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Coorg/Madikeri

It is the the district head quarters of Kodagu formerly called as "Coorg", located at about 100 km from Mysore. It is dubbed as Scotland of India, it is the home to the colourful, robust, martial race - The Kodavas - the proud of Karnataka.

Madikeri, a picturesque , charming town situated at an elevation of over 1,525 m. It is having a pleasant climate throughout the year, any how it is best to visit between October and April. It is a great place to walk. Winding lanes meander off the main street. Mountain trails promise visual delights.

Kodavas said to be the descendents of the Greeks, the Kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu sultan or the British. And so this day all Kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a licence.

Kodagu is famous for Generals it has produced for the Indian Army. The women are known for their beauty. But what Kodavas are famous for their hospitality.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Abbi Falls

Where the Madikeri stream falls from a height. 'Abbi' in Kodagu dialect means falls. The Abbi falls were formerly called the Jessey Falls.

The Fort

In the centre of the Madikeri town, this 19th century fort was once the scene of many fierce battle. Today it houses a small museums, a chapel, the prison and a small museum. The fort also offers a panoramic view of Madikeri. The Fort situated on an elevated ground, has a palace inside. Built of brick and mortar, the fort was erected by the king of Coorg. It was repaired by Tipu Sultan in 1781 and called Jaffarabad. Two life-size elephants built in mortar catch the eye as one enters the fort.

Sri Omkareshwara Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple built in 1820, is a mix of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. Constructed by the king of Coorg in the year 1820, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Towards the end of November, a colourful temple festival is held here when the deity is taken in a boat round the tank.

Raja's (King's) Seat

It is located in the centre of Madikeri town. According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. You can view the spectacular sunsets from this place. It commands a beautiful view of the Coorg valley studded with paddy fields and forests, with the blue mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in the distance.

Raja's Tombs (Cuddige)

The last two Rajas of Coorg are buried here. The tombs consist of domes in the centre and minarets at four corners mounted by carved bulls. Stuart's Hill or Stone Hill situated adjoining Raja's seat, from where one can have a magnificent view of the surrounding valley.

Chettali Orange & Coffee Research Station (24 km): Run by the Government, many interesting experiments and research on the production of coffee are conducted here. It is on the Mercara, Siddapur-Virajpet road. Enroute to the farm is the Coffee Board.

Bhagamandala (35 km)

It is here that the river Cauvery merges with the Kannike. There are three important temples above the confluence of the rivers dedicated to Bhagamandaleswara, Subramanya and Vishnu. During an annual festival which falls in October/November the temple is illuminated by thousands of oil lamps. A Central Apiary located here, is a unique centre for demonstration and research-cum-training in modern methods of bee keeping.

Karangi

A reservoir and dam (38 km) located here, make it a popular picnic spot.

Kudige

A model agricultural farm (40 km) with a basic Training College for teachers.

Talakaveri (44 km)

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.

Nagarhole (80 km)

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 it's snake like winding streams. The place gives an excellent opportunity to the visitors to see wild animals.

Irupu (91 km)

A well known pilgrim centre, associated with Rama, hero of the great epic Ramayana. There is a Shiva temple here on the banks of the river Ramathirtha, said to have been built by Rama. On Mahashivarathri, thousands of pilgrims gather here to take a holy bath.

TOURIST OFFICE

Tourist Bureau, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka, PWD Travellers Bungalow, Madikere. Tel: 26580. STD CODE: 08272.

The Manager, Hotel Mayura Valley View (KSTDC), Raja's Seat, Madikere, Tel: 28287.

SHOPPING

Coffee and Coorg honey, especially wild honey sold on the way to Talacauvery.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Area: 6.5 sq km

Temperature: Summer Max 33 °C Min 27 °C , Winter Max 24.1 °C, Min 19.1 °C

Best Season: October to June. STD CODE : 08272

Transport : The nearest airport Mangalore (135 km) is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with major cities in India. The nearest railheads Mysore 120 km and Mangalore 135 km are well connected by rail with major cities and towns in India. Regular buses from Bangalore (264 km), Hassan (146 km), Mysore and Mangalore.

Best Season : October to June.

Transport : The nearest airport Mangalore is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with major cities in India. The nearest railheads Mysore 120 km and Mangalore 135 km are well connected by rail with major cities and towns in India. Regular buses from Bangalore(264 km), Hassan (146 km), Mysore and Mangalore.