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Kodagu, formerly called Coorg, is a place of incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests and majestic mountain ranges situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Often known as the Scotland of India, Madikeri, district headquarters of of Kodagu is also known for its lovely climate. Kodagu is home to the Kodavas, a colourful, robust martial race and also known for its Hindu and Buddhist circuits.
The 19th century fort Madikeri Fort is a popular attraction. It houses a temple, a chapel, prison and a small museum. Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a mix of Keralite, Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Raja's Seat perched atop a hill is where the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings watching the Madikkeri’s golden sunsets.
Kodagu is well-known for its many temples. The Padi Igutappa Temple is Coorg's most important temple and the presiding deity of the Puthari Festival. The Bhagamandala temple at the convergence of the three rivers Cauvery, the Sujyothi and the Kanike is 36 km from the Madikkeri and a major tourist attraction. The Bhangandeshwara Temple also called Triveni Sangama is built in Kerala style. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby is supposed to revive sagging spirits.
Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri Hills, 44 km from the Madikkeri is Talacauvery, the source of Cauvery River with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. On Tulasankramana day in October, thousands of pilgrims flock to the source of the river to watch the miraculous rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring.
The Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) is three hours drive from Madikeri on winding roads along lush fields and gurgling rivulets. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists.
Irpu Falls, a beautiful picnic spot is just a few kilometres from Madikeri. Somwarpet, 42 kms from Madikkeri is the coffee heartland of Coorg. Kodagu district also has several Trekking Tracks for those who seek adventure.
Coorgi cuisine is unique, and has especially delicious meat-based dishes. Popular buys are coffee, honey, spices, cardamom, pepper, pineapple papads and oranges (during the season). Coorgi silk sarees are also very famous.
Though Coorg is dotted with several towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal and Pollibetta, only Madikeri has good tourist facilities.
Access: The nearest airports are Mangalore (135 km) and Bangalore (260 km). The nearest railheads are at Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan (146 km).
Contact : www.karnatakatourism.org
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