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Coorg lies 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m
above sea level lies Madikeri,the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or
Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'.
Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the
tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee
plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are
what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
History :- When India became independent in 1947, Kodagu (Coorg) also
became a free land. In 1950 as per the new Indian Constitution, Coorg became
a state. In 1956 a state reorganization took place. Coorg was merged with
Karnataka and became a district in Karnataka, which it remains till today.
It has 3 taluks or districts, Madikeri, Somavarapete and Veerajapete.
Madikeri is also the district headquarters of Coorg.The Puranas refer to
this land as Krodadesa or the land (desa) of the people blest by mother
Goddess, River Cauvery (kod, meaning bless, and avva for mother Cauvery).
The Puranic name for Coorg was also Matsyadesa (matsya, meaning fish) as is
recorded in the Kaveri Purana. Down the ages, it came to be known as Kodagu
and the people, Kodavas. This has further changed to Coorg. According to
some sources, the word Kodagu is derived from the word “Kudu”, which means
“Hilly place.
Culture :- What strikes a first-time visitor to Coorg is probably its
stunning beauty - both, of nature and of the people. Not only is Coorg
beautiful to look at but its people are equally good looking. They are a
fun-loving race, very friendly and pure of heart.Coorg has its own language
known as “Kodava Tak”. It has no script. It is a combination of Kannada,
Tamil and Malayalam with Kannada being the most influential of the three.
Appaneravanda Appachakavi and Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa are two famous poets
and writers of the Kodava language. The dowry system quite prevalent among
most Hindu communities is almost unknown here. Marriage ceremonies although
held in traditional dresses, are performed without a Brahmin or puja. The
elders help in the rituals and bless the couples. Another exception among
the Hindus is the serving of non-vegetarian dishes and liquor in the
weddings of the Kodava community.
Climate :- 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 & August are the months with heavy rainfall.
During this season the weather is cool, humid and wet.Coffee blossoms fill
the air with an exhilarating fragrance in March-April. During May the cool
and pure waters of the Cauvery are ideal for bathing in at the Dubare forest
or Nisarga Dhama or for enjoying a dip near the Iruppu or Abbi Falls.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air- The nearest airport are Mangalore (135 kms) and Bangalore
(260 kms).
By Rail - The nearest railheads are at Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan
(146 kilometers).
By Road - From Bangalore, there are two routes to Coorg. Both routes
are almost the same 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
WHEN TO GO
Best Time to Visit Coorg is April To November.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Raja's Seat :- According to
legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's
unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one can
enjoy from here. |
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Talakaveri :- River Kaveri
which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu
scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri in the
Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is
marked by a 'kundike' from where the river emerges as a small
perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short
distance away. |
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Iruppu Falls :- There is a
sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of
hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and
Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's
concert, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for
him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought
into being river Lakshmanatirtha. |
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Abbey Falls : It is 70 feet
height eye catching falls near Madikeri.
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Dubare :- This is mainly an
elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the
edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on the Kushalnagar
- Siddapur road. |
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Nagarhole National Park :-
The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning
"snake river" - which flows through the park. The 640 sq km of gently
undulating terrain at the foothills of the Brahmagiri hills is covered
with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and
streams. The park and animal life is part of the country's first
"bio-sphere reserve. One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant,
tiger, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose,
peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. |
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Bhagamandala :- It is
situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and
the Sujyothi). The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller
shrines dedicated to various gods. |
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Nisargadhama :- It is known
for its calm, serene beauty, this place is an ideal picnic spot
visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.
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Golden Temple :- It is in the
Tibetan colony, where Tibetans keep their culture and heritage intact.
Dalai Lama visits this temple to offer prayers occasionally. |
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Madikeri Fort :- It is
originally built by Muddu Raja in 17 th Century. The British renovated
the Palace inside the Fort. A church built in 1855 in fort premises
now houses a museum. |
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WHERE TO EAT
Hotel East End, Madikeri serves the best Coorg cuisine.
Try their chilli chicken, its awesome. The food is spicy and goes
beautifully well with Kingfisher beer.
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