The 'Scotland of India'
Coorg has been called the 'Scotland of India' and 'Kashmir of the South' by the people who have visited it and been enchanted. It is beautiful hill country most of which is between 3000 and 4000 feet high. The tallest mountain peak is around 6000 feet high. Kodagu (formerly Coorg) is a treat for the eye, with its' green forests, greener coffee estates and pale green rice valleys. Coffee plants need both heavy and light shade to grow well, therefore, most coffee estates resemble dappled forests. Cardamom (the smaller variety) and black pepper are also grown alongside coffee. Thus, a walk around a coffee estate is a fragrant experience!

The Kodavas or Coorgs (not Coorgis) are a robust, martial race famous for the generals and beauties it has produced in plenty. Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), they are fiercely independent. They were never conquered - not by Tipu Sultan, nor by the British. And so, to this day, they retain the privilege of being allowed to carry firearms without a license.

Talacauvery
This forms the source of the river Cauvery. It is 45 km from Madikeri and also offers a spectacular view. On Sankaramana day in October, thousands of people gather to see a miracle, the sudden bubbling and frothing of the small well, which symbolizes the appearance of the Goddess Cauvery. Taking a bath here on this occasion is said to give long term physical and spiritual benefits.

Madikeri or Mercara
This charming hillstation is the district headquarters of Kodagu and situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level. The Fort at Madikeri is very popular and has witnessed many fierce battles of the past. The 19th century fort offers a panoramic view of Madikeri from its walls. Inside is a chapel which has turned into a little museum.

The Temple at Bhagamandala
This temple is built in the multi-roofed Kerala style. There are various small shrines dedicated to different gods inside the temple. It's a scenic 36 km drive from Madikeri.

The Omkareshwar temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has a mix of Islamic and Gothic style architecture.

The Raja's Seat
According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. You can view spectacular sunsets from here.

The North Coorg Club
Over a hundred years old, this has recently been restored along its original lines. This is where the planters get together. Nearby is a nine hole golf course.

Nagarhole National Park
With over 250 varieties of birds, panthers, tigers, and flying squirrels, this park is made up of teak, rosewood, sandalwood, silver oak etc. Jeeps and elephants are available to tourists for transport. You can reach the park from Mysore via Hunsur and Murkal.

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