Coorg(Kodagu)

Madikeri is the capital of Coorg (Kodagu). It is around 6 hours drive from Bangalore - 260 kms. The nearest rail head is Mysore - 120kms.

Kodagu (Coorg) lies on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. It is a hilly district. The principal river is the Kaveri River (Cauvery), which rises at Talakaveri. Best time to see the turbulence of river flow, visit in June to September. Kodagu has an average temperature of about 15 °C, the extremes being 11 °C and 28 °C. The hottest season is in April and May.The best means to travel to Coorg, is to take a Rajahansa bus from Bangalore. The road from Bangalore to Mysore is very good. From Mysore to Madikere, the road is very bad.

Routes:

Following are the two routes to Coorg from Bangalore:

• Bangalore - Mysore - Kushalnagar - Madikeri (Total distance, around 260 kms)
• Bangalore - Srirangapatnam. Take right from Srirangapatnam to take the byass to reach the road to Hunsur. Then, Hunsur - Kushalnagar - Madikeri (Total distance, around 240 kms)

Internet cafe at Madikere: in case you can’t resist

Internet at Cyber Zone, Paramount Tourist Home Bldg, 1st floor, next to Hotel Chitra, has good cheap Internet facilities for Rs 25 per hr.

Shopping Info:

Coorg is famous for coffee,spices and honey. On each street, you will find a honey shop. One can also visit the Tibetan flea market.Seasonally you can buy best mangoes at Hunsur.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

(Nearer to Kushalnagar)

Tibetian Monastry:

This is the second largest tibetian settlement in india.Inside the temple, there are 3 huge gold plated statues of Lord Buddha, Goddess Amitayu and Lord Padmasambhava. Prayer session starts at 1 p.m. Duration:1 -2 hrs

Dubare Elephant camp:

The elephant camp is situated in a small island in the dubare forest range.8kms road from Kushalnagar to Dubare Elephant camp is very horrible. Small boats takes you across the river (just in 2 minutes). Enjoy 15 min. elephant rides for Rs 100/- each. Best time is 9:30am. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hrs.

Kaveri Nisargadhama:

Man made island on the banks of river Kaveri. The accessibility is by a hanging bridge. It is a thick bamboo forest. You will find tree top huts here. You can do some boating (seasonal), Swimming, Elephant ride and Horse ride. This is a place for relaxation. You can book a cottage here, if planning to stay at this place, and a stay is worth it. Duration: 2 - 4 hrs.

Harangi Dam:

Good garden and you can play some watersports as well. Great picnic spot.Duration: 1 - 2 hrs.

Plantations:

Main plantation is Coffee. You will also find lot of Orange, Pepper, Cardamom and some other spices.Duration: 1 hr.

(Places in Madikeri)

Abbey Falls:

This is a small and scenic waterfall inside a private estate. 15 min. from the main road. You can do some swimming or trek along the upstream. Best view in rainy seaoson. Duration: 1 hr.

Raja’s Seat:

Viewpoint and a historic place. Watch sunset here. Well maintained garden with lots of different varieties of flowers.Duration: 20 mins.

Omkareshwara Temple:

Slightly distinct style of architecture.Duration: 10 mins.

Museum: Avoid.Fort: Avoid.Golf Course: Avoid.Raja’s tomb: Avoid.

(Nearer to Bhagamandala)Bhagamandala:

This is the place where Kaveri confluencences with rivers Kanike and Sujyothi. There are many small shrines built in the Kerala style.Duration: 15-20 mins.

Talakaveri:

Birthplace of river Kaveri. The river originates inside a small tank and flows underground for a few kilometers and flows out into the open near bhagamandala. There is also a temple. Situated in the Brahmagiri hills, you will be literally touching the clouds here. Driving here is thrilling but little dangerous. Duration: 2-3 hrs.

(Nearer to Siddapura)

Nagarahole National Park:

One of the best wildlife Sanctuaries in South India. Be there early morning to enjoy the safari tour by the forest department. Overnight stay also is facilitated. Enjoy watching wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl, bison, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer and many other birds and animals. Duration: 2 hrs.

Iruppu falls:

Beautiful water falls located in a thick jungle. Good treking spot. Beware of leeches. Duration: 30 min - 1 hr.

Other places to Visit are Igguthappa temple,Thadiyendamol Peak and Valanoor.

(  posted by Raghu of http://placesaroundbangalore.blogspot.com/)