Coorg-Thalakaveri-Mysore

Some journeys are about reaching a destination. Others are about everything that happens along the way—the unexpected weather, peaceful temples, winding roads, delicious meals, historic places, and the memories created at every stop.

Our journey from Ernakulam to Coorg and Mysuru was one such adventure. It was a beautiful blend of nature, spirituality, history, culture, shopping, food, and plenty of road travel. From the mist-covered hills of Coorg to the magnificent Mysore Palace, every day brought a new experience and a different story to tell.

Day 1 – 27 August: The Journey Begins

Our journey began at around 3:00 PM on 27 August, when we boarded our bus at Edappally, Ernakulam.

As we travelled north, the familiar sights of Kerala slowly gave way to new landscapes and long stretches of road. There is always a special excitement at the beginning of a journey. Even when the destination is known, the experiences waiting along the way remain a mystery.

By evening, we stopped at Kuttippuram for dinner. After a relaxing meal, we continued our overnight journey towards Coorg.

The night passed with the steady movement of the bus, occasional glimpses of roadside lights, and the anticipation of exploring a new destination the following morning.

Our Coorg and Mysuru adventure had officially begun!

Day 2 – 28 August: Discovering the Misty Hills of Coorg

We reached Coorg at around 4:00 AM. After checking into our hotel, we took some much-needed rest following the overnight journey.

By around 8:00 AM, breakfast was ready. After freshening up and enjoying breakfast, we set out to explore the beautiful hill country of Coorg, also known as Kodagu.

Our itinerary for the day included sacred temples, a river confluence, scenic viewpoints, historic monuments, and some shopping along the way.

Thalacauvery – The Sacred Origin of the Cauvery

Our first major destination was Sri Thalacauvery Temple, situated in the Brahmagiri Hills of Coorg.

Thalacauvery is traditionally regarded as the origin of the River Cauvery, one of South India's most important rivers. For countless devotees, it is a place of deep spiritual significance.

What made our visit especially memorable was the weather. Fog covered the surroundings, and rain added to the atmosphere. The mist drifted across the hills, creating a mysterious and peaceful setting. The cool air, wet pathways, and cloud-covered landscape made us feel as though we had stepped into another world.

Thalacauvery Temple

The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. A sacred spring, known as Tirtha Kundike or Brahma Kundike, marks the traditional source of the river. Devotees visit the sacred tank to offer prayers and seek blessings.

 At the Sacred Source of the Cauvery

Standing amid the mist and rain, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the hills, was a wonderful beginning to our sightseeing.

Thalacauvery was not merely another tourist stop. It was an experience that brought together spirituality, nature, and tranquility. Triveni Sangama – Where Sacred Rivers Meet From Thalacauvery, we continued to Triveni Sangama, near Bhagamandala. This sacred confluence is traditionally associated with three rivers: the Cauvery, the Kannike, and the underground Sujyothi, also known as Guptagamini. The meeting of these rivers makes the location an important pilgrimage site. Devotees visit to offer prayers and perform religious rituals. Compared with the misty heights of Thalacauvery, the surroundings here offered a different kind of calm. The sacred waters and peaceful atmosphere made it a worthwhile stop on our journey.

It was fascinating to experience two spiritually significant destinations within the same region, each with its own character and charm.

Triveni Sangama – A Sacred Confluence

Bhagandeshwara Temple – A Glimpse of Coorg's Spiritual Heritage

Our next destination was Bhagandeshwara Temple, another important religious landmark near Bhagamandala.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Coorg, the ancient temple offered another opportunity to appreciate the region's rich spiritual traditions.

After spending some time at the temple, we continued towards Madikeri.

Bhagandeshwara Temple

A Lunch Break and a Taste of Coorg

As lunchtime approached, we stopped for a meal.

One of the pleasant surprises during travel is discovering small shops along the way. There was a shop beside the hotel selling filter coffee powder, chocolates, and other local products.

We purchased a few items to take home.

Coorg is well known for its coffee plantations, so buying locally available coffee powder felt like a fitting way to remember our visit. A few chocolates and other treats made the shopping stop even more enjoyable.

After lunch and a short break, we continued exploring Madikeri.

Raja's Seat – Scenic Views of Madikeri

Our next stop was Raja's Seat, one of the best-known viewpoints in Madikeri.

The viewpoint is famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is traditionally associated with the kings of Kodagu, who are believed to have visited this spot to enjoy the scenery.

The rolling hills and expansive landscape reminded us why Coorg remains such a popular destination for nature lovers.

Raja's Seat – Hills That Steal Your Heart

Exploring Madikeri Fort – Walking Through History

From Raja's Seat, we proceeded to Madikeri Fort.

The fort has a long and interesting history. It was originally built by Muddu Raja in the second half of the seventeenth century. Later, Tipu Sultan rebuilt it in granite. The palace building within the complex now houses the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu.

Walking through the fort gave us an opportunity to explore another side of Coorg—its political and architectural history.

Inside the complex, we visited Sri Kote Mahaganapathy Temple and the Government Museum. The temple offered a spiritual pause, while the museum provided a glimpse into the region's past.

Madikeri Fort

One of the highlights for me was walking along the fort walls. From there, we could appreciate the historic structure and its surroundings more closely.

There was something special about walking through a place that had witnessed centuries of change. The old walls seemed to connect the present with a distant past.

Walking Through Madikeri Fort

Towards Kushalnagar – Shopping and a Relaxing Break

After completing our Madikeri sightseeing, we continued towards Kushalnagar.

Along the way, our bus stopped at a large shopping complex. It was a convenient place to stretch our legs, relax, and explore the shops.

Visitors could browse tea, Coorg sarees, and other local products. There were also opportunities to enjoy filter coffee and other refreshments.

After several hours of sightseeing and road travel, this stop was a welcome break. We spent some time shopping and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere before continuing to our hotel.

By around 8:00 PM, dinner was ready.

Day 3 – 29 August: The Golden Temple, Mysuru Zoo and Brindavan Gardens

The morning began with breakfast at around 8:00 AM.

After breakfast, we set out for one of the most visually striking destinations on our itinerary: Namdroling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Temple, at Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar.

Later, we would continue to Mysuru to visit its famous zoo and experience the evening attractions at Brindavan Gardens.

Namdroling Monastery – A Peaceful Tibetan World

The approach to the Golden Temple was lively and colourful. The streets leading towards the entrance were lined with vendors selling everything from coconut water and snacks to toys, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Beyond this busy stretch, we entered the peaceful surroundings of Namdroling Monastery.

The monastery is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism and belongs to the Nyingma tradition. Located in Bylakuppe, it forms part of one of India's largest Tibetan settlements.

Namdroling Monastery – The Golden Temple

The first sight that caught my attention was the imposing Tibetan-style building, glowing in golden and blue colours. A large portrait of Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the monastery's founder, stood prominently beyond the beautifully maintained lawns and pathway.

The architecture was striking, with its colourful decorations, elaborate designs, and traditional Tibetan elements.

Namdroling Monastery – The Golden Temple

The Sound of Prayer

One of the most memorable experiences came when we walked towards another prayer hall.

The main prayer hall houses magnificent statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava, and Amitayus. Their imposing presence, combined with the richly painted interiors, created an atmosphere of reverence and tranquillity.

The colours and artistic details were captivating. Every wall seemed to tell a story through Tibetan religious art.

Inside, a large number of young monks sat in orderly rows under the guidance of their elders. They recited prayers from manuscripts placed on small wooden tables in front of them.

The sound of chanting filled the hall, occasionally accompanied by the deep, resonant notes of large ceremonial trumpets.

The walls were adorned with vibrant Tibetan paintings, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

Standing nearby and listening to the rhythmic chanting was a special experience. It offered a glimpse into the daily religious practices of the monastery and the discipline followed by its monks.

Prayer Hall and Statues of Buddha Shakhyamuni, Guru Padmashambhava and Amitayus

We also explored the surrounding areas, admired the monastery's architecture, and spent some time walking through the complex.

There were small cafés and souvenir shops where visitors could purchase refreshments and handicrafts.

The Golden Temple was one of those places where the journey slowed down naturally. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, we could pause, observe, and appreciate the atmosphere.

After spending some time there, we said goodbye to Coorg and continued towards

Mysuru Zoo – An Afternoon with Wildlife

After reaching Mysuru, we stopped for lunch and then headed to Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo.

Established in the nineteenth century, the zoo is one of India's well-known zoological parks. It is home to a wide variety of animals and birds and is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

We spent the afternoon exploring the zoo, walking through its different sections and observing the animals.

The collection includes mammals such as tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, sloth bears, and gaur. The bird collection includes species such as ostriches, emus, macaws, cockatoos, flamingos, pelicans, and peafowl. Reptiles, including pythons and crocodiles, are also among the attractions.

There was plenty to see, and the visit offered a welcome change from the temples and historic monuments we had explored earlier in the trip.

An Afternoon at Mysuru Zoo

One of the notable attractions associated with Mysuru Zoo is Quembo, a western lowland gorilla who arrived from Frankfurt Zoo in Germany. Seeing a gorilla is an unusual experience for many visitors and provides an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable animals and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Meeting Quembo

The zoo was a lively place, with families, children, and other visitors moving between the enclosures.

By around 5:00 PM, we had finished our visit and left for our next destination.

Brindavan Gardens – An Evening of Music, Water and Lights

Our next stop was Brindavan Gardens, located near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam.

We reached at around 7:00 PM. By then, it was already difficult to see the garden's landscaping clearly, so we proceeded towards the musical fountain and light-show area.

One show had already started when we arrived. We therefore waited for the next performance.

The wait gave us time to settle in and look forward to the spectacle.

The show lasted approximately 15 minutes and featured three songs. Water jets moved in rhythm with the music, creating changing shapes and patterns illuminated by colourful lights.

The combination of water, music, and lighting transformed the fountains into a lively evening attraction.

Brindavan Gardens – Water, Music and Lights

Although arriving later meant we could not fully appreciate the gardens in daylight, the musical fountain offered its own charm. It was an enjoyable way to end a busy day of sightseeing.

After the show, we headed back to Mysuru.

We reached our hotel at around 9:00 PM, checked in, had dinner, and rested for the night.

Day 4 – 30 August: Exploring Srirangapatna and the Royal Heritage of Mysuru

Our final day of sightseeing was dedicated largely to the history of the Mysuru region, particularly Srirangapatna and the legacy of Tipu Sultan.

This part of the journey was especially interesting because the monuments offered glimpses into the religious traditions, military history, and royal life of an earlier era.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – A Sacred Beginning

We began the day with a visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatna.

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites associated with the River Cauvery.

It is also counted among the Pancharanga Kshetrams, a group of five significant Ranganatha temples along the Cauvery.

The temple's religious importance and historic setting made it a meaningful starting point for our exploration of Srirangapatna.

After spending some time there, we continued to the nearby historical attractions.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Colonel Bailey's Dungeon – A Reminder of a Turbulent Past

Our next stop was Colonel Bailey's Dungeon, a historic prison associated with the period of Tipu Sultan.

It is within walking distance of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, making it convenient to visit both places together.

The stone structure is associated with the imprisonment of British officers during the conflicts between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company.

Historical accounts describe prisoners being restrained using fixtures in the stone structure, with some traditions recounting imprisonment in water-filled conditions.

Surrounded by gardens, the dungeon appears quiet today. Yet its history reminds visitors of the difficult and often brutal realities of warfare and captivity during that period.

It was a striking contrast to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple we had visited earlier.

Colonel Bailey's Dungeon – Echoes of History

The Place Associated with Tipu Sultan's Death

We also visited the historic location associated with Tipu Sultan's death during the siege of Srirangapatna in 1799.

The spot where his body was reportedly found lies near the northern side of the fort, roughly 300 metres north of the main fort area.

Tipu Sultan remains one of the most significant and debated figures in the history of southern India. His resistance against British expansion, military campaigns, and role in the Kingdom of Mysore have made him an enduring figure in historical discussions.

Standing at a location associated with his final moments brought the events of the eighteenth century closer to the present.

It was a reminder that the monuments of Srirangapatna are not merely old buildings. They are places connected with dramatic events that shaped the history of the region.

Remembering Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace – Art, Architecture and Royal Life

We continued to Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, commonly known as Dariya Daulat Bagh.

Set within a garden, the palace is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with its wooden pillars, decorative arches, and richly painted walls.

As we approached through the garden entrance, the tall teakwood columns immediately caught our attention.

Inside, the walls displayed colourful paintings depicting battles, rulers, courtly life, and historical events. Many of these artworks date back more than two centuries and offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the period.

The wooden pillars were arranged in neat rows, creating an elegant effect throughout the building.

The museum displays historical objects and materials associated with Tipu Sultan and the period, including paintings, coins, weapons, and documents.

Walking through the palace was like stepping into a different chapter of history. The artwork and architecture gave us a sense of the royal world that once existed here.

Dariya Daulat Bagh – The Summer Palace

Lunch Along the Way

After completing our exploration of Srirangapatna, we stopped for lunch before continuing towards the main attraction of the day.

The next destination was one I had been looking forward to visiting again: the magnificent Mysore Palace.

Mysore Palace – The Grand Finale

The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was a fitting grand finale to our journey.

This was my third visit to the palace. My first visit was in 1989, and the second was in 2024. Returning once again brought back memories of earlier visits while giving me another opportunity to appreciate its remarkable architecture.

Even when you have visited a place before, some destinations never lose their charm. Mysore Palace is certainly one of them.

The palace is renowned for its grand architecture, elaborate interiors, decorative arches, colourful artwork, and impressive ceremonial halls.

As we approached the main entrance, the scale of the palace complex was immediately apparent. The Ane Bagilu, or Elephant Gate, leads into a large courtyard that forms part of the palace's impressive layout.

Inside, the marriage hall stands out for its octagonal central pavilion, vaulted ceiling, and stained-glass dome supported by cast-iron pillars.

 Amba Vilas Palace

The durbar halls are among the palace's most impressive spaces. These grand halls were used by the king for receiving important guests and conducting meetings with advisers.

The interiors showcase a rich combination of architectural influences, decorative details, and craftsmanship.

Beyond the main palace building, the complex includes gardens and several temples. These additional structures make the palace grounds more than just a royal residence; they form an important part of Mysuru's cultural and historical heritage.

Walking through the palace, I found myself appreciating the details as much as the overall grandeur. The pillars, ceilings, artwork, and carefully designed spaces all contributed to its extraordinary character.

Inside the Royal Durbar Hall

Having visited the palace in 1989, 2024, and now again on this journey, I felt a special connection with the place. Each visit belonged to a different chapter of my life, yet the palace continued to inspire the same sense of wonder.

It was a memorable way to conclude our sightseeing in Mysuru.

Beginning the Journey Home

By around 5:00 PM, it was time to say goodbye to Mysuru and begin our return journey towards Kerala.

After several days of travelling, sightseeing, shopping, and exploring historic places, we settled in for the journey home.

We stopped at Sulthan Bathery for dinner before continuing towards Ernakulam.

As the bus moved through the night, the experiences of the previous days replayed in my mind. The misty hills, temple visits, historic monuments, monastery, zoo, musical fountains, and royal palace had all become part of one memorable journey.

Day 5 – 31 August: Back Home

After travelling through the night, we finally reached home at around 5:45 AM on 31 August.

And just like that, our journey came to an end.

We returned with tired feet, countless photographs, souvenirs, and memories that would last much longer than the journey itself.

The journey may have ended, but the memories remain.

Until the next journey.....