Coorg

Madikeri Fort has been a popular tourist attraction to witness the lives, rise and fall of several glorious rulers and dynasty. Founded by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century and constructed in mud, it finally took shape in granite and has stood testimony to several incidents. It is a coming together of several religions and an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions.A Fort with a temple, Church, prison, Museum and library is pretty intriguing, especially to history lovers. Different rulers from majestic dynasties have constructed and reconstructed the Fort time and again and used it in a way they felt was justified. Located amidst rolling mountains and lush greenery, one can spend hours inside the Fort looking for artefacts mentioned in the pages of history.Currently, the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office is located inside the Fort premises. St. Mark’s Church built during the British regime houses a museum, which contains several interesting items related to history. It showcases a huge portrait of Coorg's eminent personality Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, weapons and tools used by the different rulers and the British along with several other interesting objects.It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and the beauty and culture of Coorg have been defined in a historical monument, The Madikeri Fort. The two-storied heritage property built by the erstwhile ruler of Kodagu has undergone several changes both structurally and functionally. A Fort built-in mud housing a beautiful Palace, that too made in mud to a Church adorned with stained glass and done up in Gothic style built by the British.Tipu Sultan further fortified the monument in granite and used it for official and leisurely activities. While the British made a museum adjoining the Church, made further changes and showcased various objects and artefacts used during the different transactions amongst the rulers.History of Madikeri Fort The history of Madikeri Fort dates back to the 17th century when the erstwhile king of Coorg, Mudduraja had made Madikeri the capital city of Kodagu. Initially, the fort was built with mud with along with a palace too made with mud inside the fort premises.The fort has born the brunt of several rulers thus undergoing demolitions and reconstruction time and again over a few centuries. It was also rebuilt by Tipusultan in granite and named the site as Jaffarabad and renamed the fort as Meraca Fort. In 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra added to the architectural beauty of the Fort and then again by the Britishers in 1834. St. Mark’s Church built in 1859 is housed inside the Fort and has a museum built inhouse.The Architecture of Madikeri FortThe colossal Fort built against the backdrop of verdant mountains and an open sky reminisces one of an era bygone. The Fort, constructed in granite has been built in European style with elaborate pillars and checkered floor patterns. The two life-size statues of elephants at the entrance must have stod testimony to several rivalry and wars.St. Mark’s Church, in glass stained Gothic style replaced the old Vidarbha temple inside the fort also under the British rule. A grand clock tower was strategically placed to the exuberance of the fort in 1933. A sculpture of tortoise, with the name of King Vijayendra, engraved on it sits adorned upon to welcome the history aficionados.The grand architecture of the fort is not only the pride of the Kodagu region but has also attracted visitors from several parts of the world. The secret labyrinth of alleys and passes inside the fort gives way to mysterious stories associated with them which too must have seen gory and secret stories hidden within the walls.

One of the famous attractions near Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a great way to have a fun-filled day with your loved ones. Amidst the lush green surroundings of Western Ghats, Abbey Falls is a delightful place to visit when you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle. A must visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Abbey Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in South India and also one of the best places in Coorg. Falling down from a height of 70 feet in the middle of a panoramic landscape, the tourists are sure to be charmed by the spectacle.Joining river Kaveri, Abbey Falls is set amidst the verdant coffee plantations and known for its serene ambience. For the adventure lovers, it is a paradise for trekking and for those seeking solitude it is a great getaway to soak in peace in the realm of nature. Offering a great view from the hanging bridge, Abbey Falls is a place that you must not miss visiting while you are in Coorg and looking for a place to picnic or just relax and unwind. The waterfall is a tranquil spot to make the most of your holiday, especially during the monsoons with a number of thrilling activities to do.

Iruppu Falls is one of the best tourist destinations of South India, a best place in Coorg and a popular trekking site in Karnataka for a plethora of gems the place has in its store. It is a cascading waterfall that flows down the Bramhagiri hills nestled amidst the woodlands in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Iruppu Falls is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls as it originates as the tributary of River Cauvery under the same name. It is also popular among the pilgrims who consider the place sacred for its connection with the mythological story of Ramayana. According to popular belief, the water of the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls is bestowed with divine powers that wash off the sins of those who take a dip into its water. The blissful natural surrounding and exotic wildlife at the vicinity of the waterfalls make it a coveted asylum for nature lovers and holidaymakers from different parts of the country. The gushing watercourse of the Iruppu Falls is also a perfect destination for trekking. The chilled water of the falls will soothe and rejuvenate you after a tiring trek as you sit and immerse your feet in its water and set yourself free from the cares of life. With a proper journey plan, you can enjoy the best ever trekking experience at Iruppu Falls.

Raja’s Seat or the Seat of the Kings is a popular tourist destination of Madikeri. It is named so as in the past, the place has been visited by the kings of Coorg. Raja’s seat offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region consisting of green valleys, towering hills and paddy fields. The atmosphere of the place is quite refreshing and it is one of the best Coorg attractions.The actual Raja’s seat is a statue resembling a brick mortar and pestle structure surrounded by four equidistantly placed pillars. All four pillars are bridged with the aid of arches. In ancient days, this spot was an important point for tourists to capture some delightful sunset moments. Encircling the Raja’s seat is a splendid garden consisting of a musical fountain and seasonal flowers. When the flowers are in their wholly bloomed phase, the garden offers a beautiful sight. As long as the rhythmic music keeps playing in the background, the fountain here dances to its tune and gushes out colourful water. Raja’s Seat overlooks a mind-boggling valley with numerous mist-laden mountain ranges. It is good to plan your visit to the Raja’s seat either early morning or during the sunset hours. Capturing golden moments of the sun rising from the background of mist-laden valleys have always been adored by photographers visiting here. Similar scenery is created during the evening when the sun is about to sign off with its golden smile. Toy train safari here will surely keep you and your little ones engaged. To witness the magic of this toy train ride, you need to head in the direction of the entrance of Raja’s Seat. It will drive you around the garden that surrounds the Raja’s Seat. Throughout your garden ride, you can simply capture some beautiful pictures of the seasonal blooms or take a panoramic view of the valley that stretches apart

Credits: Jean JonesOne of the highest peaks in the Kodagu region, Tadiandamol has been a favourite not only amongst the trekkers but also with nature lovers, bird watchers and photo enthusiasts. The mountains have withstood the testimony of time and have inspired many since time immemorial. The erstwhile rulers of the Kodagu region have drawn serious inspiration from the mighty mountain. Trails of their legacy have been left behind at the Nalknad Palace which is close to 200-year old now. Tadiandamol has a rich diversity in its flora and fauna harmoniously co-existing amidst the dense forests and grasslands of the Western ghats.Tadiandamol Peak is the third-highest point in the region of Karnataka offering a magnificent view of the valley after crossing the meadows, water bodies, Shola forest and lush green vegetation. This peak stands at a height of 5,735 feet above sea level and is a favourite spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The mountain has stood testimony to the time and has witnessed several incidents both natural and man-made. Though scaling one of the tallest mountains in Karnataka is not the only adventure but it offers a great view of the surroundings and is one of the famous places to visit in Coorg.Trekking along Tadiandamol teaches one to be valiant and patient while one observes the bounty of mother nature. As one starts from the base village of Kakkabe, the snaking trails are at times broad and of concrete and at times just muddy and unpaved. The excitement begins when the trail gets a little narrower with the sight of dense vegetation, coffee, pepper and other spice plantations. You will be able to witness and enjoy the sight of colourful birds and butterflies and hear them. Trek Routes to Tadiandamol Peak The highest peak in Kodagu offers a fascinating trek to nature lovers. At an elevation of 5740 ft, it takes you through verdant greens of Shola forest, valleys and rivers. The starting point of the trek is at Nalaknad Palace, where large vehicles like buses and tempo travelers can be parked free of cost. There is a motorable road until the viewpoint which is another 2km ahead. Only small vehicles can access this motorable road. The trek to the peak starts from the Forest entry point, where one needs to buy tickets for the trek. The next major point is the big boulder where trekkers usually take a short break to witness a charming view of the surroundings. Beyond the big boulders are the grasslands leading to the silent forest. The pinnacle of the trek is the brilliant forest replete with flora and fauna of varied species. This is a moderate level trek which is 6km one way and takes close to 2-3 hours each side. The trails are broad and chances of getting lost are less.History of Tadiandamol PeakThe third highest mountain peak in Karnataka is extremely popular amongst the tourists. It is adorned with lush Shola forest throughout the valley. The Nalaknad Palace built-in 1792 in the periphery of the mountain has historical relevance. It was used as a site to seek refuge by different rulers during the times of war amongst the neighboring states. For the warrior clans also referred to as the Kodavas the highest peak in Coorg has been a source of inspiration. The stoic warriors were led by the mighty mountain to showcase their valour and strength which has been recorded in the pages of Indian history.

Situated at 34 km distance from Coorg district, Namdroling Monastery is a popular spiritual centre and also among the best place in Coorg. This place is amongst Mysore’s largest teaching centres where you learn every aspect of Tibetan Buddhism. Amongst locals, this shrine is famous as the Golden Temple. The architecture of Namdroling Monastery is as attractive as its spiritual significance. You will witness some finest quality architectural and artwork styles. The elegance of the temple tower blends perfectly with the ornate outer walls. Finally, there are beautiful murals to add the finishing touch. Spread over a land stretched around 80 square feet, this place is carved out from bamboo. There are many auxiliary structures within, such as a hospital to take care of the health needs of poor and an educational institution to provide the right education to the needy. Besides, there are about 5000 Sangha community members here. Every day Namdroling Monastery welcomes thousands of visitors for religious and meditative purposes. Besides, the Namdroling Monastery officials also schedule for annual one-month retreat session. Locals highly recommend visiting Namdroling Monastery during this time. You can get yourself accommodated within the premises of Namdroling Monastery itself. Else, there are accommodations available at Paljor Dhargey Ling Guest House. Also, there are shops on the monastery grounds where you could find some fried noodles, breakfast, eggs, or milk tea. Vacation Offer: Best Coorg Tour PackagesOverviewLocation: Namdroling Monastery is located at Arlikumari in Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104. Opening Hours: You can visit Namdroling Monastery anywhere in between 07:00 am to 08:00 pm. Entry Fee: There are no entry fees to visit Namdroling Monastery. Best Time: It is good to plan your visit to the Namdroling Monastery between June to March. The weather is pleasant during this period, with temperature ranging between 20 to 22 degrees. Summers here extends from April to May. Even though the weather remains hot, the place is completely filled with visitors. You can even plan your visit here on the birth occasion of Dalai Lama or during the Tibetan New Year. Peak monsoons and winters are not so recommended to visit Namdroling Monastery due to weather extremities. Average Temperature: The average annual temperature in Bylakuppe is 22.7 degrees. April is the warmest month in Bylakuppe while December is the one with the lowest average temperature. You can expect an average rainfall of 1027 mm. Distance from Coorg: Namdroling Monastery is at a distance of 34.3 kilometres from Coorg via NH275. You will require approximately 51 minutes to travel between Coorg and Namdroling Monastery.Planning a honeymoon in Coorg? Check out the best Coorg Honeymoon Packages.How to Reach Namdroling MonasteryBy Rail: Krishnarajanagar is the nearest railway station to Namdroling Monastery. You can take a train from Ksr Bengaluru and get down at Krishnarajanagar. From here, you need to hire a cab to reach Namdroling Monastery. Cost – 1000 to 2000 INR per head.  By Road: You can reach Namdroling Monastery either by bus or a taxi. Alternatively, you can go for a direct ride from Bengaluru to Namdroling Monastery at 5000 to 7000 INR per trip. By Bus: If you are planning to reach Namdroling Monastery by bus, you first have to be there at Bangalore. Bangalore has many buses to take you to the bus stop near Namdroling Monastery. From Bengaluru, you need to ride a bus to Kushal Nagar, and from there, you can hire a taxi to drop you to the Namdroling Monastery. Your bus and taxi trip will cost you around 600 to 900 INR per head.Read More: Coorg to Bangalore: A Detailed Travel GuideHistory of Namdroling MonasteryNamdroling Monastery’s establishment dates back to 1963 by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche. He was the 11th throne holder of Palyul dynasty. Rinpoche himself went there for puja and accomplished all the menial tasks alone. During those times, the monastery had only 10 monks.‘Namdroling’ is the short name for this monastery, which is famous amongst the locals. Namdroling Monastery’s original name is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling. Initially, the structure of the monastery was made from bamboo. It spanned across a land stretch of 80 square feet. This place was carved from jungles and granted to the Tibetan exiles by the Indian Government. Sikkim Tibetan exiles used this place as a shelter during the second world war.  Constructors involved in building the monastery faced challenges of tropical dangers and rampaging elephants. Today, nearly 5000 monks are living here within the Namdroling Monastery. Suggested Read: Scenic Waterfalls in CoorgArchitecture of Namdroling Monastery Namdroling Monastery has a surreal setting. Built across a land stretch of 80 square feet, entrance of the monastery is flanked by lush greenery. You can see this lush greenery to be present on either side of the entrance. As you move in, there’s a massive portrait of Pema Norbu Rinpoche to welcome you. Entrance is your gateway to the main shrine which homes to gold plated structures of Sukhayami, Padmanasambhava, and Amityas. This zone forms the chief or prayer zone of the Namdroling Monastery. Buddha’s statue here is around 60 feet high, and that of Buddha Amityas is approximately 58 feet. Both figures shine in blue and golden tinge, reflecting a perfect blend of art and craftsmen from Tibet. There are small desks lined up all along the prayer hall. As you move on from the main structure, you will witness the presence of ornate bells. The vibrant Tibetan paintings on the walls of Namdroling Monastery raises the overall aura and elegance of this beautiful shrine.Popular Read: A Detailed Guide of Trekking in CoorgPlaces to Visit near Namdroling MonasteryDubare Elephant Camp – This is a forest-based elephant camp juxtaposed by the banks of Kaveri river. Here, you can mark the presence of Karnataka Forest Department’s elephants. Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest – This is a delta formed by Krishna river near Kushalnagar. Here, you can mark the presence of thick bamboo groves, teak and sandalwood trees. Chiklihole Reservoir – This is a small reservoir present across Chiklihole river which flows through the Cauvery river basin. One side of the reservoir is covered by a green meadow and the other side with lush green forests. St Sebastian Church, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort are some other nearby tourist attractions.Read More: Popular Places to Visit in CoorgThings to Do in/near Namdroling MonasteryExplore the architecture of Namdroling Monastery – Namdroling Monastery exhibits a unique architectural style dating back to 1963. The Buddha statues here stands high with a blue-gold tinge. Walls of Namdroling Monastery display the beauty of Tibetan style of painting. Offer Prayers at the main shrine – If you are highly religious or spiritual and a firm believer of Tibetan Buddhism, you simply can't miss on the opportunity to be a part of the prayer session here. Prayer session at the Namdroling Monastery is scheduled precisely at 01:00 pm every day. Explore Tibetan style food at the food stalls – The moment your stomach starts craving for some food, head towards the ground floor of the Namdroling Monastery. There are various food stalls there offering Tibetan style fried noodles, milk tea, eggs or some other breakfast. If you are on fasting on the day of your visit, you can simply grab a fresh and tender coconut or grapes being sold at the main entrance. Paljor Dhargey Ling Guest House has a restaurant on its ground floor called Shanti Hotel. Here you can get some Indian meals.Suggested Read: Most Popular Things to Do in CoorgOther Important Information1. Places to Stay Here are some best stay places near Namdroling Monastery – -Paljor Dhargey Ling Guest House: This guesthouse is run by a Tibetan community and is located very close to Namdroling Monastery. -Bota Royal (1180 INR): Here you will receive a free Wi-Fi service in every single room throughout the property. The rooms are air-conditioned with a common seating area.  -Trippers Stay Coorg (533 INR): Tripper’s Stay Coorg provides 24-hours front desk service. Rooms are equipped with all the basic amenities you need to make your stay a comfortable one. -Saif Home Stay (255 INR): This homestay features 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, 1 bathroom with essential toiletries. There’s a restaurant, terrace, and a garden for your complete entertainment. -Maharaja Resorts (1500 INR); Maharaja Resort offers a front desk service for 24 hours, a terrace and a garden. You receive a free Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property. -Golden Elite Motel (1000 INR): Every room here features a flat TV, private bathroom, and cable connection. You can also enjoy their free Wi-Fi service. Staff here is quite co-operative. 2. Places to Eat -Tibet Kitchen: You can enjoy simple Tibetan and Chinese food here at the Tibet Kitchen. This place is worthy of your expenses. -Coffee Cup: This is located on the Madikeri – Mysore highway. You get to enjoy a wide array of organic coffee flavors here. -Top in Town: This place offers Asian and Indian style cuisines. Locals visit here to have their early morning breakfast.   -Levista: The atmosphere at Levista will force you to fall in love with it. You will find a lot of snacks and drinks here. Traditional coffee is a must-try of this place. -Shathi Bites: This place is famous for Halal food and vegan options. The ambience is quite good. Tourists recommend this place for really good food.  -Rangoli Multicuisine Restaurant: You will get a huge variety here. There are Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Asian, and Barbecue cuisines available.  -Hotel Le Fortune: You can try this place for some non-vegetarian food varieties. 3. Transportation facilityIf you are travelling from Bengaluru, you have three different options before you go to the Namdroling Monastery – train, rickshaw, and taxi. Otherwise, you can opt for rickshaw drive if you are somewhere within Bylakuppe. 4. Medical FacilitiesNamdroling Monastery has its own healthcare centre known as Tsepal Tobkyed Hospital. This healthcare centre is popular amidst locals by the name TT hospital. The TT hospital homes to all modern western medical facilities to provide adequate support for poor people. 5. Network ConnectivityYou won’t be having any internet connectivity art Namdroling Monastery. So, you need to be ready for isolation from the rest of the world.Know More: Best Places to Stay in Coorg

Barpole is turbulent river full of class 2 and class 4 rapids originating from Kithu Kakathu River further extending to Brahmagiri hills to the Arabian Sea. Whitewater rafting is one recreational activity that Barpole river is famous for. One of the most challenging rafting experience on the different level of rapids. The adrenaline rushing activity is best done in Monsoon. Launch you rafts high in the rapids and click the most adventurous pictures on your trip to Coorg or Kodagu. Barpole is one of the adventurous Coorg tourist places in Karnataka and the best place to try rafting in Coorg. Venture into an off the beaten adventure and indulge into this heart-pumping activity.Location: Barapole River, Coorg, Karnataka 571201, IndiaBest Time to visit: Monsoon (July to September)Entry fee: An average cost of rafting may range from INR 1200 to 1500.Timings: Best done before 2 to 3 PMAverage time required to visit the place: Rafting is a 1.5 to 2 hours activity.Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: Approximately 80 KM.

Dubare Elephant Camp is Jungle Lodge and Resorts Ltd.’s (JLR) project located at the riverbank of Kaveri. It lies in Kodagu or Coorg district in Karnataka, a major Coorg attraction on its own. Every year tourists find solace in exploring the different elephant species at this camp.These elephants are in fact, highly trained by the naturalists or the Mahouts—the person who is in charge of taking care of tuskers and other elephants. In fact, these naturalists are very well aware of the history and biology of the elephants. Visitors from across the globe get to know more about these elephants’ lives, eating habits, rules and regulations, etc.Apart from that, the Dubare Elephant Camp is also home to plentiful of flora and fauna, namely the animals like tigers, deers, and gaurs. And that’s why this project is highly monitored and is under the control of JLR.Innovative ways have also been introduced by these authorities for the betterment of the camp’s life led by these animals. Some of these ways are interactions of the tourists with the elephant, opportunity to bathe them and then feed them. Also touring the whole forest area around in the Jungle Safari is another delight. Multiple activities like trekking and camping are regularly hosted around the Dubare Elephant Camp by highly trained professionals.