Koppa, a town in the district of Chikmagalur, is often referred to as the Kashmir of Karnataka. Although it does not experience snowfall due to its location in the southern part of India, it does promise adventure. Adventures in Koppa include trekking on the mighty hills, taking a tour around the coffee and the tea plantations and following the river route to explore the ruins of many temples on the banks of Tunga river. Here bring to you the best of Koppa on today’s read.
Kamandala Ganapathi
Kamandala Ganpati Temple is a holy shrine of Lord Ganesha that is located in the middle of a forest in the Kasave region. The most unusual thing about this temple is that there is a hole called Brahmakund right in front of the temple’s presiding deity from which water keeps flowing throughout the year.
Kavimane
Kavimane is the ancestral house of Kuvempu. Nestled in the midst of green forests of Malnad, the house presents a scintillating view. It is a three-storeyed tiled house including the ground floor and is the house where Kuvempu spent most of his childhood. This house has now been renovated and converted into a museum. The architecture of the house is what is locally called as Thotti Mane, in which the house consists of a central square area resembling a Thotti (pond) that is open to the sky and surrounded by a courtyard.
Hariharapura Hanging Bridge
Hariharapura also boasts of a 110-year-old bridge across the Tunga connecting it to Koppa. This bridge is believed to have been built by Sir M Visvesvaraya. The structure is unique for its cable suspension, and the sight of Thunga in all her majesty is quite a view from this bridge.
Sringeri
Sringeri being a holy town is one of the major tourist attractions of Karnataka, visited by people in millions. The primary draw of Sringeri is its temple dedicated to Goddess of Wisdom, Shri Sharadamba. Those who have visited this temple will agree with us that the very ambiance over here is so meditative that it holds us back to its roots.
Onake Abbi Falls
At a distance of 45 Kms from Udupi & 8 Kms from Agumbe, Onake Abbi Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Someshwar. Located at a distance of 5 Kms from Someshwar, Onake Abbi Falls needs to have trekked from Someshwar through thick forest and rocky slopes. The duration of the trek is about 1 hour 30 minutes and it definitely is a difficult trek. The falls are best-seen post monsoon, between September & November. Here, the water drops from a height of over 200 feet into a big pool. It is a great place to play in the waters with your buddies!
Kundadri Hills
Cloud-surfing views of the Western Ghats, two beautiful ponds on the hill-top and a Jain Basadi with a history of 2000 years – ‘peace’ and ‘serenity’ sum-up Kundadri Hills. Kundadri hills are famed for their trekking expeditions in the Western Ghats.
Agumbe – Sunset Point
We always look for the perfect sunset view, when we go to beaches or to the mountains. You’re in luck, my friend, as Agumbe provides the perfect blend of beauty, tranquility, and fulfillment in its sunset view. From the top of the mountains in the Western Ghats, you’ll be left speechless as you watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Rambhapuri Mutt
Rambhapuri Mutt or Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veera Simhasana Mahasamsthana Peeta is situated on the banks of River Bhadra in Balehonnur in Chikmagalur district. The Veerabhadra temple attached to the Mutt has strong metallic images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali.
Uttameshwar Temple
According to the Sthala Purana, this is one of the temples in the area consecrated by Sage Agasthya in the Dwapara Yuga. This temple has idols of Shiva, Durga, and Ganesha. This temple is believed to be the one where Rukmini worshipped Durga before she was supposed to proceed to the marriage hall to wed Shishupala. But she thought otherwise and it was from here, it is said, that Krishna came to her rescue and she eloped with him.
The temple is surrounded by a beautiful Sita and the very sight of it will leave you in awe. Uttameshwara temple hosts an annual fair which attracts thousands of people from the nearby vicinity.
Tea Plantation Tours
Coffee and Tea plantations attract a large number of tourists to enjoy the great climate & scenic beauty of Koppa. You will be able to enjoy a tea plantation tour here as the velvety carpet of fresh and green tea leaves stretches out before you. A guide will take you through, giving you interesting insights into the plantation. If you wish, you could try your hand in helping the plantation workers in their daily chores. There is also the option of buying freshly dried tea leaves.
You can interact with the locals who are well versed in all the techniques used in tea plantation and learn more about pruning techniques, picking, drying and other important information. More than just a tea tour, this is a chance to gain insight into the delight that is part of your daily life.
Pack your bags right away, for the best time to visit this place is from October to March! Share your experiences with us in the comments.
If You don’t want to miss our next Post then Like and Follow MetroSaga on Facebook and Instagram or simply download our Android App
You can also Subscribe to MetroSaga for newsletters.
