Madikeri (Coorg)

Madikeri or Coorg as it is called during British Raj is a piece of heaven on earth in my own Karnataka. It is also home to Kodava community known for their service in Indian defense force. It is 250Kms from Bangalore via Mysore. When coming from Bangalore, just after Shrirangapatna at a circle take right to Hunsur, as skipping Mysore will save 15Kms and most importantly 30Mins.

On the way, you get Kushal Nagar which houses Buddhist refugees from Tibet. The Golden Temple, SeraJe, SeraMe and other monasteries are distinctively colorful. The early morning prayers of disciples rent religious color to the atmosphere.

Bhagamandala is the place where River Kannike and Sujyothi joins River Kaveri and it is known as Triveni Sangama and taking a dip is considered to be auspicious. Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple is also nearby. After a dip here, visiting Talakaveri, where River Kaveri originates, and taking another dip in the Kundike (small pond) there will complete the religious custom.

Even though Abbi Falls is considered as main tourist attraction, there are many lesser known waterfalls which are more majestic and  attractive. The most beautiful of them, I consider, is Mallalli Falls, some 65Kms from Coorg, near Somwarpet - which is 40kms north of Coorg. The winding road to Somwarpet and the surrounding plantation offers a delightful journey.

Majestic Mallalli during monsoon

Mllalli during summer

In Kutta, some 35Kms south-west of Coorg, there is Iruppu Falls set in a beautiful landscape of rocks and thick green forest. During monsoon it gets so ferocious that entry near the base will be prohibited.

Chelavara is another place near Kutta (around 20Kms) which offers Chelavara falls and Chomakund peak. From Kutta on the way to Bhagamandala, at Cheyyandane a right deviation takes to the base of this 50ft falls. Water falls on a huge boulder spreading all over it and looks like a long white saree slipping down the black rock. The white color contrasted against black and green looks like a painter's masterpiece on the canvas.

Continue driving on the same road in the same direction from the falls for about 2Kms and you will reach Chelavara Peak. (Some people have mentioned it as Chomakund in some blogs) In my both visits here, once during peak summer and again during monsoon, I felt like being in heaven.

From Kushalnagar on the way to Somwarpet, Harangi Dam can be visited. As it is rain fed, only during monsoon it becomes live. 

Another must do is Dubare elephant camp. This also is near to Kushalnagar, 10kms away. After a boat ride across Kaveri you will come to protected Dubare forest. Here, indulge in elephant ride, feed them and lend a helping hand to mahouts in bathing them.

 The places I did not visit is Thadiyandamol peak, Mandalpatti peak, Kotebetta peak and Abbimatta Falls. I shall update with these soon.