Did you know that Coorg, also known as Kodagu (in the regional Kannada language) is also known as the Scotland of India? A must visit destination, you will be pleasantly surprised to see so much greenery, amid the gorgeous landscape.
Why is Coorg Called the Scotland of India?
During the time of the Britishers, most of the planters (in the coffee plantations) in Coorg were Scots, who saw great similarities between the landscape of Coorg and Scotland (hilly terrain, greenery, pleasant climate). That’s how Coorg earned the nickname of ‘Scotland of India’.
So it was the British Planter community in Karnataka who affectionately coined the term ‘The Scotland of India’ for Coorg.
Also Read: Indian Films shot in Scotland
Films Shot in Coorg
Coorg’s scenic attractions also make it a favourite filming location for filmmakers from around the country.
Several Kannada (regional language) films are shot here. A few Bollywood films too have been shot in Coorg.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s film ‘Saat Khoon Maaf’ was filmed near the town of Virajpet (the largest producer of honey in Asia) in Coorg.
Watch: Darling song from ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ featuring Priyanka Chopra
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who was also a part of the film ‘Saat Khoon Maaf’, is an avid photographer himself, and captured the beautiful surroundings of Coorg on camera.
This photograph of Coorg was captured by Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, “Beautiful road of Coorg. Perfect weather. Loved it.”
Beautiful road of coorg. Perfect weather. Loved it. http://tweetphoto.com/24063442
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) May 26, 2010
Coorg is also a photographer’s delight – be it the landscape, the sprawling coffee plantations that turn snow-white when the flowers blossom, or Nagarhole (habitat for elephants), or the spectacular Abbey Falls.
Soak in Nature
The climate and the lush-green landscape makes Coorg perfect for long walks & treks. You may even try out angling (fishing), white-water rafting or other activities in Coorg.
The rich fauna makes it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Its a great place to just relax, and soak in the beauty of nature.
Top Attractions
Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri Peaks
These peaks are great for trekking, its challenging for the trekkers and once at the top, you get to see the breathtaking views.
Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe (a Tibetan settlement)
Namdroling Monastery is a buddhist temple that has 18 FEET gold plated LORD BUDDHA statue inside. People can experience the holiness of this place. The Zangdogpalri Temple, another must visit religious destination is situated nearby.
Madikeri Fort
At one time, (in the 16th century, it used to be Tipu Sultan’s fort. It was taken over by Raja Lingarajendra II in 1812 and is today the municipal headquarters. Within the fort’s walls are the hexagonal palace which has been converted to the district commissioner’s office and a colonial church which houses a museum.
Raja’s Tombs
Also known as Gaddige. These tombs have been built in an Indo-Sarcenic style (synthesis of Muslim designs and Indian materials), these domed tombs are the resting place for Kodava royalty and dignitaries. These are located 7 kms from Madikeri town.
Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820. Its architecture is a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles, it has a dome in the center and four turrets at the four corners. As the name suggests the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nalakunad Palace
The palace is at the bottom of the Coorg’s highest peak, Tadiyendamol. It is the restored hunting lodge of a Kodagu king dating from 1794. There are many camping places within walking distance of the palace.
Abbey Falls
One of the most popular PICNIC spots in coorg. Abbey Falls is a 70 to 80 Feet waterfall created by the whitewater of river Kaveri. Its a sight to behold, especially during the rainy season. You can club this visit with a visit to Raja’s Tombs on your return journey.
Raja’s Seat
It is an observation point from where you can watch the sunset over beautiful rolling hills and valleys just as the raja himself did.
Kaveri Nisargadhama (About 30 kms from Madikeri)
It is an island (spread over 64 acres) surrounded by the Cauvery river, it is also an ecological Park and a paradise for the nature lovers.
Coffee Plantations
Known the world over for the coffee plantations, these are among the prime attractions of Kodagu. Besides tourism, coffee and spice production are major source of revenue for the economy in this region.
The hills are full of coffee plantations, with lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, within which are nested some of the villages and hamlets.
Watch: COORG tourist attractions
Festivals
With an old-world charm of its own, Coorg is also known for festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival.
Location
Located in the western ghats in the southwest part of Karnataka, Coorg has a very moderate climate all year round, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 34 C in summers to 14 to 29 C in winters. It altitude is in the range of 3500 ft above sea level.
Fast Facts
Temperature:
Summer: 19 to 34 C
Winter: 14 to 29 C
Best Season to visit: Oct – Apr
Getting to Coorg
AIR: Nearest domestic airport is Mangalore (159 km away) and International airport is Bangalore (259 km away). Mangalore is connected by air to cities like Chennai and Bangalore.
RAIL: Nearest railhead are Managlore, Hassan, Mysore and Thalasserry. Mangalore is the major railway station close to Coorg, Mangalore is connected by rail to all cities in India.
ROAD: Coorg is well connected by K.S.R.T.C buses from all over Karnataka, particularly it is connected to the cities Mysore (125 km), Bangalore (259 km) and Mangalore (159 km). Deluxe bus services are available from these cities to Coorg. You may even take a Taxi from Mangalore to Coorg (around Rs 2,000) and or from Bangalore to Coorg (around Rs 3,000).
