15

Best Places To Visit Near Coorg

A hill station in the heights of Western Ghats of India, Sakleshpur is a small town located in the state of Karnataka. Famous for being surrounded by a surprising number of plantations of coffee, tea and spices, Sakleshpur’s economy thrives on these. Apart from that, with the recent development in the tourism happening around the town, places to visit in Sakleshpur have recently gathered a lot of fame for themselves because of their beauty and the kind of experiences that they harbour, both of which are unparalleled. 

Easily connected with Major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore, Sakleshpur has a bounty of beautiful places to see, both manmade and nature’s gifts. A prime example of that is the ages-old Manjarabad Fort constructed in the form of a star, which is also one of the prime tourist places in Sakleshpur. But that is not the only one, the list of names goes on and on as to where you should go to see Sakleshpur treating you with its best views of natural beauty, sometimes mingling with the manmade structures. 

The 600 year old Sakleshwara temple that sits on the river Hemavathi’s banks is a piece of fine craftsmanship in surroundings that are meant to take your breath away. And taking your breath away brings to mind the Bisle View Point, offering a panoramic view of the region and hills around, as well as the rainforests of the area. You can see as far away as the Pushpagiri, Dodda Betta and Kumara Parvatha Hills.

And no, the hill station is not just about the sights as there is a long list of things to do in Sakleshpur. The hill station knows how to live on the adventurous edge of life too. Sakleshpur is a heaven for trekking enthusiasts, and that is why this town has taken the definition of trekking to a whole new level by introducing something new like Railway Bridge Trekking. You can trek on the 52km long railway track (trek) between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subramanya road junction, which was closed down long ago. This unforgettable experience takes you through the scenes of at least 25 waterfalls.

And as far as the question of staying in Sakleshpur is concerned, nature stays in Sakleshpur are bound to take your breath away with their surroundings, features and comfort alongside the local hospitality that you will experience here. There is no one type in the places to stay in Sakleshpur and that is what makes it worth experiencing. So take your family, friends, or partner and come to Sakleshpur, and even if no one agrees, come solo. But do not think of missing out on so much fun.

Mysore is one of the most famous tourist destinations of South India. Originally known as Mysuru, it is the largest districts of Karnataka. Formerly known as the capital of the ‘Kingdom of Mysore’, Mysore was the name by which the state of Karnataka was popular as. The city is praised across the country for its arresting buildings and monuments along with its flamboyant imperial heritage. Its world Heritage listed palace of the city is perhaps something that brings most travellers here.

Mysuru is also a burgeoning centre for the production of superior quality incense, silk and sandalwood. At present, the Ashtanga yoga is another drawcard in Mysore that attracts the visitors from across the world accredited to its reputation of being India’s best place to practice yoga.

This City of Palaces has a number of places situated in the city. The main palace of the Mysore is Ambavilas Palace which is also one of the prime attractions of this region accredited to is beautiful monuments. This tourism hotspot attracts several millions of tourists from across the country every year. Dasara (Dusshera) which represents the victory of Good over Evil, marks the worship of Devi Chamundeswari. It is celebrated with fervor and solemnity as the State festival here

Kabini is an exquisite, enthralling location in Karnataka which you ought to visit at least once in your lifetime, whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a love of fauna, or simply someone who loves to travel for leisure. The perfect weather, a host of activities, camping options and more is what makes Kabini a tourist favourite. Summers are great for wildlife visits here while monsoons are the ideal time to feast your eyes upon the sanctuary's abundant greenery, making Kabini an all-year round getaway. 

Being centrally located, Kabini is also well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore. If you’re travelling by air you can alight at Bangalore or Coimbatore and continue your journey to Kabini. Coimbatore is 127 kilometres while Bangalore is 200 kilometres from your destination. You can also choose to fly to Mysore’s domestic airport and travel by road for around 1.5 hours to reach Kabini. 

Whilst here, make sure you visit the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. Ironically, once a hunting  area for the British, the sanctuary has a plethora of flora, exotic fauna, and waterfalls that cascade dramatically. Explore the forests as you head out on a jungle safari, choose to ride on elephant back and feed the royal, friendly animals, thanking them for the enjoyable elephant safari. Follow it up with a visit to Kabini Dam and a boat ride on the sparkling Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri, against a scenic backdrop. Return to your resort to simply sit by the campfire and reminisce about your adventures through the day. If you have some more time to spare, go on a nature expedition early next morning and don't forget to stop by small shops for local handicrafts that you can bring back for your loved ones. 

Eat like the locals, as you indulge in Southern Specials like Bisi Bele Bhaat, Vada Sambar, Akki Roti and more. Stay at luxurious properties like Red Earth, The Serai, and Evolve Back, among others. Although within a higher price range, the resorts offer top notch hospitality and amenities, coupled with unique wildlife experiences. 

Kabini sees tourists from all across the globe who visit the city for its serenity, beauty, and exotic stays. Be one of them and reside in the lap of luxury!

Known for its soothing temperature all around the year, Wayanad is the ultimate destination to escape the scorching sun of North India. This place doesn’t only offer its cool temperature but along with that, it has untouched woods, misty mountains, and long spread plantations. Often called the spice garden of India, Wayanad is laid with many tourist places and vast orchards of various spices like cardamom, Black pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Black cumin and more. These green orchards of distinct spices give this place a different fragrance which is further enriched with the aroma of coffee plantation, nutrition of organic fruits and vegetables and waving paddy fields.

Having said this much about the greenery in the city, it is understood that it will have numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks protecting the rural life of the forests. Adding to all the natural beauty you have India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Having mighty mountains, dense woods, and gushing rivers, Wayanad is a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many more adventurous activities.

You can trek to India’s largest Earth Dam, Banasura Dam or trek to witness the sun setting behind the mountains from Wayanad’s highest peak, Chembra Peak. The list doesn’t end here, you have the chance to explore potentially Neolithic age at Edakkal Caves. You will find some petroglyphs- prehistoric rock carvings used as a communication tool.

Moreover, you will find some amazing examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs through the monuments like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple and much more. All these threads weave into an amazing tapestry that will glorify your photo album as well as the album of your life.

Translated as the ‘Young Daughter’s Town’ as it was presented as dowry to the younger daughter of the Chief of Sakrepatna, Rukmangada, this serene city is also known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’ tranquilizing you from within with its aroma.

Lush green trees set against the backdrop of majestic Mullayangiri ranges, Chikmagalur is one of the most popular spots for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and explorers. The pious land is home to numerous temples including the Sharadamba Temple, Vidyashankara Temple, Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, and Amruteshwar Temple adding grace to the grandeur of the vicinity bringing in devotees from far and close offering their prayers.

Chikmagalur stands at an elevation of 3,400 feet, covered with eye-catching tea and coffee plantations, making it a major commercial hub of the state, and also bringing in tourists from all over the world to entice the unique experience of walking through the plantations.

This entrancing hill station is not just about temples and sightseeing but also adventure activities that would savor your inner thrill enthusiast.  Do not miss out on the famous waterfalls, namely, Jhari Waterfalls, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, Shankar Falls, and Kadambi Falls as there are plenty of them that will surely leave you mesmerized by spellbinding scenic beauty. Cascade of water flowing over the rugged terrain, it is a view that you will remember all through your life.

If you wish to find an escape from the monotonous 9 to 5 life, this is just the right place for you to spend some time amidst the flora and fauna. Do not forget to carry your camera along to come back with pictures to flaunt on your social media.