|
Located
in the Western Ghats, Kodagu (also known as Coorg) is noted for its
natural scenic beauty. On a clear day, one can even view the distant
Arabian Sea from Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu. A
rugged mountain terrain interspersed with lush cffee and cardamom
plantations, paddy fields, and scattered hamlets, Kodagu is the birth
place of river Cauvery. In the days of the Raj, home-sick Britishers
called it ‘Scotland of India’.
Madikeri,
the district headquarters provides an excellent base from which to
explore Kodagu. Situated at 1525m elevation, it is a charming, old-world
town with a bustling bazaar and a panoramic view of the plantations. The
19th century Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts was
built by the reigning kings of the time. While the palace houses all the
important government office; the fort now accommodates the prison, a
temple, a chapel, a small museum, the district central library and
court. Virajpet, another small town in Kodagu is reputed to be
the largest producer of honey in Asia.
Built
in 1820 by Lingaraja, the Omkareshwara temple is a stone’s throw
from the Fort. It houses the shrine of Shiva featuring a blend of Kerala-style
architecture, Gothic elements and Islamic-style domes.
The Raja’s Seat, on top of a hill, offers a panoramic view of
mountain ranges and green valleys. Favored by the Kodagu royals who
spent many pleasant evenings watching the spectacular sunsets, it is now
a favorite tourist spot. Amidst the coffee bushes and all trees entwined
with pepper vines, in a private estate,
Abbey Falls
offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. These falls are most impressive
during the monsoons.
The
river Cauvery originates at Talacauvery in Kodagu. According to a
legend, Goddess Cauvery makes her appearance once a year in the form of
a bubbling spring. On the Tulasankrmana day (October 17th)
thousands of pilgrims flock to the river’s birthplace to witness the
water gushing up from the spring at a pre-determined moment. It is said
that a bath in the bubbling water on the sacred occasion gives
long-lasting physical and spiritual benefits.
Bhagamandala
is the confluence of three rivers, Cauvery, Kanika and Sujyothi. The
Bhagandeshwara temple, standing in a large courtyard surrounded by
Kerala-style temples is particularly striking. Bhagamandala is known for
its apiaries and Kodagu honey.
The Sri Rameshwara Temple,
believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama itself, is a
place of pilgrimage. It is a favorite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims,
especially during the Shivaratri festival.
For a good view of wildlife, visitors can visit the breathtakingly
beautiful
Cauvery Nisargadhama
Island carved by the Cauvery River. 2km from Kushalnagar, this
sprawling 64 acre nature resort has a deer park, orchidarium, elephant
and boat rides, and bamboo tree houses for wildlife viewing.
15km
south of Kushalnagar, the Dubare Reserve Forest is famed for its
amazing variety of avian fauna, an elephant training camp, and angling
in the river Cauvery. Bird watching trips and elephant rides are also
organized into the forest.
Harangi Dam,
also near Kushalnagar, is ideal for weekend picnics and short walks. On
the banks of the river Cauvery, is the Valnur Fishing Camp.
Fishing permits are issued by the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also
great place for bird watching.
The
location of two of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India,
Bylekuppe is on the outer fringes of Kodagu. The landscape is dotted
with several Buddhist monasteries- the important ones being Sera
Jhe and Sera Me. The Mahayana Buddhist University is
located at Sera Jhe. The other important monastery here is the Tashi
Lhumpo Monastery, renowned as the seat of Panchen Lama. The
Namdroling Monastery with its 40 ft high idols of Buddha and his
disciples are the other attractions.
Around Coorg
Abbey falls,
tucked between coffee and spice estates, offers a splendid backdrop for
picnics. These falls are most impressive during the monsoons. Not far
from the
Rajiv Gandhi National Park
(Nagarahole), the Iruppu Falls plunge down 170 ft. in two
distinct stages from its humble origins in the Brahmagiri range. A
forest trail leads from here to the
Brahmagiri Peak
in Southern Kodagu.
Tadiyendamol
is the tallest peak in Kodagu and on a clear day provides a view of the
distant Arabian Sea. In the heart of the Tadiyendamol range, in
Yavakapadi village is Naalkunaadu palace, constructed by
Dodda Veera Veerendra, King of Kodagu, in 1792.
Two of
the best golf course in Kodagu can be found at Madikeri
and Polibetta. Madikeri has a smooth 9-hole golf course spread
amidst quiet pastoral surroundings. Polibetta in South Kodagu has a
beautiful undulating 9-hole golf course.
Festivals
In
September- Kodavas get out their guns, knives and hunting implements-
which are cleaned, polished and offered for worship on the occasion of
Keilpodhu. Men show off their firearms and marksmanship and
invoke the blessings of gods upon their weapons.
Huthri-
meaning the new rice crop is also the name of the festival that takes
place in the months of November or December. The ceremonious cutting of
the new paddy crop by the head of the family falls on a full moon night.
Held
in auntumn, Dussehra in Madikeri is celebrated with a procession
of beautifully lit temple cars vying for the coveted prize for the best
decorated temple car.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS OF HOTELS, SPONSORING AND TOUR PACKAGES CONTACT US AT:
info@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
info@jainheritagecentres.com
travel@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
Information Sources:
WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM & DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM,
GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA
|
