Amazing place to visit in India: Coorg
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When a place is referred to as 'the Paradise', it needs no further introduction. Coorg is a peaceful little town in southern Karnataka, cradled in the Western Ghats. Austere sights, vast wilderness, world-class coffee and the Kodavas, Coorg's ethnic warriors, makes it a must visit destination.
In recent years, the place has gained prominence as one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. If you are planning your next vacation destination, Coorg is an amazing option to visit.
When a place is referred to as 'the Paradise', it needs no further introduction. Coorg is a peaceful little town in southern Karnataka, cradled in the Western Ghats. Austere sights, vast wilderness, world-class coffee and the Kodavas, Coorg's ethnic warriors, makes it a must visit destination.
In recent years, the place has gained prominence as one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. If you are planning your next vacation destination, Coorg is an amazing option to visit.
Location
Coorg is an administrative district located in Karnataka, India. Until
1956, it had been an administratively autonomous Coorg State, at which point it
was absorbed into an expanded Mysore State. It occupies an area of 4,102 square
kilometres (1,584 sq. mi) south-west of the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
Interesting Facts
There lives a group of people, called Kodavas, who are well versed in
martial arts, and popular with tourists and others for their warm, welcoming
nature, and good hospitality.
Coorg is one of India's largest coffee producers. One must certainly visit
the Coorg Tata coffee plantation which gives the coffee lovers an aromatic and
surreal experience. The coffee seed grown here is considered as the world's
best coffee bean(s) for making mild coffees.
How to reach Coorg?
One can reach Mangalore via Mangalore airport or Mangalore railways. Coorg
has bus services available from all major cities and towns in Karnataka.
Weather in Coorg
The best months to visit Coorg are September to June, if you plan
to visit Coorg for sightseeing and relaxing. However, if your planning to go
trekking then the favourable months are from October to march. July to August
are not an optimum time to visit Coorg, owing to monsoon season, as lot of
landslides are encountered.
Places to Visit in Coorg
1) Abbey falls
Abbey falls is the most famous waterfall in the Coorg, where water
flows down from 70 meters above sea level. It is Coorg most popular tourist attraction
because of the panoramic view of the waterfalls and the surrounding greenery. A
beautiful view in the middle of the western Ghats. This fall is visited by
thousands of tourists and photographers in particular, every year. If you're a nature
person, then make sure to visit this waterfall.
Another perk of this location is that you can see and smell various spices
(cardamom, pepper), and coffee plants while having a walk around the waterfall.
This incredible view of the coffee and spices in the middle of the western Ghats
along with the waterfall, makes this location magical.
2) Puthari Festival
Puthari means ‘new rice’ and it's a festival of rice harvesting. Puthari
is celebrated in November or in the beginning of December. It is
a fun experience for visitors, as the festival provides locals and tourists with
plenty of song and dance festivities.
3) Irupa falls
The Irupu Falls are situated in the Brahmagiri Mountains, bordering
Kerala's Wayanad district. From these falls a forest path leads to the top of
Brahmagiri in southern Kodagu. Irupu Falls is both an important tourist
attraction, and a pilgrimage spot. A famous Shiva temple, Rameshwara
Temple, is located on the banks of the River Lakshmana Tirtha on the
way to the Falls. This temple attracts numerous pilgrims during Shivaratri
Festival. The Legends of this Waterfall is Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana
created this waterfall with his mighty arrow. There is a common belief
that anyone who takes a bath in these waters gets his past life sins
absolved.
4) Talakaveri Temple
One must visit the beautiful sight of Talakaveri, the birthplace of the
majestic Kaveri River and the holy place of many Hindus. It is situated on the
hills of Brahmagiri, near Bhagamandala, in the district of Coorg. A tank or a
kundike was constructed on the hillside, in a location that is said to have
originated. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by
pilgrims, particularly the place of worship of Kodavas. It has a religious
significance attached to the temple. It's said that if you take a dip in the
holy water, you'll be healed of various physical and psychological sufferings.
May to September is the best time to visit the Temple.
5) Raja’s seat
The best spot for nature lovers, with a panoramic view of the west valley
and the stunning bed of large variety of colourful seasonal flowers. The Raja
Garden was a one-time favourite of the Kodagu kings who used to watch the sun
setting, and spend time here with their queens. It is built on a high-level
plateau with a magnificent view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. There's
a beautiful sight of the mist shrouded valley early in the morning, as the sun
is just rising in the East. There is also a Toy Train for children
.
6) Dubare Elephant camp
Dubare is renowned for its elephant camp, a forest settlement on the banks
of the river Kaveri in the district of Coorg, Karnataka. The Mysore Dussehra
elephants were trained at the Elephant Camp held here in Dubare. Besides this,
one can see the giant elephant walking freely, while the trainers direct the
tourists and describe the camp. There are opportunities for trekking,
interaction with elephants, and stay. On the other hand, the various
birds, tigers, and deers can be seen in this Elephant camp of the Dubare.
7) Nisargadhama
The island near Coorg, which is formed by the river Kaveri, Nisargadhama,
can be reached by a hanging bridge. It's an ideal place for holidays and boat
trips. Spread over 25 acres of area, the island is full of bamboo, teak and
sandalwood trees and is home to animals including deers, peacocks and rabbits.
8) Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol is Coorg district's highest peak, situated in the range of
Western Ghats, reaching an elevation of 1,748 m. The mountain in the valleys
has patches of shola trees, and is considered suitable for tracking. Just a few
kilometres from the top is the Padi Iggutappa Temple, one of Kodava's most holy
temples. The trek is long and tedious, but all the effort is certainly worth
the peace and quiet at the end!
Activities at Coorg
1) Micro lighting
One can enjoy those single or two-seater gliders at Ponnampet near
Coorg. An instructor can show you the basics and, once you take off, you can
enjoy a bird's-eye view of Coorg. These hand gliders can reach as high as up to
5000 feet, and can achieve a top speed of 100 km/h. The view is nothing
short of magnificent as you glide!
2) Rafting at Barapole River
Are you an adventurer? If yes, then try this white-water rafting that gives
an exciting experience to the rafters. The Barapole River is famously known as ‘the
Rafting River’. The white-water rafting is spread through the thick forest and
the Brahmagiri slum, giving the rafting enthusiasts a magnificent view of the
animals.
3) Trekking
Other activities that enthusiastic people generally opt for are trekking in
the western Ghats woodland. Coorg offers trekking trail to both, amateurs as
well as professional trekkers. Trails cover national parks, waterfalls, and few
trails lead to small hamlets while all of these trails offer an enchanting view
of beautiful nature.
Coorg Travel Tips
A)
It's also recommended to bring some light woollens, just in case the
temperature drops.
B) Always take a paraglider, whether it's the rainy season or not.
C) When visiting in rainy season, watch out for leeches especially in wet grass.
D) Carry comfortable pair of shoes, because there's plenty to do on foot. Trekking shoes are necessary for Adventure lovers.
E) All locals may not be good with English, but they are very helpful and hospitable.
F) Book your accommodation well in advance, as on weekends and toursist seasons prices go high.
G) Auto rickshaws are best choice for commuting inside the Coorg.
B) Always take a paraglider, whether it's the rainy season or not.
C) When visiting in rainy season, watch out for leeches especially in wet grass.
D) Carry comfortable pair of shoes, because there's plenty to do on foot. Trekking shoes are necessary for Adventure lovers.
E) All locals may not be good with English, but they are very helpful and hospitable.
F) Book your accommodation well in advance, as on weekends and toursist seasons prices go high.
G) Auto rickshaws are best choice for commuting inside the Coorg.
H) Try to book taxis from your hotels and resorts, if possible.
I) Mobile signals are either weak in certain parts or not available at all,
so make sure you know the route or download the region map well in advance.
J) Hold your phone or cameras, because there are amazing photography
opportunities at every corner.
Conclusion
Plan a visit to the most exciting hill station in Karnataka 'Coorg', paradise
on earth. Throughout the year this beautiful location welcomes visitors where
one can escape into nature, and could drive away for a while from materialistic
world.
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