Destination Features

Coorg (Madikeri) is also known as the "Scotland of India". It is an endless expanse of scenic beauty - lush green valleys, coffee plantations, and majestic mountain ranges. The paddy fields are in various hues of green and are a treat for the eyes.

1. Abbi Falls - a very lovely waterfall situated in a private coffee estate about 6-7 kms from Madikeri city. Open to all.
   
2. Omkareshwara temple - 19th century Shiva temple built in a Gothic and Islamic style.
   
3. Raja's Seat - the place where the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings at.
4. Cauvery Nisargsdhama - a 2.5 sq.km. large island in the middle of the river Cauvery. It is a popular picnic spot.
   
5. Bhagmandala - the meeting place the 3 rivers : Cauvery, Kanika and Sujyothi.
   
6. Talacauvery - Cauvery originates here.
   
7. Namdroling Monastery - the Tibetan Golden Temple at Bylekuppe
   
8. Raja's Tomb
9. Nalknad Palace - a small 2 storied palace near the Tadiandamol mountain.
   
10. Dubbare Elephant Camp - the elephants for the Mysore Dussehra festivities are trained here.

For those of you who are adventurous - there is the Tadiandamol peak. Tadiandamol is the highest mountain of Coorg district and the second highest in Karnataka. It reaches an elevation of approximately 1,748 m. A trek up this peak is said to be a wonderful experience.

Although there are numerous hotels and resorts in and around the Madikeri city, the best option is a Home Stay. You get to experience the Kodagu culture first hand when you stay with a local family. The Home Stays are  mostly set in the midst of aromatic coffee plantations.

You may not have the facilities of a star hotel, but the hospitality and affection of the hosts makes up for everything.

One of the good things about a home stay is sharing the meal with the host family. You get to enjoying good local food.

You could join the ladies in the kitchen to catch a glimpse of the cooking procedure. I did that.