Kodagu (Karnataka)

A picturesque town in Kodagu (formerly called Coorg) in the state of Karnataka, Kodagu or Coorg as it is better known, has maintained its serene picturesque beauty over the centuries. Homesick always, the British called this land Scotland of India.

This little area in the Western Ghats has an ancient history, ruled successively by the Kadambas, Gangas, Chengalvars, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagara, etc. and finally the British. But the region always retained its strong cultural heritage, distinctive to this day. The fiercely brave martial tradition has produced many brave generals for India

These breathtakingly beautiful rolling hills in Karnataka nestling cash rich coffee plantations, clear skies and a warm, friendly and hospitable people create a special aura unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Population: 488,455

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Places of Interest

Keri Fort
Medikeri is situated at an elevation of 1,525 meters above sea level and is often dubbed as the Scotland of India. The fort was initially constructed of mud, only to be replaced later by a stronger one in stone by Tipu Sultan, who ruled for a brief period over this region in the 18th century. Medikeri has been blessed by Mother Nature with wooded mountain trails, pretty wild flowers, winding lanes that disappear into the hillsides, cascading waterfalls and gurgling streams. The local populaces, the Coorgis, are direct descendents of the Greeks, and to date their attire and customs are unique. Medikeri is the district headquarters of Kodagu.

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. One can see the sweep of the mist-covered blue hills and valleys with green fields.

Omkareshwara Temple
Built by Kodagu King Lingaraja in 1820, the temple is dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. It is remarkable for its square shape in the Mohammedan style, with an impressive dome in the centre and four minarets - like tumets at the corners, surrounded by Basavas or sacred Bulls. On the top of the dome is a guilded ball, with a weather clock. All window frames are tastefully sculpted blocks with solid brass bars. A large tank in front of the temple gives it a serene atmosphere.

Abbey Falls
This beautiful waterfall is situated at a distance of 5 km from Madikeri in a private coffee estate. Abbi in Kodava dialect means "falls". This majestic stream falls is much admired and is frequently visited.

Iruppu Falls
This refreshing cascade of water is situated at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. It is also a place of pilgrimage. The Shiva temple here is said to have been dedicated by Lord Rama himself on the banks of River Lakshmanatheertha a tributary to the river Cauvery.

Excursion

Central Orange and Coffee Research Station
Chettali Orange & Coffee Research Station is situated 24 km and is run by the Government organization, many interesting experiments and research on the production of coffee are conducted here. One can see the coffee bushes sheltered from the sun/’s direct rays by tall sentinel-like trees over which dark green pepper vines trail. Stretches of these now-white flowers exude a heady fragrance and their collective magnificence is an unforgettable sight. It is on the Mercara, Siddapur-Virajpet road. Enroute to the farm is the Coffee Board.

Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 284 sq. km. with tropical and deciduous forests and belts of swampy ground at the head of small streams. It derives its name from its snake like winding streams. The place gives an excellent opportunity to the visitors to see wild animals.

Talacauvery
It is the source of the River Cauvery situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri Hill, 4187 ft. above sea level. On the auspicious Tula Sankaramana (usually on 17th October every year) as the sun enters Libra, water gushes out from a Chondike. According to legend, Goddess Cauvery makes her appearance in this form of a gushing spring. This region is also associated with the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.

How to get there

Air:
No direct air connection.

Rail:
Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka without an inch of rail track.

Road:
Kodagu is accessible only by road. Many buses operated by SKRTC. Pass through Madikeri enroute to Mangalore.