Hi, after studying my South India LP Guide some more, I am interested in spending a few days in the Kodago Mountains, checking out the Tibetan Settlements, stay in Madikeri, then perhaps even heading up to Hassan, Belur and Halebid.
Has anybody been there recently and can tell me a little bit about it? I will probably look into hiring a driver/car for a few days from Mysore and do a round-trip, around mid April? Organising a driver/car/taxi shouldn't be a problem in Mysore, and if you have any recommendations or experiences, I'd be more than happy to hear about them.
Many thanks, 10p
10points
1
kiranc
Sounds like a great Idea.
The tibetan monasteries at Bylkuppe are wonderful and huge.
Instead of Madikeri, you could try staying at coorg (coffee town). Nearby is the birthplace of the River Cauvery, A temple is built around that spot.
The temples at belur and Halebid are famous for their very very intricate stone carvings. The carvings on the pillars are quite intricate and incredibly complex.
Nearby is also Nagarhole and Bandipur National parks. If you have the time include them in your itinerary.
Also there is the Dubare elephant camp (very close to coorg) where you can spend time with elephants, you can join the mahouts in giving them a bath if you like.
:-)
You can easily do to all these places by taxi that you hire from mysore.
Happy Travelling !!!
2
10points
Kiran, that's great, many thanks for your reply. As for Nagarhole and Bandipur, what's it like in April when it's hot and dry? Is it still possible to do tours in the park and see "a lot of" wildlife? I might spend a few days less at the Goa beaches and explore the country instead.
Kind regards, 10p
3
taxpayer
Did the same last November. Car from Mangalore to Madikeri. Stayed at the Hotel Rajdarshan (recommended). Great views from Raja's Seat. Visited the Golden Temple (just outside of Kushalnagar), the University at Sera Ji and the village of Byelkuppe. Trekked the Coorg Hills (recommended). There are two or three trekking agencies in Madikeri. We then went on to Nagarhole and then Cannanore.
4
writeon
I hired a car and driver from the Siddharta Hotel travel agency. Don't stay there (too noisy).
6
kiranc
Paul,
Summer is the best time to spot wild animals, they all come to the water hole to drink. The forest will however be quite dry. But if you want to see animals, summer is the time. During and after the rains the forests really come into their own, but the only animals you may spot are the ones that move around in herds (Deer, Bisons...). Even the elephants dont come out into the open during the rains.
7
obstructivejaundice
While at Madikeri, have a good Biryani at the East End Hotel.
Some wonderful walks / treks in and around Madikeri.
For a high end stay, Orange County is the place ............worth the cost..
Buy coffee and spices at Siddapur
Have a good holiday
8
10points
Thank you all very much for your replies, and I am definitely planning to go there. Will probably cut short my visit to Goa to experience this beautiful area.
Cheers, 10p
9
zoltan
10p,
Please make sure that you have a "Protected Area Permit" before going anywhere near Bylakuppe.
There are genuine and serious fines for people who enter the area without such a permit, if the police decide to ask you for the paperwork.
There have been a number of posts on this forum in the last few months relating to this subject.
The need for a permit is mentioned in the 2003 LP guide for India - I am not sure if it is in the 2005 (or later) editions.
Cheers
Zoltan
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