Entering the resort, stone paved pathways weave beneath the overhanging trees, through rows of vividly coloured flowers, manicured bushes and underbrush. Cicadas and an anonymous army of sundry insects strike up a chorus. Going past a wood panelled reception area.
Places to visit nearby
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
A stream flowing through the park gave it it’s name -‘Naga ‘ translating to serpent and ‘hole’ meaning stream in the vernacular Kannada. Spread across an area of about 850km, Nagarhole is contiguous with the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The Kabini and Taraka reservoirs are large waterbodies in the park and attract large numbers of carnivores and herbivores during the day, namely tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer. The park is located ….kms from the resort. Guided safaris into the forest are conducted at different times in the day. Do contact the reception at the resort for more information.
Omkareshwar temple
Built by King Lingarajendra II in the 18th century, the Omkareshwara temple, according to legend, was built to absolve the king from the sin of killing a Brahmin. Haunted by nightmares Lingarajendra sought the advice of wise men in his court and according to their advice built a temple for the Hindu deity Shiva with the idol brought down from an ancient temple in the Himalayas. The distinctive architecture of the Omkareshwara Temple is unique, designed in an amalgam that incorporates Islamic and Gothic styles comprising a large central dome and four minarets at the four corners. The temple tank inside premises features a ‘Mantapa’ built in the centre that is connected by a walkway.
Raja’s Tomb / Gaddige
Gaddige, also known as Raja’s Tomb, is a popular 19th-century monument located near Madikeri. Dedicated to the erstwhile royalty of the Kodava clan, the site is a major tourist attraction in Coorg. Built over a hilltop in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture featuring central domes and minarets, the tombs are inspired by Muslim architecture but dedicated to Hindu rulers.Set amidst verdant gardens, this is a serene spot to spend the day in the lap of nature. From here, visitors can also enjoy breathtakingly stunning views of Madikeri town.
Chiklihole Dam
The reservoir behind the dam takes birth from the River Cauvery. Perfect for an excursion or short drive from the resort, even a picnic is in order. Linger beside the water, day dream or soak in the beautiful surroundings. Even though the spot is not often seen in travel itineraries in Coorg, it does however offer seclusion from the beaten trail and its own share of delightful surprises.You may get to spot some colourful birds as well.
Harangi Dam and Backwaters
The Harangi Dam is the first dam across the River Cauvery. Very popular with tourists the landscape around the reservoir is stunningly beautiful and is dotted with numerous picnicking spots. Set away from the bustle around the more popular spots for tourists, the Harangi backwaters are perfect for guests looking for a little seclusion and quiet.
Nisargadhama Forest Island
A deltaic shaped sandbar formed by the Cauvery River that is accessed by a rope bridge, it is also called an ‘island’ by the local people. Nisargadhama is lush with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees, home to deer, rabbits and peacocks. Facilities for tourists include a play area for children, an orchidarium, a guest house and treetop bamboo cottages. Visitors are permitted to take a dip in the river at a few shallow points besides going on elephant and boat rides.
Tibetan Golden Temple
Officially the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, home to over five thousnd monks, both boys and girls, of the Nyingma branch of Tibetan Buddhism, the temple is located in Bylakuppe en-route to Coorg from Mysuru. It is also the largest teaching centre for the Nyingma sect. The temple is a stunningly beautiful example of Tibetan religious architecture. Inside an enormous vividly coloured statue of the Buddha is a masterpiece of Buddhist religious iconography.
Tibetan Village – Bylakuppe
The second largest Tibetan settlement in the world, Bylakuppe is a treasure trove of Tibetan culture. Visitors will get to see the distinctive and stunningly beautiful Tibetan architecture, interact with friendly Tibetans and sample their food, shop for artefacts and take home many special memories.
Raja’s Seat
Seated on the podium here, it is believed that once Kodava kings and their consorts spent their evenings looking out at the mountains extending into the haze on the horizon, watching a spectacular sunset. A well maintained park surrounds the podium with a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi at one end. The amusement park for children here is a big draw as well. Well worth a visit late evenings for the sunsets.
Mandalpatti Peak
A favourite with trekking enthusiasts, climbing the peak involves traversing the trails that wind through the dense Pushpagiri Reserve Forest. The hike is relatively easy before the ascent, accompanied by colourful birds and butterflies. At the summit climbers are welcomed by superlative panoramic views of the forest below and a fertile plain stretching towards a line of mountains stretched across the horizon.
Abbey Waterfalls
Dropping from the higher reaches of the River Cauvery, the Abbey Waterfalls flow though coffee and spice plantations. The falls are spectacular when in full flow during the monsoon and the surrounding forests and mountains are lush with vegetation. Guests will find crossing the river on a hanging bridge built in front of the falls a memorable thrill.
Talakaveri Temple
A spring here is the source of the River Cauvery and the temple at the spot is of spiritual significance to Hindus. The small spring named ‘Tirtha Kundike’or ‘Brahma Kundike’ flows underground for a distance from here and emerges overground as the Cauvery. Near the source there is a shrine beside a temple tank where pilgrims bathe and offer prayers. Located in the higher reaches of the Brahmagiri hills, Talakaveri is a very popular destination to visit, both, with tourists and pilgrims.
