Tourist places in and around Madikeri
Coorg was one of the better-kept secrets of the South. Now, it's a honeymoon and backpacker's paradise. Get yourself a vehicle and drive through Madikeri and its lush surrounds, stopping every now and then to smell the coffee-scented air.
The fort was initially constructed of mud, only to be replaced later by a stronger one in stone by Tipu Sultan, who ruled for a brief period over this region in the 18th century. Tipu's fort is an essential feature of the town even today.
Inside the fort wall stands the palace of the Lingayat rulers. It is a simple double-storey structure, quite unlike the grand palaces one sees elsewhere in India. Two elephants, built of cement and mortar, stand in the compound. The elephants have an interesting story behind them. The king use to be woken up every morning by two of his favourite elephants trumpeting under his window. One day he sent word to the mahout that he wanted to sleep late. The order never reached the man and he brought the elephants at the usual time and woke up the king. The king was furious. He had the elephants and the mahout killed. Later he regretted his action and got images of the elephants constructed. They are not much to look at, but then one shouldn't be looking for sculptural excellence in Coorg.
It is customary for pilgrims to have a holy dip at the Sangam before proceeding to Thalakavery, the origin of Cauvery. Performing Shraddha is considered sacred by the devout.
Cauvery originates in a mini tank which has a perennial spring below. Siruated in front of this is a bigger tank in which pilgrims take the holy bath. Pujas are offer to the small tank and shrine.
Cauvery is the prime Goddess of the people of Kodagu. There is a small shrine with a Lingam, said to have been installed by sage Agastya. Goddess Parvati and Vinayaka are worshipped here.
According to Puranas, sage Cavera, who did penance on the hills and propitiated Bhahma, was blessed with Lopamudra as his daughter. This divine girl was married to sage Agastya. River Cauvery is another divine aspect of Lopamudra who flowed as a river from the Kamandala of Agastya to enrich the southern region by the grace of the Almighty.
The hill, which is1288 metras high, is known as Brahmagiri. Saptha Rishis were said to have performed penance here. Seven Homa Kundams, used by the rishis, are seen on the hills even today.
Madikeri Fort
Originally a mud fort, Tipu Sultan rebuilt this fort with stone. Tipu ruled briefly over this region in the 18th century. Inside the fort is the palace of the Lingayat rulers, a simple structure that's a pale reflection of the palaces seen elsewhere in Karnataka.The fort was initially constructed of mud, only to be replaced later by a stronger one in stone by Tipu Sultan, who ruled for a brief period over this region in the 18th century. Tipu's fort is an essential feature of the town even today.
Inside the fort wall stands the palace of the Lingayat rulers. It is a simple double-storey structure, quite unlike the grand palaces one sees elsewhere in India. Two elephants, built of cement and mortar, stand in the compound. The elephants have an interesting story behind them. The king use to be woken up every morning by two of his favourite elephants trumpeting under his window. One day he sent word to the mahout that he wanted to sleep late. The order never reached the man and he brought the elephants at the usual time and woke up the king. The king was furious. He had the elephants and the mahout killed. Later he regretted his action and got images of the elephants constructed. They are not much to look at, but then one shouldn't be looking for sculptural excellence in Coorg.
Raja's Seat
One kilometre from the bus station at Madikeri, this was where the Kodagu kings would view sunrises and sunsets. The view encompasses emerald valleys, parrot-green paddy fields and in the distance, the grey-blue crags of the ghats.Abbi Falls
Abbi in Kodava means falls. This beautiful waterfall is a mere 5 km from Madikeri, inside a privately-owned coffee estate and a big hit with locals and tourists alike.Omkareshwara Temple
Built by the Kodagu king Lingaraja in 1820, the temple is remarkable for its mosque-like style, with an impressive central dome and four minarets, which are surrounded by Basavas, or sacred bulls. On the top of the dome sits a gilded ball, with a weathercock. A large tank in front of the temple enhances the serenity.Bhagamandala
This is the holy Sangam of Cauvery and Kanaga rivers. Bhaganda Maharshi is said to have done penance and installed Lingam at the confluence of the rivers. The Lord is known as Bhagandeswara after the sage.It is customary for pilgrims to have a holy dip at the Sangam before proceeding to Thalakavery, the origin of Cauvery. Performing Shraddha is considered sacred by the devout.
Thalakavery
This charming village, nestling amidst thick forests of the Western Ghats, is the birhplace of Cauvery. Lakhs of devotees concourse here throughtout the month of Thula (Oct-Nov) for a holy dip at this spot.Cauvery originates in a mini tank which has a perennial spring below. Siruated in front of this is a bigger tank in which pilgrims take the holy bath. Pujas are offer to the small tank and shrine.
Cauvery is the prime Goddess of the people of Kodagu. There is a small shrine with a Lingam, said to have been installed by sage Agastya. Goddess Parvati and Vinayaka are worshipped here.
According to Puranas, sage Cavera, who did penance on the hills and propitiated Bhahma, was blessed with Lopamudra as his daughter. This divine girl was married to sage Agastya. River Cauvery is another divine aspect of Lopamudra who flowed as a river from the Kamandala of Agastya to enrich the southern region by the grace of the Almighty.
The hill, which is1288 metras high, is known as Brahmagiri. Saptha Rishis were said to have performed penance here. Seven Homa Kundams, used by the rishis, are seen on the hills even today.