Four years later, with the help of the British, Kodagu regained its independence and Raja Veerarajendra set about the task of reconstruction. In 1834 AD., the British took over power in Kodagu. They impeached the then-ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra and sent him into exile. With its misty mountains, wooded hill slopes and picture-postcard scenery, Kodagu seemed like a little corner of England. The British left behind a legacy of coffee plantations, which remain the main source of the area's revenue today.

GETTING THERE

Rail
Mysore -120km
Mangalore - 136km

Road
Mysore -120km
Mangalore-136km
Bangalore - 260km

Air
Mangalore - 136km

WHAT TO SEE

Madikeri Fort
The 19th century Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts now houses the prison, a temple, a chapel, a small museum and assorted government offices. Just a stone's throw away from the fort is the Omkareshwara Temple, built in 1820 and featuring a blend of red-tile roofed Kerala architecture and Islamic-style domes. Other must-sees are the tombs of Dodda Vira Raja, his wife and their son Lingaraja, which are oddly Islamic with domes and trellis work. Raja's Seat, perched atop a hill, is where the kings of yore spent many pleasant evenings watching the golden sunset.

Abbey Falls (9 km)
Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down steps into limpid pools to join the river Cauvery. These falls are most impressive during the monsoons.

Iruppu Falls (85 km)
Nestling beside the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) and 48km from Virajpet, Iruppu Falls presents a stunning sight during the monsoon. From its humble origins in the Brahmagiri Range, the falls plunge down 170ft. in two distinct stages. The never-ending music of the falls and the hush of the surrounding densely-wooded forest make this a great picnic spot. The Rameshwara Temple, located close to the Lakshmana Theertha river, attracts a large number of pilgrims during the Shivaratri festival. A forest trail leads from these falls to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu.

Cauvery Nisargadhama (25 km)
It is a breath taking beautiful riverine island carved by the Cauvery river in the plains, 2km from Kushalnagar. It can be accessed by travelling over a hanging bridge. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak and rose wood. The sprawling 64-acre nature resort has a deer park, orchidariumand elephant and boat rides, etc. You can also picnic on the sandy beds of the river bank.

Talacauvery (44 km)
Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri hills is the source of Cauvery river, with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. On Tulasankramana day (October 17th) thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the miraculous rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. Steps lead from the spring to the summit of the hill, commanding superb views en route.

Bhagamandala (36 km)
This is the confluence of three rivers: Cauvery, Kanika and Sujyothi. Among many small shrines dedicated to various gods, the Bhagandeshwara temple, standing in a large courtyard surrounded by Kerala- style temples is the most impressive. Bhagamandala is known for its apiaries and Kodagu honey.

Virajpet (32 km)
Virajper is a small town, which is reputed to be the largest producer of honey in Asia. Iruppu Falls is 48km from here on the Nagarhole road. Close to the Lakshmana Theertha river, the Sri Rameshwara Temple, believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself, is a place of pilgrimage. It is a favourite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Explore the environs of Nagarhole, Kannada for 'Snake River.' The Rajiv Gandhi National Park derives its name from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests. Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds make Nagarhole a memorable experience.

Dubare Forest
15 km from Kushalnagar. The reserve forest is famed for its amazing variety of avian fauna, an elephant training camp and angling possibilities on the Cauvery.

Harangi Dam (38 km)
Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday.

Tadiyendamol
For those who have a head for heights, Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, is a paradise. On a clear day you can view the distant Arabian Sea and the enchanting beauty of the whole of Kodagu from here. Situated in the heart of the Tadiyendamol range, in the village of Yavakapadi, Naalkunaadu Palace was constructed by Dodda Raja Veerendra, the king of Kodagu, in 1792. The palace, with its 12 magnificent pillars and walls adorned with beautiful carvings, tell many a tale of yore. It is now being used as a camping site for trekkers. Kakkabe, a small town 35km from Madikeri, gives access to the highest peak in Kodagu. Nearby Padi Iggutappa is the most important temple in Kodagu.

Golf Courses
Two of the best golf courses in Kodagu can be found at Pollibetta and Madikeri. Madikeri has a smooth 9-hole golf course spread amidst quiet and pastoral surroundings. Polibetta in South Kodagu also has a 9-hole golf course.

Valnur Fishing Camp
Located near Kushalnagar on the banks of the river Cauvery is the Valnur Fishing Camp, where avid fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling for mahseer. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a haven for birdwatchers, with innumerable avian species to be spotted and identified.