|
|
Abbi Falls
|
| Just 7 kilometers from Madikeri town are the Abbi Falls, as remarkable and striking a sight as you would see anywhere. The narrow road to Abbi Falls is a combination of steep ups and downs, twists and turns, wriggling through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.
As various streams congregate in the mountains above, they swell with the monsoon rains and force their way down the mountain slope. Splashing hard against the huge boulders of rock, unmindful of the crevices and hollows, the water drops at enormous speed accompanied by gushing sounds. This white wall of water creates a misty cloud with its moisture-like spray and descends into a flowing stream to perhaps join with the River Cauvery somewhere in the vicinity.
|
|
|
|
|
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife Sanctuary
|
| This is located in Kodagu district and is spread over an area of 181.80 km². The evergreen forests in this sanctuary include species like Cinnamomum zeylancium, Cedrela toona and Alstonia scholaris. Bamboos are dominant here and include species like Bambusa bambos and Dendrocalamus strictus. Mammals include elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, bonnet macaque and Nilgiri marten.
|
|
|
|
|
Iruppu Falls
|
| Located beside the Nagarhole National Park, the Iruppu falls presents a majestic sight with water cascading down from a height of 170ft. Originating in the lofty Brahmagiri peaks; the falls become a part of the Lakshmana Teertha River in the plains. During the monsoons, the Iruppu falls swell with seasonal rainfall.
The roaring waters of the Iruppu coupled with the picturesque surroundings make it a great picnic spot. The Rameshwara Temple, located nearby the falls, attracts a large congregation of devout pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri. Natives believe that the Iruppu falls possesses magical powers and they purge one of one's sins. On the day of Shivaratri, devotees bathe in these falls to clean their sins.
|
|
|
|
|
Madikeri
- Scotland of India
|
| The capital of Coorg formerly called Mercara, Madikeri is often known as the Scotland of India. It has enchanted millions of travellers with its misty hills, lush forests, coffee plantations and breath taking views. Also known for its lovely climate, Madikeri is a world record holder for the cardamom crop.
|
|
|
|
|
Nagerhole National Park
- Sanctuary
|
| Though the name literally means Snake River in Kannada, there aren’t too many snakes around. Created from a former raja’s hunting grounds, Nagarahole is one of the best game sanctuaries in South India, providing a natural living conditions to several wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers, rhinos and wild elephants, but one is more likely to see smaller game like gaur, deer, wild dogs and langur. Pleasantly cool round the year, it is a little difficult to reach, which makes it quieter than other parks. This in turn makes it a great place to relax. Jungle safaris are available as elephant rides.
|
|
|
|
|
Omkareswara Temple
- Shivalingam temple
|
| With a dome in the middle of a square lake and minarets at each corner, this is a catholic mix of Keralite, Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra.
|
|
|
|
|
Somwarpet
- Coffee Heartland of Coorg
|
| This is the coffee heartland of Coorg. You will pass through some of the finest coffee estates you will ever see. Magnificent trees reaching up to the skies, casting much wanted masses of shade to the coffee plants. It's one great spread of continuous foliage very gloriously prepared in an extraordinary operation by Nature. Mingled with cardamom and pepper as well. Big, medium or small, they add to the already beautiful and fabulous landscape all around.
Besides being the hub of coffee activity, Somwarpet's other claim to fame is the Basappa Club. Like the cold stone-walls of taverns where sailors and ship mates would gather to make merry, drink, talk and pick up some gossip, the Basappa Club is frequented by the medium and small gentlemen coffee planters, who meet here to unwind. Except that out here, there are no cold, stonewalls. Instead, one can have a game of Table Tennis or Snooker in this small, but compact club. And there’s plenty of gossip to be picked up, as well.
|
|
|