Offbeat Camping in Coorg

Credits: Jean JonesOne of the highest peaks in the Kodagu region, Tadiandamol has been a favourite not only amongst the trekkers but also with nature lovers, bird watchers and photo enthusiasts. The mountains have withstood the testimony of time and have inspired many since time immemorial. The erstwhile rulers of the Kodagu region have drawn serious inspiration from the mighty mountain. Trails of their legacy have been left behind at the Nalknad Palace which is close to 200-year old now. Tadiandamol has a rich diversity in its flora and fauna harmoniously co-existing amidst the dense forests and grasslands of the Western ghats.Tadiandamol Peak is the third-highest point in the region of Karnataka offering a magnificent view of the valley after crossing the meadows, water bodies, Shola forest and lush green vegetation. This peak stands at a height of 5,735 feet above sea level and is a favourite spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The mountain has stood testimony to the time and has witnessed several incidents both natural and man-made. Though scaling one of the tallest mountains in Karnataka is not the only adventure but it offers a great view of the surroundings and is one of the famous places to visit in Coorg.Trekking along Tadiandamol teaches one to be valiant and patient while one observes the bounty of mother nature. As one starts from the base village of Kakkabe, the snaking trails are at times broad and of concrete and at times just muddy and unpaved. The excitement begins when the trail gets a little narrower with the sight of dense vegetation, coffee, pepper and other spice plantations. You will be able to witness and enjoy the sight of colourful birds and butterflies and hear them. Trek Routes to Tadiandamol Peak The highest peak in Kodagu offers a fascinating trek to nature lovers. At an elevation of 5740 ft, it takes you through verdant greens of Shola forest, valleys and rivers. The starting point of the trek is at Nalaknad Palace, where large vehicles like buses and tempo travelers can be parked free of cost. There is a motorable road until the viewpoint which is another 2km ahead. Only small vehicles can access this motorable road. The trek to the peak starts from the Forest entry point, where one needs to buy tickets for the trek. The next major point is the big boulder where trekkers usually take a short break to witness a charming view of the surroundings. Beyond the big boulders are the grasslands leading to the silent forest. The pinnacle of the trek is the brilliant forest replete with flora and fauna of varied species. This is a moderate level trek which is 6km one way and takes close to 2-3 hours each side. The trails are broad and chances of getting lost are less.History of Tadiandamol PeakThe third highest mountain peak in Karnataka is extremely popular amongst the tourists. It is adorned with lush Shola forest throughout the valley. The Nalaknad Palace built-in 1792 in the periphery of the mountain has historical relevance. It was used as a site to seek refuge by different rulers during the times of war amongst the neighboring states. For the warrior clans also referred to as the Kodavas the highest peak in Coorg has been a source of inspiration. The stoic warriors were led by the mighty mountain to showcase their valour and strength which has been recorded in the pages of Indian history.

Credits: Karthick SivaWhen it comes to trekking in South India, Kumara Parvatha also known as the Pushpagiri Hills is a must include in the bucket list of diehard trekkers. It is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka which offers one of the most enthralling trails in India at the backdrop of the Western Ghats. The Kumara Parvatha hill stretches for a whopping 13 Km and stands at an elevation of 4000 feet above the sea level. Kumara Parvatha is a group of three peaks namely- Shesha Parvatha, Siddha Parvatha and Kumara Parvatha each of which has its relevance to Hindu mythology. Kumara Parvatha is located in the Subramanya village of Sullia Taluk in South Karnataka and is the choicest destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The trekking trail runs dense through the Shola forest which is home to breath-taking flora and fauna under the canopy of clear blue sky. At some places, the trail is quite strenuous with volcanic rocks, gushing streams and rocky crevices that pose a serious challenge to adrenaline junkies. But nevertheless, the panoramic view of the Western Ghats at the distance makes it a rewarding journey for tourists who are ready to go the extra mile for seeing the wonders of nature from close proximity. Kumara Parvatha trek is also popular among the tourists who wish to visit the place as a distinguished pilgrim site of South India. Some of the religious places of interest in and around Kumara Parvatha are Kukke Subramanya Temple, Sringeri Mutt and Biladwara Cave that have significant religious connotations.Apart from that, there are scenic spots en route Kumara Parvatha where you can halt for overnight camping or rest for a while and sink into the overwhelming serenity of the vast expanse of Madikeri. The Malli Waterfalls, Abbimatta Waterfalls and Pushpagiri Forest Reserve are some of the popular natural attractions that make your rigorous trek all worth it.Trek Routes to Kumara ParvathaThere are two routes accessed by trekkers of Kumara Parvatha depending on their level of fitness and spirit of adventure. One route is from Kukke Subramanya temple which is a moderately difficult climb up to the Shesha Parvatha via Kallu Mandapa. From Shesha Parvatha there are ascends and descends through boulders and grasslands up to the summit. This is a longer route and in between, you will need to stay overnight at the Bhatt's House before starting for the rest of your journey on day 2.A comparatively longer route is from Beedhalli in Somwarpet. This route is slightly challenging even for experienced trekkers but the view you witness along your trek is worth your exhaustion and time. In this route, you will trek along dense Shola forest where you may come across the wild animals and birds and feast your eyes on the beautiful panorama at a distance. Trekkers usually take the Somwarpet route to climb up to the summit of the Kumara Parvath and the Kukke Subramanya route to descend.History of Kumara Parvatha There are a number of folklores that go round this pristine religious and scenic destination of Karnataka and each of them ushers immense curiosity among the believers to undertake an arduous journey up to the summit. According to the popular faith, Lord Kumaraswamy (Subramanya) killed demons like Padmasura and Tarakasura and was crowned as the king atop the Kumara Parvatha.The Lord washed his lethal weapon in the nearby river and hence the name Dharma Teertha. Indra, the king of the gods being pleased by the valour of Kumaraswamy asked for his hand in marriage with his daughter Devasena. The marriage between Lord Kumaraswamy and Devasena took place on the bank of Kumaradhara.Another story depicts Vasuki, the divine serpent was once threatened by Garuda (mount of Lord Vishnu/Venkateshwara). In order to save himself from the clutches of Garuda, Vasuki performed rigorous worship in the caves of Kukke Subramanya temple. Lord Shiva being pleased with his follower's devotion sent his son Karthikeyan (Murugan) to protect Vasuki from Garuda. It is believed that Karthikeyan visited Kumara Parvatha where Vasuki was worshipping and blessed him assuring his protection from all evils.

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.Book & Checkout - Coorg Tour PackagesHistory 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.