Even as Madikeri city is getting ready like a bride for the 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which is only a week away, the tourist destinations in Kodagu district too are inviting the visitors for the Sammelana.
The district administration too is gearing up to promote tourism and attract more number of tourists to visit the tourism places, on the occasion of literary convention. The KSRTC has made arrangements for providing special bus facilities to the selected tourism destinations during these days.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat district unit has initiated the process of printing 10,000 booklets providing information about various tourism spots in the district and surrounding regions. These booklets will be distributed to the representatives who arrive at the convention, said Booklet Committee President H T Anil.
Madikeri, which is the headquarter of Kodagu district is located 1,170 metres above the sea level. The district is known for its picturesque greenery, dense forests, soothing weather, hills and ranges, waterfall and coffee plantations. No tourist can ever forget the beauty of Kodagu when it is covered with mist offering an amazing experience. If one stands in the spots like Rajaseat and Stewert Hill, one can see the best view of sun set and sun rise.
Tourism destinations
The fort built by Mudduraj Urs who ruled Kodagu in 1681 and the church in the fort premises (which has now been converted as museum) attract tourists for their historical significance. Antiques, documents, materials and costumes belonging to Field Marshal Kariappa.
Rajaseat garden, Omkareshwara temple built by Lingarajendra-II, Rajara Gadduge are some of the important tourism destinations in Madikeri city. Other tourism places that are well known among tourists are Talacauvery which is 44 km from Madikeri, Bhagamanadala (39 km from the city) mountainous range Mandalpatti which is at a distance of 18 km from Madikeri, Tibetan colony at Bailukuppe (34 km from the city), Harangi reservoir (39 km from Madikeri), Dubare elephant camp (42 km from Madikeri), Nalkunadu palace (40 km from Madikeri) and waterfalls like Abbi, Irpu, Mallalli and Chelavara. However, waterfalls now do not offer as beautiful view as they offer during monsoon.
Be cautious
Tourists will have to be cautious while travelling in areas like Anekadu near Kushalnagar, Dubare, Virajpet and Gonikoppa due to wild elephants which often wander here.
Presence of tigers is felt in Thithimathi and Srimangala which are adjacent to Nagarahole reserve forest. Tourists should be careful while travelling in these regions, especially in the morning and evening.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanth Kallammanavar Madikeri / DHNS – January 02nd, 2014
