MADIKERI
Scotland of India
Golden Temple
The Tiny Tibetan colony in here is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The enclosed calm and the spiritual ambiance of the place welcomes all the visitors. The Tibetan Monastery is located around 6 km from Kushalnagar. This Place is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. There are around 16000 refugees and nearly 6000 monks and nuns in this monastery. This Tibetan settlement at Bail Koppa or Bylakuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet After Chinese took over Tibet the refugees were settled at Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar. The Monastery was re-established in the year 1972. Young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education come to this place.
Kaveri Nisargadhama
Kaveri Nisargadhama is an island formed by river Kaveri near Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka, India. It is approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) from Kushalanagara, off the State Highway and 30 km (19 mi) from Madikeri, 95 km (59 mi) from Mysore and 167 km (104 mi) from Mangalore. It is a holiday destination in Karnataka.
Dubare Elephant Camp
Once a training site for elephants of the famous Dasara procession in Mysore, the Dubare Elephant camp offers a unique adventure to visitors by allowing them the experience of living in coexistence with the trained elephants on-site. Once an important camp of the Karnataka Forest Department, the Dubare Elephant Camp, now run by private players, is an ideal destination to learn about the various aspects of the history, ecology, and biology of elephants, as well as see a large number of Asiatic elephants stroll through peacefully as they enjoy their natural habitat. Naturalists and mahouts trained in the art of handling these majestic creatures are ever-present throughout the camp, offering various insights to passers-by regarding these gentle giants.
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls (also spelled Abbi Falls and Abbe Falls) is in Kodagu, in the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is located 8 km from the Madikeri, 122 km from Mysore, 144 km from Mangalore and 268 km from Bangalore. The river is part of the early reaches of the river Kaveri. Flow is much higher during the monsoon season. The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. A hanging bridge constructed just opposite the falls.
Mandalpatti
Overlooking the grassy knolls of Pushpagiri forests in the Western Ghats, Mandalpatti is a spectacular and unique vantage point in Coorg, Karnataka. Huddled at an altitude of 1800 m, this place mesmerises all those who visit it. Also known by the name of ‘Muguli-Peth’ (translated in English as the market of clouds), the place’s relentless tranquility and inexhaustible wonder will soothe you and make you want to visit over and over. There’s nothing quite like perching atop this mountain as you watch birds hovering over distant hills. The spot is especially famous for the view it offers at sunrise and sunset, when the distinct red and pink hue of the sun rays filters through numerous clouds, making the sight unearthly yet beautiful
Raja's Seat
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. A pleasant spectacle of refreshing layers of greenery, chain of high and low-rise-mountains attired with mist, the Raja Garden was a one-time-favorite of the kings of Kodagu who used to watch the setting sun, and spend time with their queens here. It is shaped like a small square in brick and mortar, with four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. 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 a Toy Train for children.
Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort also called Mercara Fort was first founded by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt and restructured in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. Mercara Fort is among the many forts, build or rebuild by Tipu Sultan. In 1790, Dodda Vira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Linga Rajendra II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. The museum displays weaponry used during the era of Tipu Sultan. On display are various artifacts that could give you an insight into what elapsed during the time of Muddu Raja and Tipu Sultan.
Sri Omkareshwara Temple
Prominent Hindu temple to the god Shiva with 4 minarets, a dome & a fish-filled pond.
Iruppu Falls
A picturesque waterfalls cascading along the Brahmagiri Mountain Range, Iruppu falls is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the Coorg district of South Karnataka. These are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, a name derived from the tributary of Cauvery River of the same name of which these falls are a part of. Nestled amidst the evergreen woods of the Western Ghats, Coorg boasts of many misty waterfalls. Among them Iruppu is the most popular, not just for its mesmerizing beauty and greenery, but also because of its religious importance. People come here to enjoy the blissful vicinity of nature, the grandeur of the falls and for seeking spiritual peace in the tranquillity of the place.
Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is situated in the scenic foothills of Talacauvery, at a distance of only 39 kms from Madikeri. Talacauvery is the source and origin of the River Kaveri, which is often referred to as 'Dakshin Ganga' which means 'Ganga of the South' and is one of the seven sacred rivers of the country. A bath in the holy waters of the Bhagamandala is not only extremely sacred but also a very spiritually uplifting and cleansing experience. Immersing in the pure and thoroughly enchanting waters of the holy Triveni Sangam has an infinitely positive effect on the mind, body and soul.
Talakaveri
Talakaveri is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri. It is located by Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka bordering Kasarkod district of Kerala. It stands at a height of 1,276 m. above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse except during the Monsoon.