Thursday, February 3, 2011

13. COORG

Coorg is an enchanting city in Karnataka rich in natural beauty and with an interesting history. Also called Kodagu, Coorg offers tourists amazing views of the surrounding mountains, lush green valleys, coffee plantations and the teak wood forests. The rulers of this region were known as brave warriors and even the might of Tipu Sultan could not subjugate them.The city is important for tourism in Karnataka and attracts a significant number of tourists every year.

Tourist attractions in Coorg:

Abbi Falls: The meandering roads lead to the Abbi falls through a dense tree cover in the surrounding coffee plantations. The gushing water is a splendid sight with the surrounding tree cover and pool adding to the effect. The stream flows downwards to join the Cauvery River. The Abbi falls are located 7 kilometers from Coorg.

Madikeri: The capital of Coorg is the world’s largest producer of Cardamom. The beauty of the place and its surroundings has earned it the popular title of Scotland of India.

Omkareshwara Temple: This magnificent structure was built in 1820 by king Lingarajendra. The design of this popular temple is an interesting mix of South Indian, Gothic and Islamic architecture. The temple is topped by a dome and minarets at the corners give it a distinctive look. A square lake surrounds the temple.
 
Somwarpet: The coffee hub of Coorg offers wonderful driving and trekking opportunities. Coffee plantations and spice gardens are the major attractions during the drive. Tourists can stop and take a look around these gardens to experience the coffee and spice making processes. The Basappa club is a local meeting point of the coffee planters and offers facilities for indoor games like table tennis and snooker. This area is a perfect destination for trekking and adventure games enthusiasts.

Little Tibet: This place derives its name from the settlement of Tibetan refugees in the area. Little Tibet is home to some beautiful Tibetan religious monuments including the Namdroling Monastery, the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara, and the Zangdogpalri temple. The surrounding area is as spectacular as all other sites in Coorg. Trekking can be a rewarding experience in this area, with the local villagers offering delicious Tibetan food to trekkers.

Irpu Falls, Bhagamandala, Tala Cauvery, Kakkabe, and Nisargadhama are a few of the other tourist attractions in Coorg. The Nagarhole National Park is a famous wildlife destination in South India and can be easily accessed from Coorg.


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