There are many beautiful hill stations in the entire length and breadth of India ranging from the mighty Himalayas in the North to the Western Ghats in the South. These hill stations offer beautiful tourist hotspots for thousands of visitors, who visit them every year. When the names of Hill Stations are taken, Coorg holds a special place in the minds of travel enthusiasts in the country. The small and serene town is situated on the Western Ghats in the State of Karnataka, bordering Kerala on its South Western frontiers. It is said that when it comes to describing the beauty of Coorg, words fall less.
The place beholds the ethereal beauty and unfolds it with utmost grace. Due to its charm, it is sometimes called the Scotland of India. It is also a wonderful melting pot where different cultures meet. The plethora of natural beauty along with cultural heritages tends to attract a large number of tourists every year. Mentioned in this article are some of the major attractions in Coorg that have been refreshing & rejuvenating the myriad tourists coming to the place from various parts of India every year.
Abbi Falls
The exotic confluence of various streams on the steep slopes of the Western Ghats gives birth to the mesmerizing Abbi Falls. The water flows into the Cauvery River from here. Located amidst the coffee plantations and spice estates, the waterfall offers a scenic view. The aroma of the spices filled the air and the pleasant gushing of water brings a great joy. People come here in search of peace and serenity to break the dull mundane of horn blaring lives, that most of the Indian cities are increasingly known for. The best time to visit here is just after monsoons, in November & December.
Wildlife
Coorg is a true delight for the wildlife lovers. The place hosts various species of flora & fauna. Its rich wildlife armory is known for the distinguished Nagarhole National Park, Angling experiences in the Cauvery River, Dubare Elephant Camp & much more.
Nagarhole National Park
Surrounded by dense forest covers, the Nagarhole National Park is spread between Coorg & nearby Mysore district. It hosts various species of animals and over 270 species of birds. Some of the major attractions found in Nagarhole National Park include Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears & Hyena etc. It has open sight lines along the river bank that offers a close view of the animals. It is as exciting as watching a lion resting or playing in its den. People can enjoy the awesome view without intervening in the privacy of the animals.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is a forest camp located on the banks of river Cauvery. Visit Dubare Elephant Camp is believed to be a wonderful experience. It is a great fun to watch the elephants being given a bath, fed and trained by Mahouts- the keeper of the elephants. There is something about elephants that has the potential to bring out the child in us. Age could just be a number when one will enjoy an Elephant ride in Dubare. There are also other animals like Crocodile, gaur, the wild dog, sloth bear and peacocks that invite people for extended fun.
Angling
The exotic Mahseer fish in the Cauvery River in Coorg invites professional anglers from across the world. November to March is believed to be the best time for catching the game fish that grows up to 60 KGs. Since Mahseer fish is a protected species, the caught fish are required to put back into the waters.
Madikeri
Madikeri is the headquarters of the district of Coorg. There is something in the air of the picturesque Madikeri that offers a wonderful experience to the incoming tourists. The place treats people well with the aroma of fresh cardamom, black pepper, and wide coffee plantations. The evenings are even lovely with picturesque hues amidst the hazy mist. This is why it is also known to be the Kashmir of South India. The population free and tranquil atmosphere makes Madikeri the perfect romantic get away for Honeymoon couples. Culture and Pilgrimages Apart from the endless natural attractions, Coorg is also known as a religious & spiritual haven. It is a land of popular temples & monasteries attracting many devotees that come here for worshiping and gaining spiritual enlightenment.
Bylakuppe
Located 40 Kms from Coorg, Bylakuppe is the second biggest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala. It carries across the classic Tibetan charm with utmost grace. The place has a large number of temples & monasteries of Tibetan Buddhist Tradition. The state of the art architecture of these temples & monasteries lure people across the globe in large volumes every year. One can also enjoy the authentic lip smacking Tibetan momos and shop some of the finest handicrafts here. ” Losar,”, the Tibetan new year festival is celebrated with utmost zeal and calls for a huge celebration.
Omkareshwara Temple
Located in Madikeri, the Shiva temple has been built during the early years of the 19 century. The beauty of the temple lies in its unique combination of Gothic and Islamic architecture. It has a central dome along with four minarets. The Shivlinga placed in the temple was brought from Kashi. There is also a beautiful pool in the front with lots of fresh water fishes in it.
Coorg Cuisine
The Kodava cuisine as they name it is as exotic as Coorg itself. The melting flavors of different spices with a goodness of coconut and tempering of curry leaves give a sumptuous experience to the foodies. Some of the famous Coorg dishes are Pandi Curry, Atti Payasa, Kadubu and Baimbale!
