Places to visit in Coorg

Coorg Route Map

List Of Places to Visit in Coorg:

1. Mandalpatti
2. Bhagamandala
3. Talakaveri
4. Kotebetta
5. Napandapole Falls
6. Nisargadhama
7. Golden Temple
8. Nagarahole
9. Dubare
10. Chiklihole
11. Valnoor Fishing Camp
12. Kakkabe
13. Chelvara Falls
14. Iruppu Falls
15. Thadiyandamol
16. Igguthappa Temple
17. Mallalli Falls
18. Pushpagiri Hills
19. Honnamana Kere

Mandalpatti:

               Mandalpatti is kind of beautiful small green mountain range, and covered with vast open grasslands. It is located 22 km from Madikeri Town. Mandalpatti is beautiful green place and this is just known to tourists in the recent year. This is really gorgeous landscape and feels like heaven. If you have your Own Vehicle or Hired then it is easy to get there, because road is not developed, little bad in patches, actually that is village road, so reaching there probably not possible for almost tourists in the rainy season. Mist covering in the Month of November to January and visibility is extremely poor in that season, but you can feel the best experience in Mandalpatti.

              It is towards the famous Abbey waterfalls. Just 4 kms behind the abbey falls take right and that leads to Mandalpatti. Bus facility not available, Own or Hired Vehicle is the Option to get there.

Bhagamandala:

                  Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu. It is situated on the river Kaveri in its upstream stretches. Bhagamandala is on the banks of the confluence of three rivers, Cauvery, Kannike and the sub terrain Sujyoti, popularly known as "Triveni Sangama". It is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the triveni sangama and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri. During Tula Sankramana which falls on October 17th or 18th every year, pilgrims assemble here in large numbers. Located about 38 km from the district headquarters Madikeri and is connected from Madikeri, Virajpet and nearby places in Kerala. Government and private buses are available on all of these routes.

                 Sri Bhagandeshwara temple is a Famous temple near triveni sangama, where Bhagandeshwara (Ishwara), Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati temples are there.. its also called as Bhagandeshwara Kshetra, The Bhagandeswara temple complex though said to have been built by the Cholas prior to th 11th century follows the gabled roof style of the Kerala temple architecture common on the west coast.

A short distance from Bhagamandala is the temple at Padi, which houses the deity Lord Igguthapp and is considered by many Kodavas to be the most sacred shrine in their homeland.

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            Bhagamandala is a famous Honey marketing centre, the bee rearing centre here is called Madhuvana and possesses a rare museum of objects related to bee keeping and is the only such centre in the entire state. There is an Apiculture Training Institute run by the state government. During 1785-1790, the area was occupied by Tipu Sultan. He renamed Bhagamandala to Afesalabad. In 1790 King Dodda Vira Rajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu kingdom.

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.

                On a predetermined date and time of Tulasankranthi every year the spring from Gundige overflows called Thirthodbhava. This holy water is carried home by all pilgrims when they go back after paying the last rituals to their parent or spouse departed during the preceding year.

There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples here, a Shiva temple with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another Lord Ganesha's temple. According to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya at the holy Ashwantha tree near the temple.

                   Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day which falls approximately on 17 October Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden spring of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious.

From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak. It is believed that the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna here. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, you can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills.

Kotebetta:

                 Kotebetta measures around 5400 ft and is the 3rd highest peak in Coorg after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri. It’s is around 30 kms away from Madikeri via Hattihole (Hatti-Holay).

Napandapole Falls:

                  Napandapole Falls is located 12 kms away from Madapura (Madapur,Madhavapura) on the way to Surlabi. Napandapole Falls is situated in the foots of Kote Betta hill area and is surrounded by 3 sub water falls.

Nisargadhama:

              Nisargadhama is forest resort just 3kms from Kushalnagar towards Madikeri off the state highway. Nisargadhama is a 25 acre island formed by river Kaveri with bamboos, teak, sandalwood trees streams and wild life covering it.

                  At Nisargadhama one can find deer, elephants, peacocks and some other usual wild animals if lucky. One can take a ride on the elephant around the resort for an unforgettable ride of the life time.

Nisargadhama is also famous for its hanging bridge which connects the island and helps travellers to cross the cauvery river. A new brigde has been constructed now just beside the old and shaky hanging bridge.

Visitors can enjoy boating, Elephant rides and swimming apart from just watching Nisargadhama's natural beauty.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Kushalnagar

Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport

By Road: From Bangalore 270 kms, Kushalnagar 2 kms, Madikeri 25 kms.

Golden Temple:

                Bylakuppe Golden Temple is a large Tibetian settlement near Kushalnagar town in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Its a well maintained place with two tibetian monastries (buddhist monastery coorg) Namdroling and Sera. The Golden temple with huge golden bhudda statues is mesmerising. Tibetian monks can be seen all over the place.

                After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylakuppe Near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 250 monks today. The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.

Nagarahole:

                 The Nagarhole Game Sanctuary extending over 284 sq. km affords an awesome sight with wild animals like bison. tiger, panther, elephants, wild boars, peacocks, etc.in their natural habitat.

Nagarahole National Park now renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National park was first set up in 1955. In 1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore.

                The serpentine river after which the park is named, winds through lush green wilderness, hence the name "Nagara Hole" in Kannada means Serpent River. Kabini is the largest river draining the forest and a dam built on it has created a splendid lake to the south of the park, which also forms a boundary with the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Huge herds of elephants walk down to Nagarahole in the summer months, which is an excellent time to watch them.

Over 300 bird species have been reported here, including rarities like Blue Face Malkhoa, White-cheeked Barbet and Nilgiri Flycatcher. The Short Eared and Oriental Scops Owl can been seen at night as they come out to prey

Dubare:

                 Dubare Elephant Camp is located near Madikeri (Karnataka, India) in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. It is located on the other side of the river and accessible by a small boat ride.

                 The Karnataka Forest Department has about 150 Elephants in various camps and Dubare has been historically an important camp.The Elephants for the famous Mysore Dassehra were trained at Dubare elephant camp.

                 Accommodation : This Camp has 10 Cottages with attached bath. As this is a comparatively new camp there is no electricity here. However, electricity is provided through electric generator in the mornings and evenings.

             Wildlife : The moist deciduous forests of Dubare are home to many wild animals and a plethora of birds. Sighting of wild Asiatic Elephants are regular and so is spotting the sambhar and the spotted deer. The Indian Bison or Gaur and bears are also seen in these forests. Visitors also get to notice many crocodiles in the waters of River Cauvery at Dubare. Birdlife in Dubare is wonderful with peacocks, patridges, kingfishers and woodpeckers topping the list.


             Route : Dubare is approx a 240 kms driver from Bangalore. Head towards Ramanagara which is 49 kms from Bangalore and then towards Mysore passing Mandya. Take the Mysore bye-pass road towards Hunsur and cross Hunsur bye-pass. After crossing Hunsur which is 44 kms from Mysore, take the road towards Kushalnagar. A 14 kms drive from Kushalnagar and you would reach Dubare.


Chiklihole :

                 Chiklihole reservoir in Coorg is located in between Madikeri and Kushalnagar and is roughly around 15 kms from Kushalnagar and Madikeri and the bonus is, it’s near to Dubare. chiklihole near SuntikoppaChicklihole (chick-lee-holay :-) ) Dam is not among the best tourist spots but it’s definitely a nice and calm picnic spot. Spending the afternoon until dawn here would be a better idea as it gets too hot till noon and there is no shade to protect you from the hot sun and it’s advised to take your food and snacks along as there are no shops around. Moreover, the best time to visit would be during monsoon and winter i.e from June to March as there will be more water in the dam.

               The best part at Chicklihole is the sunset. It’s really an amazing place to view the sunset amidst the Kaveri River and greenery around.

Valnoor Fishing Camp:

              Valnoor is situated just near Dubare. Valnoor fishing camp is the best place to go fishing and to check your fishing skills. Mornings would be the ideal time for fishing unless you are are a good fisherman or a lucky person.

              There are variety of fishes around the lake but Mahsheer & Marals are found in abundant they say. You have to carry your own fishing equipment to try your hand in fishing.

              License or a permission from the authorities would be better just in case of any complications may arise for tresspassing. Apart from fishing the view of the sunset is just awesome.

Kakkabe:

                Kakkabe is 38 kms from Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg, and is situated in Karnataka's Western Ghats. It is the largest producer of honey in South East Asia. It is a sleepy little town and a perfect get away for a weekend. Kakkabe is flourishing and has developed to a popular tourist destination. Nalnad palace and Padi Igguthappa temple the holiest Kodava shrine, Thadiyendamol Coorg's highest peak are the main attractions here. And also trek to the scenic Kabbe Pass and Chelavara Falls.

               The main ethnic dwellers are Kodavas, living with flustered culture and beliefs. A popular base for rain forest treks, Kakkabe is abode to some uncommon and extraordinary orchids and plants.These woodlands are famous for some wildlife species like pangolin, barking deer, various varieties of birds and flying squirrel.

Chelavara Water Falls:

                Chelvara Falls is near Cheyyandane which is around 16 kms from Virajpet and is one of the most beautiful water falls in Coorg. Chelavara Falls is also called as Embepare by the locals meaning Tortoise Rock.

                The water fall is really a wonder full view as the water gushes from the top amidst the green coffee plantation.chelavara waterfalls

               The best part of visiting Chelavara falls is that ‘Chomakund’ a renowned hill is just 2 kms away from here. Chomakund is an awesome place surrounding with lush green shrubs and trees and is almost covered in fog most of the time. One can also get a glance of the Arabian Sea from here.

Irupu Falls (Irppu Falls):

               Irupu Falls (also called as Irppu, Iruppu) situated in Virajpet Taluku of Coorg District, Karnataka. Irupu falls located on the Brahmagiri ranges. This falls also called by the local people as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. This Falls creates from Lakshmana Tirtha River. the Rameshwara Temple also situated in the bank of Lakshmana Tirtha River which is on the way to Irupu Falls. Irupu falling form the height of 170 ft with 2 Drops. This falls is the fresh water with beautiful nature between rocks around this falls, in the rainy season this falls falling heavy and is the best time to see this falls (best time is June to September).

Thadiyandamol:

               At an altitude of 1745m, Thadiyandamol is the highest peak in Coorg. Its windy peak offers unhindered views of impressive mountain ranges and valleys of Coorg and beyond. Neatly stacked layers of hills align one behind the other, extending to the horizon and gently merging into the blue sky. Sensuous curves of the ridges lead down the peak and further up to the next one and the next, eventually disappearing into the mist somewhere faraway, inviting the beholder to walk along them and lose themselves in the mystery that the depth of the hills seem to convey.

Igguthappa Temple:

  



               Igguthappa Temple is located in Kakkabe near Virajpet. Iguthappa is another name for Lord Subramanya and the Igguthappa Temple is a very sacred temple of the Coorgs. The temple. This temple was built in 1810 by King Lingarajendra.igguthappa temple Coorg

                An annual festival is held at the Padi Iguthappa temple in the month of March and people from all over Coorg and near by places gather here to offer special prayers. Special offering like “Tulabhara”, where the devotee weighs oneself against coconuts, sugar, rice, fruits etc, on a weighing scale and offers it to the god is performed here.

Mallalli Water falls:

     

                A place near to Somwarpet called Bidalli, which is 25+ Kms, from Somwarpet, Mallali falls is almost 2.8 kms from Bidalli. It’s an wonderful experience around here, Water & Greenery covered Scenic beauty and the Stunning view point. The falls is formed from KUMARADHARA River passing by. Falls has a height of about 62m. Experience the breath taking view of the falls from this view point. This falls is in the foot of the Pushpagiri peak a trekking point. An amazing Place for an adventures trip. A full Fledged Panoramic Beauty. Ideal season to visit this place is anywhere between July to December.

Pushpagiri Hills:

   

                Pushpagiri is around 1.5 km from Kumaralli village amidst the jungles. A 10 km trekking from the base, Bhagati will lead to the Pushpagiri peak. Trekkers can also cross Subramanya, located in Dakshina Kannada of Pushpagiri Range. The trekking zone can be approached from Pushpagiri or from Kumaraparvat peaks.

Honnammana Kere:

 

                Honnamana Kere is said to be the biggest lake in Coorg and is a historic and Spiritual place. It’s situated in Daddamalthe near Sulimalthe village 6 km away from Somwarpet town. The lake is considered holy and is named after goddess Honnamma. A temple is built adjacent to the lake and is built for Godess Honnamma who sacrificed her life for the welfare of the people. The story Kerege Hara was derived from this.

               Honnamana Kere is surrounded by beautiful mountains, cliffs and Coffee Plantation and two hills Gavi Betta & Mori Betta. One can find man built caves which are believed to be built by Pandavas. Honnammana Kere is also a nice place for boating & fishing and every year during the festival Gowri Pooja newly wed couples visit the lake give offerings.