Tag Archives: Madikeri

Tata Starbucks Unveils Its Indian Single-Origin Whole Bean Specialty Coffees

Bringing Coorg’s rich stories, soil, and spirit to every cup

Bengaluru :

Tata Starbucks is celebrating India’s deep-rooted coffee heritage with the launch of its first-ever estate-exclusive single-origin coffees, sourced from the Nullore, Margolly, and Karadibetta Estates of Coorg, Karnataka.

Building on the success of the India Estates Blend, which first spotlighted the country’s coffee origins, this new range brings the focus even closer to the land and the people behind each bean. Through this launch, Starbucks shines a light on India’s coffee-growing heartlands and the generations of farmers whose craft and care shape every cup. As one estate manager expresses on the coffee pack, “This coffee is our legacy – I warmly welcome you to experience it in your cup.”

Joining Starbucks celebrated lineup from coffee growing regions of Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, this curated trio underscores the brand’s commitment to showcasing the world’s most distinctive coffees while championing India’s own specialty coffee estates.

Rooted in the heart of Coorg’s coffee belt, the Nullore, Margolly, and Karadibetta estates each embody a unique legacy of craftsmanship, biodiversity, and care passed down through generations.

  • India Nullore Estate: Growing at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level this Arabica coffee offers tasting notes of red apple and nutty sesame flower, with a sweet lemon acidity, a medium-light body, and medium-high acidity creating a balanced yet vibrant cup. Nestled in Madikeri’s mist-covered hills, the estate is a model of circular farming, where nature nurtures every bean under a two-tier canopy of native trees.
  • India Margolly Estate: With roots dating back to the 1850s, Margolly Estate is in the undulating highlands of southern Coorg. Grown at 980 meters above sea level, this washed Arabica features Barhi date and cinnamon bark notes, rounded by a forest honey finish. The estate’s dense canopy, thriving pepper vines, and rainwater harvesting practices mirror the cool, humid conditions of evergreen forests, producing beans with balanced acidity, clean finish, and distinct character.
  • India Karadibetta Estate: Perched at 1000 meters above sea level, Karadibetta Estate produces high-altitude Arabica with tasting notes of jamun plum, ginger, and sweet tulsi herbal. Its high acidity and medium body create a layered, aromatic profile that reflects the biodiversity and lush terrain of Coorg’s highlands.

From the Grey Hornbill of Nullore, a natural seed-sower of Coorg’s forests, to wandering elephants through Margolly’s lush pepper trails and the vibrant flora of Karadibetta’s highlands, each package has been thoughtfully designed with illustrations that celebrate the wildlife, biodiversity, and ethical sourcing practices that define these estates and the communities that sustain them.

Mitali Maheshwari, Head of Product & Marketing, Tata Starbucks, said, “India’s coffee origins carry the rich legacy of their people, with stories spanning centuries. We’re proud to share the distinct flavors and craftsmanship of Coorg through these iconic estates that have been harvested for the first time for Tata Starbucks. Each single origin coffee in this range reflects its unique terroir, biodiversity, and the passion of its farmers, brought to life in every cup.”

source: http://www.passionateinmarketing.com / Passionate in Marketing / Home> Marketing / October 28th, 2025

Premium Limited-Edition Single-Origin Yezdi Coffee Launched

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles rewrites the brand love playbook once again with a homecoming ride in the atmospheric coffee heartland of Coorg.

The company reignited its iconic Jawa Yezdi Nomads riding program and launched the single-origin, gourmet ‘Yezdi Coffee’ in partnership with Levista Coffee at their SLN Coffee estate.

In 2018, the company marked return of iconic brands Jawa and Yezdi in mid-size segment by launching performance classic motorcycles. Riding off the conventional route, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles focussed on building communities and subcultures around shared values. The spur? Authentic user experiences that created lasting brand loyalty.

The 2025 Jawa Yezdi Nomads Brewscape, dubbed ‘Roots to Routes’, was an immersive riding experience showcasing its newly launched Yezdi Roadster. The journey began in Mysore, the birthplace of Ideal Jawa, and culminated in Madikeri, Coorg, home to India’s most authentic coffee varieties. This ride offered national media, enthusiasts, and motorcycling experts’ firsthand experience of 2025 Yezdi Roadster while emphasizing the deep bond between heritage, community, and coffee subcultures.

“In motorcycling, building an iconic brand extends far beyond crafting exceptional machines. When we began in 2018, we inherited timeless classics with authentic stories that no manufactured narrative could match. Nostalgia opened doors, but genuine brand love flourished through our customers’ ride experiences,” said Anupam Thareja, Co-founder Classic Legends. “Creating authentic experiences like Nomads rides in Ladakh to Surfing in Covelong, partnerships with the Forces, and heartening customer stories has shaped our journey. The launch of Nomads 2025 and Yezdi Coffee exemplifies our innovative path. Yezdi Coffee, crafted with Levista’s expertise perfectly blends motorcycling and coffee and connects the spirit of exploration with moments of indulgence.”

The Special Edition Yezdi x Levista coffee pack offers two varieties exceptionally crafted to capture the rich coffee expertise of Coorg. One is a 100 percent Arabica, single-origin brew from Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold, AAA-grade beans. Cultivated at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level in Coorg, it’s a medium roast Chandragiri varietal offers a rich profile of smooth chocolate, toasted nuts, and caramel, with hints of citrus and earthy spices. The second is a perfect blend of top-grade Robusta and Arabica beans. It’s a medium roast soluble coffee and delivers a rich, aromatic flavour with silky smooth texture and a remarkable depth. Together, Yezdi x Levista coffee is an unmatched experience for motorcycling purists who often profess strong affinity for soulful and indulgent coffee.

Available at an introductory price of Rs.1,999/- the special edition Levista x Yezdi Coffee pack can be prebooked on www.jawayezdimotorcycles.com.

The Nomads program has expanded since its inception with the Ibex Trail (Ladakh, 2019), through signature rides such as the Taktsang Trail in Northeast India and Punjab Da Tor, showcasing heartland culture, alongside frequent “Trail Attack” off-road training events. Epitomizing journey, camaraderie, and local immersion while celebrating motorcycling as a way of life.

The company has also avidly associated with rock and jazz music festivals, street art, and surfing, embedding itself firmly in subcultures across India. These associations established its adventurous, nonconformist ethos while celebrating riding camaraderie. Its community givebacks and Army partnerships in Ladakh have repeatedly upheld its beliefs in courage and the spirit of exploration.

As a company committed to promoting motorcycling as a lifestyle, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles remains dedicated to creating more such associations, providing meaningful and immersive experiences for its riders.

source: http://www.thrustzone.com / Thrust Zone / Home> 2 Wheeler News / by Mohit Soni / October 06th, 2025

Coffee Dasara to celebrate Kodagu’s brewing heritage

Madikeri:  

A unique Coffee Dasara blending festive spirit with agricultural pride will be held on Sept. 24 (Wednesday) at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri, celebrating Kodagu’s deep-rooted coffee culture.

The event will honour coffee growers and provide valuable insights into cultivation techniques, announced H.T. Anil, Convener of Coffee Dasara.

Launched last year under the vision of Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, Coffee Dasara returns this year following an overwhelming response. The second edition is being organised in collaboration with the Coorg Planters’ Association.

The programme will begin at 10 am at the Sakamma Memorial Hall, named after Kodagu’s trailblazing coffee entrepreneur, the late Sakamma — Karnataka’s first woman coffee entrepreneur. Coffee stalls will be opened in her memory, celebrating her legacy.

A lecture series from 10.30 am to 1 pm will offer practical knowledge and expert guidance to coffee cultivators. At 1 pm, ten distinguished coffee growers from Kodagu will be felicitated for their exceptional contributions to the coffee industry.

Coffee on the menu

Adding a delicious twist to the festivities, culinary competitions will showcase coffee’s versatility in cooking and baking. Categories include coffee-flavoured cakes, cupcakes, brownies, biscuits, puddings, beverages, and chocolates — all celebrating coffee as both a drink and a delicacy.

This year’s Coffee Dasara will feature 35 stalls highlighting coffee-related products, information and innovations. Speciality brews will be served by local cafés, while major exhibits will be set up by the Indian Coffee Board, Horticulture Department, Industries Department, HOPCOMS, Nandini Dairy and the Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society, among others.

Coffee Dasara continues to honour Kodagu’s rich coffee heritage by blending tradition, innovation and community pride. This vibrant event not only celebrates the region’s global reputation for coffee cultivation but also strengthens the bond  between growers, producers and coffee lovers.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home / September 22nd, 2025

‘Dhwani Kotta Dhani’ award conferred on six achievers

Mysuru:

“It is literally true that former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs lent voice to voiceless and marginalised sections of the society during his tenure as the CM,” said MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Dhwani Kotta Dhani’ award ceremony organised jointly by Anveshana Seva Trust and Ursu Jagruti Academy Charitable Trust, at Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road here on Friday, marking the 110th birth anniversary of late former CM D. Devaraj Urs.

“Devaraj Urs always stood with the marginalised, micro, downtrodden and other voiceless communities, when it came to extending rights, benefits and facilities. Urs is still remembered for his outstanding  and exemplary service to the society while in power. Most of the politicians these days have homes in big cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. But Urs did not have any house in the State capital or other big cities. However, his memory is etched in the minds of everyone and it still stands fresh,” Dr. Thimmaiah noted.

Highlighting the revolutionary  decisions taken by Urs while in power such as elimination of bonded labour, ban on manual scavenging and introduction of  ‘Uluvavane Bhumi Odeya’ Act (the tiller is the actual land  owner), the MLC said it was D.D. Urs who gave land to the landless and provided shelter to the shelterless. His contributions and achievements are memorable at the National-level even today, he added.

Educationist Bhramara Bahaddur from Bengaluru, Karnataka Karavali Samskrutika Okkuta Founder Dr. Jagannatha Shetty from Mandya, senior yoga teacher Jagadish Shettar from Dakshina Kannada, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Photographer M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav from Mysuru, Goa Liberation Movement fighter Girija Shankar Patil from Koppal and Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (Madikeri) Associate Professor Dr. Anand from Kodagu were conferred ‘Dhwani Kotta Dhani’ awards on the occasion.

Charitable Trust Vice-President H.A. Venkatesh, Hon. Secretary Dr. MGR Urs, former Tumkur University VC Dr. Y.S. Siddegowda, Anveshana Seva Trust Founder-President Amarnath Raje Urs, former Bengaluru Kanteerava Studios Chairperson Vijayalakshmi Urs and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 31st, 2025

Kodava youngsters indulge in ‘naati pani’ on abandoned farmland in Madikeri

The paddy farmland that had not recorded any farming activity for many years, was revived following the efforts of the organisation that pulled in over 150 youngsters to take up paddy cultivation activity.

Amidst the chilly weather and rainfall, the youngsters cultivated the land for paddy with great enthusiasm. Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Over 150 youngsters from the Kodava community, working in different cities, visited the district to take part in a unique initiative called ‘naati pani’ aka paddy cultivation.

Organised by Connecting Kodavas, the initiative aimed at promoting the ancestral culture of paddy cultivation among the younger generations.

It was a day filled with fun, frolic and hard work, as youngsters who usually sat in front of their computer systems for a change toiled across the slushy 10-acre farmland in Mutharmudi.

As confirmed by the sources, the 10-acre farmland belonging to the Kembadthanda family in Mutharmudi had been left vacant for several years. The Connecting Kodavas organisation approached the family and detailed its plan to revive the farmland with a unique initiative.

The paddy farmland that had not recorded any farming activity for many years, was revived following the efforts of the organisation that pulled in over 150 youngsters to take up paddy cultivation activity.

For over seven years, the organisation has been hosting this ‘naati pani’ initiative and has so far revived several abandoned farmlands. Each year, the organisation selects an abandoned farmland, which is prepared for paddy farming by youngsters who are getting back in touch with their roots.

The initiative was supported by various organisations including Mysuru Kodava Students Association, Kodava Samaja Youth Wing and others.

Apart from the cultivation process, the unique dishes prepared during the monsoon months are also served to the participants.

Amidst the chilly weather and rainfall, the youngsters cultivated the land for paddy with great enthusiasm. Several elders who have been practicing agriculture for several years guided the youngsters even as the organisation confirmed to continue the initiative in the coming years.

The event was curated by Connecting Kodavas organisation head Niram Nachappa and others.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 18th, 2025

St Philomena College NCC Cadet Selected to Join Indian Air Force as Medical Assistant

Puttur :

Manjunath T. V., a second-year B.Sc. student of St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, has been selected to serve in the Indian Air Force as a Medical Assistant. He is set to report at the Military Training Centre in Bengaluru on July 1, 2025, thus realizing a long-cherished dream of joining the armed forces.

A native of Kodagu district, Manjunath is the proud son of educators Mr Venkatesh T. J. and Mrs Radhamani G. R., from the Virajpet taluk.

Since 2013, he has actively participated in several selection processes across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. His relentless perseverance has finally borne fruit with his selection into the prestigious Indian Air Force. In honour of this remarkable achievement, the college organised a formal felicitation ceremony.

Presiding over the event, the Principal of St Philomena College, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, hailed the commitment of soldiers as comparable to that of monks who renounce worldly ties. “A soldier is one who is willing to sacrifice even his life for the nation, forsaking personal comfort and family for the greater cause of national service. Such dedication requires not only divine grace but also the blessings of parents,” he said, presenting a floral bouquet to the proud parents of Cadet Manjunath and extending his heartfelt congratulations.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Principal Dr Vijay Kumar Moleyar emphasized the significance of Manjunath’s accomplishment in the current scenario, where fewer young men and women are opting to join the armed forces due to perceived hardships, modest remuneration, and lack of parental encouragement. “Despite facing multiple setbacks in previous recruitment processes, Cadet Manjunath remained undeterred and committed. His success today brings pride to the college, his hometown, and especially to his parents,” Dr Vijay Kumar noted.

Dr Vinaychandra, Controller of Examinations, Dr Edwin D’Souza, Finance Officer, Mr Vipin Naik, Academic Assistant Registrar, Mr Abhishek Suvarna, Assistant Controller of Examinations and Dr Malini K, IQAC Coordinator, Faculty members, administrative staff, and students were also present in large numbers to witness the occasion.

Captain Johnson David Sequeira, the college NCC Officer, compered the felicitation ceremony and lauded Cadet Manjunath’s journey as an inspiring example for youth aspiring to serve the nation through the defence services.

The entire St Philomena College community joins in wishing Cadet Manjunath T. V. great success in his military career and salutes his dedication to the nation.

source: http://www.catholictime.com / Catholic Time / Home> Association – Institutions News / by Media Release / June 30th, 2025

Kodagu hospital gets dialysis, anti-rabies units

Kodagu’s public healthcare infrastructure got a boost with the launch of several advanced healthcare units at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) Teaching Hospital in Madikeri.

The newly launched units include an Anti-Rabies Unit, and a Dialysis Unit. The facilities are equipped with hi-tech technologies for delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Kodagu.

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda inaugurated the facilities. He reiterated his commitment to transforming KoIMS into a full-fledged multi-specialty hospital, a long-standing demand of the people of Kodagu. He assured that he would put in efforts to get grants from the government to further expand healthcare services at the institute.

Dr. Gowda urged the public to make full and best use of the new services and urged the hospital staff to deliver best medical care to patients.

KoIMS Dean Lokesh Kumar, District Surgeon Nanjundayya, Medical Superintendent Somashekar, and other senior health officials were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 04th, 2025

Whitewater rafting in Karnataka: Experts urge enforcing safety protocols

While Karnataka is all geared up to welcome whitewater rafting enthusiasts in the monsoon, it is important that adventure activities are conducted in a way that minimises risks and yet provides the benefits of participation, say experts.

Enjoying whitewater rafting in Dandeli, Karnataka / Jungle Lodges & Resorts

With the monsoon in full swing, Karnataka is all geared up to welcome tourists and adventure enthusiasts to experience the thrills of whitewater rafting. As you raft through gushing waters surrounded by dense jungles, you are transported into a world of roaring rapids with sprays of pristine white water and treated to glimpses of wildlife on some stretches of the river.

Adrenaline junkies can head to the stretch adjacent to the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu on the River Cauvery and some stretches of the Kali river at Dandeli. The highlight of the season is the 1.5-hour whitewater rafting adventure on the roaring Barapole river, which originates in the Brahmagiri hills and flows towards the Arabian Sea. Rafting enthusiasts can navigate a 4.5 km stretch of the river featuring four iconic rapids with thrilling sections reaching up to Class 4 difficulty level for a duration of four months.

Another rafting destination is Bheemeshwari set on the banks of the Cauvery in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Plans are on the anvil to resume rafting in Seethanadi, a swift Western Ghats river known for its challenging rapids and stunning scenery during the monsoon. The run on this powerful river passes through thick evergreen forests that form part of the Western Ghats in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Rafting on this brilliant 22 km stretch takes four hours to complete.

Streamlining rafting operations

The recently constituted River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee of Kodagu district has stressed the need for enforcing stringent safety protocols to prevent mishaps during this high-risk adventure activity. The committee has urged all rafting operators in Kodagu district to compulsorily obtain and renew the fitness certificates for their rafts before launching any water-based adventure activity.

The mandatory certification, which must be renewed annually, is issued by the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), a government of Karnataka enterprise for the promotion of adventure sports in the state.

“It is important that adventure activities are conducted in a way that minimises risks and yet provides the benefits of participation. Karnataka Tourism has laid down some guidelines that include obtaining necessary licenses and certifications from relevant authorities and ensuring compliance with safety standards,” says Major General (retired) MN Devaya, advisor to GETHNAA.

Listing the items that are essential for rafting, he adds, “Firmly secured life jackets, crash helmets, rescue floats with unreeling nylon lines, first-aid emergency kit, detailed instructions to the rafters, and an attendant kayak or raft for emergency assistance are mandatory for rafting activity. GETHNAA also has a training centre at Barapole.”

Explaining the measures taken by the committee, Venkat Raja, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kodagu district, says, “The committee has taken up the responsibility of upgrading basic infrastructure at rafting sites to improve the tourist experience and enhance safety. Other measures included installation of shelters at the ticket counters, hand railing on the steps, changing rooms for guides, benches, provision of drinking water, toilets, CCTV surveillance, and directional signboards to rafting sites at strategic junctions.”

There are 47 raft operators functioning in the 7 km stretch in Dubare and four operators in the 4.5 km stretch in Barapole. “All the rafts are numbered for authenticity and easy identification. To prevent unhealthy competition, the pricing is flexible and monitored by the committee. Another encouraging factor is the involvement of the local populace, especially tribal residents, in the rafting operations,” adds the DC.

In Dandeli, Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) is the only reliable organisation to conduct white water rafting. “The rafting operations that are currently suspended will resume after the monsoon in September/October. We have outsourced our rafting operations in the Kali river in Dandeli to Manasa Adventures, a professionally experienced adventure company. Strict safety guidelines are adhered to with professional river guides. We have perfected our standing as a whitewater rafting destination with highly qualified river guides and proper equipment,” says Prashanth Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director, JLR.

Need for stringent monitoring

Noting that there are many unauthorised rafting operators in Dandeli, Vaibhav Kamat of Jungle County, Dandeli, says, “This has led to protocol breach, which raises concerns over safety. As there is a mad rush during weekends, some of the operators overload the rafts, flouting all safety norms. Crowd control is also woefully lacking and overcrowding can lead to accidents. Some operators send visitors into rafts without safety gear such as life-jackets as they do not have the professional knowledge to operate the services. So there is a dire need for the state administration to monitor these operations.”

Urging a crackdown on illegal operators, he adds, “The safety standards and procedures followed by rafting organisations, including the availability of qualified guides and proper equipment, should be monitored. Action should be initiated against operators for violations. The permission process for raft owners should also be made more stringent.”

It is high time that Karnataka Tourism conducted a safety audit of all the river rafting destinations in Karnataka. This will help identify potential hazards and deficiencies in safety protocols. A social audit should also be conducted to examine the impact of rafting activities on local communities and the environment. This includes assessing benefits like opportunities for locals as well as potential negative impact such as environmental damage, social disruption, and cultural insensitivity. The impact of rafting on local businesses should be assessed.

An environmental impact study of rafting activities is imperative too to assess the impact on river banks, the river ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife habitats. The effectiveness of waste management practices at rafting sites and the impact on the surrounding areas should be evaluated. The carrying capacity of rafting destinations and whether tourism is being managed sustainably should be determined.

Susheela Nair is an independent food, travel and lifestyle writer and photographer contributing articles, content and images to several national publications besides organising seminars and photo exhibitions. Her writings span a wide spectrum which also includes travel portals and guide books, brochures and coffee table books.

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Karnataka / by Susheela Nair / edited by Vidya Sigamany / July 31st, 2025

Cracks in Mangaluru-Madikeri NH275 retaining wall spark landslide fears; residents evacuated

This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.

Residents living below the retaining wall are relocating to relief camps after large cracks appeared in the structure, raising fears of a possible collapse.Photo | Special Arrangement

Madikeri :

The first landslide-prone spot on the Mangaluru-Madikeri NH275 that caved in during the 2018 floods is once again under threat, with the multi-crore retaining wall at the site developing major cracks. Residents living right below the wall have been asked to shift to a relief center in Madikeri.

Permanent relief work across the Mangaluru-Madikeri National Highway, which has become vulnerable to landslides and road slips, has remained a distant dream from 2018. While crores of funds have been sanctioned for temporary relief works, the National Highway faces the threat of collapse and poses a risk to commuters every monsoon season.

This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.

Another retaining wall on this road is located about 4 km from Madikeri city centre and was sanctioned after a major landslide on the road in 2018. Thousands of sandbags were then lined across this vulnerable spot and crores of funds were released for the establishment of the retaining wall.

After over five years of project sanction, the retaining wall recorded was completed in 2023. Nevertheless, just two years after its completion, massive cracks have developed on the retaining wall that faces the threat of collapse.

Following the development of cracks, Madikeri taluk tahashildar visited the spot and requested the families residing below the retaining wall to shift to a relief centre.

Meanwhile, the locals voiced against the authorities for poor quality work and urged them to take action against the concerned contractor. DC Venkat Raja visited the spot and inspected the retaining wall.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / July 31st, 2025

Karnataka’s Kodagu district records over 95 lakh tourists in last two years

More than 95 lakh tourists visited the hilly district of Kodagu during the last two and a half years.

According to information provided by officials of the Tourism Department at a recent meeting of the Kodagu District Tourism Development Committee, the district had recorded 43.69 lakh tourists in 2023 and 45.72 lakh in 2024.

Sharing these numbers, Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of Tourism, Madikeri, said that Kodagu accounted for 23 out of the 778 tourist destinations identified under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020-26.

The tourist destinations in Kodagu included Raja Seat, Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti, Harangi Reservoir, Mallalli Falls, Iruppu Falls, Dubare, Chikkahole, General Thimmayya Museum, and Nagarhole National Park among others.

A request had been made to shift the Talacauvery-Bhagamandala temples from the list of tourist sites to the list of spiritual destinations, the official said.

A total of 2,300 homestays in Kodagu district had been registered online and certified. This is in addition to the 150 hotels and resorts operational in the district, out of which 53 are officially registered on the Tourism Department’s portal.

Mandalpatti

The scenic peaks of Mandalpatti have been selected for development through Public Private Partnership (PPP) under the One District One Destination scheme.

The Galibeedu Gram Panchayat had approved the infrastructure development at Mandalpatti with an allocation of ₹50 lakh. However, as Mandalpatti falls under the Forest Department, cooperation of the Department has been sought for the repair of roads and other related works, the official said.

Referring to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement on development of water sports and adventure tourism in his Budget speech of 2024-25 , the official said that Harangi reservoir will be open for such activities under Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), while rafting licenses had been granted for Dubare in Kushalnagar and Barpuhole in Ponnampet.

Ms. Bhaskar said that the Tourism Department had sought approval from the Lake Development Authority to float tenders for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing, jet skiing, and water zorbing at Honnamana Kere, a tourist destination in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, which already has attractions like hills and caves.

Children’s mini train

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, who presided over the meeting, said steps will be taken to start a children’s mini train at Raja Seat after receiving a report from the engineers of South Western Railways.

He said that engineers from the Railways had already inspected the site and gathered details with regard to the proposal to start a children’s mini train.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 31st, 2025