Coorg, officially know as Kodagu is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka amidst the vast coffee plantations, it is called the “Scotland of East” and is located at about 270 km from Bangalore along the Western Ghats and is well known for its opulence and jaw dropping scenic beauty. Kodagu is the largest producer of coffee in India and is one of the places receiving highest rainfall in India. Madikeri is the headquarters of Kodagu District.
Lying serenely amidst high mountains, Coorg’s landscape stays misty throughout the year making it one of the most sought tourists destinations in Karnataka, hills covered in lush green forests with rich flora & fauna and a landscape dotted with coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves, this hill station has breathtakingly stunning scenic beauty.
We got a long weekend last year (Friday being a Holiday) and started by car early Friday morning from Bangalore reaching at our bnb home-stay at about 12 afternoon. We ordered lunch at the home-stay itself, freshen up and post lunch started for Abbey Waterfalls (about 9 km). Nestled amidst coffee plantations and spice estates, Abbey Falls, is the epitome of beauty. Kaveri river cascades down the rock giving it the form of the stunning falls. We spent about an hour there and got nearly drenched in the misty clouds and oozing water droplets from the falls.
Thereafter, we came to Madikeri market and strolled around buying some coffee powder and spices etc. Post dinner, retired in our rooms for a well deserved long sleep.
Next day morning, post breakfast, we started for Dubare Elephant Camp (about 40 km), the deciduous forests here are home to many wild animals (bears, sambhar, tigers, leopards, deers, wild dogs, Gaur etc) and birds besides regular sighting of Asiatic elephants. We spent about 3 hours here and then came to city for lunch.
Thereafter, we came to Raja’s seat, a seasonal garden of flowers and fountains which is really beautiful and picturesque. From here we came to Madikeri Fort and thereafter relaxed in our room after local Kodava cuisine dinner which was awesome.
Next day (Sunday) early morning, we proceeded to Omkareshwara temple, an old Shiva Temple of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, we offered prayers at the temple and then after breakfast checked out from our Home-Stay and proceeded to Namdroling Monastery (in Bylakuppe town, the second largest Tibetan Settlement in India after Dharamshala in HP) also known as Tibetan Golden Temple, it’s really wonderful with 3 large golden statues and colourful paintings depicting scenes from Tibetan Buddhist Mythology. This is the largest teaching centre of Nyingma Lineage of Tibetans Buddhism in South India. This place is sure to soak anyone in spiritual vibes. Thereafter, we strolled in the nearby market buying some Tibetan souvenirs, had lunch there in a local restaurant and proceeded back to Bangalore reaching home by 7 PM.
Overall a wonderful three days (including driving) welcome retreat from chaotic city life in the lap of serene nature.
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