Omkareshwara Temple - King Lingarajendra 2nd Built This Temple For His Mental Peace In 18th Century

OMKARESHWAR TEMPLE

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MADIKERI

Omkareshwara Temple is situated in the middle town of Madikeri of Kodagu district in the Karnataka State of India. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shive.The speciality of the temple is that its construction reflects a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles, It is a popular religious destination of Coorg. The temple draws a large number of tourists and devotees regularly.

The Omkareshwara Temple was constructed by King Lingarajendra II in the 18th century. Legend has it that the temple was built by the king as a form of penance.The story goes around that the king had killed a Brahmin to fulfil his political ambitions. However, the king started to have nightmares for his cruel deed. In order to free himself from the nightmares, the King sought the advice of a few wise men. They asked the king to build a temple of Lord Shiva to regain his mental peace.

The king followed their advice and brought a Shivalingam from the holy town of Kashi and installed it at a newly constructed temple. It is said that the stopped having the nightmares king after the temple was built. This Shivalingam is worshipped as Omkareshwara.

The Omkareshwara Temple displays a unique style of architecture. The temple has a design that is quite similar to the ones seen in Muslim dargah. The structure of the temple comprises of a large central dome with four minarets standing at the four corners.

The interesting thing to note is that the temple lacks a pillared hall as is common in most temples of India. The Shivalingam is installed near the entrance door. The history of the temple has been inscribed on a copper plate and fixed on the entrance door frame.

The Omkareshwara Temple is a large and simple structure with a peaceful ambiance. A water tank exists inside the temple premises. The tank has a mantapa built in the centre. This mantapa is connected by a walkway. A large number of fishes can be seen playing in the water of the tank at any time. As such, the tank attracts the attention of the tourists and devotees who visit the temple.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 Noon; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: between the months of October to March

Entry Fee: Free

Duration of Visit: 1 hour (approximately)

Temple Info

Abhisheka – 6:30 AM to 6:45 AM

Ganga Pooja – 7:00 AM

Maha Pooja – 12:00 noon

Maha Pooja – 8:00 PM

Every Full moon day – Mass Sathyanarayana Pooja

Every 1st Tuesday of the month – Mass Ganahoma at Kote Ganapathi temple

By Air

The Mysore airport is the nearest one to Madikeri as the small town has no airport. Mysore is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hubli, and Dubai via Bangalore. The Mangalore International Airport at Mangalore can also be assessed to reach the town of Madikeri.

By Train

Madikeri does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest rail stations are located at Hassan, Kasaragod, and Kannur (each of which approximately 115 km away from Madikeri).Mysore and Mangalore are at a distance of 140 km from Madikeri and can be good alternatives to reach Madikeri through the train route.

By Bus

Madikeri is located near the Karnataka State Highway 88 that connects Mysore to Mangalore. This makes Madikeri a well-connected place by the road network.There are several public buses that ply from Madikeri to a number of places in Karnataka and Kerala. There are frequent KSRTC buses that connect Madikeri to Bangalore, Mysore, Virajpet, etc. The town can also be reached by private cars and hired cabs.

Talacauvery - It Has Healing And Miraculous Powers

TALACAUVERY 

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KODAGU

Talacauvery, the birthplace of the sacred river Cauvery, is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.Talacauvery is situated in the Brahmagiri hill which lies in the Kodagu district.  Talakaveri lies about 1276 metres above the sea level. The entire panorama is scenic and very beautiful and many tourists come here for a holiday. Bhagamandala is the meeting of three rivers and is also referred to as Triveni Sangam. Dakshin Kashi is another name given to Talakaveri temples.

On Tula Sankaramana day in the middle of October, thousands of pilgrims flock to the river’s birthplace to witness a sudden upsurge of water in a small pond, at a predetermined time. Devout Coorgs take a holy dip in a nearby pond and take home the holy water from the small pond to perform worship on the day of Cauvery Sankramana, the holiest national day for the Coorgs. Pilgrims from neighbouring districts and Tamil Nadu visit Talcauvery for a month after Tula Sankramana. The gushing of water from the small pond at an auspicious moment is considered a miracle. After the holy dip, the pilgrims take a flight of steps leading up to the summit of the Brahmagiri Hill, which offers a feast for nature lovers. 

There is a religious significance attached to the temple. It is said that if you take a dip in the holy river you will be healed of various physical and psychological miseries. The water here is supposed to have healing and miraculous powers. It is said that the Coorgies used the holy water and prayed to Goddess Cauveramma Devi Thayi.Talacauvery is about eight kilometres from Bhagamandala. There are many small temples here and many devotees visit this beautiful temple every year. The temple was constructed for Lord Agastheeswara.

The name Talakaveri implies the source of the river Cauvery. As per Hindu mythology, the river Cauvery is one of the most sacred rivers in India. It is about 4187 feet situated on the Brahmagiri hill slopes. Talakaveri is marked with Brahma Kundike or Tirth Kundike. A small spring of water originates from this place and hence it is referred to as Talakaveri.

There is a big tank and a shrine that have been constructed close to the Tirth Kundike at this holy place. The devotees take a bath in the holy waters of Talakavery. There are two temples, one of Lord Shiva which houses an ancient linga and the other of Lord Ganesha. The linga is supposed to have been installed by Sage Agastya.

The Tulasankaramma is celebrated in Talakaveri with great pomp and splendor. There is a water gush at the Brahma Kundike during this period and devotees come here in huge numbers to worship at the temple. The locals believe that this is a very auspicious occasion. The festival of Tulasankramma is celebrated in the month of October every year. The close by hills of Chambundi, Nilgiris, Kudremukh and Wayanad are good tourist spots. The best time to visit Talakaveri temple is from September to May. It is best to avoid going during the monsoon season. 

The closest airport is Mangalore which is about 194 kilometres away. Bangalore airport is about 310 kilometres away. You can reach Mysore station which is about 160 kilometres from here.

From Mysore if you wish to go on road the route would be: Mysore – Hunsur- Periyapatna-Bylekuppe-Koppa-Kushal Nagara-Cauvery Nishadharma – Hosakote – Suntikoppa – Madikeri- Abey Falls-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery

There are State Road Transport Corporation buses that operate between Karnataka and Kerala. Also private buses operate or connect Madikeri with other cities. The best time to visit this temple would be during Tulam Sankrama in the month of October.

Nagarahole National Park – It Is One Of The Well Preserved Park In India

NAGARAHOLE NATIONAL PARK

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KODAGU

Nagarahole National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of the state of Karnataka. Nagarahole National Park also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.Nagarahole National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park ranges the foothills of the Western Ghats spreading down the Brahmagiri hill. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which consists of a contiguous complex of Protected Areas.

Nagarahole was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, and the Nagarahole wildlife sanctuary was declared as a National park in 1983. The total area of the park is about 643.39 Km2. This park was declared the 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999.The Nagarahole National Park derives its name from two Kannada words ‘Naga’ meaning ‘snake’ and ‘Hole’ meaning ‘stream’. Naga meaning Snake and Hole referring to streams, rightfully means the place with snake.

Nagarhole National Park is counted among the well maintained national parks in India. Nagarahole is one of the best places to see Asiatic Elephants.Nagarahole is truly a delightful spot, bubbling with the activity of some of the most magnificent animals and trees. The park is dotted with enchanting greenery and forest cover, coupled with waterfalls and a wide array of wildlife.

The Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster of about 6000 Km2, including all of Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a Word Heritage Site.Wildlife varieties are numerous in number. Some of the common predators that can be seen include tigers, leopards, sloth bears and wild dogs. Spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, wild boars and elephants constitute the herbivores.

Elephants and bison are other prime attractions. One can also spot animal species like jackals, striped hyena, sloth bears, mouse deer, black naped hare etc. The park also has a wide variety of birds and amphibians.The Park is open throughout the year, the monsoon period is best avoided. The ideal time to visit the Park is between October and May.

Vehicle Safari – Timing

Morning – 05:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Evening – 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Boat Safari – Timing

Morning – 06:30 AM to 09:15 AM

Evening – 03:30 PM to 06:15 PM

Fee

Domestic Adult: 50

Foreigner: 150

Still Camera Fee: 50

By Air

Nearest airport is Mysore airport, about 96 Km from the Nagarhole National Park. Mysore airport is well connected by road to Nagarhole National Park. Bengaluru is the closest international airport from the park at a distance of about 268 km. Flights to major Indian and International cities operate from Bengaluru.

By Rail

Nearest railway station is Mysore railway station. Mysore railway station is well connected by road to Nagarhole National Park.

By Road

Nagarhole National Park is well connected to Major Cities and Places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Nagarhole National Park at frequent intervals.

Abbey Falls – It Is Owned By A Private Person And Amidst In Coffee Plantations

ABBEY FALLS

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MADIKERI

Abbey falls in Madikeri of Kodagu district of Karnataka State of India and it is among the top places to see for the traveler visiting Coorg & Madikeri.The sound of the mighty waterfalls can be heard even from the main road during the rainy season.

Abby Falls or the Abbi Water Falls is situated just 7-8 kilometers from Madikeri town [Galibeedu road]. The British called it the Jessie waterfalls in memory of Jessie the daughter of Madikeri's first captain. It is located in a private property and decently maintained.

Abby cascades 70 ft down to flow as a small river .The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools. A path through coffee and cardamom plantation off the main road adds to the attraction of the falls.

Abbey falls which is in Madikeri was earlier called Jessi falls named after a British officer’s wife. Abbey falls marks the top list of places to visit near Madikeri and Coorg.The waterfall is accessible by a well-laid road till the coffee estate gate.

One can drive his/her vehicle till the parking bay.After that, a small trek through the coffee and spices plantations leads to the waterfalls. The trek is easy, and the waterfall can be reached in 10 mins.

Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down steps into limpid pools to join the Cauvery River. The ideal time to visit the falls is during the monsoon, when they are at their best.

Enjoy the gushing, roaring beauty but a desire to take a dip in the cool waters may prove to be risky. Reaching the place is a nice ride in itself as the road that drives you is very narrow with lots of turns and twists, ups and downs a two wheeler ride would be jolly one. A nature welcomes you at every turn.

The route to this Falls one Has to go through private Coffee estates. The Foggy Spray issuing forth from the stream flowing over a precipe makes a spectacular sight when viewed from a convenient spot. The water flow is very high during the monsoon season and during the dry seasons the flow is considerably less.

The falls is more enjoyable within the fenced area wherefrom you get its friendly pose for your camera. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.

The beautiful waterfall was discovered by Mr. Neravanda B.Nanaiah who bought the place from the government and converted it into a coffee and spices plantation that is surrounding the waterfall today.

All days of the week

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Madikeri, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201, India

By Air

The nearest airport to Abbey Falls is calicut international airport , vayittiri which is 148 km away from Abbey Falls .

By Train

The nearest railway station to abbey falls is Subrahmanya Road Railway Station which is 34 km away from Abbey Falls.

Coorg Awarded India's Much Loved Up And Coming Destination

Director-Tourism, Karnataka Smt. G Sathyavathi, IAS receivingthe Award from Ms. Divia Thani, Editor of Conde Nast Traveller, Mr. Lalit K Pawar, Secretary-India Tourism and Mr. Nicholas Coleridge, President of Cond 

One of Karnataka’s most popular tourist destinations, COORG has won an award for being India’s Favourite Emerging Destination. The Award instituted by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine was decided in favour of Coorg by its readers and was announced at the Reader’s Travel Awards at New Delhi

Director-Tourism, Karnataka Smt. G Sathyavathi, IAS received the Award from Ms. Divia Thani, Editor of Conde Nast Traveller, Mr. Lalit K Pawar, Secretary-India Tourism and Mr. Nicholas Coleridge, President of Conde Nast International.

 Karnataka’s Minister for Higher Education & Tourism Sri. R V Deshpande, commenting on the award said that “Coorg has been receiving a growing number of travellers consistently over the years and has been one of the sought after South Indian hill station.

On the one hand, this has encouraged some of the best brands to set up accommodation facilities and has upped the overall destination experience quotient. On the other, the locals have made the experience even more interesting with excellent cultural, culinary and nature-engaging experiences that beckon repeat travellers. Home-stays in this region has been a unique experience to travellers.

Travel Media across the world have repeatedly generated multiple articles and programs on this abode of verdant nature which is also a place with high historical significance - 'Scotland of India'.”

He further added, “It is heartening to know that some of the most discerning travelers in India have yet again voted for Coorg as their Favourite Emerging Destinations. We are committed to ensuring that these experiences are sustainable, responsible to nature and local communities, and continue to benefit the local economy in the region.”

 Chief Guest, Dr. Lalit K Panwar, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “I would say that Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are the miniOscars of the travel industry.”

Coorg has in the past, won several similar accolades from across the world and this augurs well for Karnataka as a whole in a way in which Karnataka and its destinations get global exposure, winning awards repeatedly. They help in the branding and positioning of the destination as well.

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are globally renowned and considered the most prestigious in the travel and tourism industry. Readers of Condé Nast Traveller India voted for their preferred Destinations, Airlines, Hotels, Spas, Airports and more, across 27 categories, based on their personal experiences. Votes were collated and analysed by an independent market-research company, Market Management, in the UK. The winners were determined after being scored on several parameters unique to each category.

COORG

HILL STATION

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COORG

Coorg is located in the south-west part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. Coorg measures 96 km (north-south) in length and 64 km east-west in breadth.

Coorg or Kodagu as it is officially known now, is an astonishing land in the heart of the southern Indian peninsula. This unspoilt “country of million hills”, situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, is India’s coffee bowl. The tiny district in the state of Karnataka is the biggest producer of coffee.

Coorg is one of India’s famous travel destination and has been called the Scotland of India by the British and also called as the Kashmir of South India. Coorg has become a latest tourist hot spot and people from all over the world visit Coorg.

Coorg’s natural beauty, the people, the culture and the food is the major attraction which draws people towards Coorg from all over the world.

The wildlife sanctuaries are the most fascinating if you are with a loved one or on a family trip. Spot a bison, an elephant and if you in luck then a Panther. Take a look below for some of Coorg’s tourist places and plan your trip to the ‘Scotland of India’.

coorg has a long list of interesting places for tourists across all ages, making it a popular holiday destination.

Brahmagiri Peak is a scenic spot full of forested woods and mist-topped hills. On the way to the peak, you will trek through grasslands, colourful floras and sparkling streams of clear water.

Abbey Falls makes for one of the most popular places to visit in Coorg. Located 1 km from the town of Madikeri, the waterfall is located between coffee plantations and spice estates. 

Iruppu waterfall is one of the most popular. River Lakshmana Tirtha takes a 60 feet plunge amidst the green mountains to turn into these falls. 

Raja’s Seat is considered one of the most scenic places to visit in Coorg. A popular sunset point, it provides a breathtaking view of the green valley and the surrounding hills.

Bylakuppe is full of cultural delights. The second biggest Tibetan settlement in India, the main attraction in Bylakuppe is the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery which adheres to the typical Tibetan style of architecture. 

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport, about 160 kilometres away. The nearest international airport is in Bengaluru, which is approximately 265 kilometres away.

By Train

The nearest railway station from Coorg is at mysore, about 120 km away. Mysore is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. The rail stations in Mangalore and Hassan can also be conveniently used for reaching Coorg.

By Road

Coorg is well connected by road with all major cities in Karnataka. Cities like Mysore (120km), Mangalore (135km), Bangalore (260km), and Hassan (115km) are linked by excellent roadways with coorg.