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Every December, the Coorg Valley covers itself in a mist, providing the perfect ambience
Tucked in the western ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is a quaint hill station blessed with bountiful nature. The place boasts rolling mountains, lush green forests, waterfalls, and verdant valleys. The town spans around 4,000 sq km at 900 metres above the ground. December is the best time to visit Coorg to experience the winter chill until February. The last time I went to Coorg, the minimum temperature touched 13°C. During December, Coorg attracts a massive crowd of tourists, from coffee connoisseurs to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The beauty of this place is doubled by the warm hospitality of the locals. Surround yourself with the misty weather. It is the perfect climate for a tour of a magical land.
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Coorg is known for its magnificent Abbey Waterfalls, which resemble the Loch Leathan Waterfalls in Scotland. I had the trip to the picturesque Abbey Falls on my travel list for a long time.
The waterfall is an amalgamation of streams flowing down the Sahyadri cliff from 70 feet with the Western Ghats in the back. It creates a spectacular white foam galloping through green ridges. The output joins the river Kaveri as one of its tributaries.
It is believed that the first British chaplain of Coorg initially named this place Jessy Falls after his wife. The concrete path towards the Abbey Waterfalls has 200 stairs from the entry point. Thank God for my waterproof boots that kept me safe. The staircase was slippery and wet due to the mist.
Since Abbey Falls is a rainfed waterbody, the water volume was low when I visited the waterfalls. However, the cold, foggy weather with the rich smell of coffee and spices created the perfect peaceful ambience.
Coorg fulfilled my dreams of visiting the highland safaris in Scotland. Kabbe Hills and Mallalli Waterfalls are best explored on a jeep safari. Nishani Hills is an offbeat destination that offers a once-in-a-lifetime off-road jeep drive experience. Be prepared to be driven on rugged uphill terrain with jutting rocks that lead to an absolute paradise.
Along the walk to the summit, I felt the clouds passing around me and the moisture on my skin. At the top, where the fog is less, you can witness panoramic vistas of Coorg that justify its 'Scotland of India' moniker.
Nestled at 1,748 metres above ground, Tadiandamol Peak is the third-highest peak in Karnataka and the highest in Coorg. You will find moderate to difficult trekking trails here that even beginners can complete. With its green hills and low-rise mountains disappearing within the clouds, this place is a must-visit for nature lovers. Nearby tourist sites include the Nalkand Palace, built in the 1790s for Chikka Veera Rajendra, the Haleri King of Kodagu. You can also head to Padi Igguthappa Temple.
Who hasn't seen a microlight flying in the beautiful Scottish countryside in movies or videos? Coorg has something similar to offer. Feel your adrenaline rush as you fly 5,000 feet above the ground and soar above gushing rivers and verdant mountains. What's more, you get to enjoy the enthralling views. The duration of these flights is between 10 and 30 minutes. The microlight flight starts from Ponnampet and takes you on a ride to the south of Coorg.
As the name suggests, Raja's seat is known to be a favourite recreation spot of the kings of the region. The Raja's Seat has an alluring garden with artificial fountains, greenery, and colourful flowers. The place offers stunning views of the valleys and surrounding mountains. Visit Raja's Seat in the evening to soak in the beautiful sunset views just like the erstwhile kings once did. I felt like royalty walking the path that kings took in their leisure. The garden also has a toy train to entertain little ones.
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island in the lap of the Cauvery River. It is a haven for nature lovers. The attractions at Nisargadhama include an ecological park, a hanging bridge, elephant rides, boat rides, tree houses, dense bamboo grooves, riverside cottages, and the possibility of coming across wild deer. I wish I had the time to participate in all activities.
Lauded as the largest lake in Coorg, the Honnamana Kere Lake is where scenic beauty, history, and spirituality meet. Two hills named Mori Betta and Gavi Betta rose behind the lake. The lake was named after the Goddess Honnamana. There is a temple dedicated to her as well. The Goddess is said to have sacrificed her life to ensure the people's well-being. You can also enjoy outdoor activities here, such as fishing and boating.
Home to over 5,000 lamas (both nuns and monks), the Namdroling Monastery is in Bylakuppe. It is also known as the Golden Temple. It is the largest teaching centre of Tibetan Buddhism Nyingma lineage in the world, built in 1963 and features Tibetan architecture and breathes tranquillity. It is believed that rotating the chakras is equivalent to chanting the Buddhist prayer Om Mani Padme Hum. I was much calmer after I came out of the monastery after mindful praying and meditation.
Located on the banks of Cauvery, the Elephant Camp provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch, feed, and bathe the magnificent creatures. There are cottages within the elephant camp for tourists to stay overnight. With pleasant weather outside, you can enjoy wildlife film shows, nature walks, jeep safaris, and campfires.
Do you want to travel back in time and explore the spectacular past of the Kodava region? Visit the Madikeri Fort. The fort's guide enthralled us with many tales of Muddu Raja, the ruler of Coorg, who built the fort in the 17th century. Tipu Sultan later reconstructed it. The fort houses a museum and a church with weaponry and other artefacts used during the era of Tipu Sultan.
The Kopatty Hills offer an amazing trekking experience where you can encounter magnificent glimpses of green hills, meadows, and valleys. This hill range is known for its surreal beauty and enthralling trails. The best time to visit Kopatty hills is in December when the cold and dry weather makes it perfect for a 14-km trail. Kopatty Hills are home to a myriad of indigenous flora and fauna.
Coorg is one of the biggest coffee manufacturers in India. It is covered in acres of coffee plantations across estates, many of which have accommodations inside the premises. I managed to visit the plantations even while staying at a different cottage.
A guide took us around and explained how Arabica and Robusta coffee plants are seeded, nurtured, and grown. They explained the essential treatments and climate conditions required for it. We were also taken on a tour of the other plants like jackfruit, pepper, and other tropical fruits, and a wide variety of massive trees that provide wood like oak, sal, and deodar.
After a tour of the plantations, we were taken to a factory, where we learned about the manufacturing process of turning coffee beans into grounds. Almost all the estates have shops to purchase packets of locally-sourced coffee to take back home.
The unparalleled beauty of Coorg Valley can only be truly understood once you stand on its soil and breathe in the fresh air.
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