Hey everyone, we are hoomies back with the next and final part on Coorg. The last time if you guys remember we covered some very amazing and holy destinations in Coorg. In this blog, we will be sharing and talking about some of the other must-visits in the city of Coorg, Madikeri.
After a great evening and a great day, we got up the next day all geared up for some new amazing adventures. Had a delicious breakfast and got in our car to headed towards a bit far location. Another one of the must-visit places in Coorg is this beautiful monastery – Namdroling Monastery.
NAMDROLING MONASTERY GOLDEN TEMPLE
This is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. An ideal place and an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Such a calm, peaceful place.
This is located a bit far away from Coorg city around 35 km and usually takes around 1 hour to reach this amazing temple.
Popularly known as the Golden Temple, the namdroling Monastery was established in 1963 by Drubwang Padma Norbu. This is one of the largest teaching centres in Nyingmapa.
There are around 1600 refugees and around 6000 monks and nuns who stay and live in this monastery.
This is open to all the visitors. You would love the calmness and the spiritual ambiance of this temple.it is one of the very popular sightseeing places in Coorg.
One of the best amazing parts was an amazingly beautiful forty feet tall statue of the golden Buddha. The walls being decorated with various beautiful paintings depicting Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The view is very pleasing and a must-visit place. This monastery not only attracts a large number of young Tibetans for enlightenment and education but also a lot of tourists. Such a majestic place.
No entry fees to visit this monastery.
TIMINGS:
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the week.
Prayer time being 1:00 PM.
KAVERI NISARGADHAMA FOREST PARK
Also known as the island of local people near Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu. The place is around 8 km from the monastery which takes around 20 minutes and around 30 km from Madikeri, Coorg.
The entire park is lush foliage of thick bamboo groves with sandalwood and teak trees. It is 64-acre land. As you enter the island you cross through a beautiful hanging rope bridge as it serves as a roadway to enter Nisargadhama. It is tucked between bamboo groves and a serene Kaveri river.
The place is rich in flora and fauna with an untouchable environment makes it a must-visit. Lots of activities available on the island make it kid/children favourite.
It is a green town which attracts a lot of visitors for a day trip as well as a weekend trip. Very popular amongst tourists. The place was very wonderful with such a scenic site and great weather. Lots of medicinal plants grow here and are then exported to various neighboring countries. They say you can sometimes get to see animals in here. Just outside is a shopping complex.
ENTRANCE FEES:
If you want to stay here at the cottage the price varies and depends on your budget.
Very affordable around Rs.10 for Adults and Rs.5 for children.
They even offer elephant ride at an extra cost of Rs.25
For boating Rs.100
TIMINGS:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, throughout the week.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to April
THINGS TO DO IN NISARGADHAMA FOREST
- Boating
- Elephant ride
- Nature walks
- Fishing
- Ayurvedic spa
- Rock climbing
PLACES TO STAY NEARBY
- Purple Palms resort and spa
- Palm Era resorts
- Treebo Trend comforts
- The Casiita
- Jungle hut
PLACES TO EAT
- Coffee Cup
- The Rainbow Room
- Bay leaf
- Fish Curry Rice
- Rangoli Multi-cuisine Restaurant
- Shanthi Bites
TIPS:
- Animal feeding is not allowed
- Avoid getting in the river unattended
- If you want to spend a night here do book a cottage in advance.
CHECKLIST
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Comfy clothes (which can get dried easily)
- Comfy shoes/ slippers
- Just take some winter wears as it might get windy and chilly in the early mornings and late evenings
- Mosquito repellents
- Umbrellas (unpredictable weather) / raincoats
There are lots of other places to visit in Coorg. As we were short in time a lot was left unexplored. But we did enjoy a beautiful visit to the coffee plantations in the evenings.
Thank you all for reading our blog and being a part of this wonderful trip to Karnataka. We will be back with another destination. Do like, share, comment below. Thank you!!
