Opinion

Coorg: The Scotland of India

Coorg in the state of Karnataka of South India is a beautiful hill resort for vaccation. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill' - is beautiful hill country most of which is between 3000 and 4000 feet high. Coorg is commonly referred to as the 'Scotland of India' and for good reasons.

With picturesque hills and lush greenery all around, a trip to this coffee growing region is always memorable. For those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday or to spend some time living outdoors, Coorg makes for the perfect destination as it instantly mesmerizes you with its green beauty. That's not all. The local Kodava cuisine with its lip-smacking treats and the rich local culture will make you fall in love with this quaint hill station.

Some of the top places to visit in Coorg are -

• Nagarhole National Park: The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. With over 250 varieties of birds, panthers, tigers, and flying squirrels, this park is made up of teak, rosewood, sandalwood, silver oak etc.
• Talacauvery: This forms the source of the river Kaveri. A perennial spring situated at a height of 4,500 ft is the beginning of this mighty river. It is 45 km from Madikeri and also offers a spectacular view.
• Abbi Falls: This water fall was also known as Jessey Falls.'Abbi' in the local language Kodagu means falls. Situated 8 Km from Madikeri, the beautiful Abbey Falls are a popular tourist attraction in the hill resort of Coorg. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls.
• Iruppu Falls: These scenic waterfalls are situated at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. The people of Coorg believe that bathing in the Iruppu Falls will wash one’s sins away.
• The Omkareshwar temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has a mix of Islamic and Gothic style architecture. On the top of the dome of the temple is a guilded ball, with a weather clock. It is unique for its architectural beauty which is a combination of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture.
• The Raja's Seat: This is a beautiful viewpoint in Coorg. This hilltop offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and the view of the sunset. It is said that the kings of Kodagu came to this viewpoint to see the panoramic view of their kingdom and spent their evenings.
• Bhagamandala: It is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). It is famous for temples and is known as the temple town of this region. The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
• Madikeri Fort: Situated in the middle of Madikeri, this historic fort which was built in the 19th century, contains a museum, a prison, a chapel and a temple.
• Talakaveri is the place where the River Kaveri originates. The temple on the riverbanks here is dedicated to Lord Brahma and is one of only two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and Southeast Asia.
• Spend time with elephants: Do you call yourself an animal lover? If it's a big yes, then don't miss out on visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp. You can spend your time enjoying an elephant ride, watching the majestic beasts or even lending a hand in helping them take a bath.
• Whether you are a coffee person or not, you should definitely book your stay at a coffee estate. This way not only will you gain insights to the whole coffee making process but also get to spend maximum time in the midst of nature. There are many luxurious homestays that provide the perfect break, where you can enjoy a true plantation life.

Best time to visit Coorg: The climate of Coorg is very pleasant and can be visited during any time of the year. But the most ideal time to visit Coorg is between September and March.

How to reach Coorg:

• By Air: The nearest airports are Mangalore 136 km and Bengaluru 260 km.
• By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to Coorg is Mysore, which is at 114 km.
• By Road: Coorg is well connected by surface network with major cities like Mysore, Mangalore and Bengaluru (260 km).