Trekking in Coorg

Madikeri Fort has been a popular tourist attraction to witness the lives, rise and fall of several glorious rulers and dynasty. Founded by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century and constructed in mud, it finally took shape in granite and has stood testimony to several incidents. It is a coming together of several religions and an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions.A Fort with a temple, Church, prison, Museum and library is pretty intriguing, especially to history lovers. Different rulers from majestic dynasties have constructed and reconstructed the Fort time and again and used it in a way they felt was justified. Located amidst rolling mountains and lush greenery, one can spend hours inside the Fort looking for artefacts mentioned in the pages of history.Currently, the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office is located inside the Fort premises. St. Mark’s Church built during the British regime houses a museum, which contains several interesting items related to history. It showcases a huge portrait of Coorg's eminent personality Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, weapons and tools used by the different rulers and the British along with several other interesting objects.It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and the beauty and culture of Coorg have been defined in a historical monument, The Madikeri Fort. The two-storied heritage property built by the erstwhile ruler of Kodagu has undergone several changes both structurally and functionally. A Fort built-in mud housing a beautiful Palace, that too made in mud to a Church adorned with stained glass and done up in Gothic style built by the British.Tipu Sultan further fortified the monument in granite and used it for official and leisurely activities. While the British made a museum adjoining the Church, made further changes and showcased various objects and artefacts used during the different transactions amongst the rulers.History of Madikeri Fort The history of Madikeri Fort dates back to the 17th century when the erstwhile king of Coorg, Mudduraja had made Madikeri the capital city of Kodagu. Initially, the fort was built with mud with along with a palace too made with mud inside the fort premises.The fort has born the brunt of several rulers thus undergoing demolitions and reconstruction time and again over a few centuries. It was also rebuilt by Tipusultan in granite and named the site as Jaffarabad and renamed the fort as Meraca Fort. In 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra added to the architectural beauty of the Fort and then again by the Britishers in 1834. St. Mark’s Church built in 1859 is housed inside the Fort and has a museum built inhouse.The Architecture of Madikeri FortThe colossal Fort built against the backdrop of verdant mountains and an open sky reminisces one of an era bygone. The Fort, constructed in granite has been built in European style with elaborate pillars and checkered floor patterns. The two life-size statues of elephants at the entrance must have stod testimony to several rivalry and wars.St. Mark’s Church, in glass stained Gothic style replaced the old Vidarbha temple inside the fort also under the British rule. A grand clock tower was strategically placed to the exuberance of the fort in 1933. A sculpture of tortoise, with the name of King Vijayendra, engraved on it sits adorned upon to welcome the history aficionados.The grand architecture of the fort is not only the pride of the Kodagu region but has also attracted visitors from several parts of the world. The secret labyrinth of alleys and passes inside the fort gives way to mysterious stories associated with them which too must have seen gory and secret stories hidden within the walls.

Credits: Joseph D'MelloOne of the famous attractions near Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a great way to have a fun-filled day with your loved ones. Amidst the lush green surroundings of Western Ghats, Abbey Falls is a delightful place to visit when you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle. A must visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Abbey Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in South India and also one of the best places in Coorg. Falling down from a height of 70 feet in the middle of a panoramic landscape, the tourists are sure to be charmed by the spectacle. Joining river Kaveri, Abbey Falls is set amidst the verdant coffee plantations and known for its serene ambience. For the adventure lovers, it is a paradise for trekking and for those seeking solitude it is a great getaway to soak in peace in the realm of nature. Offering a great view from the hanging bridge, Abbey Falls is a place that you must not miss visiting while you are in Coorg and looking for a place to picnic or just relax and unwind. The waterfall is a tranquil spot to make the most of your holiday, especially during the monsoons with a number of thrilling activities to do.History of Abbey FallsCredits: AparajithInitially known as Jessy Falls named after the daughter of the first British Chaplain of Coorg, Abbey Falls has an interesting history. He was enthralled by the surrounding beauty of Abbey Falls and was overwhelmed by its verdant flora and fauna. However, after the independence of India, the waterfalls came under the control of the Government of India, Neravanda B. Nanaiah purchased the land from the government and established many plantations of coffee and spices around the place. The area has been private property and boasts of a panoramic landscape. As the forests cleared up, Abbey Falls emerged out from the thick plantations amidst the forests. The sheer beauty of Abbey Falls is truly mesmerizing and attracts a number of visitors every year.

Iruppu Falls is one of the best tourist destinations of South India, a best place in Coorg and a popular trekking site in Karnataka for a plethora of gems the place has in its store. It is a cascading waterfall that flows down the Bramhagiri hills nestled amidst the woodlands in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Iruppu Falls is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls as it originates as the tributary of River Cauvery under the same name. It is also popular among the pilgrims who consider the place sacred for its connection with the mythological story of Ramayana. According to popular belief, the water of the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls is bestowed with divine powers that wash off the sins of those who take a dip into its water. The blissful natural surrounding and exotic wildlife at the vicinity of the waterfalls make it a coveted asylum for nature lovers and holidaymakers from different parts of the country. The gushing watercourse of the Iruppu Falls is also a perfect destination for trekking. The chilled water of the falls will soothe and rejuvenate you after a tiring trek as you sit and immerse your feet in its water and set yourself free from the cares of life. With a proper journey plan, you can enjoy the best ever trekking experience at Iruppu Falls.