The place which known as The “Scotland of India”
Coorg also known as The “Scotland of India” is a standout amongst the most adored trekking goal, with the backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the singing waterfall. The place where there is entrancing picturesque magnificence shaped of high slopes and undulating streams and forest, Coorg is calling travelers from far and wide to investigate its beauty.
This affluent hill station in Karnataka is visited by people from all over the world. Be it the spice plantation or the coffee plantation covered, Coorg is one such place which you can never miss. And yes, do not forget to taste the delicious cuisine while you are there.
This beautiful town is just 250 km from Bangalore, making it an amazing weekend getaway too. Coorg offers wide array of places and things to experience. If you are an adventure junkie, there are various activities, in which you can take part like trekking, river rafting, etc. On the other hand, if you love peace, there are umpteen falls and monasteries to attain some peace and ditch the noise of city life.
Best Time to Visit : October-March
How to Reach Coorg:
– By Air – The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport, about 160 kilometres away. The nearest international airport is in Bengaluru, which is approximately 265 kilometres away.
– By Bus – If you want to take the bus, there are K.S.R.T.C deluxe buses, which run daily from Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore.
– By Train – Mysore has the nearest railway station, which is about 95 kilometres away.
– Road/Self Drive – The drive to Coorg is an experience in itself. The journey from Bengaluru to Coorg is a smooth drive that takes about four and a half hours.
Popular Places To Visit In Coorg
1) Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls, are located amidst large spreads of coffee plantations and are around 10 km away from the town of Madikeri, Western Ghats. The water here joins the river Kaveri. Located on amongst tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls cascade 70 ft down to flow as a small river in itself. You must surely walk on the hanging bridge to get a mesmerizing view of the falls. To reach the destination, you have to go through a small path through the coffee and cardamom plantations. The best time to visit Abbey falls is during the monsoon.
Open Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Reach Abbey Falls:
There are several private bus operators along with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation; who provide bus facilities from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. People who are staying close to Madikeri can use two wheelers or the local transport.
Things To Remember:
Watch out for the leeches during the monsoon on the marshes of the falls. As tempting as it maybe to take a dip in the cool water, it may turn out to be risky.
2) Namdroling Monastery
Coorg is home to the famous Namdroling monastery, also called the Golden temple on account of the gold work done on every painting.
Situated just 6km from the town of Kushalnagar and 35km from Madikeri. The paintings inside the temple describe the gods, demons, culture and also some of the phases of Buddha’s life. Although the temple seems not so vast from outside, it is huge inside. There are three 40 feet high statues of Lord Buddha called Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus. The temple also has sacred texts, horns, trumpets, incense sticks, bells, prayer beads, prayer wheels, prayer flags, drums, etc.
Open Time: All days of the week 7.00 AM – 8.00 PM .
Things To Remember:
Pets are not allowed. Food available for purchase. Bathroom facilities available. Camera/Video allowed. Wearing of shoes/footwear allowed. Lockers/Storage available.
3) Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park, Popularly known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, with its diversity of flora and fauna, is one of the best known wildlife reserves in India. It houses not just multiple species of plants and shrubbery but also mammals, reptiles, crawlers and rare birds.
Flora and Fauna of Nagarhole National Park
Mammals: Elephant, Jackal, Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena, and Sloth Bear.
Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Indian Rock Python, Russel’s Viper, vine snake,Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Toads etc.
Flora: Timbers such as sandalwood, silver oak, rosewood and teak etc. are found in abundance here.
Open Time: All days of the week: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
How to Reach Nagarhole National Park:
The simplest and the best way to reach Nagarhole National Park is by hiring a taxi from Mysore. Several buses also ply from Mysore till HD Kote which lies about 30 km from the park. However, if you are travelling from Kerala, you must first reach Manathavadi town, situated about some 100 km from Kozikoden through KSRTC buses available round the clock. Another 30 km and you will reach the final destination.
Things To Remember:
1. The eating options in the park are next to nothing, so it is advisable to carry your own eatables. A few small restaurants are located just outside the park serving the basic meals.
2. Also, carry your own water bottles with you.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and a good pair of shoes.
4. Camping is not allowed within the premises of the park.
4) Talacauvery
Talacauvery is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka. It is located at 1,276 m. above sea level. Kodavas have erected a tank; which is now considered as its origin. The place also has a small temple, a worship place of Kodavas.
Thousands of pilgrims visit this place on the Cauvery Changrandi day to witness the rise of the fountainhead, where the water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. During Tulam Sankrama, special rites are conducted in the temple adjoining the pond which attracts many devotees. Beside the temple, there is a series of 356 steps which lead to the peak, from here the prepossessing hills can be viewed.
Open Time: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
How to Reach Talacauvery:
You can take the several buses offered by both KSRTC and private buses towards Bhagadamandala. There are a few buses from Bhagadamandala to take you to Talacauvery, which is just 7km away.
Pilgrimage Centre:
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. Another deity worshipped here is Lord Agasthiswara, who acts as the link between Kaveri River and Sage Agasthya and Lord Ganesh.
Head In The Clouds:
A steep climb with 407 steps takes one to a hill which gives you a view of the surrounding mountain ranges. While climbing the hill, one feels closer and closer to the clouds.
Things To Remember:
Swimming is strictly prohibited in the water. Also, it is requested not to stay for long on the road leading up the temple when it gets dark.