Coorg Diaries

3] Visit to the Scotland of India - Coorg

Coorg is approx. 119 kms. away from Mysore. It takes approx. 3 hrs. to reach Coorg. On the way to Coorg there is a Golden Tibetan temple of Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe.

Places to visit :-

1) Bylakuppe - One can reach Bylakuppe from Mysore in about 1.5 hrs. It is approx. 40 kms. away from Coorg. It is the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet after Dharamshala. The Golden temple of Namdroling Monastery is very famous. It is surrounded by well manicured gardens and educational institutions. The temple has a huge golden statues. The wall has beautiful paintings related to Tibetan Buddhist mythology. There is also a Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihar.

It takes another 1 hour to reach Coorg from Bylakuppe.

2) Abbey Falls - Abbey falls are approx. 6 kms. away from Coorg. One can get bus or cab to reach falls. The Abbey fall is fenced in a way that you can get a very good glimpse of it but cannot go close to it as it's very risky. The waterfall is located near coffee plantations. There is also an over-bridge from where one can get beautiful glimpses as well as pictures of falls.

3) Raja Seat - Raja Seat is approx. 2 kms. away from Coorg. It is surrounded by garden and fountains. The kings of Coorg used to sit here, watch sunset and spend their time with queens. This place is famous for its sunset, panoramic view and natural beauty. Today, this place is managed by Archaeological Survey of India.

4) Nisargadhama - It is 30 kms. away from Coorg. It is a very beautiful island. It is spread over 64 acres. There is a rope bridge to cross the water. There are also many rides outside the island. There are dwellings of deer, rabbits and peacocks. One can also get into the water at few safe points.

5) Dubare Elephant Camp - It is approx. 30 kms. away from Coorg. It is a forest camp on the banks of river Kaveri. Elephants are taken care here. There is a boating point from where one can board a boat to reach the elephant camp. The mahouts of elephant takes elephant to jungle in the morning and bring them back in the evening to feed them. Elephants are bathed by their mahouts. We can also feed elephants as well as touch them.

6) Chiklihole Dam - Chiklihole Dam is located beween Coorg and Kushalnagar. The dam is approx. 35 kms. away from Coorg. This place is famous for its back waters. The best time to visit the dam is between June to March as the dam looks splendid after monsoon. There is not only more water but also pleasant weather during this time.

On the way back to Bengaluru airport from Coorg there is a bird sanctuary.

7) Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary - The bird sanctuary is approx. 121 kms. away from Coorg. It takes approx. 2.5 hrs. to reach there. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from March to May as many migratory as well as Indian birds are seen at that time. There are many birds which come here every year like pelican, black headed eye beas, flying fox (bat), cormorant, brahminy eagle, purple heron etc. There are lots of crocodiles in the river. There is an eco-center at the bird sanctuary.