Coorg is rated as one of the top hill stations in India. Coorg is also known as Kodagu. Evergreen Timber forest, slumpy coffee plantations, misty hills, charming peaks, lush green valleys represent the hilly abode of Coorg.
Coorg is one of the smallest districts but it is the most charming hill station in the state of Karnataka. Owing it to its picturesque natural beauty located at southern western ghats marks it the Scotland of India.
Coorg started becoming popular back in 2nd and 6th century when the northern part of Coorg was under control of Kadambas from Goa. After the war in 19th century, in 1956 Coorg was declared as a district and it became the part of Karnataka state.
Apart from Kannada, the two main languages of this hill stations are Kodagu and Kodava.
Places to visit in Coorg
A place with dazzling beauty and rich history is always admired among the tourist and this coalescence is known as Coorg. The charisma of this hill station enamours the heart of every travel lovers in the country.
Let’s check the spots
1.Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls is one of the most sought-after places to see in Coorg. Abbey Falls is located in the middle of the coffee plantation and spice estates opposite to hanging bridge. It is 1km away from the Madikeri town. Abbey Falls are also known as Jessy Falls in early days of British rule. Jessy is the name of daughter of the Britisher ruler who fell in love when he discovered the spot.
The water rolling down from the height of 70 feet, surrounded by lush greenery is indeed a scene that every traveller falls in love with this sight.
The Abbey Falls rises by many folds in monsoon. The waterfall is weave of many streams that come together and fall into the pool of water that further flows and merge into river Kaveri. The scenic view of this Abbey Falls from Hanging bridge is breath-taking. Aroma of spices and coffee commingle with the cool environment which feels amazing.
Nearby Abbey Falls some of more tourist attractions are Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwar Temple, and Brahmagiri hills.
Time and Entry Fee of Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls is open from Monday to Sunday all 7 days a week. The visiting hour of this spot is from 9am to 5pm in the evening. Entry fee is charge Rs.15 per person and it takes 2-3 hours to enjoy the spot.
Best time to visit Abbey Falls
The monsoon season is undoubtedly the best season to visit here. The scenic beauty of Abbey Falls is at its peak during monsoon.
Things to remember visiting Abbey Falls
In monsoon its quite slippery everywhere, so you need to be very careful. To reach the bottom of falls, you need to climb the stairs so you need to carry a small medical aid if in case you suffer from breathing ailment. Bathing in the waterfall is not allowed for safety reasons.
2.Madikeri Fort
Coorg is a city of coffee plantations, marvellous waterfalls and thick forest, it also holds the importance of historic culture. The historical place is known as Madikeri fort. It is the historical landmark of Coorg.
The fort is originally built of Mud by Muddu Raja the King of Coorg, and later it was reconstructed by granite marble by Tipu Sultan. The fort palace has an exhibition of several artefacts and historical weapons.
Madikeri fort has seen four parts in its premises, an Temple, a Prison, Anglican Church and Museum. It has beautiful architectural designs. Two life size stone replicas of elephants stand in the north east corner is major attractions of tourist.
St. Marks Church built inside the fort by British is converted into museum under the management of State Archaeological Department.
A small part of the museum is also dedicated to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa from the Indian Army and Coorg’s esteemed personality.
The Fort also features:
- Mahatma Gandhi Public Library.
- District Prison
- Kote Maha Ganpati temple.
Entry Fees and Timing of Madikeri Fort
There is no entry fee to visit the fort. Government has kept it free of cost to the visitors. Also you can carry camera inside the premises to capture your memories.
The timing to visit the fort is from 10am to 5:30pm all days a week except on Monday. It requires approx. 2 hours to take an inside tour of the fort.
3.Chiklihole Reservoir, Coorg
If you are looking for cool and calm place away from bustle of the city in Coorg than do visit Chiklihole Reservoir. The ethnic beauty and belle are almost a heaven on earth. The serene view of water flowing from dam and plushness of area around creates a refreshing atmosphere.
Chiklihole reservoir located between the towns of Madikeri and Kushalnagar of Coorg district. The reservoir offers tourist to enjoy their privacy. It is one of the best outing place with friends and family. It is the heaven for the photographers to capture the alluring beauty. The amazing sunset view adds cherry on the top for tourist.
This tourist spot has no shops available near its vicinity thus you need to carry your own basic needed things.
Entry Fees and Timing of Chiklihole Reservoir
The entry is total free of cost to the tourist to visit the reservoir. The timing to visit the reservoir is from 8am to 5pm in evening with 7 days open.
Coorg is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.
4.Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg
Dubare Elephant Camp is located on the banks of river Kaveri in Coorg. The camp promotes the wildlife enthusiast from all over the world.
Dubare Elephant camp offers a chance to be close to elephants and engage in various activities. Tourists also enjoys the enthral beauty of surroundings with lush greenery along with the reciprocity with the elephants.
Dubare Elephant project camp is run under by forest department, jungle resorts. The activities in camp include bathing with the elephants in river Kaveri up to 45 minutes and feeding them with sugarcane, ragi, jaggery, coconuts and banana. You can have a ride on elephants in the jungle. It is total 3 hours tourist activity at this camp.
Dubare Elephant Camp spot was earlier used to trained for Mysore Dussehra.
Entry Fees and Timing of Dubare Elephant Camp.
Entry is free for the tourist in this camp. Elephants rides starts from 10am to 12 noon a 2 hours activity and in evening from 4pm to 5pm. Best part of this camp is you can spend a night if you love to in the jungle cottages and resorts.
5.Honnamana Kere Lake in Coorg
Honnamana lake is considered to be biggest lake in the region of Coorg district. It is considered to be the holy place in Doddamalthe, 6 kms away from the Somwarpet town of Coorg in the state of Karnataka.
It is the must visit places on your Coorg trip. The lake is surrounded by large mountains and huge coffee plantations along with two hills named Gavi Betta and Mori Betta. The lake looks absolutely stunning with its natural panorama. It is the place for the photographers who are in continuous look for natures view.
Along with its terrain look Honnamana lake is also a religious place. The place is named after goddess Honnamana. The goddess sacrificed her life for the welfare of the people.
A large number of newly wedded couples and tourists gather at this holy place to seek the blessings during the Gowri festival.
Entry Fees and Timing of Honnamana Kere Lake.
The entry fee has been kept free for the visitors. The timing to visit the place is from 8am to 6pm and is opened from Monday to Sunday.
The experience of jaunting the coffee estates in Coorg is one kind of astounding vibes for life time period.
Featured Image Credit: HillsandWills.com
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