Mountains or Beaches?
Let’s settle!!
Throughout human history, the perennial question has remained: what is more captivating, the majestic mountains where nature is your closest ally and the cold breeze is your partner in crime, or the mesmerizing beaches that offer a view of the horizon and inspire thoughts that come and go with each gust of wind? Having visited both types of destinations, we have returned with a plethora of enthralling memories and recommendations for you.
- Best time to visit is from October till April
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COORG
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a picturesque hill station located in Karnataka, often referred to as the “Scotland of India.” Getting to Coorg is relatively easy; you can take a road trip using Karnataka & Kerala roadways, or fly into Mysore or Kannur airports. If you prefer traveling by train, Mysore and Hassan are the nearest railway stations. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a serene and positive ambiance.
The region is famous for its dense forests, tea and coffee plantations, orange orchards, and lush paddy fields. The Kodava community, an ancient martial race with a unique culture and traditions, makes up the majority of the population here.
Upon arrival, we recommend taking the first half of the day to relax and unwind. After lunch, head to Abbey Falls, one of Coorg’s most popular attractions, located approximately 8 km from the town of Madikeri. The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 70 feet into a pool below, making for a beautiful sight. The best time to visit Abbey Falls is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterfall is at its full glory. However, it can get crowded during this time. There is an entry fee of Rs. 15 per person to visit Abbey Falls, and you can reach the waterfall by taking a short trek that takes about 15 minutes, involving walking down a flight of steps. Abbey Falls is a must-visit attraction while in Coorg, providing an excellent opportunity to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
While sunset views are breathtaking, experiencing sunrise in Coorg can leave you speechless. The Mandalpatti Peak is a well-known destination for trekking and offers panoramic views of the hills and valleys surrounding the area. The best time to witness the sunrise at Mandalpatti Peak is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and the sky is clear.
To catch the sunrise at Mandalpatti Peak, it’s essential to start your trek early in the morning, ideally around 4:30 AM. The trek takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level, and you can hire a local guide to help navigate the trail. Alternatively, you can take a half-hour jeep ride to the peak.
Once you reach the peak, the stunning sunrise and views of the surrounding hills will make the journey worth it. However, it’s advisable to carry warm clothing as it can get chilly at the peak during the early morning hours. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the beautiful sunrise at Mandalpatti Peak while in Coorg.
After returning to your hotel for breakfast and freshening up, kickstart your day with sightseeing by exploring one of Coorg’s main attractions – coffee plantations. Coorg is renowned for its coffee plantations, and a visit to one of these estates is a must-do activity. There are several coffee plantations in Coorg that you can visit, including the Tata Coffee Plantation, Coorg Consolidated Commodities, Chelavara Falls Estate, and more.
On these plantations, you can take a guided tour of the estate and learn about the various stages of coffee production. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness the entire coffee-making process up close and personal, from picking the beans to processing, roasting, and packaging. These coffee plantations also offer the chance to sample some of the finest coffee that Coorg has to offer. Overall, it’s an excellent way to learn about coffee production and taste some of the best coffee that Coorg has to offer.
You can kick-start your day by exploring the historic Madikeri Fort. Originally constructed in the late 17th century by Mudduraja, the fort was later reconstructed with stone and brick by Tipu Sultan, who renamed it Jaffarabad. The fort has a rich history and has witnessed numerous battles and successions over the years.
Next, head over to Omkareswara Temple, a famous Siva temple in Madikeri built by Linga Rajendra in 1820. The temple, which is located just 1 km away from Madikeri, is a stunning example of Islamic and Gothic architecture.
If you have enough time, you can take an excursion to Talakaveri/Talacauvery, one of the most popular tourist spots located on the Brahmagiri hill. The hill is situated 8 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km away from Madikeri, and is believed to be the source of River Cauvery. Though the source of water is mostly invisible, it can be seen during the rainy season. It is said that the spring flows underground and emerges after a short distance.
Alternatively, you can end your day by enjoying a beautiful sunset view from Raja’s Seat.
Our next destination is Dubare Elephant Camp, located on the banks of River Kaveri in Coorg district, Karnataka. This popular tourist spot attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world as it offers a chance to interact with elephants and participate in various activities related to them. The camp is a project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges and resorts. Besides the elephant interaction, tourists can also enjoy the breathtaking natural settings, lush greenery, and refreshing environment for an unforgettable experience. Next, we can visit the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery situated in Bylakuppe, which is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala. The monastery is a stunning Buddhist monastery and the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa, a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It is home to a sangha community of over 5000 monks and nuns and is a must-visit place for those interested in spirituality and culture.
KANNUR
Kannur, situated in South India’s Kerala state, is a charming coastal town renowned for its scenic beaches, cultural festivals, traditional crafts, and historic landmarks. The town is home to exquisite beaches that are a major draw for visitors. Kannur has a rich past, with numerous historical landmarks such as the St. Angelo Fort, constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and the Thalassery Fort, erected by the British in the 18th century. Theyyam, a traditional dance form that originated in North Kerala, is a prominent part of Kannur’s culture and is performed in the town and neighboring areas. Kannur is well-known for its handloom fabrics, coir products, wood carvings, and delectable seafood, as well as authentic Kerala cuisine. Kannur is an ideal destination to enjoy the splendor and heritage of Kerala, whether you wish to unwind on the beach or explore the local traditions and history.
There are several beautiful and historic places to visit in Kannur. St. Angelo’s Fort, also known as Kannur Fort, is a massive triangular laterite fort situated dramatically against the sea. It has witnessed several wars for control over the fort. Originally controlled by the Dutch, it was later sold to the Ali Raja of Kannur, and eventually taken over and renovated by the British in 1790 to become their most important military station in Malabar. Another interesting site to visit is Arakkal Kettu, the royal residence of the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal dynasty in Kerala.
For panoramic views of the district of Kannur and the Arabian Sea, head to the lighthouse in Kannur, the first lighthouse to be constructed in Kerala. It stands tall at 75 feet and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including Baby Beach. Alternatively, you can relax on the quiet and sandy beaches of Thotadda Beach, Baby Beach, Payyambalam Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach (India’s longest drive-in beach), and the secluded Meenkunnu Beach. As these beaches are not very popular among tourists, you can have a private and peaceful experience, especially during weekdays.
Well after multiple day, we cannot decide who wins and we believe it’s great that we don’t now and that’s essential to travel.
