Rain battered in Coorg
July 2021 — Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is famous for its misty winding roads and rich coffee plantation.
Ever since I visited Bangalore four years back, a lot of people have asked me to visit Coorg. Without a job, my going back to Kolkata was iminent. So, it felt it is a golden opportunity.
A direct KSRTC bus from Bangalore takes around 5 hours to reach Madikeri. The landscape and the weather drastically changed 2 hours after it crossed Mysore. The twisty curvy roads covered in thick fog — I instantly fell in love. Madikeri being the central tourist hub hosts a plethora of hotels and shops. A light drizzle welcomed me.
After a couple of waste options, my quest to find a rental bike ended in a nicely tucked in lodge near the bus stand. So, the place met both my needs — accomodation and a 2 wheeler rental. The clock showed 5 pm when I freshen up. The manager suggested to visit Raja’s seat to end the day. I followed his advise.
Despite the tiredness, excitement made me amble through the streets of Madikeri to reach Raja’s seat in 7 minutes. It was still drizzling and a thick white sheet shrouded the rather majestic view of the town. The seat is an all side open shelter inside a big garden. On the way, I also paid a visit to the famous Shiva temple famously known as Omkareshwara temple.
I came back after an evening meal. Relentless rain dampened my mood for the rest of the night.
The next morning witnessed a relatively clear sky but without the view of sun — obvious during the rainy season. With a plan to cover Talacauvery and Dubare, I left the lodge at 8 am. Good thing was that the owner gave the scooter with full tank.
5 minutes after I had hit the road, it started raining furiously. I stopped for a while but soon realized — Rain is inevitable. So I continued. The road was well paved — best thing to expect during monsoon.
In 2 hours, the 40 km ride in constant rain seemed impossible looking back. The fog covered the temple all around. Talacauvery is the origin of the Kaveri river. I was stopped in the entrance while climbing to the temple top. The reason being, I was wearing shorts. But I was not disappointed though. Literally shivering, I took some videos and left the place.
While returning, the thrill although died down with the vanishing of rain, the views started clearing up. The coffee plantation looked stunning from far. I rode past a few shops selling chocolates. Their business was evidently suffering due to the Pandemic. I stopped for tea. Home made chocolates are famous in Coorg, so I didn’t forget to pick up a box.
On reaching the town, I completed my lunch. I was on a tight budget, thus I resorted to Idly and Vade. Dubare Elephant camp is around 30 Kms from town. Looking at the weather, I had to scrap the plan considering it was already 3 Pm. I decided to visit the nearby places.
Abbey Falls, Madikeri fort and Raja’s tomb welcomed me in its natural exuberance. Although there was moisture in the lens of my phone camera, the captures came decent.
For me, it was a OK 2 days of experience in Coorg. A lot of places in Coorg were still left to be visited. Namdronling Monastery, Tadiandamol and Dubare Elephant camp to name a few. Probably, I will come back next yeat.
Special thanks to Shakib of SRM Lodge and Bikes for hosting. For renting scooter in Coorg call — +91 9449697490
Cost Breakdown —
Bus to Coorg — Rs. 450
Accomodation — Rs. 800
Scooter rent + Petrol — Rs. 500 + Rs. 250
Day 1 Food — Rs. 300
Day 2 Food — Rs. 400
Entrance fees to tourist places — Rs. 30 (Total)
Bus to Bangalore — Rs. 250
Total — Rs. 3,080
