MADIKERI TOUR 2014
from 23RD APRIL 2014 TO 25TH APRIL 2014
the 'Scotland of India' - Natural Splendor
The Aroma of Cardamom, Pepper and Honey - Enchanting fragrance of coffee
DAY -01 : BANGALORE-HUNSUR-NAGARAHOLE-IRRUPU
FALLS-HUDIKERI [GOLDEN HARVEST HOME STAY –IN AND AROUND –TEA ESTATE ETC HALT]
DAY -02 : HUDIKERI TO TALACAUVERY,
BHAGAMANDALA, OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE, RAJA SEAT BACK TO HUDIKERI
DAY-03: HUDIKERI – DUBARE,
NISARGADHAMA, BYLAKUPPE BACK TO BANGALORE
After Exams of my Son, everybody at home is asking for a trip. I planned some places, made preparations for one day tour, three day tour and five day tour,first we made a plan to in and around Tumkur, and decided to have a three day tour, i had a plan to visit Madikeri as this was only place in Karnataka to visit during summer as it is called Scotland of South India.
As i was planning, my friend Lokesh was also planning to visit Madikeri, and i informed that i have a arranged a tour to Madikeri can u join, so finally decided to go by a Innova Vehicle and after a day another friend of Mr. Lokesh , Mr. Dinesh also joined for our tour. then decided to change the vehicle from Innova to TT, Lokesh booked the TT and finally three familes are ready for the tour of Madikeri
"Go go... get to some hill station".
So, get set go to Madikeri, Coorg.
The trip in short:
Start Date: 23rd April, 2014
Return Date: 25th April, 2014
Places visited:
Enroute Nagarahole Forest [sighted Deer, Elephant, Mongoose
Wild Dogs]
Irrupu Falls
Talacauvery
Bhagamandala
Madikeri Fort [This is completely occupied by the State DC office]
Abbey Falls [ as there was no enough water, this visit got cancelled]
Mandalapatti [due to time constraint this was also put off]
Raja Seat
Omkareshwara Temple
Dubare Elephant Camp
Kaveri Nishargadhama
Tibetan Monastery (Golden Temple)
Team :
Sateesh, Malini, Manu, Neha
Lokesh, Pankaja, Ishitha, Chiranth, Lakshmidevi
Dinesh, Ashwini, Tanvi, Nanda Kishore
Transport:
TT Vehicle- Driver Naryana
Stay:
Golden Harvest Home Stay
KONNAKERI VILLAGE
HUDIKERE
GONIKOPPAL
COORG SOUTH
NACHAPPA: 7483138334
MOORTHY:9449070322
Golden Harvest Holiday Home situated in Hudikeri, Virajpet Taluk, south Coorg. It is a small village 40 km distance from its District main City Madikeri and is 206 km distance from the City of Bangalore. It can be reached on the highway from Gonikopal to Nagarahole National Park off the Kutta Road after Srimangala.
Route:
Bangalore – 150km –> Mysore — 45km –> Hunsur — 20km –> Nagarhole entry gate — 30km –> Nagarhole exit gate — 4km –> Kutta — 18km–> Hudikeri [ Golden Harvest Homestay]
23rd April 2014-
Woke up at 4-00 am previous day booked a cab to drop from Yelahanka to Rajarajeshwari nagar, Cab came by 5-25 am left Home along with family reached Rajarajeshwari Nagar Arch by 6-00 am, had tea by roadside shop Lokesh and Family along with Mr Dinesh reached the RR Arch by 6-30 left Bangalore
Mysore Road is clean and smooth till Mysore though you may find some minor jam at channapatna and Ramanagara(Silk City). TT was moving at a leisurely speed of 60 to 80Km/hr enroute we had a breakfast at Shivalli Restaurant and Mr. Dinesh Family were in Maddur picked up their family [Mr. Dinesh's Wife Ashwini, Daughter Tanvi and Son Nanda Kishore] from there
After Srirangapatna and just before Mysore there is a big signal at Columbia Asia Hospital. We took a right from here to get on the Ring Road...just to avoid the city traffic
but unfortunately our driver took a wrong route on Hunsur Bypass as we need to have a Nagarahole Route almost 5-6 Kms we came back reached Hunsur, via Hunsur we entered Veeranahosahalli Entry Gate all along the route we are eager to search any sightings finally we had some Elephant Sighting along with Deer, Wild Dog etc from there reach Kutta and moved towards Irrupu Falls by 1-00 pm booked Lunch near Irrupu Falls Restaurant
A simple walk of around 1Km takes to the base of Irrupu falls. A small hanging bridge en route.enjoyed a lot in Water falls except Neha, Manu and Malini every one had a nice bath over there,India’s most attractive butterflies can be commonly seen here named the Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio Buddha),and one more information regarding those who need to have a experience of Trek -The famous trek route to the Brahmagiri peak starts from this waterfall. The notice board shows the trek routes, important peaks around, place of Narimale Trekker's Rest house etc. The Other attraction at the base of Iruppu Falls is Sri Rameshwara Temple as it was noon the temple was closed.
Iruppu Falls
Iruppu
waterfall is one of Coorgs major tourist attractions. Iruppu is a sacred place
and is located in south Coorg on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River
Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. According to legends Rama and Lakshmana, passed
this way in search of Sita. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills
and brought into being the river Lakshmana tirtha when Rama asked him to fetch
some water.
The river descends into a water fall known as the Irupu Falls and takes a 60 meter plunge down the river amidst the lushy green mountain. This place is said to possess the power to cleanse one’s sins and is visited by thousands of devotees on Shivaratri day.
IRRUPU FALLS |
ANOTHER VIEW OF IRRUPPU FALLS |
NEHA ENJOYING IN IRRUPPU FALLS |
LOKESH FAMILY ENJOYING BENEATH IRRUPPU FALLS |
DINESH WITH TANVI ENJOYING AT IRRUPPU FALLS |
NEHA IN FRONT OF IRRUPPU FALLS |
NEHA, MANU AND MALINI ENJOYING ON THE ROCKS OF IRRUPPU FALLS |
FULL TEAM AT IRRUPPU FALLS |
Crossing Hanging Bridge near Irruppu Falls |
After Having Lunch at Iruppu Falls left over the reached our Homestay [ Golden Harvest] called Mr. Nachappa Manjanna over mobile he had came to the main road and took us inside two kms to reach the said Homestay, it was surrounded by a lush green fields along with Coffee Estate, had some tea and bath had a nice Dinner and played some games such as housie etc. and later slept. Minchula sight in night is breathtaking , it was out of the world experience.
Golden Harvest Home Stay
Route to Home Stay |
GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY ROOM |
GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY ROOM |
GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY FULL VIEW |
FLORA AND FAUNA NEAR GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY
SUNRISE AT HUDUKERI GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY |
RED WHISKERED BUL BUL NEAR HOMESTAY |
ISHITHA AND CHIRANTH MORNING WALK NEAR HOMESTAY |
3 spacious well designed bedrooms with attached luxury bathrooms which are a perfect combination of practicality and elegance. Max. occupancy is for 16 Adults.
24 hours running hot and cold water
Choice of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian dishes. For pure vegetarians, Veg dishes prepared from exclusive Veg kitchen.
Bonfire on request.
A variety of indoor and outdoor gaming options to spend quality time with your family.
First aid kit available on request.
Doctor on call.
Driver accommodation at nominal charges.
BREAKFAST AT GOLDEN HARVEST |
RICE CAKE |
TEAM MEMBERS WITH NACHAPPA AND HIS MOTHER |
- Enjoy short/long treks or bicycling through the sprawling paddy and coffee plantations and see how coffee and paddy are grown.
- Do some Bird Watching.
- Go for an adrenaline gush by rafting down the river Cauvery in the monsoons or fly high round the scenic fields and plantations by Paragliding with expert guidance.
- For those looking only for a quiet and peaceful weekend far from the maddening crowd, this is an ideal peaceful getaway and place to spend quality time with your family.
- At golden Harvest, you can choose to be “Adventurous” or be “Comfortably Lazy” as the place is ideal for both types of guests.
Talakaveri
This is the origin of river Kaveri on the eastern slopes of Brahmagiri peak at 1350 metres altitude, about 8 km by road from Bhagamandala.
TALACAUVERY ARCH |
On a predetermined
date and time of Tulasankranthi every year the spring from Gundige overflows
called Thirthodbhava. This holy water is carried home by all pilgrims when they
go back after paying the last rituals to their parent or spouse departed during
the preceding year.
There is a shrine
near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before
offering prayers. There are 2 temples here, a Shiva temple with a rare and ancient
Shiva Linga, and another Lord Ganesha’s temple. According to legend, the
Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya at the holy
Ashwantha tree near the temple.
Legends also has it
that every year on Tulasankramana day which falls approximately on 17 October
Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This
occasion is marked by the sudden spring of water in the kundike and is
considered very auspicious.
From Talakaveri,
steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak. It is believed that the 7 great
sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna here. From the
peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, you can enjoy a good view of the
misty blue Brahmagiri hills
Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. It is considered sacred as a river confluence (kudala or sangama, in Kannada and Sanskrit). The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
SANGAMA-BHAGAMANDALA |
It is a common
practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the sangama and perform rituals to their
ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri. During
Tula Sankramana which falls on October 17 or 18.
A short distance
from the sangama, there is a famous temple known as Sri Bhagandeshwara temple,
where Bhagandeshwara (Ishwara), Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati are
installed. Thus this is also known as Bhagundeshwara Kshetra, from which the
name Bhagamandala is derived.
The area was
occupied by Tipu Sultan during 1785-1790 and renamed Bhagamandala to
Afesalabad. Then in 1790 King Dodda Vira Rajendra took Bhagamandala back into
an independent Kodagu.
Bhagamandala is
located about 33 km from Madikeri. Government and private buses are made
available to this place frequently.
Madikeri-Raja Seat- Omkareshwara Temple
Raja's Seat (Seat of the King) is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains. It is one of the most important tourist spots in madikeri of Coorg District. It is 270 km away from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka.
RAJA SEAT |
A pleasant spectacle of refreshing layers of greenery, chain of high and low-rise-mountains attired with mist, the Raja Garden is one-time-favorites of Kings of Kodagu who used to watch the setting sun, and spend time with their queens. The structure is small square in brick and mortar of four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings.
Flora and Fauna at Raja Seat
This lovely spot was a favorite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising in the east, the mist shrouded valley below offers a rare sight. The golden light of the setting sun is a splendor to watch. There is also an attraction of the Toy Train for children.
Madikeri- Omkareshwara Temple
Built in 18th century by Linga Rajendra II, this temples architecture is very unique with its mini multiple minarets around the corners of the temple towers. This temple is abode to a Shivalinga which was brought from Kasi in those days.
This temple is located in the heart of the city of Madikeri town and very near to the fort.
Legend goes that Linga Rajendra II, ordered an execution of a pious Brahmin who dared to question the misdeeds of the King. Then later, the spirit of the dead Brahmin started troubling the King day and night. On the directions from the spiritual men of his court to avert this trouble, king constructed the temple and installed a Shivalinga that was procured from Kasi (Kasi is located in the norther part of the India).
Information:
The temple is located in Madikeri Town.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 Noon; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE |
Nisargadhama
Cauvery Nisargadhama
Nisargadhama is a
forest resort in Coorg just 3kms from Kushalnagar towards Madikeri off the
state highway. 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 Cauvery 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.
COORG SPICES AND FRUIT WINE
Tibetan Monastery
Tibetan Golden Temple in Coorg
The Tibetan Monastery
or the Tibet Camp as locally called is located around 6 kms from Kushalnagar
town towards Mysore. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the
the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks
and students at the Tibetan monastery.
After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylkuppe near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 7,000 monks and students today. The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement consists of a number of small camps close to each other, and has a lot of monasteries, nunneries. Most famous among them are the large educational institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery and Namdroling monastery.
The 40 ft tall
golden Buddha statues are the major attractions of Bailkoppa. The statues of
Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus are the notable ones. The walls of the
temples and the institutions are decorated with colorful paintings depicting
gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The altar is decorated with
flowers, candles and incense sticks.
Apart from the calm
and peaceful surroundings there are shopping centers near the temples where one
can shop for traditional Tibetan items like costumes, statues, carpets,
jewelery etc.
Dubare
Dubare is an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department of Coorg. Dubare is located in between Kushalnagar and Siddapur on the banks of river Kaveri.
The wild elephants are tamed and trained with the help of other tamed elephants and local tribals. Elephants for the famous Mysore Dussehra were trained here sometime back.
Dubare is a home to
many wild animals and birds. Even though Elephants being the major attraction
one can also spot the Deers, Bisons, Peacocks, woodpeckers, kingfishers etc in
Dubare forest range.
Dubare Elephant camp
has around 10 cottages with attached bathrooms and a bar too. Visitors can not
only watch and enjoy but also take part in various activities involving
Elephants and the way they are trained by the mahouts. Dubare also offers
adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, fun fishing.
It is a scenic beau
to watch the tamed elephants bath in the river and to be scrubbed clean by
their mahouts.
Useful
Information:
GOLDEN HARVEST HOMESTAY,KONNAKERI VILLAGE,HUDIKERE,GONIKOPPAL,COORG SOUTH
(Per Head per day Rs. 1500/- including Breakfast and Dinner]
MOORTHY:9449070322
NACHAPPA: 9481889516/7483138334/ Nachappa's Mother: 944992104
RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL PARK-NAGARAHOLE
Accommodation
options inside the national park: Cauvery and Gangotri Lodges. Dormitory is
also available. Ph: 08222-252041 (Deputy Conservator of Forests).
Bus Safari
Fee: Rs. 300 (Rs. 200 park entry fee + Rs. 100 bus ride).
Email: dcfwlhun@gmail.com
(Cost:- Rs.1000-1600/room (not
dormitory), excluding food)
Safari
Timing: 6AM to 8AM and 3PM to 5PM, total 6 bus rides a day.
Approx. 1 hour each ride.
Entry gates timing: 6AM to 6PM.
Approx. 1 hour each ride.
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