Love the rains? Then head to Coorg.

Coorg, in the rains, is not for you if you are not adventurous. The monsoons here are fairly heavy.

But, for the adventurous, this pretty hill station -- which is sometimes called the Scotland of India -- has a number of trekking trails.

Coorg or Kodagu, situated on Karnataka's Western Ghats, boasts of misty hills, lush green valleys, coffee plantations and teak forests. The coffee estates here produce some of the world's best coffee. The other specialties are honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges.

Madikeri, the district headquarters of Coorg, is spread along the ridge of a mountain, at 3,900 feet above sea level.

If you are looking for a monsoon break, go to Coorg for a unique experience.

Here are some suggestions on where you can stay and places of interest around Coorg.

• Your Say: Hot monsoon getaways

What to see

Madikeri Fort

In the centre of Madikeri, this 19th century fort has a temple, a chapel, the prison and a small museum. The fort also offers a beautiful view of Madikeri.

Raja's Seat

According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. Raja's Seat, a popular sunset viewpoint, offers a panoramic view of flowing valleys, lush fields and the Western Ghats.

Abbey Falls

These falls cascade down in steps to flow as a small river. A great place for picnics.

Iruppu Falls

Iruppu is a well-known pilgrim centre. On the banks of the river Lakshmantirtha, a tributary to the river Cauvery, is the famous Shiva temple believed to have been dedicated by Lord Rama himself. A climb up through the forest leads to the Iruppu Falls.

Bhagamandala

It is situated at the confluence of three rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). The temple here, built in Kerala [Images] style of architecture, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.

Talacauvery

This is a sacred pilgrim centre among the Kodavas. It is from here that the river Cauvery takes its birth. The source of this long river, which passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. It is 1,535 metres above sea level. Steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where the visitor can feast his/ her eys on a panoramic view of Kodagu. 

• The magic of Gopalpur-on-Sea

Harangi Dam

It is a great picnic spot about 36 kms from Madikeri.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary

The Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 284 sq kms. Early in the morning and evening, the forest department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists.

Getting to Coorg

Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore (135 kms).

Train: The nearest railheads are at Mysore (120 kms) and Mangalore.

Road: There are regular buses to Bangalore (260 kms), Mysore (120 kms), Mangalore (135 kms) and Hassan (146 kms).

Where to stay

Hotel Coorg International
Madikeri
Coorg
Phone: (08272) 228071
Tariff: Rs 2,600 to 4,500, per night for a double room. This includes all meals and taxes.
The tariff is valid till September 30, 2006.

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Alath-Cad Estate Holiday Homes
Ammathi
Coorg
Phones: (08274) 252589, 252190
e-mail: mudhus@rediffmail.com, alathcd@sancharnet.in
Web site: http://www.alathcadcoorg.com/
Tariff: Rs 1,650 to 2,000, plus taxes, per night for a double room. This includes breakfast.
The tariff is valid till September 30, 2006.

***

Hotel Rajdharshan
MG Road
Madikeri
Phone: (08272) 229142
Tariff: Rs 700 to 1,300 per night for a double room.
The tariff is valid till September 30, 2006.

***

Hotel Mayura Valley View
Raja's Seat
Madikeri
Coorg
Phone: (08272) 228387
Tariff: Rs 330 to 500 per night, for a double room.
The tariff is valid till September 15, 2006.

***

Orange County Resort
Karadigodu Post
Siddapur
Coorg
Phones: (08274) 258481 to 258485
e-mail: orcounty@hotmail.com
Tariff: Rs 7,500 to 15,500, per night for a double room. This includes all meals and taxes.
The tariff is valid till September 30, 2006.

***

Hotel Crystal Court
Behind Rotary Hall
Mangala Devi Nagar
Mysore road
Madikeri
Coorg
Phones: (08272) 221543, 221870
e-mail: hilldalecrystal@sancharnet.in
Web site: http://www.hilldaleresorts.com
Tariff: Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500, per night for a double room.
The tariff is valid till September 30, 2006.

***

Tourist information

Karnataka Tourism
No 49, Second Floor
Khanija Bhavan
Race Course Road
Bangalore -- 560 001
Phone: (080) 22352828
e-mail: karnatakatourism@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.karnatakatourism.org/ or http://kstdc.nic.in/

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