If you too, like me, are tired of following the same mundane everyday routine of beating the traffic and reaching office, long hours and monotonous evenings, it is time to head to the hills and there is no better option down south than Coorg! It is serene and happening at the same time, not to forget breathtakingly beautiful… No wonder it is called the Switzerland of India.
To escape the week long chaos and to kill the monotony of travelling to the northern hills, Coorg is the ultimate holiday destination for the weekend getaway. We as city dwellers everyday witness the urgency to reach our offices due to the choked roads; but life in Coorg is laid back and serene. One of the prominent hill stations of Southern India, Coorg is the most accessible hill station, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Gone are the days when people used to travel to Manali, Simla, Nainital time and again for lack of better choices – options today are plenty! What makes Coorg different from the above mentioned is the contemplative ambience.
Vacationers travelling to Coorg will not be disappointment as the place is a perfect amalgamation of adventure, breathtaking sceneries, weather that remains pleasant throughout the year, a paradise for honeymooners – the list is endless. Dense forests, scenic waterfalls, agriculture that upholds the economy, verdant coffee plantations, aroma of spices are some of the attractions that will bring your senses to life! The charm of the nature will sway you along.
Coorg is an affluent hill station with Madikeri as the region’s centre point – the transportation hub for getting around. One of the most visited tourist places in Karnataka; Coorg gives the travel enthusiasts numerous picturesque spots to make the most of their trip. To start with, Coorg is a land with many temples that are dedicated to the supreme power Lord Shiva. Bhagandeshwara Temple is a crucial tourist destination, renowned for the convergence of three rivers Kanike, Cauvery and Sujyothi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and reflects the Kerala style of architecture. The other one is Omkareshwara Temple that reflects a blend of Gothic and Islamic styles. It is a popular religious destination of Coorg that draws a lot of tourists.
A spectacular landscape of Coorg has an eminent sunset point i.e. Raja’s Seat. The kings of the Coorg used to enjoy the glorious sunsets and therefore it got the name as it was the favourite recreational place for the kings. This sunset point stuns the nature lovers as it stands inside a splendid garden of seasonal flowers and musical fountains. Toy train is one more attraction that takes the adults and children around the park to enjoy view of the mountains as well as the Raja’s seat from a distance. One can relish this place both in the mornings and evenings which offer wonderful sight to watch.
The charming water falls in Coorg provide a calm and relaxing feel. The beauty of these falls never fades away. Nisargadhama Falls is an idyllic destination with many rivers located around it. It is located on the Nisargadhama Island and is a perfect location for picnic with the tiny tots. One has a lot of options after coming to this place like the mini zoo, take a boat ride or spend the night at the tree house facilities with restaurant. Abbey Falls is another exotic water fall that is located between coffee and cardamom plantations that give a fresh aroma to the area. It is known for the leeches found in water. Considered one of the finest waterfalls with white foamy water flowing in the serene location, Abbey falls is an ideal location to spend a peaceful evening.
Enhancing the charisma, historical Madekri Fort is one more landmark of Coorg. It was built as a mud structure in the 17th century by the then King Muddu Raja. However, the fort went under tremendous changes when Tipu Sultan captured the fort. The fort is an example of sheer splendor that houses among other structures – a temple, an Anglican Church, a prison and a museum. The modifications were made by the British rulers, removal of temples and reconstructing churches signifies the dominance of the British people over the fort.
A fabulous monsoon is a gift from nature to Coorg. Good rains nourish the various streams and rivers here, which swell after this time. There is a white water river i.e. Barapole River in Southern Coorg, making it an ideal destination for those seeking the thrill of river rafting. One of the best trekking experiences of the country is around Coorg – or it wouldn’t be wrong to call it a trekker’s paradise. Kumara Parvatha trek, trek to Nishani Motte Hills, Brahmagiri Trek, Tadiandamol Trek, Pushpagiri Trek, etc. are some of the absolutely thrilling experiences not to be missed. This scenic hill station in the Western Ghats allures a large number of visitors for its adventurous streak.
An irresistible combination of adventure and fun is a promise best fulfilled by the Dubare Elephant Camp. It is a great option for wildlife experiences. The giants of the jungles interact with each other and with their human handlers. The elephant camp here is bizarre and delivers a live experience rather than just to read it in books and online. The visitors coming here not only observe and learn but also participate in various activities involving Elephants like scrub bath, anointment on their forehead, tusks and other aspects of elephant grooming. If you are an elephant lover, Dubare Elephant Camp is a must experience with these enchanting creatures.
Coorg, the Switzerland of India enjoys pleasant weather conditions throughout the year. This place gives evergreen memories to its visitors. The aroma of cardamom and spices along with coffee and pepper are typical in taste. Coorg is famous for producing the tastiest honey and fragrant sandalwood. India, with proud, nicknamed Coorg as Kashmir of South as it is blessed with bounty of forests and mountains. Often being called as Mother Nature’s extraordinary place, it is indeed a paradise on earth with great scenery, abundant green valleys, misty woods, racing rivers and enchanting waterfalls.
