Kodagu, Information about Kodagu, Kodagu in Karnataka

The charming little district little district of Kodagu nestling amidst the lush Western Ghats is popularly known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and the ‘Kashmir of the South’ for its immense natural beauty. Misty mountains, verdant valleys, serpentine streams, cascading falls, thick tropical forests and miles of spice, paddy and coffee plantations makes the regions a veritable paradise for nature lovers. The name Kodagu is said to derived from a kannada word “Kudu” meaning steep or hilly. Coorg is the corrupt anglicized form of Kadagu. This “land of oranges, cashews, cardamoms and coffee” is also known for its distinct cultural heritage and martial traditions. The Coorgis hold military merit in high esteem and once contributed the highest percentage of men to the armed forces from any one community. Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, the army chief and General Thimmaiah are some of the most famous son’s of Coorg. The district is also regarded as a ‘paradise’ for adventure sports enthusiasts. There are a number of trekking trails through coffee and pepper plantation dotted with little shrines along waterfalls and rivers. The rivers are well stocked with fishes and fishing amidst scenic surroundings is the favourite pass-time. Pollibetta and Madikeri also have fine golf course.

Tourist Attractions in Kodagu

Madikeri (Mercara)
The picturesque hill resort perched at an altitude of 4,000 ft.. is the district headquarters of Kodagu. It was founded by Muddu Raja of the Haleri dynasty in 1681 and became the favourite resort of Britishers, as it reminded them of scenic Europe with lush hills and verdant valleys.

Raja’s Seat
This fine view point just 1 km. From the bus stand affords panoramic hill overlooking the town. The fort has a small museum in St. Mark’s Church, the town prison, a chapel and a temple.

Omkareswara Temple
This unique shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva was built by King Lingarajendra in 1820. the square shaped shrine in the middle of a lake with minarets at each corner and an impressive dome in the centre is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.

Around Madikeri

Abbey Falls (5 kms.)
The beautiful falls are created by Madikeri stream amidst coffee and pepper plantations. It is a popular picnic site.

Bhagamandala (35 kms.)
The pilgrim centre on the confluence of three rivers – Kaveri, Kanike and the underground Suiyothi is famous for the ritual Triveni bathing and Bhandeshwara temple. It is also known for apiaries and Kodagu honey.

Omkareswara Temple
This unique shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva was built by King Lingarajendra in 1820. the square shaped shrine in the middle of a lake with minarets at each corner and an impressive dome in the centre is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.

Bylekuppe (40 kms.)
Bylekkupe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India is famous for its monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories and an incense factory. The Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey are the most important monasteries here. The Mahayana Buddhist University is located at Sera. Tashi Lhumpo monastery located nearby, is renowned as the seat of Panchen Lama.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (77 kms.)
The delightful park along river Kabini covers an area of 284 sq. kms. Comprising of tropical and deciduous forests and belts of swampy ground. It derives the name from Kannada, ‘Naga’ meaning snake and ‘hole’ referring to streams. The game sanctuary was an exclusive preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore. The jungles full of rosewood, teak, sandal, silver oak are a safe haven for a rich and varied wildlife. The key fauna includes, elephant, tiger, panther, gaur, deer, wild dog, langur and reptiles like king cobra etc. one can undertake jungle safaris on elephant back to view the wildlife. Best season to visit is from June to October.
The Heballa elephant camp is a must visit site for tourist’s visiting this part of the State.

Tala Kaveri (40 kms.)
It is the source for sacred river Kaveri, which originates on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hills. Every year on the auspicious occasion of Tula Sankaramana (17 October), a spring of water sprouts at a particular and foretold moment. Bathing in this water is considered to be very beneficial.

Iruppu Falls (85 kms.)
The cascading falls descent down from a height of 170ft. in two distinct stages amidst dense forests near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole). The Rameshwara Temple near the Lakshmana Theertha river, attracts a large number of devotees during the Shivaratri Festival. It is believed that the temple was dedicated to Shiva by Lord Rama. A forest trail leads from here to the Brahmagiri Peak.

How to reach Kodagu

By Air:

The nearest airport for Madikeri is Manglore (136 kms.)

By Rail:

The nearest convenient railhead is at Mysore (120 kms.)

By Road:
Connected by road