Coorg Sightseeing

Coorg : Coorg in Karnataka in South India is a beautiful hill resort. 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Coorg, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu means ‘dense forest on steep hill’. It is beautiful hill country most of which is between 3000 and 4000 feet high. The tallest mountain peak is around 6000 feet high. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is famous for coffee plantations. The coffee estates here produce some of the world’s best coffee.

	#Omkareshwara Temple This temple was constructed in 1820. The architectural design is based on the Mumammadan method. Turrets flank the corners of the temple. The centre of the structure is dominated by a dome. Lingarajendra II built this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Omkareshwara Temple is built incorporating Islamic and Gothic styles. As per legend there is an interesting story behind the building of this temple. A Brahmin was killed by the king. So this temple was built to console the spirit of this Brahmin.It is said that in order to banish the spirit, the king installed a linga in the temple. The linga was brought specially for this purpose from Kashi. A water body exists in front of the temple. There are plenty of fish in them. On first impressions, this temple could look like a Muslim dargah.
#Abbey Fall The Abbey Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South India, located 10 km. away from Madikere. Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Coorg, the amazing waterfalls cascading from majestic mountains of the Western Ghats, with misty clouds in the backdrop, is a beauty to behold. The water gushes down over the boulders in thunderous splash, presenting the most beautiful sight to cherish forever. The waterfalls are nestled amid stretches of coffee plantations and pepper vines, exuding picturesque beauty. It is also a popular trekking spot in Coorg. Walk down the hanging bridge to have a fantastic view of the falls.
	#Nisargadhama Nisargadhama is a 25 acre island formed by river Kaveri with bamboos, teak, sandalwood trees streams and wild life covering it.At Nisargadhama one can find deer, elephants, peacocks and some other usual wild animals if lucky. One can take a ride on the elephant around the resort for an unforgettable ride of the life time.Nisargadhama is also famous for its hanging bridge which connects the island and helps travelers to cross the kaveri river. A new bridge has been constructed now just beside the old and shaky hanging bridge.Visitors can enjoy boating, Elephant rides and swimming apart from just watching Nisargadhama’s natural beauty.
#Fort The Palace of the erstwhile kings located inside the Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner. The brick and mortar Palace was built in 1814 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II.The strong fort of Mercara explains the tale of bravery and battle. In the inner Fort, a temple of Virabhadra was removed by the British in 1855 and in its place built an Anglican Church. The Church, in Gothic style, with color stained glasses has now been converted into a museum. The museum, run by the state archaeology department, is a repository of many antiques of Coorg. The original mud fort was rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. Two life-size elephants made of mortar, catch the eye of the visitor on entering the Fort. The other buildings inside the fort include the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison.