Tourist places in and around Coorg
Raja's Seat
Omkareshwara Temple,Tourist attractions in Coorg, Places to see in Coorg, Places to visit in Coorg, Weekend trips from Coorg Excursions, Events in Coorg, Festivals in CoorgIf you have come away to enjoy the natural beauty in Coorg, come to Raja's Seat, a favourite spot of the kings from where one can see the sweep of the mist-covered blue hills and valleys with green fields. The kings used to sit here every evening enjoying the sunset and beauty of Coorg. Today, the area around Raja's Seat has been developed into a public garden.So named, because the Kodagu rulers would catch views of the sunset from here. Today, it has a well-maintained garden from where you can watch the green valleys, lush paddy fields and the bluish ghats.
Omkareshwara Temple
The Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu, is almost 200 years old and is a surprising blend of Islamic and Gothic styles.Built in 1820 by a King Lingaraja, the temple is noted for its mosque-like structure, with a dome in the center and four minarets supporting it surrounded by sacred bulls. Atop the dome are a gold-covered ball and a weathercock. Also located before the temple is a water tank where you can take a dip.
Abbey Falls
The picturesque Abbey Falls, which is 8 km from Madikeri, is a good place for picnics. However, no regular transport is available to this place and private arrangements need to be made for a trip to the falls.This is a stunning waterfall located inside a privately-owned coffee estate, whose roaring sound can be heard from the main road! The fragrance of coffee and cardamom would lift your spirits as you walk through the trail to reach the breathtaking falls. Do carry along a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture its beauty.
Iruppu Falls
Iruppu, 91 km from Madikeri, is a well-known pilgrim centre, associated with Rama, hero of the Ramayana. A Shiva Temple stands on the bank of the River Ramathiratha. On Mahashivratri day, thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the river.This sacred spot on the Brahmagiri Hills is one of the best places to catch spectacular glimpses of the serene environment. The falls are best visited after the rains, when the fall gushes down 60m. Close to the falls is the Ishwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a hub of activity during Shivratri Festival. A trail from the falls also leads to the Brahmagiri Santuary, which is home to a large number of wild animals, including elephants, bison, spotted deer, wild boar and peacocks. Trekking and exploring the park in private vehicles is allowed, though prior permission is necessary.
Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park (93 km) provides excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, one can see the swift-footed spotted deer, bison, elephant, wild boar and jackal, different species of monkey, and with luck even the mighty tiger. Nagarhole, the game sanctuary, covers an area of 284 sq km with tropical and deciduous forests. The state transport corporation provides transport inside the sanctuary.Harangi
Situated near the Kushalnagar in North Coorg, Harangi Reservoir is a popular picnic spot. The reservoir is located at a distance of around 36 km from Madikeri and famous for its treehouses.Horticulture Research Centre
The Horticulture Research Centre, 24 km from Madikeri, is on the Madikeri-Siddapur-Virajpet road and is run by the government. The best months for a visit to this centre are March and April as it is coffee blossom time in Coorg. One can see the coffee bushes sheltered from the sun's direct rays by tall sentinel-like trees over which dark green pepper vines trail. Stretches of these white flowers exude a heady fragrance and their collective magnificence is an unforgettable sight. When the blossoms give way to berries, the bushes are cropped. The cherry red fruit is then pulped, the separated coffee seeds dried and sent to the curing works.Madikeri Fort
Originally a mud fort, it was converted to stone in the 18th century and is located in the centre of Madikeri. The fort houses a simple palace of the Lingayat rulers, a temple, a chapel, a small museum and a prison. The fort also offers great views of the region.River Cauvery
This is the lifeline of the region, though you can see the river in occasional spurts here and there. It starts from Talacauveri, goes to Brahmagiri and disappears; reappearing at Bhagamandala and finally meeting the Kannike and Sujyoti. This criss-cross of rivulets and streams that this river forms is what renders Coorg life. This river is best seen near the Dubare Reserve Forest, where you can see find the occasional glint of a mahseer, gamboling elephants and the blue kingfisher.Talacauvery
The birthplace of River Cauvery, it is located on the Brahmagiri Hills. From Talacauvery, steps lead to the Brahmagiri Peak, where 7 great sages are said to have performed a holy yajna. The peak houses two temples one dedicated to Shiva and one to Ganesha. The water tank before the shrines is where devotees are required to have a dip before entering the temples.Dubare Elephant Training Camp
This elephant training camp is located between the south bank of River Cauvery and the Dubare Forest Reserve and is one of the best places to watch elephants engaged in a host of activities. Currently home to about 15 elephants, you'd get practically all information about these animals. The entry fee includes tea and snacks, a naturalist's services and an elephant ride. This program lasts about 2-3 hours and starts with you giving a scrub to these tuskers. Thereafter, you would be required to feed it jaggery and ragi and enjoy a 30-minute ride to the jungle.Fishing & Angling
The Cauvery is known as an angler's paradise and the huge mahseer is found quite abundantly at the Valnoor area of the river. Get a permit from the Coorg Wildlife Society before you venture here and carry your own fishing rods. You also need to fill out a form, wherein you enter details of your catch, bait used and where the fish was found. Remember that angling here is strictly catch-and-throw, so you must release the mahseer back in the water once you have the photograph taken with it. Some varieties can be kept for consumption, so check beforehand.White-water Rafting
Try and catch a session of white-water rafting at the Cauvery Nisargadhama in season. The rafting session starts in the morning and you can spend 3 hours rafting down the river. You must be medically fit to participate in this.Kakkabe
It was once the largest producer of honey in South-East Asia. Today it is known for its scenic treks through orchids, plants and spectacular views of the mountains. The highlight of this region is the Thadiyendamol, which, at 5730 ft, is the highest peak in Coorg. The trek is mostly gentle, except the last bit of the climb. On a clear day, stunning views of the coastline is visible. The Igguthappa Temple is another must-visit here, dedicated to Lord Igguthappa who is the rain god and giver of grains. The Kaliyarchi Festival is particularly important, when the idol is carried to the Mallama Betta peak and brought back to the temple post several ceremonies. The erstwhile royal hunting lodge and summer home of the Kodagu kings, the Nalnad Palace is a two-storey structure has carved wooden wall paintings and murals.Open from: Igguthappa Temple 9.30 am-1.30 pm;
Puja timings 11.30 am-12.30 pm