COORG/KODAGU
Nestling in the misty green hills of the Western Ghats to the north west of Mysore is the district of Coorg, sometimes called the Scotland of the East because of all the rain presumably! There are lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, deep ravines and picturesque highlands and the air is filled with the fragrance of coffee, oranges and wild honey, unlike Scotland! The climate is very pleasant and the area has good road links with the rest of Karnataka. The district capital , Madikeri is an attractive little town with a few shops selling honey, pepper and other spices and the area is popular for trekking. Spectacular views are available at every turn on the drive up to the town.
Places of Interest:
BYLAKUPPE
This is India’s largest colony of resettled Tibetan refugees. Walking into the complex is like walking into a time and geographic warp. Maroon robed monks wander around the magnificent Buddhist Temple and prayer flags flutter in the mountain air.
DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP
The camp is situated along the River Kaveri and allows visitors to get close to tame and retired elephants, give them a rub down in the water with giant brushes, feed them and ride them in the forest.
NAGAROLE NATIONAL PARK
One of the best maintained wildlife reserves in India, abundant with spotted deer, wild boar, gaur (Indian bison) and elephant.
TALACAUVERY
This is the fountainhead of the River Kaveri, Karnataka’s main river. The small spring is situated at 4000ft above sea level and surrounded by mountains. A breathtaking drive up to it.
ABBI FALLS
These falls are about five miles from Madikeri and are beautiful and well worth visiting with a guide who can take you for a short trek.
