ABOUT KODAGU:

• Charming district of Kodagu nestling amidst the lush Western Ghats is popularly known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and the ‘Kashmir of the South’.
• Misty mountains, verdant valleys, serpentine streams, cascading falls, thick tropical forests and miles of spice, paddy and coffee plantations makes the region a veritable paradise for nature lovers.
• Name Kodagu is said to derive from a Kannada word “Kudu” meaning steep or hilly.
• This “land of oranges, cashews, cardamoms and coffee” is also known for its distinct cultural heritage and martial traditions.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (IXE), 136 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Rail: Mysore Railway Station, Mysore, 120 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Road: Well connected by road.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

SCENIC SITE	Madikeri (Mercara)   Raja’s Seat
FORT & MONUMENTS	Madikeri Fort
HOLY CENTRE	Omkareswara Temple   Bhagamandala   Bylekuppe
WATER FALLS	Abbey Falls   Iruppu Falls
RIVER	Tala Kaveri
WILD LIFE	Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Huthri Dasara Festival at Madikeri Kailpodh

For more information visit https://kodagu.nic.in/en/tourism/culture-heritage/

ATTRACTIONS OF KODAGU

 

Madikeri (Mercara):

• Pictureque hill resort perched at an altitude of 4,000 feet is the district headquarters of Kodagu.
• It was founded by Muddu Raja of the Haleri dynasty in 1681.
• It became the favourite resort of Britishers, as it reminded them of scenic Europe with lush hills and verdant valleys.

 

Raja’s Seat:

• This fine view point is truly spectacular during sunset time.

 

Madikeri Fort:

• Hill top fort was built by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II between 1812 – 1814.
• Fort has a small museum in St. Mark’s Church.

 

Omkareswara Temple:

• Unique shrine in the middle of the lake is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
• It was built by King Lingarajendra in 1820.
• A fine blend of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.

 

ATTRACTIONS AROUND KODAGU

 

Abbey Falls:

• 5 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Beautiful falls are surrounded by coffee and pepper plantations.

 

Bhagamandala:

• 35 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Pilgrim centre on the confluence of three rivers – Kaveri, Kanike and the underground Suiyothi is famous for Bhandeshwara temple.

 

Bylekuppe:

• 40 kms away from Kodagu town.
• One of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India.
• Famous for monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories and an incense factory.

 

Iruppu Falls:

• 85 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Cascading falls descent down from a height of 170 feet in town distinct stages, amidst dense forest near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole).
• Rameshwara Temple near the Lakshmana Theertha River attracts a large number of devotees.

 

Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole:

• 77 kms away from Kodagu town.
• Delightful Park covers an area of 284 sq. kms along river Kabini.
• Jungles full of rosewood, teak, sandal, silver oak, are a safe haven for a rich and varied wildlife.
• Key fauna includes elephant, tiger, panther, gaur, deer, wild dog, langur and reptiles like king cobra etc.
• One can undertake jungle safaris on elephant back.
• Best season to visit is from June to October.
• The Heballa elephant cap is a must visit site.

 

Tala Kaveri:

• 40 kms away from Kodagu town.
• It is the source for sacred river Kaveri, which originates on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hills.
• Every year on the auspicious occasion of Tula Sankaramana (17^th October), a spring of water sprouts at a particular and foretold moment.
• Bathing in this water is considered to be very beneficial.