Things not to be missed:
Madikeri
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg and has several interesting tourist spots
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MADIKERI FORT
The fort is atop an elevated ground, crowning Madikeri with its imposing structure. Two life-size elephants made of mortar, catch the eye of the visitor on entering the Fort. In the inner Fort, a temple of Virabhadra was removed by the British in 1855 and in its place built an Anglican Church. The Church, in Gothic style, with colour stained glasses has now been converted into a museum. The museum, run by the state archaeology department, is a repository of many antiques of Coorg. The other buildings inside the fort include the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison.
MADIKERI PALACE
The Palace of the erstwhile kings located inside the Madikeri Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner. The two-storied lofty and spacious structure is 110 feet long. The British renovated the structure twice and in 1933, a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner's car were added.
OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE
The Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820 in the Mumammadan style of architecture with a dome in the center and four turrets at four corners. The temple is akin to a Muslim dargah with a Linga installed near the entrance door. There is a water tank in front of the temple and in the middle of the tank there is a "Mandapam" connected by a causeway.
GADDIGE (Rajas' tombs)
Gaddige or the tombs of Virarajendra and Lingarajendra at Madikeri is one of the important monuments of Coorg. The royal tombs on a hillock to the north of Madikeri provides a commanding view of the town.The tombs are in the style of Muhammadan edifices with domes in the center and turrets at the angles. The bars of windows made of brass have fine engravings.
 Raja's Seat:
The Raja's Seat in Madikeri town, the spot from where kings of yore watched sunsets with their consorts, could be considered as one of the most scenic spots in south India. The spot offers a breathtaking view of towering hills, green valleys, studded with paddy fields. It is fascinating to watch the road to Mangalore like a curved ribbon lying in the valley.
Around Madikeri
 Abbi-Falls
This beautiful waterfall is situated at a distance of 6 km from Madikeri in a private coffee estate. This majestic stream falls is much admired and is frequently visited. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music.
Talacauvery
This sacred place is situated at a distance of 7 Kms from Bhagamandala. This is the birthplace of the river Cauvery and a spot of immense religious significance. Legend has it that Goddess Cauvery makes her appearance once a year during Tulamasa, when thousands gather to take a sacred dip. There are steps leading to Bramhagiri Hills, at a height of 300 ft. from where, Kudremukh, Chamundi Hills, Wynad and Nilgiris are visible.
Iruppu-Falls
There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. This refreshing cascade of water is situated at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. It is also a place of pilgrimage
Nagarhole - 80 Km
The Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 284 sq.km. with tropical and deciduous forests and belts of swampy ground at the head of small streams. 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 the Brahmagiri hills is covered with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". |
