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Abbey Falls
(9km) |
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| Tucked away between private coffee and
spice estates, Abbey Falls offers a splendid backdrop for
picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes
and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make
a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way
down steps into limpid pools to join the river Cauvery.
These falls are most impressive during the monsoons. |
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Iruppu Falls (85km)
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| Nestling beside the Rajiv Gandhi National
Park (Nagarhole) and 48km from Virajpet, Iruppu Falls presents
a stunning sight during the monsoon. From its humble origins
in the Brahmagiri Range, the falls plunge down 170ft. in
two distinct stages. The never-ending music of the falls
and the hush of the surrounding densely-wooded forest make
this a great picnic spot. The Rameshwara Temple, located
close to the Lakshmana Theertha river, attracts a large
number of pilgrims during the Shivaratri festival. A forest
trail leads from these falls to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern
Kodagu. |
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| Cauvery Nisargadhama (25km) |
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| It is a breathtakingly beautiful riverine
island carved by the Cauvery river in the plains, 2km from
Kushalnagar. It can be accessed by travelling over a hanging
bridge. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo
groves, teak and rose wood. The sprawling 64-acre nature
resort has a deer park, orchidariumand elephant and boat
rides, etc.You can also picnic on the sandy beds of the
river bank. |
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Talacauvery (44km)
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| Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri
hills is the source of Cauvery river, with the Talacauvery
Temple built around it. On Tulasankramana day (October 17th)
thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to
witness the miraculous rise of the fountainhead, when water
gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. Steps
lead from the spring to the summit of the hill, commanding
superb views en route. |
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Bhagamandala (36km)
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| This is the confluence of three rivers:
Cauvery, Kanika, and Sujyothi. Among many small shrines
dedicated to various gods, the Bhagandeshwara temple, standing
in a large courtyard surrounded by Kerala- style temples
is the most impressive. Bhagamandala is known for its apiaries
and Kodagu honey. |
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| Virajpet (32km) |
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| Virajper is a small town, which is reputed
to be the largest producer of honey in Asia. Iruppu Falls
is 48km from here on the Nagarhole road. Close to the Lakshmana
Theertha river, the Sri Rameshwara Temple, believed to have
been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself, is a
place of pilgrimage. It is a favourite haunt of picnickers
and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival. |
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| Rajiv Gandhi National Park |
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| Explore the environs of Nagarhole, Kannada
for 'Snake River.' The Rajiv Gandhi National Park derives
its name from the winding course of the river that flows
throughthe forests. Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance
of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop
of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural
sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers,
and the twittering of the birds make Nagarhole a memorable
experience. |
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| Dubare Forest |
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15km from Kushalnagar. The reserve forest
is famed for its amazing variety of avian fauna, an elephant
training camp and angling possibilities on the Cauvery.
Contact the Forestry Office in Madikeri.
Tel: 08272-225708 |
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| Harangi Dam (38km) |
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| Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is
a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday. |
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| Tadiyendamol |
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| For those who have a head for heights,
Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, is a paradise.
On a clear day you can view the distant Arabian Sea and
the enchanting beauty of the whole of Kodagu from here.
Situated in the heart of the Tadiyendamol range, in the
village of Yavakapadi, Naalkunaadu Palace was constructed
by Dodda Raja Veerendra, the king of Kodagu, in 1792. The
palace, with its 12 magnificent pillars and walls adorned
with beautiful carvings, tell many a tale of yore. It is
now being used as a camping site for trekkers. Kakkabe,
a small town 35km from Madikere, gives access to the highest
peak in Kodagu. Nearby Padi Iggutappa is the most important
temple in Kodagu. |
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| Golf Courses |
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| Two of the best golf courses in Kodagu
can be found at Pollibetta and Madikeri. Madikeri has a
smooth 9-hole golf course spread amidst quiet and pastoral
surroundings. Polibetta in South Kodagu also has a 9-hole
golf course. |
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Valnur Fishing Camp
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| Located near Kushalnagar on the banks
of the river Cauvery is the Valnur Fishing Camp, where avid
fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling
for mahseer. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Coorg
Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a haven for birdwatchers,
with innumerable avian species to be spotted and identified. |
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| Trekking |
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| The Kodagu region is full of trekking
trails. The best season to trek is from October to the beginning
of February. Simply follow the mountain trails dotted with
little shrines - some beside waterfalls, and others on the
banks of rivers. The other well-trodden trekking trails
in Kodagu are in the Brahmagiri ranges of South Kodagu,
where a forest trail leads from Iruppu Falls to the Brahmagiri
peak. Another interesting trail leads to Pushpagiri (1712m),
Kodagu's second highest peak, which can be climbed via the
village of Heggademane to the north of Madikeri. |
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