(click on the pics to get a clearer image)
About:
Coorg: 252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.
Mysore: Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. Mysore District is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.
Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm, that never fails to enchant.
Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, feudatories of the Vijayanagar Empire, who declared their independence in the 16th century and ruled in Mysore until independence, barring three decades when Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan wrested power from them. Mysore today, is a pleasant city with an old world charm, contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate.
Time of Trip: 29 September -2nd October 2007.
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Hotels stayed at: Hotel Hill town, Madekeri. (Good Hotel)
How we reached there: Bangalore to Mysore by train. >>Mysore to Coorg by bus>>Coorg to Mysore by bus>>Mysore to Bangalore by train.
1) September 29th, 2007- Saturday:
Caught an early morning Train (Tirupati Passenger,7.40 AM) from Bangalore to Mysore.(120 km,3 hours)
Caught a bus from Coorg to Mysore (120 km, 3 hrs, 12.30 PM).
We set off for Raja’s Seat. Raja’s seat is a view over the mountains of Coorg. A breathtaking view of the misty mountains and the lush green valleys can be seen here. The road to Mangalore snakes through these hills. It is an astounding sight to see the far off headlights of a vehicle as it makes its way up the hills. A park surrounds this area. Outside this park we had some of the most amazing bhelpuri ever tasted. Today however dense impenetrable fog covered the mountain s .The valley below was shrouded in dark. The atmosphere was incredible. A hill station covered in fog, walking along slowly with no worries in the world, clutching your shawl around you, eating tangily spiced bhelpuri. Is that heaven or what?
Soon we were off to the first destination of the day, the elephant camp at Dubare. Plantations of coffee and pepper lined on both sides of the road. We stopped our car to examine the coffee bushes in detail. Coorg makes the most amazing coffee. The berries were bright green now.
Pic 3: The winding roads of Madekeri
We drove through winding roads to finally reach the banks of the river, Kaveri. We crossed the river in a motorboat. The early morning sunlight made the river look silvery and unreal. We soon crossed into Dubare, the elephant camp. The camp is home to 12 elephants. The gently flowing waters of the river kaveri, the giant animals lying peacefully in the water, the tress lining both banks of the Kaveri. It was a wonderful sight.
mp
3) October 1st, 2007-Monday:
On the Agenda for today were the spots in and around Madekeri. Our first stop of the day was Abbey falls, situated at a distance of 9 km.
The rainy season meant that the falls was beautiful, with torrents of water falling through a great height. We stayed at the falls for about an hour, walking the rickety bridge to get a better view. We went constantly wetted by the spray.
Pic 10 : Abbey falls in all its glory
We next headed for a place called Rajas Tombs. Big tombs of the Rajas greeted us. It was decent though, nothing that you wouldn’t get elsewhere .The view was very good from this place. After this we went to a temple called Omakeshwara temple. This was frankly a big disappointment and not worth it. From here we were off to Madekeri fort. This was a big joke too as the fort housed the police commissioners office and other commercial establishments.
Pic 11: The Rajas tombs in Madekeri
We decided to make our way to the town view, which was up a long winding path. It was magnificent. The entire town of Madekeri could be seen. Not a soul except us was at that town view point.
pic 12:The scenic views from madekeri town view
3) October 2nd, 2007-Tuesday:
Caught a 10 am bus to Mysore
After a hearty Mysore Thali lunch we set off to see the magnificent palace. It was simply put, the best palace I have ever seen. A lot of palaces disappoint you. They are more ruins than splendor. This was so ornate and so colorful that it looked straight from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie.
pic 13: The imposing St philomena church,Mysore
Caught a train back to Bangalore.
