Coorg - The Scotland of India along the western ghats

Coorg – The Scotland of India

By Kishen Prasad India, South India travel to India 0 Comments

Coorg is a popular hill station in the southern state of Karnataka. This place is famous for its coffee and coffee plantations. Coorg accounts for 40% of the country’s coffee produce. Called as the ‘Scotland of India’, this place has a little bit of everything. This includes lush green landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, flora and fauna. Based on inscriptions, this place was under the rule of many southern dynasties.

Popular attractions in Coorg:

Following are some of the popular attractions one must cover when visiting Coorg

Madikeri:

Madikeri is the capital of Coorg. Located at a height of around 1500 meters, this city is a popular destination amongst tourists. Covered separately below are the many attractions in Coorg…

Madikeri Fort:

Mudduraja constructed this fort in the 17th century. Tipu Sultan also known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ captured and fortified the fort later. The British then went onto to make structural and design changes. There is a palace that exists inside the fort. The elevated structures of the fort provide panoramic views of the town.

One cannot miss the 2 life sized elephants made up of mortar at the entrance of the fort. Not to miss is the stone turtle inside the palace. Currently the Madikeri fort houses the office of Madikeri’s Deputy Commissioner.

Raja’s Seat:

Raja’s Seat means ‘Seat of the Kings’. The scenic view of the surrounding enticed the Kings of Coorg to visit this place. Hence the name Raja’s seat. Raja’s seat has a lovely garden of seasonal flowers with musical fountains that turn on around 7 pm. Best visited during sunrise and sunset, this point offers absolutely breathtaking views.

Raja’s Tomb:

Not far away from Raja’s Seat is Raja’s tomb. This complex sports three structures. Built in 1820, this monument sports an Indo-Sarcenic style. They sport an Islamic architecture with domes in the center and turrets at the angles. The tombs of Kodava kings and their family (King Veera Rajendra, wife and brother) are located here. The tombs of Tipu Sultan’s royal officers who died fighting for him are also located here. Installed within the tomb is a Shiva linga which symbolizes Lord Shiva.

Abbey Falls:

Located around 10 kms from Raja’s Seat and Tomb is one of the most popular attractions of Coorg – Abbey Falls. The walk to the falls from the main entrance is around 200 steps and downwards. The walk takes you through exotic coffee, cardamom, pepper and other spice plantations. This is a perfect location to take pictures however one cannot refresh themselves here.

Omkareshwar Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, King Lingaraja II built this temple in 1820. As per belief, the Shiva linga installed here comes from the holy city Kashi. Built in Islamic style this temple has a dome in the center and four turrets at the corners. There is a copper plate inscription by the King mentioning the history of the temple.

Dubare Elephant Camp:

The Dubare Elephant Camp is a perfect place to get to know the pachyderms. Based on the time of arrival, one can get a chance to interact with the elephant, give it a scrub-bath or witness the grooming. Likewise learn how the elephants are fed and their food prepared. The Mahouts demonstrate how the elephants follow their commands. One should watch out for elephants which spray water.

Bylakuppe:

Bylakuppe came into existence as a refugee camp after China started occupying their region in 1959. An estimated 70,000 Tibetans live in Bylakuppe! This place is the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet after Dharmashala. Namdroling Monastery is famous for the three copper and gold plated statues of Buddha located in the Golden Temple. This monastery is popular with local Tibetans who attend rituals ceremonies.

Bhagamandala:

This place is where the three rivers ‘Cauvery, Sujyothi and Kanika’ meet. There ware many shrines around this place. The most prominent one being that of Bhagandeshwara with Lord Shiva as its deity. Initially built by the Cholas a thousand years back, the Wodeyars renovate it in the 18th century. Bhagamandala is also famous for its honey and its worth carrying some home!

Talacauvery:

Located at the foothills of Brahmagiri Hills is Talcauvery – the birthplace of river Cauvery. Thousands of pilgrims flock this place on the auspicious day of Tulasankramana to witness water gushing from the spring at a predetermined time. Steps from here takes one to the peak of Brahmagiri Hills which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding.

Best time to visit Coorg

The best time to visit Coorg is between the months of October to March.

How to reach Coorg ?

By Air:

Mangalore which is 135 kms away is the nearest airport from Coorg. One can hire a private vehicle and cover Coorg.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore which is 120 kms away. One can hire a private vehicle and cover Coorg.

By Road:

Coorg has got roadways from all the major cities of Karnataka.

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