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navs-stuff · 5 years ago

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Coorg: The mesmerizing city situated on the slopes of the western ghats of karnataka has become one of the most visited tourist destination in the state. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg offers tourists with dense forests covered with dew of a early morning which mist has left behind as a tell-tale sign of her presence, coffee plantations on steep slopes, flowing Cauvery River from a distant place and their waterfalls refreshing the breeze and nurturing the flora and fauna and many such vivid sceneries of nature. Coorg is in true sense is an epitome of scandalising natural beauty. Coorg is also known as kogadu by its locals but the former is widely used.

My trip to Coorg:

I went to coorg twice and both the times it made me spellbounded by its etheral beauty. My first trip to Coorg was a girls road trip and seriously nothing can be as fun as only girls trip. The distance from Bangalore to Coorg is approx 271Km so it took around 7hrs for us to reach our destination. While heading towards coorg you will cross Mysore which itself is a beautiful place to explore(i will create a seperate blog on this). The best part of roadtrip is that you can stop at any point and enjoy the delights of nature on the route.

So there are basically three routes to choose from while going to Coorg: Kushalnahar route, Channarayapatna Route and the Nagarhole Route. We took the Kushalnagar route where we pass through Ramanagara, Madya, Kushalnagar and Madikeri. For the one who loves to see forest and wildlife can take Nagarhole route where you can visit places like Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve and the Nisargadhama Forest.

So we came across places like Bhagamandala Temple, Talacauvery Abbi Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp and the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery while going by kushalnagar road.

Most of the tourists places can be easily covered on its way to Coorg.

On reaching the city, we went to our homestay that we booked through a travel agency. In Coorg one should always opt for homestays rather than going for lavish hotels.

Next day we went medikeri market and purchased the city's famous coffee, homemade wines and chocolates. After that we explored places like

Abbey Falls:

Abbey falls is one of the most famous tourist spot in Coorg. It is located 10km away from the city of Medikeri. Abbey waterfall is located in between the coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates. A hanging cross bridge is also constructed just opposite the falls with entry prohibited. Best thing about Abbey falls is that it makes the surrounding climate so pleasant.

Talacauvery: Talacauvery is know the be the birth place of river Cauvery in Karnataka and is at a distance of 43km from the medikeri. Its a peaceful place with serene nature and cloudy weather there which makes the place look more heavenly. Talacauvery also have shrines of Lord Agastheeshwara and Lord Vinayaka.

Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery): Namdroling Monastery is my second most favourite place in coorg with the Tibetian Buddhism culture. This place is also known as the world's largest center for the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Once you visit this place you will get to see both the monks and nuns of Buddhist monastic community performing their practices and teachings in the monastery. Inside the monastery there are stores from where you can buy tibetan souvenirs for your friends and family.

Raja's Seat: Raja's Seat was one of the most favourite place for the kings of Kogadu. At the time of Kogadu reign, this place was visied by kings too watch the sunsets and spend their time with their Queens. Raja's seat is a small square area surrounded by four arched pillars and the greenery. It is all covered with the trees, flowers and fountains making the place drop-dead gorgeous.

Omkareshwara Temple: Omkareshwara Temple is a Lord Shiva shrine that was built by Linga Rajendra II in 1820. Architecture of this temple is of Muhammadan style having four turrets at the edges covering the central dome. If you meet the local people of that place you will get to know the story behind the Omkareshwara Temple, how this temple was built and mystery behind its construction. History of this place is also inscribed on copper plate at the enrance door of the temple.

Madikeri Fort: Medikeri fort was the last spot of our trip, it was at a distance of 1km from the city's bus station. This fort was built in the 17th century by the king of Coorg at that time, Muddu Raja, afterwards this fort was acquired by Tipu Sultan. Before coming in the hands of British Empire, the fort was conquered by Hindu king Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. When you visit the fort you can easily feel the remains of British culture, most prominent is the presence of Church inside the fort. Medikeri fort adds a vintage touch to the city.

Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp is a forest camp located across the river Cauvery and it is approx 35Km from the town of Medikeri. If you are an animal lover and especially you are fond of elephants this place is a must for you. The camp is home for ~25 elephants of all the ages. To go inside the forest one has to take boat ride which will charge you INR 30 per person and also you will have to pay the entry charge of INR 20 at the camp's gate. Here you will get to see elephants being bathed by Mahouts and you can even join them doing so. Elephants are also trained for Mysore Dussehra here. It was a fun place to go, and you will create memorable moments there. Best season to go to this place is monsoon that starts from July to September.

Mandalpatti: Coming to my favourite place in Coorg, Mandalpatti which is situated approx 18Km from the city makes Coorg the scotland of India. It is a hilltop at the height of around 4050 feet and is a part of Pushpagiri reserve forest. So to reach the hill top and experience the mesmerising view you will need to book a jeep that will cost you INR 2000 for full ride. If anyone wants to go to the hill top by their own car, Just want to let you know you will not be allowed to ride for the last 3Kms as the restriction is put by Mandalpatti forest department. So there will be a parking spot near the checkpoint where you can park your vehicle and go ahead by trekking spirit else you can also find Jeeps to take you further. On reaching the top of the hill you can see the paranomic view of the city, the scenery with clouds and hills all around you

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