Travel: An experience called Coorg

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This is our travel account of Coorg from 25th May to 27th May, 2007. Please do leave your comments and allow at least one day for your comment to be published.
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Coorg has a special place in my heart. Its a hill station with a difference. I like everything about Coorg. Coorg's people, food, weather, culture, scenic beauty and the wonderful drive from Bangalore. I have visited Coorg three times, all during my penultimate year of my education milestones like last year of school, last year of my graduation and during last year of master graduation in the year 2002. Of course, all part of education trip ;-)

After marriage, though we visited far off places like Munnar, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ooty, Wayanad etc, we never planned a trip to Coorg.

However, I was determined that we plan a Coorg trip for our second anniversary on 11th May. Strangely, even that did not happen. Later, we realised why. Call it co-incidence or mere luck or divine intervention. Read on.

On 19th May, I came across a advertisement in Times of India newspaper. It was by Karnataka tourism which had organised contest in Radio city FM channel and the winner gets a free trip for a couple to Coorg for 3 days! This was part of Karnataka Tourism's 'Unforgetable Weekend' Campaign. The only pre-condition was that we should own a car. Fortunately, I have a car.

This made me glued to Radio city to win this contest. I missed the questions many times and so could not answer. On Tuesday 22nd May, I answered the question but was not selected. Disappointed but determined, I didnt go office on Wednesday and stayed put at home tuned to RJ Vasanti's show from 7.00 AM waiting for the contest question. Today was the last day for the contest and only 3 slots were left from 20 persons to be selected. Finally at 10.30 AM she asked the contest question. The question was "Whom will you seat on Raja's seat in Madikeri?". My answer to the question was "I shall make my wife, Anu sit on the seat". To my surprise Vasanti called me up and selected me. There were no bounds to my joy now. I won the contest! Wow!

Mr. Acharya from Karnataka Tourism Department called me on Thursday and gave me the instructions for the Coorg trip for friday, 25th May 2007.

25th May, 2007.

We got up early in the morning and reached Ravindra Kalashetra at 7.00 AM. All 20 couples with their cars reached on time. We noticed that though the contest said it would choose couple, there were mostly families with kids or their parents. 20 cars were flagged off by none other than Ashwini Najappa, a Coorgi herself. We requested for picture with her before the flag off and she obliged. Photo below:


We stopped for breakfast at Kamath near Ramnagar and resumed our journey. It was fun to be part of 20 car caravan. After Srirangapatna, we turned right from Mysore Highway to a narrow road which leads to Hunsur. This is the same road which also lead to Ranganathittu, world famous bird sanctuary. This cuts the distance by around 15 Kms to Hunsur. At Hunsur, we were recieved by Mr. Miki Kalappa, president of Coorg Home Stay Association. From here onwards, he along with his accomplice were our tour guide extending all support.
Picture of cars lined up at Hunsur below:


After short briefing and introduction to our tour guides, we set off. We were to reach Brahmagiri Sports Club at Kutta. We had to drive through Nagarahole forest area. Unfortunately, some were in hurry and they missed the route near Hunsur. Some 30 minutes were wasted as the tourism department staff went in search of them and got them back. From now on, not to take any more chances there were pilot vehicles, one at front and other at the end of the caravan of 20 cars. The cars were stopped at Nagarahole forest check post to finish some formalities. See the cars waiting for a gate pass.


The drive from here was very memorable as we passed through Nagarahole forest area with tall trees and greenery all around us. The drive was slow as there was speed breaker every 500 meters so that vehicles do not speed and endanger the wildlife habitating the forest. Some pictures of the drive.



The line up 20 cars drew great attention by all bystanders, mostly villagers. They wondered that it might be an car rally. Whenever we stopped, there were question from curious people. We enjoyed the attention, I must say.
We reached Kutta at 2.30 PM. A traditional welcome and lunch was arranged at Brahmagiri Sports club. Each of us was garlanded by Kodava ladies in their traditional dress. We were elated with the welcome. Some pics below:


A sumptuous buffet lunch having the local delicacies was arranged. We enjoyed the lunch immensely. After lunch, we were informed about the homestay and the respective hosts for the evening.
Now, the actual travel itinerary starts. Our first activity for the tour was a Safari in Nagarahole National Park.
We set out to Nagarahole. It was 5 PM when we reached there and it was raining heavily. Due to rain, they had stopped safari for a while and told us to wait. Meanwhile, we made friends with two kids and played with them while taking shelter from the rain. Some snaps at the Nagarahole forest:



Above picture is that of Akshatha, who with her umbrella is posing like the heroine of blockbuster Kannada movie 'Mungalur Male'.

Around 5.30 PM, the rain stopped and we went for a safari in forest department mini bus. We could not spot any wildlife other than deers and peacocks. There were many of them. The guide said at this hour, the animals would have gone back to their hideouts to rest. We took some pictures of during the safari.


We were disappointed for choosing the wrong hour for a safari. After safari, we went to our designated homestay. Our hosts were Mrs. Tiny and Mr. Ayyappa, who were very nice. We enjoyed the home cooked dinner and slept early as we had to ready by 7.00 AM next day.
Day 2: 26.05.2007
We got up at 5.45 AM, got ready by 6.45 AM. The hosts had gotten by earlier and had prepared breakfast very early. For breakfast they had Akki roti, my favorite. Before breakfast, we took some pictures at the homestay.
Some pictures at the homestay.



We finished our breakfast in a hurry and set out. The early morning drive was so pleasant with mist and rain washed roads. It was very romanctic. In 20 minutes we reached the meeting point at Kutta. To our surprise, we found noone there. obviously, it takes longer for the families to get ready. However, we found our guide there. We felt its better to continue to the first location ourselves and others can join us later. We informed the guide and set out.
Our first stop was Irruppu falls, a 10 minutes drive from Kutta. We parked at car at near the temple and trekked for about 15 minutes on well laid path to reach Iruppu falls. The trek was nice as it was under shades of huge trees. We also had to pass through a hanging bridge. The water at the falls was not much owing to Summer season. We could imagine the glory of the falls during the monsoon. Some snaps near temple, during trek and at Irrupu falls.



Our next stop was at Madikeri which was approx 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Kutta passing by Virajpet. We were advised to meet at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri. The drive to Madikeri was one of the memorable drives in my life. The entire drive amidst greenery, coffee estates and with a cool weather, what more does one need?



We stopped at an bridge for some snaps.



We reached Madikeri and given a warm welcome at Gandhi Maidhan. Tea and biscuits were also arranged for us.

Here, we were briefed about the places we would be visiting and the home stay. Our next stop was at tombs of Coorg's Raja and Rani. This was around 3 KMS from Madikeri. Some pics of the tombs



After this, we headed to Abbe falls close by. At Abbe falls, we were not allowed to play in the waters. We could just view the falls from an hanging bridge. Lot of us were disappointed as we could not go near the falls. Some pictures during the drive to Abbe falls and at the falls.





By now, it was around 2 PM and we were hungry. We were informed that the lunch is arranged at a natural setting When we reached the spot, we were surprised at the lunch venue. It was atop a small hill with even surface and some cars could actually go up there. Not taking the risk, lot of them parked their cars on the roadside. We took the risk and took the car on the hill. I must admit it was a scary experience but worth it. On the hill, we could get 360 degree view of beautiful scenary around. Some pics.






By the time we finished lunch, it was around 3.30 PM. Our next sightseeing spot was Raja's seat in Madikeri. This is the place where the Rajas used to watch the beautiful valley and the sunset. There is well maintained garden. At Raja's seat, we enjoyed the view. But, we could spot patches of land used for cultivation. Habitation is such a sore sight especailly at scenic places. Its acts as a spoilsport while catching the nature's view. Adjacent to Raja's seat garden is a toy train station called Cauvery Patna. We enjoyed the ride at Rs.5 per person.




After the joy ride, we headed to our homestay. Our host gave us the best room they had. We liked the way the room was decorated with hand made decorative items.



We had to freshen up fast as the homestay association had organised cultural programs and a party for us starting 6 PM. The venue was around 15 Kms from Madikeri. Our hosts led us to the venue.

Therefore we were on time at the venue.


Cultural programs consisted of traditional dance by Kodagu/Coorg people. Their traditional attire was very impressive and we could not resist taking a picture with them.



After the traditional dance there was rush at the bar counter as people wanted to catch up with their favorite drink. After the drinks, we enjoyed the local cuisine a lot. For non-vegetarians it was a delight. Many were on high spirits and took to singing. There were many good Kannada songs praising the richness of Karnataka and its people. There was a Kishore Kumar fan who sang some lovely KK's songs.

We were at the party till 10.30 PM and later returned to our room. Next day we were to assemble at Gandhi Maidan at 7.30 AM. We hit the bed soon enough so that we could be full of energy to enjoy our day 3 activities.

Day 3, 27th May, 2007

We got up at 5.45 AM and were ready by 6.45 AM. Breakfast was ready by then. It was Coorg's special Akki roti. Picture of the breakfast table.

After breakfast, we checked out of the room and thanked our hosts for their hospitality. Today itinerary was to visit Dubare Elephant Camp and the Tibetan monastery at Bylukuppe.
Though we had to assemble at 7.30 AM it got delayed to 8.30 AM due to some late souls. We were told that we have to reach Dubare Elephant Camp by 9.30 AM to catch the elephants taking bath. We were again led by Homestay association's vice president. Now, this drive could get us away from Coorg's greenery as we would descend from the hill station. The drive was excellent again with good roads and greenery. Some pictures from the drive.



We could reach Dubare by 10 AM. To reach elephant camp, we had to cross the river. Some pics



As we were guest of Karnataka tourism department, special boat was deployed to take us to elephant camp. At the elephant camp, it was a treat to watch the elephants taking bath. It was not only mahouts who were bathing the elephant but also tourists. We too went ahead and scrubbed the body of elephants. It was thrilling to be up and close with these huge animals. These elephants are tamed and could tolerate absolute strangers like us.





After their bath, they stood in a line for their routine exercises. They were prompt in following their mahout's commands. As it was a weekend, there was a huge fan following for these elephants.



After the exercises, it was lunch time for the elephants. They were fed with huge ragi balls. Tourists were not allowed to feed the elephants as earlier two elephants died owing to food poisoning when fed by tourists.



After watching them feed, we went to Jungle Lodges and relaxed for a while before the boat was ready to take us to the other end. We had our lunch at the local restaurant and set out to see the Golden temple in Tibetan Monastery which is close by. Dubare Elephant camp, Tibetan Monastery, Cauvery Nisarge Dhama and Harangi Dam are all close by. We reached Tibetan Monastery and saw the monks praying. Its a beautiful temple one must see. Seeing the temple we could not believe that we were actually in Karnataka and not in Tibet. Some pictures at the Monastery.




This ended our Coorg trip and we were back in Bangalore the same day with lovely Coorg memories. Due to lack of time we missed some places like Tala Cauvery, the origin of river Cauvery, Omkareshawara temple and Cauvery Nisarga Dhama. We plan to visit these places in Feb, 2008.

General Information

1. In Kutta, we stayed at The Green Resort home stay . Contact person is Mr. Aiyappa, Mobile: 9449982854. In Madikeri, we stayed at Maithili home comforts. More details in following link
http://www.homestaykodagu.com/home_stay/maithili_home_comforts.htm

2. Check out these useful website for more details on Coorg, sightseeing places and accomodation.
http://www.coorgtourisminfo.com/
http://www.onlinecoorg.com/
http://www.travelcoorg.com/

3. Check below website for reviews on hotels/resorts/home stays
http://www.holidayiq.com/