Coorg or Kodagu, as it is locally known, is a luscious green region on the southernmost edge of Karnataka. Blessed with enchanting landscapes, expansive plantations, and a cool climate, Coorg is home to the indigenous tribe of Kodava—ancestor worshippers with a martial tradition. Madikeri being the commercial centre, the true beauty of the region lies in the green hill-tops along the countryside. With abundant natural scenery, Coorg is the embodiment of Paradise on Earth.
Apart from outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, or simply exploring the hills, Coorg is home to some historic monuments that make for great sightseeing experiences. The stronghold of the erstwhile ruler of Mysore—Tipu Sultan, the Madikeri Fort is now the headquarters of the city’s municipal corporation. Life-sized masonry elephants greet visitors at the entrance, and stepping inside the fort reveals a unique hexagonal palace, and a colonial-era church that houses a museum. The Raja’s Tombs are beautiful domed structures built in the Indo-Saracenic style, and safeguard the remains of the Kodava royalty. The Raja’s Seat, is undeniably Coorg’s favourite spot. The observation deck serves as a place to view the sunset, quaint town and beautiful misty valleys of Coorg. A great Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the hills of this city, the Namdroling Monastery is home to some 5000 monks and nuns, and houses within its compound the famed Golden Temple. 18-meter high gold-plated statues of Buddha tower over this serene temple that becomes lively during prayer sessions. Loud gongs and drums along with the hypnotic hum of hundreds of chanting monks put one in a trancelike state. The experience is sure to calm the mind, body, and the soul. Coorg is known for its coffee plantations. And so it is the perfect destination to take home roasted beans, freshly ground coffee or packaged coffee powder from one of the many stores in town.
Make more memories out of Coorg’s beautiful hills by residing at the luxury Taj Madikeri–a Taj Resort.