Places of Interest

Madikeri
The capital of Coorg formerly called Mercara, Madikeri is often known as the Scotland of India. It has enchanted millions of travellers with its misty hills, lush forests, coffee plantations and breath taking views. Also known for its lovely climate, Madikeri is a world record holder for the cardamom crop.

Kakkabe
Famous for being the largest producer of honey in south east Asia, though most come here for the Padi Igutappa temple. This is Coorg’s most important temple and the presiding deity of the Puthari Festival. Built as a hunting lodge, the Nalnad Palace is used as a kiddies’ camp, though no one will really mind you pottering around. You could also visit the honey farms

Omkareshwara Temple
With a dome in the middle of a square lake and minarets at each corner, this is a catholic mix of Keralite, Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra

HARANGI:
The Harangi dam is built across the tributary of rive Kaveri near Kushalnagar. This dam with a height of 47mts and 846 mts length, is an important picnic spot. One can access its beauty when the reservoir is fully filled with water during August to September. Guest house facility are also available on reservation from the public works department Ideal Season: August and September

BYLAKUPPE:

Bylakuppa near Kushalnagar houses refugees from Tibet. These refugees, (Tibetans) kept their culture and heritage intact.  The Tibetan way of life, their religion, handicraft centers, architectures are main tourist attractions. Recently built Golden Temple(Nyinymapa Monastery) attracts tourists from abroad. Tourist can taste Tibetan dishes.

THE FORT
Lingarajendra Wodeyar II rebuilt the palace within the fort in brick and mortar in 1814. An inscription on the metal plate in one of the palace rooms mentions the date of commencement and of completion of the construction of the palace.  A clock tower and a portico for car parking was built at the right end of the palace in 1933.The then " Durbar Hall" of Haleri rulers was used as Assembly Hall after Independence and before the re-organization of states-when Kodagu was a part "C" state.

RAJA'S TOMB:
Lingarejendra completed the tomb of his elder brother Virarajendra, which had begun in his life time. The tomb is situated at the northern extremity of Mahadevpet and is enclosed by a high embankment. Lingaraja' s tomb built by his son Viraraja the younger is also situated here. There is also the tombs of the Raja' s priest Rudrappa, built by Dewan Ponnappa in 1834 and Biddanda Bopu and his son Somayya, the Chief Commandant of the army of Doddaviraraja and Chickaviraraja respectively. There is a kannada inscription on Bopu's tomb inscribed by the orders of Doddavirarajendra, paying tribute to his service to the Raja latest war against Tippu Sultan in his hunting

THE RAJA'S SEAT:
The Raja' s seat is an elevated spot overlooking a vast green area situated at the boundary of the town. It command a thrilling view. It is believed that rulers of Kodagu along with their family members spent their evening hours enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the top of the hills. Later this favorites place of royal family permanently associated with their names. The raja' s seat offers splendid and exquisite view of Western Ghats. Immediately below is an extensive valley. Studded with paddy fields, the road to Mangalore meandering its course down the hill, looks just like a curved ribbon lying in the valley. Beyond the valley stand in majestic silence , the blue mountain ranges. The golden light of the setting sun rest on the scene, adding new grace and splendors to it.

Best Time to Visit: Morning and evening hours (Sunrise & Sunset)

Bhagamandala & Telecauvery
At the convergence of the rivers Cauvery, the underground Sujyothi and the Kanike, the Bhangandeshwara temple here has a distinct Kerala touch. Because of the three rivers, it is also called Triveni Sangama. The serene temple has intricate carvings and a copper roof. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby is supposed to revive sagging spirits, but take prior permission at the temple.
Every October 17, on Tulasankranama, thousands come here to swim and pray. For this is Telecauvery (meaning Head of the Cauvery), the origin of one of the seven sacred rivers. The source of this long river, which passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. It is 1535 metres above sea level. Steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where a panoramic view of Kodagu meets the visitor

PADI IGGUTHAPPA TEMPLE
The Padi Igguthappa temple resembles the temples of Kerala in style. This temple governs important role in the traditional and cultural life of Kodagu. Very little information's is available regarding the history of this temple. In 1810 Lingarajendra captured eight tigers and killed, thirty four elephants in the surroundings of this temple. To symbolize this culture he donated a silver elephant to this temple. According to scripts available Apparanda Bopu a Dewan of Halarie rulers renovated this temple between 1834-35. How to Reach: Padi Igguthappa temple is just 45Kms from Madikeri, Private Buses are available from Madikeri, Napoklu and Virajpet.

THE NALKNAD PALACE
After escaping from Tippu sultan' s troops Doddavirarajendra , a Haleri ruler built this palace at Yavakapadi in Nalknad area. Built in 1972, this simple palace famous for its paintings and carvings. Doddaverarajendra marries Mahadevammaji here in 1796. While British army entered Kodagu the last emperor of Halari family chikkaverarajendra tool shelter here. Now this palace belongs to Archaeology department.The highest peak of Kodagu, Thadiyandamole is situated nearby.

Nagarhole National Park
Though the name literally means Snake River in Kannada, there aren’t too many snakes around. Created from a former raja’s hunting grounds, Nagarahole is one of the best game sanctuaries in South India, providing a natural living conditions to several wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers, rhinos and wild elephants, but one is more likely to see smaller game like gaur, deer, wild dogs and langur. Pleasantly cool round the year, it is a little difficult to reach, which makes it quieter than other parks. This in turn makes it a great place to relax. Jungle safaris are available as elephant rides.

DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP:  

ABBI FALLS

Chelvara Falls

Chikkli Hole Back Waters

Irupu Falls

Harangi Dam

Sakya Monastry

Sereme Monastry

Kotte Betta

Kotte Abbi falls