Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
woodfired pizzas. Each evening there's a bonfire to accompany a screening of wildlife do-
cos.
Kabini River Lodge
( 080-40554055;
www.junglelodges.co
; per person India/foreigner incl full board & activities from ?5000/9000;
)
These attractive government-run bungalows have a prime location beside the lake in the
serene, tree-lined grounds of the former Mysore maharaja's hunting lodge. It has large
tented cottages and bungalows and an atmospheric colonial-style bar. Rates include safar-
is, boat rides and entry fees.
LODGE
$$$
Getting There & Away
The park's main entrance is 93km southwest of Mysore. A few buses depart daily from
Mysore to Kabini village, but you'll need transport for the last leg to the resorts.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Nestled amid ageless hills that line the southernmost edge of Karnataka is the luscious
Kodagu (Coorg) region, gifted with emerald landscapes and acres of plantations. A major
centre for coffee and spice production, this rural expanse is also home to the unique Ko-
dava race, believed to have descended from migrating Persians and Kurds or perhaps
Greeks left behind from Alexander the Great's armies. The uneven terrain and cool cli-
mate make it a fantastic area for trekking, birdwatching or lazily ambling down little-trod-
den paths winding around carpeted hills. All in all, Kodagu is rejuvenation guaranteed.
Kodagu was a state in its own right until 1956, when it merged with Karnataka. The re-
gion's chief town and transport hub is Madikeri, but for an authentic Kodagu experience,
you have to venture into the plantations. Avoid weekends, when places can quickly get
filled up by weekenders from Bengaluru.
Madikeri (Mercara)
08272 / POP 32,500 / ELEV 1525M
Also known as Mercara, this congested market town is spread out along a series of ridges.
The only reason for coming here is to organise treks or sort out the practicalities of travel.
