asmi-the-wanderlust-blog

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Charismatic Coorg

It was a not-so-chilly morning, we started for Coorg or Kodagu. We started from Manipal (yeah, you got the name right, the university town in coastal Karnataka) at around 4 in the morning. It was still dark and the four of us embarked on our long-awaited trip.

We took our first break at Kalladka, about 33 km after Mangalore and sipped the famous Kalladka Tea or K.T (the image will explain why it’s famous).

P.C: Rakesh Anchan

The remarkable road runs through rubber plantations, hills with various shades of green, and are bordered with the Golden Shower or the Cassia fistula trees which are in full bloom during the month of March-April.

After taking small breaks on the way, we reached Coorg at 8.30 AM and had our breakfast in a small but cozy restaurant, Daisy's Little Hutt, just 2.6 km before Raja’s Seat.

Coorg is rightly called the “Scotland of India” as named by the British. The mountains, the swirling roads, the mists, the greenery, the flowers, the aroma of coffee and spices, everything together gives that spine-tingling sensation reminding you that you are now in COORG!

1. Raja’s Seat

We started our tour with the Raja’s Seat. Situated at the heart of Madikeri, the district headquarters, this place is famous for its sunset views and a beautifully curated garden. The place got its name from a platform that was constructed for the kings of Kodagu to enjoy the view. Today it is one of the must-visit destinations for the tourists visiting Madikeri. Although we visited the pace in the morning, it is best to visit in the evening followed by a musical fountain show and dinner at a nearby restaurant, Tiger Tiger that is famous for serving authentic Coorgi cuisine.

Few Quick facts:

Timings: 5:30 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 5/-

2. Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort is also known as Mercara Fort, founded by Mudduraja in the 17th century, now houses the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner’s Office. But it has its own architectural beauty and is still conserving the remnants within its walls. You can take a walk around the fort which houses a few buildings inside. The views from the fort wall were splendid. We also visited the church, which houses a museum with weapons from the Tipu Sultan and British Era.

Few Quick Facts

Entry and Camera Fee: Free

Parking: Ample parking space available and is free

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Monday)

3. Raja’s Tomb

Although the mercury was rising, our enthusiasm was up, and next, we headed towards the Gaddige or the Raja’s tomb.

This monument comes on the way to the very famous Abbey Falls and depicts the dying Indo- Saracenic architecture style. The tombstone preserves the mortal remains of the royal Kodavas.

The middle tomb, the largest amongst the three tombs, preserves the remains of Kodava king Doddaveerarajendra and his queen Mahadeviamma. The tomb built on the right of this, has the remains of Lingarajendra, father of Chikkaveerarajendra. The left one belongs to Rudrappa, the guru of Veerarajendra.

The place has a somber beauty and we really liked the minute architectural details.

Few Quick Facts

Entry and Camera Fee: Free

Parking: Parking space available but not subject to availability and is free

Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Open on all days)

4. Abbey Falls

Nestled amidst coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi falls is one more beautiful destination in Coorg. But I don't recommend visiting the falls from March-May as water is really less, and you might end up with disappointment. We drove till the entrance and then covered a short distance down on foot. The steps are nicely made and maintained with places to rest.

We saw a hanging bridge but it was broken, might be as a result of the recent landslides and heavy rain. But the falls, cascading down a height of 70 feet and forming a pool below, is surrounded with greenery and was truly a treat for the eyes. We could imagine what it would look like during or after the monsoon. Don’t forget to treat yourself with a cool sip of “Majjige” or buttermilk available near the entrance.

P.C: Saloni Sinha

Few Quick Facts

Entry Fee: Rs.15 per person

Parking: Parking space available but not subject to availability and is free

Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open on all days)

After visiting Abbey falls, we were starving and tired too. So, we started driving towards our homestay, Forest Flower, which was in Suntikoppa. On the way we had our lunch and headed towards the homestay, little did we know what was waiting for us there.

Our Homestay: Forest Flower

Once we reach the homestay, we were spellbound seeing the beauty of the place! We didn’t expect the place to be so much amidst nature. The homestay had few cottages, amongst which ours was a wooden cottage that looked simply out-of-the-world! It was inside a huge coffee estate with a creek just beside. The place was wrapped in greenery. We could smell coffee flowers (which are too fragrant) and could only hear birds chirping.

We had requested for a campfire in the evening along with lip-smacking veg and non-veg snacks. At around 9 PM, we literally dived in the scrumptious Coorgi dinner.

Next day early morning we woke and took a walk in the estate. That was actually “a walk to remember”, the cool breeze, the colorful birds, wildflowers, and the aroma of coffee flowers, overall it was an incredible experience. 

Coffee flower. P.C: Rakesh Anchan

Since we had to return that day, we skipped the breakfast at the homestay and started our journey towards Namdroling, the Tibetan monastery, after having cups of tea.

5. Namdroling Monastery

Also known as the Golden Temple, the monastery is, in fact, a marvelous destination that you must not miss if you are visiting Coorg. Situated in Bylakuppe, a tiny Tibetan colony that was established by the Government of Karnataka and given to Tibetan refugees who left their country and came to India.

As soon as we entered the place, we felt like we were somewhere in some other country! The interiors of the monastery are beautifully colored and decorated with Tibetan art and it is the largest preaching center of the oldest school of the four Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma tradition.

Don’t forget to taste the delicious momos and buy some Tibetan handicrafts as mementos from the stalls around.

Few Quick Facts

Entry Fee: Free

Parking: Ample parking space available, entry fee depends on the type of vehicle

Timing: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Open on all days)

6. Chiklihole Dam

On our way back we decided to visit a less-popular place (compared to Harangi Dam), Chiklihole Reservoir. On reaching the place, we were really proud of our decision as the beautiful waterbody was located in the middle of lush green reserve forest of Meenukolli.

The dam has a semi-circular pattern without any crest gates. We were really fascinated with the beauty and the serenity of the place. It is said that the place is best to watch sunsets. Please carry food and water if you want to spend a few hours as there are no shops or market in the vicinity of the dam.

Few Quick Facts

Entry Fee: Free

Parking: Ample parking space available

Timing: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open on all days)

And that was the wrap. We said goodbye to the Scotland of India and headed back towards Manipal. But will definitely love to visit it again sometimes after the monsoon, a few places like Mandalpatti and Dubare Elephant camp are yet to be visited.  

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Kudremukh - A Hidden Gem

Decked with lush green forests and meadows, Kudremukh is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats. Located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, Kudremukh is known for the Kudremukh National Park, a tropical wet evergreen forest. Kudremukh (in Kannada means Horse face) got its name from the shape of its unique peak. Monsoon adds more beauty and charm to the landscapes of Kudremukh but it's advisable to avoid trekking during the months of June-August since the rains are pretty heavy in this region.

I first visited the place during monsoons when the clouds came down to touch the valleys. The chilly gusts of winds, the various shades of green, and the somber mountains will definitely touch your soul if you are looking to soak up the beauty of the Western Ghats!

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Kodachadri Trek

Nestled deep in the Western Ghats in Shimoga district, Kodachadri is the tenth highest peak in Karnataka, India. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is well-known for its picturesque waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. It is located in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and forms an incredible backdrop to the Mookambika Temple.

One can trek 14 km to and fro to reach the peak or can hire a jeep to experience the off-road drive of 5 km from the base and then walk 2 km to the peak.

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Live before you run out of time

Somewhere near Chikmagalur. A small homestay away from all the hustle-bustles of life, overlooking the serene mountains and tea gardens. The homestay itself was situated amidst a beautiful coffee plantation. Ping me to know more.

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Some days you have to find your sunshine