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While summer might be a time when most of the family is free to embark on a holiday, it is also a time when the heat is at its peak, dampening our spirits to travel. Karnataka, with its ever pleasant hill stations, quite literally offers you a cool getaway that is sure to uplift your spirits.
Coorg, famed for its misty mountains, highland meadows, lush forests, delicious cuisine and rich cultural heritage is also home to some of the auspicious pilgrimage sites in the state. The origins of the Kaveri river can be traced back to a natural spring in Talacauvery located on the Brahmagiri hills near Bhagamandala. A small rectangular pond and a shrine mark this spot. The Kodavas worship at this temple on the hillock. In mid-October, on Tula Sankramana day, the spring miraculously wells up and the water gushes over. According to legends, this is the time when Goddess Ganga visits her sister Goddess Cauvery. Thousands of devotees from across the country flock to the shrine to take a dip in the waters on this auspicious day. A series of steps from the temple takes you to the top of the hill, which offers a spectacular view of the mist clad mountain ranges. Talakavery can also be a pit stop on your road trip from Bangalore to Kerala, as it is located right at the border of the two states.
Situated on the foothills of Talakavery, Bhagamandala is the meeting point of the three sacred rivers; the Cauvery, Kannike and the subterranean Sujyoti. It is also an important pilgrimage centre that draws thousands of devotees every year. Bhagamandala has three temples dedicated to Bhagandeshwara, Brahma/Subramanya and Mahavishnu. It is customary for devotees to take a dip and worship here before journeying to Talakavery. The spot also offers a splendid panoramic view of the Brahmagiri Peak.
If you plan on visiting the Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, and the temple at Talakavery, it is best to stayover in the town for a day. KSTDC’s Mayura Talakavery, located atop a hill is not only an ideal property to rest and recharge, but also perfect to take in the gorgeous views of the hills and valleys while being enveloped by the cool breeze characteristic to the region.
Madikeri, the picturesque capital of Coorg is just an hour away from Talakavery incase you want to have an extended vacation. The town, situated at an elevation of 1525 meter, is surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats and carpeted by green plantations dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings. Madikeri provides access to some excellent picnic spots.
Mayura Valley View Madikeri, one of KSTDC’s premium properties, located on a hilltop, offers a panoramic view of the lush green Coorg landscape. The property has 36 well furnished rooms, a swimming pool, an ayurvedic massage & spa, a multi-cuisine restaurant and outdoor & indoor games facilities.
KSTDC staff at all our properties are mostly locals from the region, and hence can guide you to interesting destinations and arrange transportation if necessary. KSTDC can also design a customized package based on your budgets, preferences and dates. Fill your details in the link below to get started on planning out your exclusive package.
For reservations/ enquiries, please log on to www.kstdc.co or call Mob: 8970650070/75 Tel: +91 80 4334 4334
The Madikeri Fort within its stone ramparts now houses a temple, a chapel, a small museum, a prison and assorted government offices. It was originally built as a mud fort by the Haleri Kings.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Madikeri Fort is the Omkareshwara Temple. Built in 1820, the temple features a blend of red tile-roofed unique to Kerala architecture and Islamic-style domes.The linga at this Shiva temple is believed to have been brought from Kashi.
The Raja’s Seat is perched atop a hill making it a coveted spot to view spectacular sunsets in the backdrop of the distant mountain ranges. Another attraction here is the toy train; Baba Saheb Express.
The tombs of Virarajendra, his wife and their son Lingaraja, are built in the Islamic style of architecture with its domes and minarets embellished in trellis work. However, the entrance to each tomb has carvings of Hindu deities.
Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past the coffee plantations and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade down into a natural pool.
It is a breathtakingly beautiful riverine island carved by the Cauvery River in the plains. Around 2 kilometers from Kushal Naga, it can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak and rosewood.
If you are an elephant lover, Dubare Elephant Camp is simply the right place for you. Nestled between the Cauvery and reserve forests, the Dubare Elephant Camp – once the training camp of the Mysore Dasara elephants – is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts as well as travelers. A unique eco-tourism destination founded by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, the camp aims to protect and conserve these gentle pachyderms.
Virajpet, the second biggest town in Coorg, is acclaimed as the largest producer of honey in Asia. The Sri Rameshwara Temple, located adjacent to the Lakshmana Tirtha River, is believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself. A prominent pilgrim destination, Virajpet is a favourite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival.
Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday. Harangi Dam was the first dam to be built across river Cauvery. Harangi dam is a popular picnic area, particularly during the post monsoon season.
The highest peak in the Coorg region and the second highest in Karnataka,Tadiandamol is a trekker’s paradise. Located at an elevation of 1,748 m, the gentle slopes and grassy terrain lures you with their scenic charm and serene ambience. A major attraction here is the Eshwara Igguthappa Temple, where the deity Subramanya is worshipped.
Nalknad Palace, the summer home of the Kodagu kings, is situated close to Tadiandamol. With its interiors replete with ornately carved pillars and friezes, the 200 year old palace is an architectural gem. Yet another attraction is the sculpted pavilion, which has four bull sculptures facing the cardinal directions.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the Iruppu Falls is at its splendid best during the monsoons. Originating in the lofty Brahmagiri peaks, the magnificent falls plunge 170 ft in two different phases. Another major attraction is the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple, which draws a throng of devotees every year during the Shivaratri festival.