First trip to Coorg: Thadiyandamol, Talakaveri and Abbey Falls

Date: October 2008

This is actually a continuation of a travelogue in which we had first stopped at Bylakuppe. Post-lunch, we then drove to Coorg district and straight to our homestay at the foot of Thadiyandamol, the highest peak in Coorg. This place took some finding but once we eventually did, Ramesh struggled a bit to get his car in. It had rained earlier that day, so the soil was moist and muddy, making the car’s wheels to spin as Ramesh tried to get some grip.

A friend had recommended Palace Estate as she had stayed there, saying the host was very nice and if we wanted a relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle, you couldn’t ask for a better place. Palace Estate is located at the foot of Thadiyandamol hill, which at 5700 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in Coorg. They had a good website, the rates seemed reasonable and we booked in advance.

Our rooms were simple yet cozy, and pretty basic. Palace Estates has posher and bigger rooms on the upper floor, but we didn’t require any of the ‘comforts’ since we were only spending two nights here. Before settling in, we decided to walk downhill and check out the Nalknad Palace at the recommendation of our host.

Back in our room, we freshened up and had some vodka that we had carried with us. The family doesn’t sell any liquor so they insist you bring your own, and would really appreciate it if we didn’t make too much noise as drinking isn’t something they want to encourage so as not to attract the wrong kind of tourists. We assured our host that would be no problem. None of us were heavy drinkers and we only needed something to warm us up in the cold. Because it did get quite chilly at night. Being a homestay, you get dinner, although you have to pay extra for it. Most guests opt to eat from the homestay itself… because you have no other choice. There’s practically scant civilization in the area. It’s 38kms from Madikeri town, the heart of Coorg district.

The next morning, I forced myself to wake up at dawn, as I wanted to see what the views would be like from up here. I tried waking up the other two, but neither got up from their slumber.

So I went back in to cuddle up in bed.

After breakfast, our host drew us a map to Talacauvery, the supposed source of the river Kaveri. We drove to Bhagamandala, parked our car at the footsteps of the temple at Brahmagiri hill.

Post lunch, we drove to Madikeri town in search of Abbey Falls.

Yesterday for dinner, they only had chicken and I asked our host if he could provide us pork tonight without fail. Coming to Coorg and not having their traditional peppery pork dish is a huge miss. Tonight’s dinner, he gladly added pork to the menu and I served myself an unhealthy plate full of fat. We took our dinner to our rooms so we could eat it while we had some drinks.

This was our last day here. We had breakfast, settled our bills and left the homestay.

Also check out: Photos from my Bylakuppe trips (and Nisargadhama Wildlife Reserve)