Lost into the woods

by Komal Dighe (India)

Making a local connection India

I make sure that i awlays take a break of atleast 2/3 days in a month to travel coz travel is life for me.. The only thing that makes me happy at the end of the day. Last year, in rainy season which is most favourable season to travel this place called Coorg, which is in state of karnataka in India. Where should i start from...coz this place just cant be told in words..the praise is beyond words.. Framed by the western ghats mountain range, this place is next to heaven. I went with my close friends there.. Thrilled to see so many coffee plantation. Yes! as being coffee lover awlays wanted to see the origin of it.I was absolutely stunned by the coffe plantations and such a scenic view this place gives to us.. When i readched the place there at 5am in the ealy morning still remember.. It was freezing like anything. The weather was cold around 11 degree temperature, this place is also calldd the scotland of India. That was the second reason i was curious to know.there are many sighseeing points to see here like abbey waterfall,kopatty hills, Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary, madekeri fort, Tadiandamol peak(highest peak in coorg), Nagarhole national park( the best flora and fauna i experiencedd here) and the famous monastery ;Namdroling monastery. Starting my day 1 with the most dense forest part where lies the Abbey waterfalls, We went at morning after we had breakfast at the place we were staying(to experience the original coorg we took a homestay where the local host really made a amazing breakfast, the locals eat here one traditional dish call Dosa at morning. After seeing waterfalls we headed to next destination of the day called the namdroling monastery.. The peace lies here.. We went this place at evening, the most popular thing one can find in this place is the famous Coorg Homemade chocolates.. There are so many varieties of chocolates ranging from white, dark, the flavour one, the coffee one, the one with nuts and the list is never ending. The locals primary income comes from this, as it is situated in the hilly area,where only this occupation is practiced..was completed lost and blended with the sweet people of coorg. The monastery here was beautiful surrounder by best flora and extinct species of flora one can come across. After all the spiritual experience in the monastery, we ended up the day by having the local dumplings. Hot served freshly made and so delicious. Started my 2nd day with first destination towards mandalpatti, also called as the market of clouds, its situated at the altitude of 1800, with its relentless tranquility it will sooth you and make you want to visit again and again. There are lot many activites to perform at this place like trekking, jeep ride, nature sightseeing etc.its famous for its sunrise view and sunset as well. The jeep ride is the best because it taked you to the sharp bends admist coffee plantations which is irresistible. Those who want to extend the stay also do by setting up thr camfire at night. With clearest sky view with gazing stars at night. After mandalpatti we saw some coffee plantation dense forest in the hilly area wherby not only one can see coffee plant but also tea and spice plantations besides this one should not skip this place without tasting the local wine here, it the best. We ended the day by local shopping at the streets of madikeri. Day third and the last day of my trip, we started with the one more amazing destination called Dubare elephant camp, A very important camp of the karnataka forest department, if one love this animal and want to know much about the various aspects of this animal one can definitely visit this place.The biodiversity apart from discovering asiatic elephant, is fascinating. Its a home to various animals and birds like deer, tiger, the beautiful peacock, wild dogs etc After sight-seeing the forest part of coorg. We experienced the architecture and historical monument of coorg as well. Gaddige raja tomb is mortal of remains of kodavad(precious name of coorg) royalty. Best trip ever of 2019.