Coorg | Sightseeing in Coorg | Abbey Falls

Set amidst the beauty and tranquillity of hills, vegetation, and deep valleys, Coorg is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is spread over 4102 sq km. The place is also called Kodagu. It has an abundance of opportunities to make your holidays enjoyable and also have a calming effect on you.

Sunrise at Thadiyandamol hills in Coorg. Image Courtesy snapper san

Coorg through the ages

The place started to gain importance back in the 2^nd and 6^th century, when it’s northern part was controlled by the Kadambas from Goa. Kodagu witnessed a terrible war in the 11^th century, fought between the Kadambas and the Gangas. Over the next few centuries, the place came under the control of different dynasties like the Hoysalas, the Cholas and also the Vijayanagara Empire. It was in 1956 that the place was declared as a district and it became a part of Karnataka.

Places to visit in Coorg

A place with a rich history and beautiful scenery is always popular among tourists and Coorg is no exception. The hill station includes a number of attractions that captivates one’s eyes and heart. And so travellers from different parts of the country and even abroad visit this place.

Following are some of the interesting places to visit in the district.

Abbey Falls. Image Courtesy Ranna Photography

Abbey Falls

One of the popular places to see in Kodagu, the Abbey Falls is located 1 km away from Madikeri, a town. The scenic attraction of this waterfall cannot be narrated in simple words. It is located in the middle of spice estates and coffee plantations. The beauty of the Kaveri River as it gushes down the rocks, forming the falls is incomparable.

You can get lost or take snaps of this breath-taking scene. Ideal to visit between November and December, Abbey Falls offers the best view after the monsoons. The waterfall originates from a height of 70 feet and there is also a hanging bridge formed across a gorge that is part of the waterfall. The place is accessible from Madikeri, through the spice and coffee plantations.

Madikeri Fort, Coorg. Image Courtesy imonholidays.com

Madikeri Fort

While Coorg is a place of thick forests, coffee plantations and beautiful waterfalls, there is a place that holds historical importance. It is the Madikeri Fort, located in the hill station of Madikeri that has its share of royal importance in the pages of history.

The fort even today speaks of several moments of victory and also defeat, right from the reign of Muddu Raja in 17^th century. The place has also undergone architectural changes. Originally built of mud, it was rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan. Later eras saw it being rebuilt again by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II and the British.

The fort is a unique example of Gothic style in the form of its Anglican Church built in 1855. Addition of secret paths makes it mysterious as well. The palace like fort also has an exhibition of several artefacts and historical weapons.

Tadiandamol

Tadiandamol is said to be the highest peak in Kodagu. It is close to Kakkabe town, above 1748 metres sea level. The place is known for a number of adventurous activities that spark interest among tourists from different places. It can be also a peaceful trekking trail for some. Apart from being heavily visited by naturalists and trekkers, the place also includes Nalaknad palace at its foothills.

Pushpagiri Trek. Image Courtesy RajaPandian SP

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the beautiful Somwarpet taluka in Kodagu. The place is known to be of high interest due to abundance of wildlife in the Karnataka state. Ornithologists and others who love to sighting birds will love this place filled with endangered and rare species of birds. The melodious chirping and bird songs melt one’s heart. The sanctuary is also connected with the reserve forest of Bisle. On the other hand, the sanctuary is also connected with the Kukke Subramanya forests. Pushpagiri has a cool and wet climate.

Raja’s Tomb. Image courtesy Dinesh Kannambadi

Gaddige

If you have an equal thirst for nature and history, the district of Coorg has lots to offer to you. The Gaddige hill station is located on a hillock and is more popularly called as Raja’s Tomb. The place allows a perfect view of the entire place from above. The building includes a complex series of tombs belonging to the Kodava dynasty.

The Hindu tombs bear Shaivite depictions that serve as a major difference from the Muslim tombs. The architectural style is very much Indo-Saracenic. The most important tombs are that of king Doddaveerarajendra and the queen consort Mahadeviamma. There are also tombs of other important members of the court like the royal priest.

Coorgi Traditional Dress. Image Courtesy Iromi Perera

How to reach Coorg

Kodagu is connected by air, rail, and road to different cities in Karnataka.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is Mangalore, located 160 km away. Bangalore is 265 km away from the district and it is better to travel from Bangalore to Mangaluru and from there to Coorg.

By Rail

While the place doesn’t enjoy good railway connectivity, there are closest stations to it like Mangalore, Hassan and Mysore. Mysuru is 95 km away. Hubli to Coorg railway distance is 344 km. Bangalore has a distance of 247 km.

By Road

There are buses that take you to Coorg from major cities like Bangalore and Mysore. Mysuru has road distance of 130 km from the district of Coorg. You can also hire cabs if travelling with family.