At a distance of 9 km from Talacauvery and 36 km from Madikeri, Bhagamandala is a sacred place situated in Coorg district of Karnataka. Also known as Bhagundeshwara Kshetra, Bhagamandala is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka and also one of the top places to experince Coorg Tourism.
Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Cauvery and the Kannike. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. It is well known as Triveni Sangama and also considered as Dakshina Kashi. It is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the sangama and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talacauvery, the birthplace of Kaveri River. During 1785-1790, the area was occupied by Tipu Sultan and he renamed it as Afesalabad. Then in 1790 King Dodda Veerarajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu.
A short distance from the Triveni Sangama, there is a famous temple known as Sri Bhagundeshwara Temple which has idols of Bhagundeshwara (Shiva), Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati. The Bhagundeshwara temple complex though said to have been built by the Cholas prior to the 11th century follows the gabled roof style of the Kerala temple architecture. The east facing temple is enclosed with huge walls and facing east. Lot of additional work has been executed by various dynasties including the Wodeyars of Mysore. The wooden carvings are noteworthy which are present in the Sabha Mantapa situated right in front of Sri Subramanya and Sri Narayana temples.
A large number of tourists visit Bhagamandala particularly during the Thula Sankramana jatra and the entire Thula month (October-November). Thousands of oil lamps are lit in the temples during the festival.
Timing: 6 AM - 6 PM
Inclusions
Accommodation in selected category hotel (NA for Day Trips)
Breakfast, except on Check-in Date (NA for Day Trips & Budget Accommodation)
Sightseeing as per Itinerary by Private Cab
Parking & Toll Charges
Driver Allowance
Inter-state Entry Tax, if applicable
Pickup & Drop from Your Origin City (Optional)
Total fare includes GST
Exclusions
Lunch, Dinner, SAt a distance of 8 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Abbey Falls or Abbi Falls is a wonderful waterfall situated amidst the mountains of Western Ghats in Coorg. This falls is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and also one of the most visited waterfalls in Karnataka and among the best waterfalls near Bangalore. It is one of the top tourist places to visit in Coorg and is another popular attraction not to miss in a Coorg tour Package.
British called Abbey Waterfalls as Jessy waterfalls in memory of Jessy, the daughter of Madikeri's first British Captain Chaplain. Abbey Falls is situated in the middle of a private coffee plantations and spice estates. Numerous small streams and abundant rainfall combine to form the Abbey Waterfalls. It is one of the best waterfalls in Coorg region. This waterfall flows to unite with the River Cauvery. Abbey Falls cascades down the rocky slopes from a height of 70 feet into a pool. A hanging bridge has been built across the gorge here, from where the visitors can get a beautiful view of the falls. The sound of the waterfalls can be heard from the main road during the rainy season. A Kali Mata temple on the other side of the bridge is also not to be missed. The path leading to the waterfalls is filled with thick vegetation and offers wonderful experience.
The best time to visit will be during the monsoon when the waterfalls in full gush and also during the beginning of winter. Cars can reach the entrance of the falls from where a 10 minutes' walk through coffee plantations takes one to the waterfalls. It's not possible to get into the water here and any attempt is also dangerous. September to January is the best season.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Person acks & Beverages
Entry Fees & Guide Charges
Activity Fees
Hotel Early Check-in / Late Check-out Charges, if applicable
Other items not mentioned in Inclusions
At a distance of 1 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Omkareshwara Temple is an ancient and magnificent temple situated near Madikeri Fort in Madikeri. It is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Madikeri and also one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Coorg.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwara Temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820 CE. The Shivalinga installed inside the temple is believed to be brought from Kashi. According to the legend, the king had killed a pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. However, the king started to have nightmares for his cruel deed. In order to free himself from the nightmares, the King sought the advice of a few wise men and they told the king to build a temple of Lord Shiva to regain his mental peace. The king followed their advice and brought a Shiva lingam from the holy town of Kashi and installed it at a newly constructed temple. The Shivalinga was named as Omkareshwara and regular rituals were performed.
The temple was built in both Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. The structure of the temple comprises of a large central dome with four minarets standing at four corners. The walls of temple are decorated with intriguing paintings and the bars of the windows were made of Panchaloha. The history of the temple is inscribed on a copper plate, which has been fixed at the entrance door frame.
Opposite the temple is a huge tank, with a mantapa in the center, connected by a causeway. A large number of fishes can be seen playing in the water of the tank and devotees are allowed to feed them. Mahashivratri is the major festival celebrated with great pomp and fervor at the temple.
Timings: 6. 30 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
At a distance of 29 km from Madikeri and 15 km from Kushalnagar, Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. Dubare is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg and also one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg packages.
Dubare is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants. Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists. The elephants used for Mysore Dussehra are trained at this camp. The trainers explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology and biology. Visitors can also participate in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana and coconuts. Tourists can also watch elephants being given a scrub-bath in the river and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks etc.
There are opportunities for trekking, elephant rides, coracle ride, bird watching, fishing, and river rafting. River rafting at Dubare is one of the top things to do in Coorg. These activities are hosted by jungle lodges and resorts. The forest department conducts trekking into the forest surrounding the camp along the Cauvery River. Visitors also have an option of going on a coracle boat ride on the River Cauvery here. Do not forget to watch out for the crocodiles sunning on the river banks while enjoying the coracle rides. Fishing is allowed with the prior permission from the wildlife society.
The forests of Dubare are home to many wild animals and birds. The sighting of wild Asiatic elephants are regular and there is a possibility of spotting sambar, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, wild dogs and gaur. Bears are also seen in these forests. The forest is also home to many non-venomous snakes and reptiles. Kingfishers, peacocks, woodpeckers and peacocks can also be found in the forest.
The best time to visit Dubare Elephant Camp is between the months of September and March. In addition to elephant training camp, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomi are the other main attractions of this area. Jungle Lodges and Resorts maintain cottages at the camp.
One can take an hour elephant safari through the entire camp which will be available twice a day.
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Boat
Day Visit: Rs. 1447 for Indians, Rs. 1690 for Foreigners (includes Lunch, Tea / Coffee, Coracle ride, Elephant ride, Camera fees & taxes).
Elephant Camp Activities: Rs. 800 for Indians, Rs. 1437 for Foreigners, (includes interactive experience with camp elephants including an elephant ride)
Timings of Elephant Interaction: 8. 30 AM - 11 AM & 4.30 PM - 5.30 PM
At a distance of 15 Kms from Udupi Railway Station, 65 Kms from Mangalore & 100 Kms from Murudeshwar, St. Mary's Island is a group of small beautiful islands to the north of Malpe Beach near Udupi. It is said that Vasco da Gama first reached this Island before reaching the Kappad Beach (near Calicut) while finding sea route to India.
The island has two beautiful beaches and crystallized basalt rock formations. The unique rock formations scattered through out the island giving a special landscape to the place. The rock formations are one of rarely found in the world. Eastern beach boasts of virgin sands, western beach is entirely made of sea shells. This unspoiled island is a very beautiful place with white sands, coconut trees, blue waters & pleasant atmosphere.
St. Mary's Island can be reached by 30 minutes boat ride from Malpe Beach which is about 10 Kms from Udupi. This island is uninhabited and there is no possibility to stay overnight here.
At a distance of 3 Kms from Udupi Railway Station, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage centers in South India.
The Krishna temple was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels & a famous golden chariot. The unique feature of this temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The daily sevas and administration of the Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas.
Saptotsava or the Seven Utsavas celebrated in mid of Jan are considered as the annual festival of Sri Krishna Temple. During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Matha. Krishnashtami, Raamanavami, Hanumajjayanthi, & Deepavali are other important festival here.
Chandamouleeswara and Anantheshwara Temples adjacent to Sri Krishna Temple are about 2000 years old.
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
At a distance of 3 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Bejai Museum also known as Shreemanthi Bai Museum is located at Bejai.
The Bejai Museum is the city's only museum and well known as a treasury of many ancient artifacts. The museum houses idols, paintings, metallic icons, statues, lamps and inscriptions made out of copper. One major attraction is the copper inscription containing the verses of Keladi Venkatappa Nayaka dating back to 1624 AD.
Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM. Closed on Monday.
At a distance of 1.5 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Rosario Cathedral situated near Mangaladevi Temple is an ancient church built by Portuguese in the year 1568. The Church was reconstructed in 1910.
The church has impressive architecture, designed in the pattern of St Peters Basilica of Rome and resembling the Roman architectural style. The dome is the most beautiful part and is a crowning work of the architectural magnificence. It also has a tall & magnificent bell tower in front of the church. In Tulu, Rosario Church is called -Poyyeda Ingreji-, meaning Sand Church.
The Feast of Our Lady Rosary is celebrated on 7th October every year with great glory.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 7 PM