Few other places in the world are blessed with such natural beauty and fertility: Misty mountains. Myriad streams and waterfalls. Thick tropical forests. Miles of spice, paddy and coffee plantations. An abundance of rare flora and fauna. And a wonderfully-hospitable people with a mysterious past.
Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Coorg.It is a comfortable 6 hours drive from Bangalore - 260 kms. The nearest rail head is Mysore - 120kms. The coastal town of Mangalore is just 132 kms.
Visitors are advised to take Rajahamsa bus only as the roads Esp. from Mysore is very rough and bumpy.
Places near Kushalnagara----
Tibetian Monastry
This is the second largest tibetian settlement in india.The temple has 3 huge(may be 25 feet+) gold plated statues of Lord Buddha, Goddess Amitayu and Lord Padmasambhava.There are 2 small temples also.Donot miss the prayer session which starts at 1 p.m This is an unique experience. You can also shop for some tibetian handicrafts.
Time to spend- 1 Hr. to 2 Hrs.
Dubare Elephant camp
The elephant camp is situated in a small island in the dubare forest range.The road leading to here from Kushalangar is very horrible(8 k.m) Be prepared for a very rough ride.Small boats takes you across the river which is a 2 minutes ride. You can also enjoy 15 min. elephant rides for Rs 100/- each
Time - 1 Hr. to 1.5 Hrs.
Kaveri Nisargadhama
This is a man made island on the banks of Kaveri accessible by a hanging bridge.It is nothing but a thick bamboo forest.There are some tree top huts. You can do some Boating(seasonal), Swimming, Elephant ride and Horse ride. There is a small deer park as well.Just a wonderful place where you feel close to nature and you can relax. There are some cottages also for people who want to spend more time.
Time - 2 Hr. to 4 Hrs.
Harangi Dam
A beautiful and scenic reservoir may be across the river kaveri?? There is a very good garden and also a dairy farm nearby. May be possible to have some watersports as well.Great picnic spot.
Time - 1 Hr.- 1.5 Hrs.
Plantations
A trip to coorg will not be complete without a visit to the plantations.Coffee is mainly grown in the plantations along with Orange, Pepper, Cardamom and some other spices.
Time - 1 Hr.
Places in Madikeri----
Abbey falls
This is a pretty small but scenic waterfall inside a private estate.Need to walk 10 min. from the main road.You can do some swimming or trek along the upstream.
Time - 30 min.
Raja’s seat
This is a viewpoint and also a historic place. You can watch the awesome sun set behind the distant mountains. Also there is a well maintained garden with lots of different varieties of flowers.
Time - 15 min.
OmKareshwra temple
Just another temple but with a distinct style of architecture.
Time - 15 min.
Places must skip in Madikeri - Museum, Fort, Golf Course, Raja’s tomb
Places near Bhagamandala----
Bhagamandala
This is the place where kaveri confluencences with rivers kanike and Sujyothi. There are many small shrines built in the Kerala style of Architecture.
TalaKaveri
This is the birthplace of river kaveri.The river originates inside a small tank and flows underground for a few kilometers and flows out into the open near bhagamandala.There is also a temple for the goddess.Situated in the Brahmagiri hills, you will be literally walking on/inside the clouds here. Visibility will be absolutely Zero and driving here requires some technique.
Places near Siddapura----
Nagarahole National Park
This is one of the best wildlife Sanctuaries in South India.Enjoy the safari tour conducted in the mornings and evenings by the forest department.There are facilities for over-night stay also.One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals.
Time - ???
Iruppu falls
This is a beautiful water falls located inside a thick jungle. You have to trek for quite a distance to reach the falls.Beware of leeches.Also there is a temple of Lord Rameshwara nearby.
Time - 30 min. to 1 hr.
Other places to Visit
Igguthappa temple
Thadiyendamol Peak(2nd highest peak in Karnataka)
Valanoor(One of the most Beautiful angling sites)