Kodagu (sometimes called Coorg, especially in English) is a district of Karnataka state, India. It occupies about 4100 sq. km. in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka. It is bordered by Dakshina Kannada to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, and Kannur district of Kerala state to the south and southwest.The most interesting ancient antiquities of Kodagu are the earth redoubts or war trenches (kadangas),which are from 1.5 to 7.5 m high, and provided with a ditch 3 m deep by 2 or 3 m wide. Their linear extent is reckoned at between 500 and 600 m. They are mentioned in inscriptions of the 9th and 10th centuries. The early accounts of Kodagu are purely legendary, and it was not till the 9th and 10th centuries that its history became the subject of authentic record.
Location:-
The Rainforest Retreat is situated 10 km northwest of Madikeri Town of Kodagu District. Madikeri is 250 km (approx 6hrs) from Bangalore, 140 km from Mangalore (approx 4hrs) and 130 km from Mysore (3-1/2 hrs).
Best time to visit:
October and May. It is sunny with temperatures between 20-27 C during the day and 10-18 C at night.
Highlights:-
Stay at some of the best rainforest retreats in Coorg & Wayanad, Endemics of South India, Dubare Elephant Training Camp, Silent Valley National Park.The Western Ghats, a swathe of green running parallel to India's western coastline extending to the south, is considered one of the major Tropical Evergreen Forest regions in the country. Of India's 49,219 plant species, 1,600 native species (40% of the total number of endemics) are found in this 17,000 sq km strip of forest. The area covers barely 5% of India's landmass, but about a third of the plants, almost half the reptiles and more than three-fourths of the amphibians known in India are found in this area.Starting from Bangalore you begin your rainforest tour at an organic farm in Coorg, one of the most fragile parts of the Western Ghats. Home to the Southern Birdwing (India's largest butterfly), the Atlas Moth (with the world's largest wingspan) and over 100 species of birds recorded in the immediate vicinity, the rainforest retreat is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From Coorg, you drive via the Dubare Elephant Training Camp to the bordering district of Wayanad in Kerala and on to Silent Valley.
Day 01 -Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore airport and transfer to hotel. Morning at leisure followed by an exploration of the Garden City and other sites of interest. Overnight at hotel
Day 02 - Bangalore to Coorg
Early morning drive from Bangalore to the capital city of Coorg, Madikeri (260 km/6 hrs drive). Arrive at an organic retreat and check into the cottage deep inside the rainforest. The retreat was set up to nurture the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats and to promote organic cultivation in Coorg. Overnight at the lodge
Day 03 – Coorg
After early morning birdwatching, you undertake a detailed excursion of the farm accompanied by a local naturalist to see orchids and plantation crops like coffee, cardamom, pepper and vanilla grown organically in the shade of rainforest trees. You could also do a nature hike to Galibeedu Ridge nearby. Overnight at the lodge
Day 04 - Coorg to Wayanad
Leave after early breakfast and visit Dubare Elephant Training Camp on the banks of the Cauvery river. After elephant safari and a unique interaction program with the gentle giants, you drive to the bordering district of Wayanad in Kerala. Arrive at a rainforest lodge
Day 05 - Wayanad
Today, you visit the key sights of Wayanad like Vythiri, Lakkidi and Pookote Lake and return to the rainforest lodge
Day 06 -Wayanad to Silent
VALLEY
After a hike through the plantation you drive from Wayanad via the picturesque hill-station of Ooty to Silent Valley in Palakkad district of Kerala
Day 07 - Silent Valley
The pristine Silent Valley National Park, named after the perceived absence of cicadas, is rich with endemics of the South Indian Peninsula, like Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Lion-Tailed Macaque and several bird species. More than 100 butterfly species and 400 moths have also been recorded here and you spend much of your time exploring the park.
Day 8:- Silent Valley to Bangalore
After breakfast, drive from Silent Valley to Bangalore
Day 9:- Depart Bangalore
In time transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
