Coorg’s Places

Madikeri

Madikeri is the capital city in Coorg or Kodagu.  This city was established by the king Muddu Raja of Haleri Dynasty in 1681.  Madikeri is the name derived from “Muddu Rajakeri”.  This small town in the lap of hills is always seemed cloudy or misty. There is no wonder in calling this place as “the Scotland of the East.”

Talakauveri

Talakauveri in the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala in Coorg is generally considered as the place from where the sacred Kauveri River originates. Only in rainy season there is a flow from Talakauveri to the main river course can be seen. A tank or kundike, erected on the hillside near a temple is always visible and pilgrims take a bathe on this holy water on special days.

Tibetan Gold Temple

This is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India and is situated Bylakoppa, 6 kms away from Kushalnagar.  There are three gold coated idols of Budha, Padmasambhava and Amitayush with a height of 40 feet in this temple.  Namdrolling Monastery one of the famoust Budha vihar is situated in this temple.

Nagarhole

Nagarhole National Park also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ is located 94 km from Mysore and covers an area of 575 square kms of Kodagu and Mysore districts.  It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was nationalized in 1974.  This park is blessed with green forests, shallow streams, beautiful valleys and bewildering waterfalls. It also provides an opportunity to view the wild animals like elephant, deer, tiger, cheetah, jackal, etc. in their own living environment. The reptiles like marsh crocodile, monitor lizard and rock python are inhabitants of this park.

Nisargadhama

Nisargadhama is a beautiful biological park near Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu in Karnataka. The distance between Nisargadhama and Madikeri is 30 Kms and from Mysore it is 95 Kms. It is one of the finest and lovely holiday destinations in Karnataka. The importance of Nisargadhama lies in the fact that it is the place where Cauvery splits forming an island of thick bamboo groves, sandal trees and teak trees. There is a hanging bridge made of rope that connects the main land with this beautiful island covered by Cauvery. Those who are interested in boating have never been disappointed here. But they are allowed only to get into the river at places where water is shallow and having no dangers. Every safety measures have taken here. You can watch peacocks, rabbits, deer and an orchidarium. A playground for the children makes them happy. And those who love to travel on elephants will be happy here for there are elephant rides awaiting them. Those who wish to stay at tree tops also get bamboo cottages for their shelter. A guest house run by the forest department is also available for the stay here. Those who love the nature and be with nature never miss this place, ‘cause there lies the peace and serenity of the nature, simply the

Dubare

Dubare is a natural island with an exquisite atmosphere. This beautiful place offers a wonderful experience of boating and fishing. Dubare is situated on the banks of Cauvery, 18 kms away from Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu or Coorg in Karnataka. Dubare covers a land area of 11 acres. The main attraction of this place is the elephant camp and covers a land area of 11 acres. The Karnataka Forest Department has more than one hundred and fifty elephants in various camps. Dubare is the most prominent camp among them due to its historical importance. The Elephants for the famous Mysore Dussehra were trained at Dubare elephant camp. At present, after logging operations have ceased, the elephants have been practically retired except for giving some rides to tourists. Alongwith the elephant training camp, Harangi Dam, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomi are the other main attractions of the forest area. Another interesting thing is that the Nagarhole National Park is in close proximity to Dubara. Every morning and evening there are tours conducted by the Forest Department. If you are much more adventurous, trekking is the best way to explore and discover Dubara. The trekking trail leads you through wilderness, forests, hillocks, river banks. The well-known trekking routes are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where the trekking trail leads you to the magnificent Irrupa Falls. Dubare offers various trekking opportunities alongwith river rafting if you have high spirits in performing adventures. It is your free will to select any one of the rafting options, 8.5 kms or 12.5 kms. The sight of beautiful backwaters with the small islands here and there makes you an admirer of nature. The place is so serene that there is no wonder why nature lovers always prefer Dubare as their own destination.