it is better to have a guide with you.
Do carry all the necessary equipment as well such as a torch; wear proper shoes and insect repellents along with a first aid kit.
Nehru Mantap
Best places to visit in Coorg: Nehru Mantap, Coorg is one of the popular spots in Madikeri located in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. This place is located very near to Raja’s Seat. This place is definitely underrated among the places to visit in Madikeri.
The Mantap is located behind the Madikeri radio station. In addition to an amazing view, one gets a mesmerising overview of mountains and areas nearby. Reaching the mantap is not a difficult task either. One is required to climb only 25-30 steps so as to reach the place. From Raja’s Seat, it will take you a maximum of 10 minutes walk to reach here.
Iruppu Waterfalls
Best places to visit in Coorg: The Iruppu Falls are located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a freshwater cascade and is situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarhole. The Falls are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, derived from the name of the tributary of Cauvery which starts from these falls, the Lakshmana Tirtha River.
A forest trail leads from these falls to Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu. Irupu falls is a major tourist attraction as well as a pilgrimage spot. A famous Shiva temple, the Rameshwara Temple is situated on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, en route to the Falls. This temple attracts many pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri.
Barapole River Rafting
Best places to visit in Coorg:At a distance of 27 km from Gonikoppal and 78 km from Madikeri, Barapole River is a famous spot for white river rafting in Coorg, Karnataka. White water rafting in the Barapole River is one of the most popular things to do as part of Coorg Tour Packages.
The Barapole River is a turbulent river that originates from the Kathu Kakathu River further extending to Brahmagiri hills to the Arabian Sea. White water rafting is one recreational activity that Barapole River is famous for and is considered one of the most challenging rafting experiences in South India. This stretch of river has more than nine Class 2‑Class 4 rapids. The real length of this run is between 3 – 4 km and the whole rafting session keeps going for around 3 hours.
River rafting takes place in Barapole almost throughout the year. If you want a great rafting experience, it is best to go in the monsoon. For an even better experience go river rafting in Coorg between the months of July and August when the river water is in full and quick flow. The minimum age requirement for this trip is 13 years. Adults should be in reasonably good health and weigh less than 110 kg. Knowledge of swimming is not mandatory.
Nilakandi Falls
Best places to visit in Coorg:At a distance of 7 km from Kakkabe, 27 km from Virajpet and 48 km from Madikeri, Nilakandi Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Kabbinkadu village in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Well-known as Honey Valley, it is one of the stunning waterfalls in Coorg.
The Nilakandi Falls is set amidst the dense tropical forests of Coorg and starts somewhere in the Thadiyandamol range. Cascading down from a height of about 50 feet, it is a picturesque and serene waterfall that lends trekkers a wonderful waterfall shower experience. This place is definitely one of the few tourist places in Coorg that portray the enchanting beauty of this lovely destination. Do plan a visit to this waterfall if you want to plunge into the natural beauty of Coorg.
Rameshwara Temple
Best places to visit in Coorg: Situated on the banks of river Lakshmana Tirtha, Rameshwar Temple, a small Shiva Temple is one of the main places of interest in Coorg, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rameshwara Temple is one of the main places of interest in Coorg, which is a small Shiva temple situated on the banks of the river Lakshmana Tirtha, which is a tributary of the Kaveri river and originates in the Brahmagiri hills near the Iruppu falls.
Brahmagiri Trek
Best places to visit in Coorg: The Brahmagiri Trek comes with a great opportunity with which you would trek for 12 hours. On choosing the Karnataka route, you can start for Brahmagiri hills from Iruppu falls, which is at a 9 km distance, or from Munikal caves, which is at a 7 km distance.
It is located on the border between Wayanad District of Kerala state on the south and Kodagu District in Karnataka on the north side. The peak of the hill is well-forested and is rich in wildlife. The primary attractions around this trek are the Iruppu Falls, the Thirunnelai Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Pakshipathalam which has a cave that is legendary for being a haven for ‘rishis’ primaeval times.