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Location
: Karnataka
Situated At : 5,000 Ft. Above Sea Level
Attractions : Abbey Falls, Irupu Falls,
Harangi
Best Season : October To April
Madikeri is a
picturesque, charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft
(1,525 m) above sea level. The cool bracing wind whips the hair about
your face as you ramble along streets that dip and rise delightfully.
Breathtaking
views surprise you unexpectedly. Beautiful women smile at you from
pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of
coffee blossoms.
Madikeri is the
headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of
India, Kodagu is home to the colourful, robust, martial race - the
Kodavas. Said to be the descendents of the Greeks, the Kodavas are
fiercely independent.
They were never
conquered by either Tipu Sultan or the British. And so to this day, all
Kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a license.
Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian Army.
The women are known for their beauty.
But what the
Kodavas are really famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri is a great
place to walk as winding lanes meander off the main street. Mountain
trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak
in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Madikeri Fort: In the centre of Madikeri, this 19th century fort
was once the scene of many a fierce battle. Today, it houses a temple, a
chapel, the prison, and a small museum. The fort also offers a panoramic
view of Madikeri from its walls.
Raja's Seat: According
to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here, enjoying the
spectacular sunsets from the top of a hill.
Omkareshwara
Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple built in 1820 AD is a
mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.
EXCURSIONS
Bhagamandala Temple (36 kms): Built in the Kerala style at the
confluence of three rivers (Cauvery, Kanika and Sujyothi), this temple
houses a variety of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Talacauvery
(44 kms): This is the source of the holy river Cauvery, captured in
a small well less than a meter square.
In October on
Sankaramana day, thousands gather to see a miracle - the sudden bubbling
and frothing of the small well, symbolising the appearance of the
Goddess Cauvery.
Abbey Falls: Just
a few kilometres outside Madikeri, these falls cascade down in steps to
flow as a small river. It is a great place for picnics.
Iruppu Falls: Another
beautiful picnic spot, the Irupu Falls are on the way to Kutta from
Gonikoppal.
Harangi: A
reservoir near Kushalnagar, this is a picturesque spot. Horticulture
Research Centre (24 kms):
Situated in
Chettahalli, the reseach centre specialises in improving the local flora
like pepper, mango, pears, peaches, guavas, oranges, bananas and
pineapples. It also has a nursery and sells plants.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: The
nearest airport Mangalore is connected by Indian Airlines and private
airlines with major cities in India.
Rail: The nearest railheads Mysore and Mangalore are well
connected by rail with major cities and towns in India.
Road: Regular buses operate between Madikeri and Bangalore ,
Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan, Arsikere, Belur, Chikmagalur, Cannanore and
Tellicherry.
WHERE
TO STAY
Hotel Mayura Valley View.
Hotel Cauvery.
Hotel Coorg International.
Cauvery Nisargadhama, Near Kushalnagar, Kodagu District.
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