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Coorg Travel Guide

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is a popular hill station located in the southwestern part of the state of Karnataka, India. It is nestled amidst the lush green Western Ghats and is renowned for its natural beauty, coffee plantations, spice estates, and rich cultural heritage.

Coorg is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful getaway. The region is characterized by mist-covered hills, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers, creating a picturesque landscape.

One of the major attractions in Coorg is Abbey Falls, a magnificent waterfall located near the town of Madikeri. It offers a stunning sight as water gushes down from a height amidst lush green surroundings. Another popular waterfall in Coorg is Iruppu Falls, which holds religious significance and is visited by devotees as well as tourists.

The region is known for its vast coffee plantations, and a visit to a coffee estate is a must-do in Coorg. Visitors can learn about the coffee-making process, witness the coffee bean drying and roasting, and even indulge in coffee tasting. The aromatic coffee plantations offer a tranquil and refreshing experience.

Coorg is also famous for its spice plantations, where visitors can explore the fragrant spice gardens and learn about various spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. These plantations provide a delightful sensory experience.

The wildlife enthusiasts can visit Nagarhole National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located near Coorg. It is a tiger reserve and home to various wildlife species such as elephants, deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species. Jungle safaris and nature walks are popular activities in the park.

For those interested in history and culture, Coorg offers attractions like Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja's Seat, and the Namdroling Monastery (also known as the Golden Temple) in Bylakuppe, which is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India.

Trekking, camping, and river rafting are some of the adventure activities available in Coorg, with opportunities to explore the scenic trails, camp under the stars, and navigate through the white waters of the rivers.

Coorg is well-connected by road to major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. The nearest airports are in Mangalore and Bangalore, while the nearest railway stations are Mysore and Mangalore.

Must Visit Tourist Places in Coorg

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Abbey Falls

Located near to Madikeri, the main attraction of Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface from a height of 70 feet. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road. The water flow is very high during the monsoon season and during the dry seasons the flow is considerably less. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.

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Madikeri Fort

Located near to Madikeri, the main attraction of Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface from a height of 70 feet. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road. The water flow is very high during the monsoon season and during the dry seasons the flow is considerably less. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.

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Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwara temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820. It is located just 1 km away from the heart of Madikeri. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. There is a tank in front of the temple. There is a footpath leading to a small "Mantap". It is said Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. That Brahmin became a "Brahmarakshasa" and started troubling the king. The king got rid of him only when he brought a Shivalinga from Kashi and installed it after building a temple. The Shivalinga was named as "Omkareshwara" and regular rituals were performed.