In the year 1956, the Coorg was declared a district and was merged with the state of Karnataka. The hill station has various attractions to lure the attention of travellers from across the world. Coorg travel guide comprises of all the required information about the region. Coorg travel guide can also guide you to find some other interesting places around. Activities include shopping as well as sightseeing in this beautiful region. This region is well known around the world for its coffee and spice plantations. Kodagu is also known for its forest honey.
Tourist Attractions in Coorg
Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India’s most scenic locations. The view from Raja’s Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja’s Seat.
Omkareshwara Temple
The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and the spirit of the priest began tormenting the Raja. On the advice of his Dewan, Ponnappa, the Raja built the temple to appease the Brahmin’s spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance.
Abbi Water Falls Coorg
Coorg’s most popular waterfall is a 5 km drive from the main town.
Gaddige
Gaddige, Rajas’ tombs or the tombs of Dodda Virarjendra & Lingarajendra II is a significant historical monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu, the Commander-In-Chief of the 18th Century Coorg Army who defeated the Mysorean Army. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings.
Talacauvery & Bhagamandala
Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.
Madikeri
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg and has several interesting tourist spots. Some of the prominent tourist spots include the Fort, the former Palace, Omkareshwara Temple, the Gaddige (Rajas' tombs) and the Raja Seat. The town, situated at an elevation of 1525 meters, is located on a plateau on the Western Ghats. Madikeri was founded in 1681by Muddu Raja, a prince of the Haleri dynasty and was named Muddu Rajakeri which later became Madikeri. The British who ruled over Madikeri, called it Mercara. Now, the original name of Madikeri has been restored.
Madikeri Fort: The fort is atop an elevated ground, crowning Madikeri with its imposing structure. The original mud fort was rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. Two life-size elephants made of mortar, catch the eye of the visitor on entering the Fort. In the inner Fort, a temple of Virabhadra was removed by the British in 1855 and in its place built an Anglican Church. The Church, in Gothic style, with colour stained glasses has now been converted into a museum. The museum, run by the state archaeology department, is a repository of many antiques of Coorg. Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, who settled down in the town after his retirement, has donated the various awards and gifts bestowed on him. The other buildings inside the fort include the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison.
Madikeri Palace: The Palace of the erstwhile kings located inside the Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner. The brick and mortar Palace was built in 1814 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. The two-storied lofty and spacious structure is 110 feet long. The British renovated the structure twice and in 1933, a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner's car were added.
Omkareshwara Temple: The Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820 in the Mumammadan style of architecture with a dome in the center and four turrets at four corners. Legend has it that the King put to death a pious Brahmin unjustly and in order to appease the spirit of the Brahmin, the temple was built. The temple is akin to a Muslim dargah with a Linga installed near the entrance door. The King inscribed the history of the temple in a copper plate which is fixed at the entrance door frame. There is a water tank in front of the temple and in the middle of the tank there is a "mantapam" connected by a causeway. There are plenty of fish in the tank which is an attraction for children.
Barasingha Deers at Nisargadhama Deer Park
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children’s park and orchidarium in the resort.
Namdroling Monastery Byle Kuppe
Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans.
Dubare Reserve Forest & Elephant Camp
This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalnagar famous for its elephant training camp. You can also go for rides on the Gentle Gaints. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery.
Best Season in Coorg
Coorg enjoys moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year and has naturally magnificent scenic surroundings.
Summer Season in Coorg
The summer season in this magnificent hill station begins in the month of March and lasts till May. Though, during summers the temperature is a little on the warmer side but the maximum temperature does remains under 34°C.
Monsoon Season in Coorg
The region welcomes the monsoon season in the months from June to September. Heavy rainfall occurs during this season especially in the month of June. To embrace the magic of rain and fragrance of the hill station, a number of visitors from different parts of the world love to visit Coorg.
Winter Season in Coorg
Winter begins in Coorg in December and lasts till February. The minimum temperature of this beautiful hill station remains above of 13°C. The climate remains quite cool and pleasant. This season also attracts a good number of tourists. This is the best time to visit Coorg and enjoy a memorable vacation here.
Best Time to Travel to Coorg
Coorg is a hill station that is situated more than 1,500 meters above sea level where the maximum summer temperatures do not exceed 95°F and the minimum temperature during winters do not drop below 48°F. The best time to visit Coorg is between September and March. This is the perfect season because the monsoons are over and one can truly make the most of the cool and pleasant climate. Situated in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains in Karnataka, Coorg as a hill station experiences moderate climate all year round thereby making it a popular destination with all kinds of travelers.
Although Coorg may be a popular year round destination, it is still advisable to avoid Coorg during the Monsoon season that is June, July and August. During these three months Coorg can experience extremely heavy rainfall that leaves the weather a bit humid, wet as well as cool. One of the best times to experience the splendor of the majestic waterfalls is in the month of September.
In the months of April and May, one will find Coorg filled with the aroma of coffee blossoms and the coffee plantations are undoubtedly quite a fascinating sight. The abundant tropical greenery combined with the natural green carpet of coffee plantations creates an atmosphere that exudes serenity and calmness that is unknown to city dwellers. The scenic splendor of Coorg is further accentuated from September to March, when the weather is simply perfect to enjoy its myriad attractions.
Although the perfect season to visit Coorg is undoubtedly these months, this is definitely the peak season and the tariffs can be quite high. Hence, many avoid traveling during this time because the tariffs are usually high and booking also has to be made in advance. The climate of Coorg may change from season to season but one fact remains a constant throughout the year and that is this beautiful hill station is truly a wonderful holiday destination.
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