Kodagu

Nestled on the slopes of the Western Ghats, Coorg (also called Kodagu) woos you with its undulating hills, lush green forests and a spectacular landscape dotted with coffee plantations and orange groves. Coorg is the land of coffee, cardamom, colonels, and the Cauvery. Aptly dubbed as ‘the Scotland of India’, Coorg offers a spellbinding visual treat with its cloud-capped peaks, chirpy birds and sparkling streams, not to mention the unique, mouth-watering flavours of Kodagu cuisine.

Coorg is the land of coffee and spices. The steep hillsides, with natural forest cover, are ideal for growing coffee. In fact, the district produces nearly 30% of India’s coffee. The British left behind a legacy of coffee plantations, which remain the main source of the area’s revenue today. One of the largest producers of honey in Asia, Kodagu is also renowned for its pepper and cardamom, producing large quantities of both for domestic use as well as export. Yet another produce grown in abundant quantities is the Coorg orange, making it a land that suffuses sweetness with spiciness, even as the heady aroma of coffee wafts through the air. It also has highest density of sacred groves in the world

Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Kodagu district and is located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats. Here, time seems to have stopped. Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings and a bustling bazaar, the town, situated at an elevation of 1525m, has a charming old-world look.

Experience Coorg and discover nature at its best!

The unique culture of the Kodavas

The Kodavas, a warrior race that calls Coorg their home, have given the region a distinct culture. A community that worships weapons and reveres ancestors, the Kodava traditions are unique; be it their dialect (the Kodava Thak), the festivals they celebrate, unique style of dressing, cuisine or weddings.

For further information, visit the official district website click here!

Fast Facts

When to go:
The ideal time to visit would be between October and May. Between mid-December and June would also be a good time to visit when a series of annual festivals take place. The first festival in Coorg is kick-started by Kundath Bott in Kunda Village (after Tula Sankramana around October 17/18th) and the last festival takes place at Barana Namme in Kandangala Village. The post-monsoon months are quite rewarding for birdwatchers.

Forest Office/Tourism offices:

Office of the Assistant Director
Department of Tourism
Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Kodagu
Tel: +91-8272-228580
Cell: +91-9844535509

KSTDC Information Office
Hotel Mayura Valley View
Near Raja’s Seat, Stuart Hill,
Madikeri, Kodagu
Cell: +91-8970650028

KSTDC Hotel Mayura Talakavery
Virajpet-Talakavery Road,
Bhagmandala, Kodagu
Tel: +91-8272-243143
Cell: +91-8970650033

Website: kstdc.co

Quick Links

Abbey Falls

Tadiandamol

Golden Temple

Districts

Adventure/Activities

Tadiandamol (45 km): The highest peak in the Coorg region - Scotland of India, and the second highest in Karnataka, Tadiyendamol is a trekker’s paradise. Located at an elevation of 1,748 m, the gentle slopes and grassy terrain lures you with their scenic charm and serene ambience. A major attraction here is the Padi Igguthappa Temple. Igguthappa is the main deity of the native Kodavas and here the deity is worshipped as the ‘Giver of Grain’.
Nishani Betta Trek: Nishani Betta is a beautiful peak near Talakaveri. Trek to this peak gives an amazing 360 degree view of the Brahmagiri hill range.
Hike up the hill behind Talakaveri: Climb 400+ steps up the Brahmagiri hill from Talakaveri temple for a panoramic view of evergreen forests. During monsoon months/early morning hours, white mist and clouds will engulf the hill and offer a pleasant atmosphere and view.
Kunda Betta trek/sunset view: Popular trekking destination 50 km from Madikeri, Kunda Betta offers amazing sunset views.
Rafting in Dubare: Water Rafting is a popular adventure sports to try in Dubare.

Nature & Wildlife

Cauvery Nisargadhama (30 km): A breathtakingly picturesque riverine island carved by the Cauvery river, Nisargadhama is located 2 km from Kushal Nagar and can be accessed by travelling over a hanging bridge. The sprawling 64 acre island – developed into an eco-park – attracts visitors with its rich scenic beauty. You have plenty of things to see and do here; visit the deer park and orchidarium, go for a boat ride etc..
Dubare Elephant Camp (30 km): If you are an elephant lover, Dubare Elephant Camp is simply the right place for you. Nestled between the Cauvery and the reserve forests, the Dubare Elephant Camp - once the training camp of the Mysore Dasara elephants - is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts as well as travelers. A unique eco-tourism destination founded by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, the Camp aims to protect and conserve these gentle pachyderms. Observe the elephants in action, learn about their habits and take part in various activities of the Camp such as feeding and bathing the elephants. A trained naturalist is at hand to explain the different aspects of elephant history, ecology and biology.
Nagarahole - Rajiv Gandhi National Park (90 km) Located between the Mysuru plateau in Karnataka and the Nilgiri mountains of Tamil Nadu, Nagarahole is a 643 sq km. sanctuary that hosts an abundant variety of wildlife. A prominent hub of conservation under Project Tiger and Project Elephant, the sanctuary is home to the largest herd of Asiatic elephants and numerous species of birds, flora and fauna, including large predators like tigers, leopards and black panther, reptiles, gaur, deer, bears and other smaller animals. Take a jeep or boat safari, and gear up for an encounter with the wild. The state-run Jungle Lodges & Resorts operates the Kabini River Lodge, located at the edge of the park, which is rated as one of the finest wildlife resorts in the country.
Abbey Falls (9km): 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 in steps to join the River Cauvery. These falls are most impressive during the monsoon.
Iruppu Falls (85km): Surrounded by lush greenery, the Iruppu Falls is at its splendid best during the monsoons. Originating in the lofty Brahmagiri peaks, the magnificent falls plunge 170 ft in two different phases. Another major attraction is the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple, that draws a throng of devotees every year during the Shivaratri festival.
Harangi Dam (38km): Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday. Harangi Dam was the first dam to be built across river Cauvery. Harangi dam is a popular picnic area, particularly during post monsoon season.
Chelavara Falls: Chelavara is a wide and milky waterfall in Kodagu district. Chelavara Falls is a serene waterfall created by a tributary of river Kaveri, with a 150 ft drop over a rock said to resemble the shape of a tortoise. Chelavara Falls is located in Cheyyandane village, off Talakaveri-Virajapete road, State Highway 90.

Religious Places

Omkareshwara Temple: Just a stone’s throw away from the Madikeri Fort is the Omkareshwara Temple, built in 1820 and featuring a blend of red tile-roofed Kerala architecture and Islamic-style domes. The Linga of this Shiva Temple is believed to have been brought from Kashi. A large temple tank with a mantap in it enhances the visual appeal of Omkareshwara Temple.
Bhagamandala (36km): Situated on the foothills of Talacauvery, Bhagamandala is the meeting point of the three sacred rivers; the Cauvery, Kannike and the subterranean Sujyoti. An important pilgrimage centre that draws thousands of devotees every year, Bhagamandala has three temples dedicated to Bhagandeshwara, Brahma with Subramanya and Mahavishnu. It is customary for devotees to take a dip and worship here before journeying to Talacauvery. The spot also offers a splendid panoramic view of the Brahmagiri Peak.
Talacauvery (45 km): Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri hills is the source of the Cauvery River, with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. Talacauvery literally means the ‘Head of the Cauvery’ and is believed to be the birthplace of River Cauvery. Here, the river originates as a small spring. Here, on the slope of the Brahmagiri Hill, the river emerges as a small spring. A ‘Kundike’ or rectangular pond and a small shrine mark this holy spot. In mid-October, on Tula Sankramana day; the spring miraculously wells up and the water gushes over. According to legends, this is the time when Goddess Ganga visits her sister Goddess Cauvery. Thousands of devotees from across the country throng the place to take a dip in the waters on this auspicious day.
Bylekuppe (40 km): One of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India, it is known for its monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories, and incense factory. The landscape is dotted with several monasteries; the main ones amongst these are the Great Gompa of Sera Jey and Sera Mey. The Mahayana Buddhist University is located here. It also has an enormous prayer hall. The other important monastery in the neighbouring settlement of Bylekuppe is Tashi Lhumpo, renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Others

Golf Courses: The region has two of the finest and scenic golf courses in the country nestled in the hills. One is located at Madikeri (Mercara Downs) and the other at Polibetta.

Tourist Attractions

Madikeri : A quaint hill town with sprawling coffee plantations, lush forests and mist-laden hills,Madikeri epitomizes Coorg’s bounteous natural charm as well as the rich history of the region. The capital from which Kodagu kings ruled, Madikeri is known for its majestic Fort, renovated and strengthened by various kings, including Tipu Sultan, before becoming a British bastion. Other major attractions include a museum highlighting Kodava history, Rajas’ Seat which offers a breathtaking view of the sun setting on the distant hills, the Omkareshwar Temple and the Gaddige, the royal tombs with ornate domes, minarets. By the way, do not miss the 18-hole golf course, yet another highlight of this beautiful town.
Virajpet (36 km) :Virajpet, the second biggest town in Coorg, is acclaimed as the largest producer of honey in Asia. The Sri Rameshwara Temple, located here, is believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself. A prominent pilgrim destination, Virajpet is a favourite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival. Virajpet taluk has the highest concentration of sacred groves/ temple forests (Devarakadu).
Bylekuppe (40 km): One of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India, it is known for its monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories, and incense factory. The landscape is dotted with several monasteries; the main ones amongst these are the Great Gompa of Sera Jey and Sera Mey. The Mahayana Buddhist University is located here. It also has an enormous prayer hall. The other important monastery in the neighbouring settlement of Bylekuppe is Tashi Lhumpo, renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Art & Festivals

Huthri Festival: The harvest festival of the native Kodavas, it literally means "new rice crop" and is celebrated during the harvest season (November-December). The ceremonious cutting of the new paddy crop is accompanied by the chants of "poli, poli deva" which means "O God, give us bountiful harvest".
Kodava Hockey Festival: The Kodava's craze for hockey is legendary with many people from the community representing the country. And this love for hockey is celebrated by the natives with an annual hockey festival. The Coorg hockey tournament is one of the largest field hockey tournaments in the world. It’s a platform where the different Kodava families get together and play against each other. It also encourages the participation of woman and senior members in its teams. This hockey tournament has also found a mention in the ‘Limca Book of Records’ for highest number of team participation.

Heritage Sites

Madikeri Fort: The Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts now houses a temple, a chapel, a small museum, a prison and assorted government offices. It was originally built as a mud fort by the Haleri Kings. Later, it was demolished and rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. In 1834, the British seized the fort and also had it renovated.
Raja’s Seat: The Raja’s Seat is perched atop a hill. This is where the kings of yore spent many pleasant evenings watching the golden sunset. This vantage point offers a spectacular view of the distant mountain ranges. Another attraction here is the Baba Saheb Express, which is a toy train.
Raja’s Tomb – Gaddige: Also visit the tombs of Veerarajendra, his wife and their son Lingaraja, which are oddly Islamic in architecture with its domes and minarets embellished in trellis work. However, the entrance to each tomb has carvings of Hindu deities.
Nalkunadu Palace (41 km) Nalkunadu Palace, the summer home of the Kodagu kings, is situated in Tadiyendamol, Coorg’s highest point. With its interiors replete with ornately carved pillars and friezes, the 200-year-old palace is an architectural gem. Yet another attraction is the sculpted pavilion, which has four bull sculptures facing the cardinal directions. The Nalknad Palace, also called Naalnaad Aremane, was used by King Veerarajendra as a base to carry out operations against Tipu Sultan after Madikeri, the Kodagu capital, was captured.

Tour Location

Travelling by road is the easiest option to reach Madikeri as it doesn’t have a railway station. There is good bus connectivity from KSRTC from Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru. Or you can look at hiring a private taxi.

Kannur in Kerala is the nearest airport (120 km away). Mysuru (120 km) and Mangaluru (136 km) are the other two convenient airports to access Kodagu.

Madikeri doesn’t have a train station. Major railway stations nearby are Mysuru (120 km), Sakaleshpura (90 km) and Mangaluru – 136 km).

Madikeri has KSRTC and private bus connectivity from Bengaluru and other major cities in South Karnataka.

Taxis can be hired from major towns such as Madikeri, Somavarapete, Virajapete and Kushalanagara to explore local attractions. Self drive cars and bikes are available in nearby towns such as Mysuru and Mangaluru.