Kodagu - Nature's Paradise

Kodagu, also known as coorg, is a small hill district of Karnataka, in the western ghats.The name Kodagu is derived from “kodimalenad" which means “dense forest land on steep hills".

Kodagu is a haven for the nature lover and the wildlife enthusiast. River kaveri, meandering along a 50-mile course through the district, presents some enchanting and bewitching spectacles for the human eye. Numerous waterfalls made by the descent of rivers and streams, evergreen forests teaming with wildlife and coffee, pepper, orange and cardamom plantations present charming and beautiful pictures.

Location: Kodagu is situated on the Karnataka-Kerala border. It is bound on the north by the Hassan, on the east by Mysore and on the west by Dakshina-kannada districts of Karnataka.

Approach: Kodagu can be reached only by road, as there is no railway or commercial air service that serves the area.

Climate: Kodagu enjoys a moderate climate. Winters are pleasantly cool (15-20 degree C) and summers only slightly hot (25-35 degree C). During monsoon the district receives heavy rainfall and in this season the weather is cool, humid and wet. The tourist season begins from October and continues upto early April.

Where to stay: The tourism Department runs a hotel called Mayura at Madikeri which offers a view of the hills and valleys apart from good food and accommodation. Hotel Rajadarshan situated just opposite Raja Seat and Hotel Coorg International with its silver oak dining hall are also worth mentioning.

Places of visit:
Madikeri: The district headquarters Madikeri is also known as Mercara. Madikeri is situated at an elevation of 3,800 ft above sea level. There is a 19th century fort and temple dedicated to lord Omkareshwara.
A judiciously chosen spot called Raja Seat gives a panoramic view of the valleys and hills and of spectacular sunsets. There is a park around Raja Seat with well maintained lawns and a variety of colourful flowers. A great attraction for children and adults alike is a toy train in the adjacent children's park.

Bhagmandala:
A holy place named after the sage Sri Bhaganda Maharishi, this is about 36 kms from Madikeri at the foot of Brahmagiri hills. Here the sangam of kaveri with kanike and invisible sujyoti is seen. The scenery between Bhagmandala and talakaveri is very much enchanting with some caves and a huge stone called Bhima Kallu.

Talakaveri:
River kaveri which is one of the seven sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu Scriptures originates at a place called Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Hills, at about 4500 ft above sea level. This place is marked by a Kundike from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring. There is a shrine near the Kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees bathe before offering prayers.

There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple with a rare and ancient Shiva linga, and another temple dedicated to lord ganesha.From talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagiri peak, where the 7 great sages called Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. From the Peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri Hills.

Iruppu falls:
There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu. River Lakshmana – Tirtha flows. Nearby The River descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Fruppu Falls.
There is a temple dedicated to Sri Ram, sorrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls, through a natural forest.

Abbey Falls:
A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8km from Madikeri. Even during summer there is plenty of water in these falls.

Kaveri Nisarga Dham:
A nature resort, 2km from Kushalnagar.The approach to this 25 hectare island is by an overhanging bridge which gently sways over the beautiful gushing waters of the kaveri.
Nisarga Dham, as the name indicates, is a sample of the forest vegetation of the western ghats.Prized teak and rosewood trees, fragrant sandalwood, bamboo groves, natural ferns and orchids are to be seen here.

Dubare:
This is mainly an elephant- capturing and training camp of the forest department, at the edge of the dubare forest, on the bank of the river kaveri, on the kushanagar- Siddapur road.

Angling spot:
A few kilometers beyond Dubare, towards Siddapur, is an enchanting stretch of the river which abounds in mahseer and has been specially developed for the angler by the coorg wildlife society. Here the Kaveri is quite deep and has dense green tree- cover along its banks.
Nagarhole National Park:
The place derives its name from the winding river Nagarhole meaning “snake- river"- which flows through the park. The 640 sq km of gently undulating terrain at the foothills of Brahmagiri Hills is covered with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams. The park has a rich diversity of plant and animal life.

Trekking:
Kodagu is a hill district and many hills are suitable for trekking but the most famous is the trek to Tadiyendamolu, the tallest peak in Kodagu. From the top the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distance.

Research centers:
When you are in Kodagu do not forget to visit the Cardamom Research Station on the Madikeri-Bhagmandala Road and the Horticulture research Station, near Chettalli, on the Madikeri- Siddapur road.

Kodagu is a nature's paradise. We hope that all the tourists who go there will join the effort and keep Kodagu clean and beautiful.