The blooming lavender to pink flowers at Thavarekere in Kushalnagar have become a captivating attraction, drawing travellers, tourists and locals alike. Nestled quietly among forest shrubs along the Highway, the lake has suddenly amplified its natural charm.
Typically adorned with lotus flowers, the lake is now blanketed in a striking expanse of lavender blossoms. This breathtaking transformation, stretching across the waters, offers a stunning visual spectacle. For the first time, such vibrant blooms have appeared here, leaving visitors both surprised and enchanted.
Residents of Kushalnagar recall that the lake was once abundant with lotus flowers, which earned it the name Thavarekere (Thavare means lotus in Kannada). However, over time, the unchecked inflow of sewage into the lake has allowed invasive water hyacinth — a free-floating perennial aquatic plant — to take over and now bloom in full.
The lake’s new-found allure is drawing crowds who pause along the roadside to soak in the surreal scenery. The surge in visitors has even prompted Police deployment to regulate traffic and maintain order in the area.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 30th, 202
The MP highlighted the immediate need to prevent pollution to the river and sought fund allocation in the union budget for conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
Cauvery River image used for representation purposes only.(File Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Mysuru–Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has written to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti seeking central government support for the conservation of the River Cauvery in Kodagu.
The MP highlighted the immediate need to prevent pollution to the river and sought fund allocation in the union budget for Cauvery river conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
The letter stressed on the immediate need for conservation and development of the riverbanks of Cauvery across the district. The MP also pointed out that the river has become a victim of increased pollution due to the flow of untreated wastewater from houses and commercial setups and from encroachments alongside the riverbanks.
“These issues are affecting water quality, public health, river ecology and the livelihoods of people dependent on the river,” the MP noted.
He urged the union minister to order a comprehensive survey of the boundaries of the River Cauvery in the district to enable eviction of the encroachments, followed by rehabilitation and systematic riverbank development in a planned manner.
The MP also highlighted the need to regulate activities along riverbanks in Madikeri, Virajpet and Kushalnagar taluks while also requesting the establishment of scientific sanitation and drainage facilities.
Wadiyar also sought a focused intervention to regulate tourist activities along the riverbanks and address recurring flood issues. He urged the need for eco-friendly riverfront development.
Mentioning the interstate importance of the River Cauvery, he urged the minister to formulate a central government-supported phased action plan for conservation and development of the Cauvery.
He has requested funds in the forthcoming budget for Cauvery river conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 09th, 2026
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, MLA Mantar Gowda and Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja during the ground breaking function for Praja Soudha taluk administration complex at Kushalnagar on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Tuesday said that ₹50 crore has been released for landslide-prevention works in Kodagu and that an additional ₹10 crore will be sanctioned soon.
He was speaking after performing the bhoomi puja for the construction of the new ‘Praja Soudha’ Taluk Administration building near the Polytechnic College in Kushalnagar. The project is estimated to cost ₹8.60 crore. Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda was present.
The Minister said new tahsildars and village administration staff have been appointed to strengthen administrative functioning in five taluks of Kodagu district. The new Prajasaudha complex will house the tahsildar’s office, land records office, sub-registrar office, treasury and other key departments under one roof.
A large-scale ‘Darakhast Podi Abhiyana’ (land record correction drive) is currently underway across the State, he said. Under Annexure-1, surveys of government land are being taken up and officials are visiting households to collect data to update records. In Kodagu, 2,344 applications have been taken up under the programme, of which over 1,500 cases have already been disposed of, he informed.
The Minister stated that around 42 lakh land holdings in the State are still in the names of deceased persons. Under the ‘Pouthi Khata’ initiative, efforts are being made to transfer such holdings to legal heirs by directly reaching out to families.
Revenue village accountants (VAs) and inspectors are being provided laptops to ensure paperless service delivery through e-offices, he said.
Disposal of cases has also been expedited in tahsildar and Assistant Commissioner courts.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mantar Gowda said work on the KSRTC depot in Kushalnagar is in progress and ₹46 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of the new taluk hospital. He expressed gratitude to Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar for providing land for the ‘Praja Soudha’.
On the occasion, people’s representatives urged the Minister to establish a sub-division office, establish a taluk stadium, and upgrade the sub-registrar office in Kushalnagar.
Guarantee Implementation Authority president V.P. Shashidhar said the Praja Soudha project is the outcome of a decade-long struggle to secure taluk status for Kushalnagar.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintedent of Police P.K. Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aishwarya, and other officials were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / November 11th, 2025
The ‘Swacha Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ (Clean Kodagu-Beautiful Kodagu) campaign has received an overwhelming response from across the district and a mega-cleanliness drive will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of the initiative.
Kundyolanda Dinesh Kariappa, president, Kodagu Hotels and Resorts Association, said that the campaign is being organised under the banner of the association, in collaboration with the district administration, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat, Kodagu Chamber of Commerce, Kodagu Homestays Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Department of Tourism, Red Cross, local organisations, and various educational institutions. More than 220 associations and organisations in the district have extended their support to the drive.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda will inaugurate the district-level campaign near General Thimmaiah Circle in Madikeri at 8 a.m. Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, and other dignitaries are scheduled to be present.
M.P. Sunach Kushalappa, MLC, will inaugurate the drive at Gonikoppal, while B.R. Nagendra Prasad, president, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, will launch the programme at Kushalnagar. At Virajpet, Teethir Dharmaja Uttappa, District President, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, will launch the drive. Rohith, president, Taluk Homestay Association; and B.S. Sundar, vice-president of the Hotels and Resorts Association, will inaugurate the campaign at Somwarpet.
As part of the initiative, 1,500 NSS students from 23 colleges affiliated with Kodagu University will participate in cleanliness activities within their respective campuses. Similarly, students from schools and colleges across the district will take part in cleaning the respective premises of their institutions.
Officials and staff of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank among others have also pledged their support.
Traders have been urged to clean the surroundings of their business establishments.
Mr. Kariappa said that public participation is being sought on a voluntary basis and the waste collected on October 15 will be transported to the solid waste management plant in Mysuru with the assistance of panchayat and local body officials.
Association general secretary Naseer Ahmed said government office staff, private school teachers, bank employees, and students may also participate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on October 15. The campaign primarily focuses on cleaning major roads and highways across the district.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 14th, 2025
The ambitious project to construct a hanging bridge over the River Cauvery at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu is poised to further transform this popular tourist destination.
Dubare draws thousands of tourists each month and the addition of a hanging bridge connecting both riverbanks promises to be a significant attraction. Currently, one side of the river is managed by the Tourism Department, while the Forest Department oversees the opposite side, home to the renowned elephant camp.
Presently, tourists can only traverse the river via motorised boats. Due to the high demand for boat rides, many visitors risk crossing on slippery rocks — when the water level is low, leading to accidents and prompting criticism of the Forest Department.
The original hanging bridge plan envisioned a 110-metre structure supported by three columns — two at the ends and one in the centre — with an estimated cost of Rs. 3 crore.
Two poles instead of three
However, the new proposal extends the bridge length to 210 metres, supported by only two poles, eliminating the central column thanks to enhanced suspension wire technology. The revised design will be higher at the centre than at the ends for added stability.
This updated project is estimated to cost Rs. 6 crore. The bridge will have a walking width of 1.5 metres and will be constructed above last year’s flash flood level to ensure safety.
Hanging bridge expert Patanjali Bharadwaj has finalised the design, materials and total project cost, including labour. Unlike the previous proposal where land ownership was shared between the Tourism and Forest Departments, the new project will be built entirely on Forest Department land, streamlining the approval process.
Budget estimate of Rs. 6 crore
The design and location survey have been completed and submitted to the Public Works Department (PWD). A budget estimate of Rs. 6 crore has been forwarded to the Finance Department for final approval. Patanjali Bharadwaj has designed the bridge and calculated the material cost as per the PWD budget list and provided the cost estimate.
The State Government and the PWD have granted in-principle approval and the project has been included in the Forest Department’s Action Plan, receiving sanction from the Forest Minister.
Funding will come from the Kodagu Foundation, which pools entry fees collected at various parks, trekking spots and forest guest houses, supplemented by government funds.
The PWD will supervise the construction, with the tender process set to begin following financial clearance. If funding is timely, the bridge could be completed within six months, with an expected finish date in 2025.
Boating to be discontinued
Bhaskar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Madikeri Circle, explained the project’s earlier challenges. “Previously, land issues stalled progress due to the split ownership between the Tourism and Forest Departments, complicating clearances under the Wildlife Act. This time, we selected land solely managed by the Forest Department, eliminating these administrative obstacles. We are committed to seeing the project through. Once operational, boating services will be discontinued, though river rafting will continue,” he said.
For context, Patanjali Bharadwaj is the son of Padma Shri awardee Girish Bharadwaj, known as the ‘Bridge Man’ for constructing over 100 suspension footbridges across India. Girish Bharadwaj founded ‘Rational Engineering Industries’ in 1975 in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, now known as Ayasshilpa. Patanjali is continuing his father’s legacy with this new project.
Revenue boost
The Dubare Elephant Camp operates daily from 9 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 5.30 pm. Forest officials report that the site welcomes an average of 500 to 700 tourists daily and has four boats for river crossings.
“During festivals and weekends, when over 2,000 tourists visit daily, managing the crowds becomes difficult. Weight restrictions limit boat capacity, forcing many visitors to leave without experiencing the elephant camp. The hanging bridge will resolve these issues and is expected to boost revenue,” officials added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 24th, 2024
Yesterday I travelled to Kushalnagar in Kodagu to see a friend in an eye hospital, “Lopamudra Eye Care,” who was undergoing a procedure for cataract. While in the waiting area, I noticed a number of framed certificates, citations, testimonials and photographs about the doctor. Being a private, personal hospital, such displays are expected and understandable.
However, what interested me was a couple of framed displays that seemed unique and modestly appropriate for a doctor who is a native Kodava and the hospital is in Kodagu.
I took the photographs of some of these displays to study them later. There was a photograph of a native Kodava of the early 20th century in his ethnic ceremonial attire (see picture). He is the grandfather of Dr. M.M. Ponnappa of Lopamudra Eye Care. He was honoured by the British Masters of the Colonial days with the title Rao Bahadur. So, he is Rao Bahadur Mukkatira Aiyappa. Could be, his grandson, this doctor Dr. M.M. Ponnappa, is so proud of his grandfather, he chose to honour his memory by hanging his photograph in the front office area.
And, again most appropriately, the legend of this legendary coffee planter and a philanthropist of those days (who had, no doubt, cultivated the company of the British Officers in Kodagu) as written in a newspaper was also displayed. The text details about the great gifts of this Kodava man. Curiously the news must have originated from Karachi (now in Pakistan) and taken from the newspaper ‘The Madras Mail’ (which was published by the British from Madras, now Chennai).
Reading its contents I was thrilled. Let me reproduce it:
The Madras Mail
Pluck Office, Karachi
M. Mukkatira Iyappah
Devanageri Virarajendrapet
Virarajendrapet is now embellished with a clock tower, erected in front of the post office.
The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir Hugh Daly, the Chief Commissioner of Coorg on 5th February, 1914, when he visited the town, during his tour in Coorg. It is the gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah, a successful coffee planter in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. lt has already proven to be a boon to the public.
Mr. R.K Ellis, I.C.S., the District Magistrate of Coorg, performed the opening ceremony on the 16th of January and handed over the building to Virarajendrapet municipality.
Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah has also gifted the outpatient block of the civil hospital of Gonikoppal and an inspection bungalow of Fraserpet (now Kushalnagara) which has immensely benefited the people and district administration of Coorg.
Those who visit Virajpet in South Kodagu could not miss to see the famous Clock Tower at the junction of three roads in the busy down-town area built in red-brick. By the way, history records the location of the Clock Tower was selected (in 1914) for the reason that it was the place where General Abercromby, the General who marched with his troops from Malabar via Kodagu (to reinforce the British and allied forces fighting Tipu Sultan in May 1799 at Srirangapatna), met the Maharaja of Kodagu Virarajendra Wadeyar and signed a peace treaty. The Kodagu Raja founded the city Virarajendrapet to commemorate the occasion.
Be that as it may, the Clock Tower was a gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah (Aiyappa) in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. The opening ceremony of the Clock Tower was held on 16th January (1915), just one year after its foundation was laid.
Iyappah had also gifted an Outpatient Block of Government Hospital at Gonikoppal and an Inspection Bungalow of then Fraserpet, now Kushalnagar.
It is said, what one gives often goes round and round and comes back multi-fold to the giver — or to his progeny. The same seems to have happened to Dr. M.M. Ponnappa and his brother Dr. M.M. Amrit Nanaiah, who is running the Lopamudra Medical Centre in Gonikoppal.
It is inscrutable that both these brothers are today successfully running their hospitals, one in Gonikoppal and another in Kushalnagar, the towns where their grandfather Aiyappa had generously built two valuable facilities for the good of the public. Vedic values and Sanatana Dharma are seen working in a mysteriously subtle way as reward for Mukkatira Aiyappa’s selfless service to his fellow men. Let it be.
But as I scanned the wall, I noticed two boards with closely written text which read like pedagogy and a lesson in morals. Let me produce them here for the benefit of those who are on the path of virtuous and even spiritual life:
Keep it simple
Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes. (Well, I guess I have followed this advice by visiting this hospital !)
Forgive quickly. Life is short.
Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 am (I agree, I do follow this even to this night!).
Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
Count your blessings.
Wave at the children on a school bus.
Remember that 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
Don’t expect life to be fair…
Have a firm handshake.
Look people in the eye.
Keep Secrets.
Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
Avoid sarcastic remarks.
Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
When playing games with children, let them win.
Be romantic. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
Be a good loser for your loved ones. Be a good winner of Hearts.
When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
And finally, a board with some information from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with penal sections. I’m sure Dr. Javeed Nayeem, our weekly columnist, Over a Cup of Evening Tea, who was the President of MAHAN, an Association of Doctors and Hospitals, to protect themselves from the vandals, will love this.
Yes, protection to doctors and hospitals from people who attack them for different reasons, are there in the law books. But, in our too liberal a Democracy these laws are more often subverted, sabotaged and violated with impunity rather than enforced. Hence, this reminder of IPC to the patients. Examples are many, but the recent one is in the rape and murder of a duty doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> abracadabra / by G.B. Ganapathy / October 10th, 2024
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar called on senior Congress leader Mittoo Chengappa at his residence in Kushalnagar on Thursday, 16th May 2024.
Earlier, Dr. Parameshwar had gone to Kumbaragadige village near Mutlu in Somwarpet, Kodagu district, where he met the family of U.S. Meena, a minor girl who was recently beheaded by a man. The Minister inquired about Mittoo Chengappa’s health and reminisced about old memories as Congress activists and wished him good health before leaving.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, former MLC Veena Achaiah, KPCC General Secretary K.P. Chandrakala, Congress youth leader N. Madhu and other prominent leaders were present with the Minister during his visit to Chengappa’s residence.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 18th, 2024
Madikeri in Kodagu, known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka” and the “City of Fog,” is enveloped in dense mist during the rainy season, attracting tourists with its enchanting allure. Despite past travel disruptions due to landslides, Kodagu has regained its natural beauty, offering travellers serene, foggy landscapes and vibrant greenery along the journey from Bengaluru.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Madikeri in Kodagu district, affectionately known as the ‘Kashmir of Karnataka’ and widely popular as the ‘Scotland of India’ is now shrouded in dense fog with the onset of the rainy season. Over the past three to four years, Madikeri’s reputation as the “City of Fog” has become well-established.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
‘The City of Fog’ aptly describes Madikeri during the rainy season, when a thick, ethereal mist blankets the town. This year, the fog has descended even before the rains began, drawing tourists with its enchanting allure.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Previously, travellers to Coorg from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other regions had to cut their trips short due to landslides in Kodagu.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Over the last three to four years, the number of visitors to Kodagu had dwindled. Some attributed the persistent fog to deforestation in the area.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
However, the truth lies elsewhere. The landslides in Kodagu, triggered by floods, were nature’s way of restoring balance. Now, after three or four years, Kodagu has reclaimed its natural splendour.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The state experienced a favourable pre-monsoon season in the first week of May, following the scorching heat of April. As a result, Mother Earth has been donning a vibrant green saree for the past 15 days. As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The mist envelops this green saree of Mother Earth like delicate jasmine flowers. At times, the fog is dense; at others, it lifts, creating a captivating play of mist in Madikeri.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog. On the way to Madikeri, motorists can slow down, pause, and immerse themselves in the serene embrace of nature, savouring its unparalleled beauty.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> News> Lifestyle / Pics: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha / May 28th, 2024
Coorg district, Karnataka, famed for its greenery, faces severe water scarcity. Kushalanagar taluk, hit hardest, endanger both humans and wildlife. Shrinking water sources force wild animals into villages, disrupting livelihoods. Forest officer Ratan Kumar highlights the need for contingency plans amid the crisis.
Coorg district in Karnataka, renowned for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis. As the region experiences a prolonged dry spell, both human inhabitants and wild animals are facing acute shortages of drinking water.
Kushalanagar taluk, In particular, nestled amidst semi-mountainous terrain, has been hit hard by the relentless absence of rainfall. The dire situation has led to concerns not only for the local populace but also for the myriad species of wildlife inhabiting the area.
Covering a vast expanse of 24,278.88 hectares, the forests of Kushalanagar Zone, including reserves like Dubare and Anekadu, are home to a rich assortment of animals and birds, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and sambar. Traditionally reliant on water sources such as the Kaveri River, Chiklihole Reservoir, and Harangi Reservoir, these creatures now find themselves confronting parched landscapes. The Kaveri River has dwindled to a mere trickle, while the Chiklihole Reservoir stands desiccated, leaving behind barren canals.
Within the forested areas, a handful of lakes remain, albeit with diminishing water levels. The scorching sun, with temperatures averaging between 29 to 30 degrees Celsius, poses a grave threat as it hastens the evaporation of these remaining water bodies.
The repercussions of this water scarcity extend beyond the confines of the forests. With wild animals compelled to seek sustenance elsewhere, instances of encroachment into nearby villages and coffee plantations have surged. Farmers, reliant on these plantations for their livelihoods, now face disruptions in their daily activities, compounded by labour shortages as workers are deterred by the unpredictable presence of wild animals.
Responding to inquiries, Ratan Kumar, the Forest Officer for Kushalanagar Zone, maintains that there is no immediate shortage of water within his jurisdiction. However, he acknowledges the pressing need for contingency plans should the situation worsen.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinay Kumar Patil / February 20th, 2024
In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.
This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.
The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.
However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.
Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”
Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”
The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 05th, 2023
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