Sightseeing in Coorg
Coorg is the popular hill station in Karnataka. Coorg is known for its greenery and scenic beauty. Here are the top places to visit in Coorg for a perfect vacation.
Talakaveri
Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Kodavas erected a tank which is now considered as its origin. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank or a Kundike and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri some distance away. The place has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy. On the Cauvery Changrandi day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the stream to witness the rise of the spring's fountainhead, when the river water gushes up at a predetermined moment. One can climb the 407 steps to the top of the hill to get a birds-eye-view of the evergreen forested land and the misty hills of Coorg. The most exciting thing about the hills is that even when one is standing on the uppermost step, they can still hear the temple bells ringing down below in the temple. If one visits Talakaveri during the rainy season, one will be greeted by the mesmerising sight of the origin of the Kaveri River.
Honnamana Kere Lake
Known to be the biggest lake in Coorg, Honnamana Kere Lake has spiritual as well as historical significance. The lake is surrounded by hills, coffee plantations and man-made caves. Named after Goddess Honnamana, adjacent to this lake is a temple dedicated to the goddess. A popular festival here is the Gauri Festival which brings the lake and the surrounding areas to life during this time.Abbey Falls
Nestled within the lush greenery of the Western Ghats in Coorg is the spectacular Abbey Falls, with water cascading down from a height of 70 feet. The rugged terrain of the boulders of the waterfall is juxtaposed well by the neighbouring coffee and spice plantations, bringing new life to the aura of this mystical waterfall.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 181 square km and has got its name from the Brahmagiri Park which is the highest peak with a height of 1608 m. The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands and bamboos. The sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom.Raja's Seat
Raja's Seat, a garden with beautiful flowering plants and skilfully designed artificial fountains, is located in Madikeri in the district of Coorg. The garden was a favorite venue to rejuvenate for the Kings of Kodagu, and they loved watching the sunsets sitting here as they spent some memorable time with their Queens. Even today, the breathtaking view of the Sun setting into the undulated mountains is mesmerizing. The delightful garden here is adorned with a multitude of flowers and is a treat to nature lovers, and the proximity of the location also makes it a preferred picnic spot for the locals. Visiting Raja's Seat is an excellent way to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of royal indulgence in Coorg.
Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery)
Namdroling Monastery, situated at a distance of 34 km from the Coorg, is the largest teaching centre of the school of Tibetan Buddhism known as Nyingmapa. Popularly known as the 'Golden Temple', the Namdroling Monastery holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork, as seen with the elaborately decorated temple tower and ornate outer walls, intricately adorned with beautiful murals. It is spread over an area of 80 square feet and was built from Bamboo which was donated by the Indian Government to the Tibetans in exile. Today, it houses many auxiliary structures like educational institutions and a hospital, in addition to being home to about 5,000 members of the Sangha community.Dubare Elephant Camp
Once a training site for elephants of the famous Dasara procession in Mysore, the Dubare Elephant camp offers a unique adventure to visitors by allowing them the experience of living in coexistence with the trained elephants on-site. Once an important camp of the Karnataka Forest Department, the Dubare Elephant Camp, now run by private players, is an ideal destination to learn about the various aspects of the history, ecology, and biology of elephants, as well as see a large number of Asiatic elephants stroll through peacefully as they enjoy their natural habitat. Naturalists and mahouts trained in the art of handling these majestic creatures are ever-present throughout the camp, offering various insights to passers-by regarding these gentle giants.
Omkareshwara Temple
Depicting both Islamic and Gothic architecture, Omkareshwara temple was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra as a dedication to Lord Shiva.The temple has beautiful architecture and has been built in the Muhammadan style of architecture. The dome at the centre depicts that. This element makes the temple resemble the style of a typical Muslim Dargah. A water tank in this temple houses many freshwater fish and adds to the beauty of this temple.Tadiandamol Peak
Tadiandamol is the highest mountain peak in Coorg, at an elevation of 1748m. Most tourists interested in trekking are drawn to this place as the journey is difficult, but the view from the top, unparalleled. While being the second highest peak in all of Karnataka, Tadiandamol trek is also a very good option for nature lovers who desire scenic surroundings and are beginners in the trekking scene. Apart from the treks, nature lovers can visit the place as almost half the journey can be reached by a vehicle.
