6 DAYS TRIP FROM MYSORE | BEST OF CHIKMAGALUR - COORG - WAYANAD

At a distance of 0.5 km from Belur Bus Station, Sri Chennakesava Temple is an ancient temple situated at Belur, Karnataka. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World heritage Site and is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur Tour Packages.

Also referred to as Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, Chennakesava Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, an early Hoysala Empire capital. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to complete. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history.

Among the famous places to visit in Belur, the temple is very famous for extensive carvings, stone sculptures, artwork and its unique architecture. .....

At a distance of 2.5 km from Belur Bus Stand, Yagachi Dam is an earthen gravity dam situated near Belur in Hassan district of Karnataka. Famous for its water sports, the dam is one of the beautiful dams in Karnataka and also one of the popular places to visit in Belur.

The Yagachi Dam is built in 2001 across the River Yagachi, a tributary of River Kaveri. The length of the dam is 1280 m and the height is 26 meters. Situated at an altitude of 965 feet, the dam was constructed with the objective to harness water resource for the purpose of irrigation and to meet the demands for drinking water in Belur, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts.

The natural beauty of the landscape mesmerizes visitors. Tourists flock in large numbers to enjoy the beauty of the dam and the surrounding areas. The place is ideal to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The cool breeze of the dam rejuvenates the mind and the body. Just sitting near the reservoir and watching the calm .....

At a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur & 50 km from Kemmanagundi, Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful manmade lake situated in Chikmagalur. It is one of the well-known tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Surrounded by high mountains, this beautiful lake is awe-striking for every spectator, and mustinclude places in Chikmagalur Tour Packages. This lake was built to supply water to Chikmagalur town and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby.

The lake is encompassed by gorgeous surroundings and offers a serene retreat for people coming along with friends and family wishing to have a great time. It also offers the most fascinating views of the landscape during sunset and is a delight for photography lovers who are looking to add an idyllic sunset shot to their travel .....

At a distance of 5 Kms from Chikmagalur, 66 Kms from Kemmangundi, 81 Kms from Sringeri, the Kodanda Rama Temple located in Hiremagalur is an ancient temple build during Hoysala's period. It is one of the well known Chikmagalur places to visit.

Though the central structure of the temple is built in Hoysala style, the remaining portions were the additions of subsequent rulers including Vijayanagara's. The navagrahas were added in14th century & Mukhamantapa was added in 16th century. The images of Kodanda Rama, Sita & Lakshmana are worshipped at this temple.

According to the Sthalapurana, Rama along with Sita & Lakshmana gave darshana to Parashurama at this holy place.

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

About Mullayanagiri

At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri is a mountain peak located in Chikmagalur. With an altitude of 1950 m, it is the highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur Packages. Known for its serene ambiance and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path that is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

History of Mullayanagiri

Regarded as the highest peak between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name from a small temple at the summit, which is dedicated to a Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at the cave near the summit.

Mullayanagiri .....

At a distance of 11 km from Baba Budangiri, 11 km from Mullayanagiri and 18 km from Chikmagalur, Kavikal Gandi, also known as Horse Shoe Viewpoint, is a popular viewpoint in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.

Located on Mullayanagiri - Baba Budangiri road, Kavikal Gandi is a prominent hill viewpoint in Chikmagalur region. There is a check post on the road. The horse shoe viewpoint can be easily reached by climbing up about 50 steps from this check post.

There is a small idol of Hanuman at the foot of the hill. Atop the hill, someone has recently drawn a painting of Swami Vivekananda. This hill is always windy and pleasant. From the viewpoint one can get a breathtaking view of Chandra Drona mountain range.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

About Baba Budangiri

At a distance of 29 km from Kemmanagundi & 36 km from Chikmagalur, Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan range of Chikmagalur. At an altitude of 1895 meters, Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in your Chikmagalur Tour Packages. The main peaks in the Baba Budan range are the Mulliyangiri and Baba Budangiri which are collectively known as the Chandra Drona Mountain Range as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon. This is one of the popular Chickmagalur tourist places.

History of Baba Budangiri

Also known as Dattagiri, the mountain is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who is worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims. Baba Budan was a 17th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Saudi to spread the message of Islam and peace. According to legend, he introduced .....

About Abbey Falls

At 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. It is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must-include places in Coorg tour packages.

Abbey Falls is one of the top tourist places to visit in Coorg. It is situated in the middle of private coffee plantations and spice estates. It is one of the best waterfalls in the Coorg region.

Height of Abbey Falls

Numerous small streams and abundant rainfall combine to form the Abbey Waterfalls. It cascades down the rocky slopes from a height of about 70 feet into a pool. This waterfall flows to unite with the River Cauvery. A hanging bridge has been built across the .....

At a distance of 9 km from Talacauvery and 36 km from Madikeri, Bhagamandala is a sacred place situated in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Also known as Bhagundeshwara Kshetra, it 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 Afesalabad. Then in 1790 King Dodda Veerarajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu.

A short distance .....

About Talakaveri

Talacauvery is the origin of the Cauvery River in Coorg, Karnataka. About 9 km from Bhagamandala & 44 km from Madikeri, Talakaveri is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges near Bhagamandala at an altitude of 1276 m. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg.

At Talacauvery, there is a square tank called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is considered to be the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again emerges at Nagathirtha and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangama near Bhagamandala.

History of Talakaveri

According to legend, Cauvery was held captive by sage Agasthya in a Kamandala, a pot carrying sacred water. Lord Ganesha in the form of a crow made the Kamandala to topple at this hill when Sage Agasthya was meditating. There is .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Raja's Seat is a popular viewpoint towards the south of Madikeri Fort in the picturesque hill town of Madikeri, Coorg. This is one of the top tourist places to visit in Coorg and also a famous sunset point in Madikeri.

The Raja's Seat, which means the Seat of Kings, is a brick and mortar structure with four pillars connected by arches. It is built on a high elevation with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys. This lovely spot was once a favorite place of recreation for the King of Coorg. He used to spend time with his queen in the garden and watching the setting sun. The spot offers a breathtaking view of towering hills, green valleys studded with paddy fields. It is fascinating to watch the road to Mangalore like a curved ribbon lying in the valley.

Raja's Seat stands inside a splendid garden of .....

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 must include places in Coorg Tour Packages.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwara Temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820 CE. It is one of the must-visit Coorg tourist places. The shivalinga 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. 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. .....

About Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. At a distance of 15 km from Kushalnagar, and 29 km from Madikeri, it is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg.

Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants and among the must include places in India wildlife tour packages.

History of Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by the 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 .....

About Cauvery Nisargadhama

At a distance of 3 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Bylakuppe, 12 km from Dubare Elephant Camp, and 29 km from Madikeri, Cauvery Nisargadhama is an island formed by the River Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic Coorg tourist places and also a famous picnic spot for the people of Coorg.

This island was developed as a tourist spot in 1988 by the Forest Department. Spread over a sprawling 64-acre land, the island is filled with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood, and teak trees. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. This island also features a deer park, Rabbit Park, Peacock Park, and Orchidarium. The Island is perfect for a picnic with the children. It is also an ideal destination for those who love nature and spend time by themselves. It is .....

About Bylakuppe Golden Temple

At a distance of 5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama, 34 km from Madikeri, and 87 km from Mysore, the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery situated in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala and is among the most popular places to visit in Coorg.

History of Golden Temple

Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee settlement area established by Lugsum Samdupling in 1961 and Dickyi Larson in 1969. It was an amalgamation of about twenty villages that came together to be called the town of Bylakuppe. The main tourist attraction here is the magnificent Namdroling Monastery. Popularly called as Golden Temple, the Namdroling Monastery was established by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. This is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa, .....

About Banasura Sagar Dam

At a distance of 21 km from Mananthavady, 22 km from Kalpetta, and 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The dam was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, and is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places.

Ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, it is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam got its name from Banasura, the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that Banasura undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third-largest peak in the Western Ghats.

History of Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam was built in 1979 under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project which was started to support the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking .....

At a distance of 3 km from Vythiri, and 13 km from Kalpetta, Pookote Lake, also known as Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake situated close to the Kalpetta - Kozhikode main road in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the must-visit Wayanad sightseeing places.

At an altitude of about 2500 feet, this fascinating natural freshwater lake is surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills. The lake has the shape of India's map. The lake is spread across an area of 13 acres with a maximum depth of 6.5 m. The Panamaram stream, one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River, originates from Pookote Lake.

The lake has an abundance of blue lotus and freshwater fishes. Pethia pookodensis is a species of cyprinid fish known to occur only in Pookode Lake. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds, and flies. The view of this vast expanse of water in the picturesque backdrop .....

At a distance of 16 km from Kalpetta & 4 km from Pookote Lake, Lakkidi is small hill station situated at the highest point in the Wayanad district. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, Lakkidi gets about 600 cm rainfall annually, making it one of the highest rainfall regions in Kerala and also one of the prime Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Often referred as 'the gateway of Wayanad', Lakkidi is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass, which features over 9 hairpin curves that start at Adivaram (downhill). The 12 km long ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi passing through thick forest leaves a wonderful experience. The lush green hills, gorges and streams on both sides of the passage up the hill are breathtaking sights to the visitors.

This beautiful hill town has a number of scenic locations and enchanting viewpoints. Lakkidi Viewpoint .....

About Edakkal Caves

At a distance of 6 km from Ambalavalayal, 14 km from Sulthan Bathery, and 28 km from Kalpetta, Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located on top of Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavalayal in Wayanad. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must-include places in the Wayanad tour.

The Edakkal caves are of historical and archaeological significance as it has carvings that date back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age. The caves have two levels accessible through narrow iron steps. The lower chamber is around 18 feet long and 10 feet high. A small path from here leads to the upper chamber which is around 95 feet long and 18 feet high. These caves are natural rock formations that were formed by a large split in a huge rock. The stone walls in the upper chamber have several line drawings belonging to the Neolithic Age dating back to 6000 BC, the earliest drawings .....

At a distance of 11 km from Sulthan Bathery & 5 km from Edakkal Caves, 22 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad Heritage Museum is located in Ambalavayal village.

This is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala. The museum houses fascinating items from tribal communities dating back to the second century AD. It has a rare collection of several ancient instruments & tribal artifacts like jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, farming instruments, a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, etc. Ancient terra cottas, stone weapons and local art are also on display at the museum.

A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memorialize a bygone age of warriors. There is a fine figure of the Goddess of fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Most of the artifacts are collected from the Wayanad and surrounding regions.

The museum is spread in two levels with statues occupying lower level while the tribal artifacts are displayed in first level. The museum .....

At a distance of 24 km from Kalpetta & 1 km from Sulthan Bathery Bus Station, Jain Temple is an ancient temple located in the heart of Sulthan Bathery town in Wayanad district. This is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region and also one of the best heritage places to visit in Wayanad.

The Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery is believed to have been built in 13th century AD. The temple has an interesting history. It first served as a shrine, and then became an important center of commercial activity. Later in 18th century, it became a dumping ground of ammunitions by Tipu Sultan.

The town of Sulthan Bathery was earlier known as Ganapathi Vattam and had 12 traditional Jain streets in and around the town. After Tipu's vandalism, the temple was deserted for about 150 years. Later the Archaeological Survey of India .....

About Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary

At a distance of 14 km from Sulthan Bathery and 39 km from Kalpetta, Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a sanctuary and Elephant Reserve in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the top places of wildlife in Kerala, and among the best places to visit in Wayanad.

History of Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1973. Almost a couple of decades later, in 1991- 92, was brought under Project Elephant, to conserve India’s Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary was set up to conserve the biological heritage of the region with due consideration to the general lifestyle of tribes and others whose lives are dependent on the forest. Currently, it holds the title of being .....