To read the previous blog on Coorg Day-04 click here
Day 5: The Spiritual and Natural Beauty of Coorg
The next day began with a visit to Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple and the nearby Talacauvery, the birthplace of the river Cauvery. The cool mountain air and spiritual aura made the visit truly special. Pets are not allowed in this temple. So Sophie waited back in the parking with our driver.
Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple
Tucked away in the quaint town of Bhagamandala in Coorg, Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple holds deep spiritual and historical significance. As mentioned in the ancient Hindu text Skanda Purana, the temple is tied to the legend of the revered sage Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, from whom the town gets its name — earlier known as Bhaganda Kshetra.
Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya, is believed to have performed intense penance at this very site. Moved by his unwavering devotion, Lord Subramanya blessed the sage and named the region Skanda Kshetra, promising his divine presence in the form of a stone idol.
Lord Shiva too responded to the sage’s penance and assured his eternal presence at the site to bless devotees. In gratitude and devotion, Bhaganda Maharshi installed a Shiva Linga, which came to be known as Sri Bhagandeshwara — named after the sage himself. It is believed that the linga continues to radiate divine energy, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers from far and wide.
Visitor Info
There’s no entry fee to visit this sacred site. The temple remains open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with a brief afternoon closure from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Whether you’re a spiritual traveler or a history enthusiast, a visit to Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple offers a serene connection to devotion, legend, and living heritage.
Afterward, we spent some quiet time at Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled amidst coffee plantations. Inspite of having an entry charge, Abbey falls is completely pet friendly. They did not charge a single penny for Sophie. She enjoyed the short walk through the woods towards the waterfall. This is a very crowded place.
In the evening, we explored the Omkareshwara Temple and Madikeri Fort, each steeped in history and offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Both these places are not pet-friendly and there is nothing much to see.
Omkareshwara Temple
Tucked in the heart of Madikeri, Omkareshwara Temple stands as a symbol of devotion and atonement. Built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra II as an act of penance, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is admired for its strikingly unconventional design.
Unlike typical South Indian temples, Omkareshwara showcases Muhammadan-style architecture — featuring a central dome flanked by four corner turrets, giving it a unique mosque-like appearance. Just past the entrance, you’ll find a Shiva Linga installed by the king himself, adding a powerful spiritual presence to the structure.
One of the most charming features is the large water tank in front of the temple, home to various species of fish, offering a peaceful spot for reflection and a touch of serenity to the surroundings.
Visitor Info:
- Open Daily
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Madikeri Fort – A Walk Through Coorg’s Royal Past
Located in the heart of Coorg, Madikeri Fort is a captivating historical site that offers a glimpse into the region’s layered past. Originally constructed in the late 17th century by Mudduraja, the fort once housed a palace within its walls. Over the years, it saw several transformations — Tipu Sultan rebuilt it using stone and brick and renamed it Jaffarabad, while Lingarajendra Wodeyar II gave it its present form in 1814 with mortar and brickwork.
The fort has witnessed many power shifts, from Tipu Sultan to Doddavira Rajendra, and later the British, who renovated it multiple times. Notably, in 1933, they added a clock tower and a portico to accommodate the Commissioner’s car. Today, the fort serves as the office of the Deputy Commissioner, blending administrative importance with heritage value.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by two life-sized elephant statues crafted from mortar. The inner fort once had a temple dedicated to Virabhadra, which was replaced by a Gothic-style Anglican Church built by the British in 1855. This church has since been converted into a museum, curated by the State Archaeology Department, showcasing an eclectic collection of artifacts and antiques from the Coorg region.
The fort complex also houses the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple (a key participant in the vibrant Madikeri Dasara festival), and the district prison, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
Visitor Info:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays
We also visited Raja’s seat. It is an overhyped children’s park and its not pet friendly. We came out of the park in less than 5minutes.
As per our planned itenary, we were done visiting all the places for that day. It was Sophie’s 7th birthday and by coincidence all the three places which we visited turned out to be not so pet friendly. I felt super guilty for not being able to give her a best travelling experience on her birthday. Our driver came up with another plan of visiting a place called Raja’s Tomb. I was not aware of this place and it was not on out itenary. But we had a lot of time and he insisted on visiting, so head towards Raja’s Tomb. Surprisingly this place turned out to be pet friendly. It is a beautiful park with tombs. Sophie enjoyed exploring the garden unleashed.
To read the next blog on Coorg Day-6 & 7 click here
Where did we stay ?
Falling water resort, Sakleshpur
Whispering Woods Coorg
Where did we eat ?
Falling water resort, Sakleshpur
Hotel Coorg Gavadana
ITIHAKALA RESTAURANT ( Veg Hotel) HALEBIDU / BELUR
Hotel UDUPI BRAMHINS PURE VEG
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