Coorg, Chikmangalur & Nilgiris Hills
Coorg
Easily one of the most attractive regions in India, Coorg or Kodagu is
an enchanting expanse of natural tourist spot that nestles amid the hills
and valleys of the picturesque Western Ghats.
The Kodagu people have always stood apart handsome, brave and hospitable.
A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army several Generals
and Brigadiers.
Known by their special variants of wearing the saree, the Kodagu women
are graceful and beautiful. Kodagu district has several tourist spots
of historic, epic and natural importance.
Kodagu has three taluks- Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet. Steep hills,
valleys and gorges with countless streams that gurgle through them, beckon
intrepid trekkers and rock climbers.
Fairs & Festivals
Kali Podu in September, Huthri in November/December and Madikeri Dassera.
How to get there
By Air
No direct air connection.
By Rail
Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka without an inch of rail track.
By Road
Kodagu is accessible only by road. Many buses operated by SKRTC. Pass
through Madikeri enroute to Mangalore. KSTDC organizes regular package
tours.
General Information
Best time to visit
October to April
Location: Western Ghats, Karnataka
Main Attraction
River Cauvery, Coffee Plantations
Chikmangalur
Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full
of scenic surprises .hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms.
Situated 251 kms from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight, with
its rugged mountain trails.
Excursions (Distances and directions from Chikmagalur)
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthodi)
38 kms northwest, this sanctuary is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants and Tigers are some of the wildlife found
here.
Kemmanagundi
55 kms north of Chikmagalur, this is a scenic hill station, situated on
the Baba Budan range at a height of 1,434 m. 8 kms from Kemmanagundi are
the Hebbe Falls where the water gushes down from a height of 168 m in
two stages. The Kalhatti Falls are 10 kms from Kemmanagundi. The water
here cascades down a height of 122 m. There is also a local temple here,
constructed in a gap between rocks.
Kemmanagundi Hill Station
Kudremukh
95 kms southwest of Chikmagalur is the secluded hill station of Kudremukh.
Situated 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh hills overlook the Arabian
Sea and are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices.
There is rich flora and fauna here, waiting to be discovered. Caves asking
to be explored. Ruins and traces of old civilizations inviting a study.
Lovely, unspoiled places to camp. Can any trekker resist Kudremukh? This
place is also rich in iron-ore deposits.
Amruthapura
About 10 kms form Tarikere, this little town has a 800-year-old temple
dedicated to Amrutheswara. Sringeri
Sringeri is a pilgrim center, known for its Vidyashankara Temple. It has
12 zodiac pillars on each of which the sun's rays fall according to the
time of the year.
Access
Chikmagalur is connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Hassan and Mangalore.
The nearest airport is Mangalore (170 kms).
Nilgiris Hills
Nilgiris- The Blue Mountains
Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue
Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the
hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres,
the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres.
It's location and boundaries
High above the sea level, situated at the junction of the two ghat ranges
of the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiri district provides a fascinating view.
Kerala on the west, the Mysore State on the north, and Coimbatore district
on the east and south bound it. Headquarters of Nilgiris district is Udhagamandalam
(also called as Ooty).
The Beauty Of Nilgiris
Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills
and fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running
in all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful
scenery. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the
attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South
are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.
Adventure and trekking in the Nilgiris
The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills
abound in trek for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever
direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full
of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature
in all its beauty and splendor.
Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment
Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain
areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details
contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty.
Fairs & Festivals
The Flower and Fruit Show
The annual Flower Show at Ooty and the Fruit Show at Coonoor are the
important cultural events, deserving special mention.
Leisure
Shopping
Just about anything available in the cities can be had at Ooty with
the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products
including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries,
plant nurseries are easily available in the town. Co-operative Super Market
and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and
general groceries. Kairali of Kerala Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil
Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms near to Super Market Buildings on
Charring Cross.
How To Get There
By Air
Coimbatore, 105-km from Ooty, is the nearest airport. It has daily
flights to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
By Rail
Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway connected to Mettupalayam (47-km),
which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy
train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
By Road
A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major
towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore,
Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati
and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected
with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.
Local Transport
Coonoor and Kotagiri are also well connected by road with the major
cities and towns of the state. For local transportation, auto rickshaws
and taxis are available.
Places To Stay
Accommodation is available at the hotels, guesthouses and lodges in the
hill stations in the Nilgiris (Ooty and Coonoor). Coonoor has its share
of luxury and budget hotels to guesthouses and picturesque resorts. Upper
Coonoor is highly recommended.
In Ooty, varied accommodation options varying from luxurious and economy
class hotels to lodges and resorts are available. Both Indian and Western
style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable,
especially during the summer months. It is also possible to get paying
guest accommodations through brokers haunting the bus stand/railway station.
Climate
Temperate and most equable.
Summer: Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC.
Winter: Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC.
Rainfall: 1,960 mm.
Altitude: 2,280 metres
Clothing: Heavy woolen in winter and light woolen in summer.
Languages spoken
Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and English.
Location: Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu.
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