If you want to break away from the urban living, then take a short trip or plan a holiday in one of the eco-tourism destinations of Karnataka. Karnataka is famous for eco-tourism. There is plenty to see and do, and one such place is Virajpet - a small hill town in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
The Location and History of Virajpet
Virajpet, a small town and the main town of Virajpet Taluka, is situated in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. Virajpet is around 250 km from Bangalore, and it is home to thousands of coffee estates and spice crops. Nearby towns are Gonikoppal, Ammatti, and Ponnampet. Although Virajpet is a small town, it boasts of being the largest honey producer in Asia.
Madikeri Dussehra or Mercara Dasara is a well known festival here, which is celebrated in the month of October; it is held for 10 days along with cultural programs and traditional music and dance. Hundreds of home stays and resorts are strewn between the coffee plantations in Virajpet. Many historical temples, which are about 100 years old, can be found in this region.
Tourists can also indulge in adventure sports such as paragliding, windsurfing, water sports, and parasailing. Around 17 km from Virajpet is a crowded township Gonikoppal, which is also the headquarters of Coorg Adventure Club. People interested in bird watching can go to Kadanga, which is 7 km from Virajpet.
Places to See and Things to Do
Ayyappa Temple: One of the sacred places for Hindus is the Ayyappa Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is packed by devotees all round the year. You can get a beautiful view of entire Virajpet from Malethirike hill, where this temple is located.
St. Anne’s Church: You must visit St. Anne's Church to see the beautiful European and Gothic style architecture under the direction of Father Gullivan. This church was constructed in 1792. Virajpet is a secular place, and the existence of this church and people’s devotion prove it. It is surrounded by vast paddy fields on one side and the majestic Malethirke Hill in the background. This church is also a symbol of Coorg's secular tradition. In the year 1811 it was brought down and rebuilt in the year 1868 with a huge spacious structure. The roof is made of copper with decorated interiors and statues from the Bible. The steeple is 180 Feet which resembles a giant candle.
Clock Tower: A 100-year-old Clock Tower stands tall in the heart of Virajpet town, which serves as a perfect landmark. History has it that the Clock Tower in Virajpet was built to mark King George V’s visit to India. There is also a beautiful Ganesha temple right next to the clock tower.
Perambady Lake: A must see in Virajpet is the very tranquil Perambady Lake situated towards Perambady in Kerala. The background is astounding with trees and hills all around, and you can see its reflection on the still waters. It is a great place for a stopover and relaxation.
Thadiyendamol: At 5,730-feet high, it is the highest peak in Coorg and the second highest in Karnataka after Mullaiyanagiri. A perfect destination for trekkers and on a clear day as you go high up, you can steal a glance of the coastline. If you want to enjoy the beauty of thick rainforests, then climb from Honey Valley Pass, which is a longer route than the Palace Estate, but you’ll be glad to see the scenic terrain.
Thadiyendamol lures trekkers with the promise of a glimpse of the coastline on a clear day. For the most part the trek is gentle, but the last quarter is a steep climb. The 2 1/2 hours climb one way from palace estate is shorter but the longer 31/2 hour climb from Honey Valley passes through thick rain forest and more scenic terrain.
How to Reach Virajpet
Virajpet can be visited through air, rail, and road transport. The nearest domestic airport to Virajpet is in Mysore, and for international travelers, it is the Bengaluru International Airport. The nearest railway station is the Mysore Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 105 km from Virajpet. Travelers can board buses from the airport and railway station to reach Virajpet.
Plan your next holiday to Virajpet and witness the real meaning of heaven on earth. Tourists visit Virajpet because of its strong historical background and religious significance. This is a one-stop place to see what nature has to offer in the form of rivers and waving hills, lush green forests, and crop plantations.
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