Seeing "Chocolate” immediately reminded me of Coorg, the chocolate capital of Karnataka. I spent four days in Madikeri, exploring as much as I could. Here are some highlights from my trip:
Coorg (historically known as Kodagu) is located 265 km from Bangalore and 94 km from Mysore. This misty hill station was ruled from the Madikeri Fort during the British era, which now serves as the district collector's office
Dubare Elephant Camp: My first stop was Dubare. It’s a place that brings out the child in everyone. Karnataka has a long history with elephants, and this camp trains them for the famous Mysore Dasara. You can watch elephants being bathed in the river, oiled, and groomed. The best part? You can participate in bathing them! If they like you, they gently nudge you with their trunks—an experience you have to feel to believe.
Tadiandamol Peak: Next, I headed to the third highest peak in Karnataka. The journey is challenging—partly by car, then by jeep, and finally a trek to the summit. The panoramic view from the top is a feast for the eyes.
Raja’s Seat: Located in the heart of Madikeri, this beautiful garden is where kings used to enjoy their evenings. I met a little one-year-old friend there who was crying; I went over to cheer him up, and he ended up spending the whole day with me!
Iruppu & Abbey Falls: I visited Iruppu Falls, which originates from the Brahmagiri peaks and has a famous Shiva temple nearby. Later, I saw Abbey Falls, nestled amidst coffee and spice plantations. Reaching it requires a trek down about 500 steps, but the view of the Kaveri river cascading down is breathtaking.
Talakaveri: The birthplace of the River Kaveri. The drive from Madikeri is winding and passes through dense forests. Since the river is worshipped as a goddess, there are beautiful temples here.
The Golden Temple (Bylakuppe): One of the largest Tibetan settlements outside Tibet. Home to nearly 16,000 refugees and 6,000 monks, the monastery is adorned with stunning paintings of Buddhist mythology. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, transporting you to another world.
Omkareshwara Temple: Built by King Lingarajendra II, this temple has a unique history. Legend says the king built it to appease the spirit of an innocent man he had killed. It’s a beautiful blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture.
These are the memories of my Coorg trip—a journey filled with nature, spirituality, and unexpected friendships.
@chamarthi Tejoram
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