Coorg - The Scotland of India

Coorg is on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals. The most obvious route to Coorg is via SH17 (Bangalore - Mysore), SH88 (Mysore - Hunsur ) and SH88A (Hunsur- Madikeri) with a total distance of about 260 KMs and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri(Coorg). And we had big plans ... 4 of us in 3 bikes.

Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination. Coorg is a refreshing at the same time challenging experience. Refreshing for the serene air and cool mountains roads in Coorg and challenging for the dangerous and careless drives and the winding and steep nature of the roads.

The plan was to leave as early as 3’ O clock in the morning but due to human nature we left our rooms sharp at 3:30 AM, on Wednesday. All of us are very exited as we have never went to Coorg before and this was our first time long drive journey, besides our usual spot Nandi hill(70Km).

We left from Kormangala and the first break was at Mandya Coffee day @ 5:00 AM and soon we continued towards Mysore. {Bangalore - Mysore road is a 4 lane road, and a total distance of 145 km). Seriously we have not tested the limits of Pulsar bike and we have done that on the same road by touching 120 km. We reached Mysore Outer ring road some were around 6.30 am and took few snaps. We continued our journey towards Madikere by taking a right turn to the Outer Ring road.
With in a span of 1 hr we have again take a small halt at Hunsur @ 7:30 where we had our b'fast. While having the Wada and Idli we have altered our straight plan to Madikere to a different direction and now the plan was to visit Golden Temple. We left the Restaurant in a 1/2hr span and proceeded as planned to our next destination Golden Temple (Bylakuppe ) and we reached here by 9:30. (From SH88A take a left diversion for 9Km to reach Golden Temple)Bylakuppe:This is a Tibetan resettlement place and the Golden Temple (a Buddhist Monastery). A must see place for the first timers and I suggest you must reach here just before 1 pm. Exactly at 9 am the monks start their daily prayers here. It is really soothing to hear their prayers and hymns. Take an empty Tea cup and they will serve you Tea for free during this time.

Coorg (Golden Temple ) - Golden Temple (Tibetan Buddhist Monestary) its 2nd largest Tibetan settlement in India, Wonderfully sculpted and gold plated crown of the Golden Temple. The main monastery, Entrance to the Golden Temple

Coorg (Golden Temple ) - Frescoes

Coorg (Golden Temple ) - Statues of the Buddha in the main monastery (40 ft high ; Gold plated)

We left the golden temple by 11 am and started moving towards our next destination Dhubare Forest and Kaveri river rafting. Its almost 30 km from the Golden Temple and it’s on the way to Madikere. This place was awesome and we halted here for almost 2 hrs Did some boating and elephant safari.

Coorg (Dhubare Elephant Training Camp ) - My first Elephant ride.

From Dhubare Elephant Camp to Madikeri is not much far approx of 20km, and we have taken a shortcut which goes from a ghat session and tea garden. The time we reached Madikeri town it was almost 3 pm and we immediately halted for a lunch break. After finishing our lunch we want to take the rest but we all have decided that we will go to Abbi Falls which was 15KM from the Madikeri town and will take rest there.

Coorg (Abbi Falls ) - The roaring Abbi Falls

As soon as we reached Abbi Falls we jumped into the Water; We wanted to spend more time at Madikeri and want to halt at night but after taking bath while under the falls something happened to us and we decided to move on and go back to Mysore and will be staying there for the night which is not much far only 120km . We left Madikeri at 5:30 pm took a halt for tea and proceeded toward Mysore and finally we reached by 9:00 pm. By the time we reached Mysore we were so tired and traveled a total distance of 450 km, we were feeling so drowsy that we have booked a room at Bataycharjee hotel and without any delay we entered our room and without wasting much time all of us took bath in hot water and left for Andra restaurant for having dinner. While returning we went to Mysore palace to take a glimpse of the palace at night. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated.

Mysore ( Mysore Palace - Night view)

We came back to room around 11:30 we had a few chit chats among ourselves till 12 pm, and then finally after watching the IPL match we went to sleep.In the morning, we were so lazy to getup that we woke up at 10 am; God we were so late that after taking the bath we left for Chamundi hills (7 km from Mysore), and guess what we had our breakfast at 1 pm @Chamundi hills restaurant.

Mysore ( Chamundi Hills) - No idea why we went here....

From Chamundi hills we went to Mysore palace to find out the life style of a king. We spent few hours walking inside the palace and admiring the life style of the Mr. Wodeyar.

Mysore ( Mysore Palace)
We left the Mysore Palace at 4PM and went to have some lunch at dhaba at outskirts of the Mysore highway road.
Check the Speedometer --- > Can you go faster than this.

Roadies ---- >

Coffee day for recharging

Bangalore - Madikeri - 260 Kms

Route:
Day One (May 13th 2009)
Bangalore – Srirangapatana (take the bypass, don't go to Mysore) - (get onto Mysore - Mangalore road) Hunsur - Bylakuppe - Khushal Nagar - Dhubare - Madikeri – Mysore- 450 Kms
Day Two (May 14th 2009)
Mysore - Chamundi Hills - Mysore palace – Bangalore – 180Kms

The Man and their Machines participating in this trip were:
Samarth a.k.a Sam in Pulsar 180
Jijid a.k.a Mota in Pulsar 150
Ujjal a.k.a Monty in pulsar 180 with Umaid a.k.a Maxi

Date :: May 13/14 2009
Round Trip :: 630Kms
Author :: Ujjal Mahanti