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| Accommodation for TFN |
The Tour of Nilgiris 09 is going to be memorable not just for the people on the ride, but the places it goes through.
We got avid biker Prem Sagar, who has spent considerable time in the Nilgiris shooting pictures (it’s a hobby for him), to tell us about each of the places on the route. His report is below along with the details of the accommodation carefully picked by Deepak Majipatil of RideACycle Foundation. |
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Day 1:
16 December 2009 - Mysore |
About Mysore:
Mysore or originally Mahishūru, is the abode of Mahishasura, a demon in Hindu mythology. Mysore, with its rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens and sacred temples has an old world charm about it.
Mysore is a treasure trove of history, art and culture. Amongst the places of interest in the city are the Mysore Palace, Krishna Raja Sagara, Kukkarahali Lake, St Philomena's church, Jagmohan art gallery, Brindavan Gardens, Lalitha Mahal, Datta Peetam, Chamundi Hills and the Mysore Zoo.
For wildlife enthusiasts, destinations near Mysore include the National Parks at Bandipur and Nagarhole, the wildlife sanctuaries at Melkote and B R Hills and the bird sanctuaries at Ranganathittu and Kokrebellur.
Fauna:
The nearby Bandipur areas is rich in wildlife and is home to the Asian elephant, sambar, gaur, chital, wild pig, mouse deer, black napped hare, four horned antelope and the Indian porcupine. The Nagarhole National Park nearby is home to many animals including the sloth bear, civet, elephant, jungle cat, gaur, flying fox, tiger, wild boar, cobras, pythons, vipers, lizards,bonnet macaque and pangolin. More than 250 species of birds are found here which includes Alexandrine, Woodpecker, Great Indian Reed, Crested Hawk, Southern Tree Pie and Golden Back Parakeet.
Mysore wildlife can also be observed at Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary. Crocodile, Pelican, Ibis, Heron, River Tern, Kingfisher, etc can be found basking under the sun here. You can also find exotic birds that migrate from Siberia, North America and Australia.
Flora:
Some of the important crops grown here are cotton, grams, groundnut, jowar, maize, ragi, rice, sugarcane, sunflower and tur.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore
TFN Hotel:
Hotel Regaalis
13 & 14,Vinoba Road,
Mysore – 57005
0821-2426426 /2427427/2421689
Website: http://www.ushalexushotels.com/hotel-regaalis-mysore.html
For photos of the hotel, please visit this link.
Hotel Highlights:
- 108 plush, modern rooms & suites with spacious lawns
- Located in the heart of the city
- Swimming pool, health club, indoor games are available
Facilities:
- Triple Sharing
- Centrally air conditioned
- Direct dial telephone facility
- Satellite TV
- 24 hrs Room Service
- Multi-cuisine restaurants & coffee shop
- Cocktail Lounge & bar
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Day 2:
17 December 2009 - Hassan |
About Hassan:
Named after Goddess "Haasanamba", Hassan is the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka and is located in the heart of Malnad. A gateway to some of the most historic and awe-inspiring temple trails linked to Hoysala Dynasty, this picturesque town is a convenient base for those wanting to visit the archaeological and religious sites of Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelgola.
Belur, also known as Dakshina Varanasi, is 38Km from Hassan and is a quaint hamlet famous for its exquisite temples. Halebid, 27 kms north-west of Hassan is popular for its strikingly beautiful Hoysala Temples and Jain shrines. Shravanabelagola, a legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jain's since early times, lies 51 kms south-east of Hassan, wedged between two stark rocky hills.
Fauna:
The carnivores found around Hassan include the wild dog, leopard and tiger. Among the herbivores are the gaur, sambar and barking deer. The place is also rich in smaller wildlife like flying squirrels, giant spiders, colourful butterflies, flying lizards, and of course tons of leeches. Also, the Bisle forest is the proud home of the king of all snakes: the King Cobra.
Flora:
Coffee is grown in the malnad areas of Sakleshpura. Other than this, black pepper, potato, ragi, paddy and sugarcane are also common.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan,_India
TFN Hotel:
Hotel Southern Star, Hassan
B. M. Road, Hassan
Karnataka - 573201
Tel: +91-8172-251816 / 251817
Fax: +91-8172-268916
Website: http://www.ushalexushotels.com/hotel-southern-star-hassan.html
For photos, please visit this link
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Hotel Highlights:
- Located centrally in the heart of the city
- A variety of rooms and suites available
Facilities:
- Triple Sharing
- Attach bath with hot/cold water
- Spa (with ayurvedic massage), gym and library
- Doctor on call
- Internet & fax
- Laundry
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Day 3:
18 December 2009 - Mercara |
About Mercara (Madikeri):
Crisp and clear air-conditioned weather, picture-perfect topography, sandalwood and rosewood forests, deep ravines, rivulets and gurgling streams, paddy fields and yes, coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations! Well, you guessed it right. Madikeri, the trekkers paradise!
Be it the Abbi falls, the Omkareshwara temple, the Madikeri fort, the lazy coracle rides, a satisfying trek alongside the hills, a swim in the Cauvery or just a walk through coffee scented plantations, Madikeri has much to offer. The Spartan Kodavas dressed in their striking attire and their cuisine, especially Pandicurry, Kadambuttu, Koli curry and Akki roti will only liven you up. Time spent in Madikeri is time chiselled in your memories. Come, ride the experience of a lifetime, here at Madikeri!
Fauna:
The Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, dhole, gaur, boar, and several species of deer are found in and around the regions surrounding the sanctuaries nearby.
The birds found here are Malabar Trogon, Great Black Woodpecker, Malabar Whistling-Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Grey-headed Bulbul, White-bellied Treepie, the Nilgiri and White-bellied Blue Flycatchers, Black Eagle and Ceylon Frogmouth.
Flora:
The flora of the region includes Michelia champaca (champak), Mesua (ironwood), Diospyros (ebony), Toona ciliata (Indian mahogany), Chukrasia tabularis, Calophyllum angustifolium (poon spar), Canarium strictum (black dammar), cinnamomum and roses. In the undergrowth are found cardamom, areca, canes, wild black pepper, ferns and arums.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madikeri
TFN Hotel:
Mothers Bounty
Katakeri,
Madikeri-571201
Tel: +91-9448078216, +91-9448278216, 08272-236721
Website: http://nisargatourism.com/index.html
For more photos, please visit this link.
Hotel Highlights:
- 5km from Madikeri
Facilities:
- Well furnished double rooms, family rooms and dormitories
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Day 4 & 5:
19 & 20 December 2009 - Irrupu
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About Iruppu:
Swirling waters of the Lakshmana theertha rolling over rocks like a frolicking bride and falling over 60m to make the Iruppu falls, glossy green rain forests, an Ishwara temple whose history is believed to go as far back as the Ramayan itself, a diverse habitat called Brahmagiri sanctuary.. thats Iruppu!
Gateway to the Brahmagiri range, a major hotspot of bio-diversity in Coorg and an area teeming with rare orchids, medicinal herbs, exotic birds and butterflies of every hue. Be it rafting on the emerald color Barapole river or trekking to the Brahmagiri hils, Iruppu is a dream location for any nature lover! Also of notable mention around Iruppu are the ancient caves of Munikal, Dubare elephant camp, Talakaveri and Wayanad. A stay in Iruppu could well be an experience of a lifetime and on cycle, we bet the experience can only be multifold!
Fauna:
The Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, dhole, gaur, boar, stripe necked mongoose and several species of deer are found in and around the regions surrounding the sanctuaries nearby.
The birds found here are Malabar Trogon, Great Black Woodpecker, Malabar Whistling-Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Grey-headed Bulbul, White-bellied Treepie, the Nilgiri and White-bellied Blue Flycatchers, Black Eagle and Ceylon Frogmouth. The Malabar Banded Peacock is a colorful butterfly found here. The cobra and the python too are found here.
Flora:
The most common trees are the Dalbergia latifolia (black wood), Pterocarpus marsupium (kino tree), Terminalia tomentosa (matthi), Lagerstroemia parviflora (benteak), Anogeissus latifolia (dindul), Bassia latifolia, Butea monosperma, Nauclea parvifiora, and several species of acacia. Teak and sandalwood are also grown here.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irupu_Falls
TFN Hotel:
Coorg Guest House & bamboo cottages
Srimangala,571217
Tel: +91-9448126427,0827-4246325
Website: http://nisargatourism.com/index.html
For more photos, please visit this link.
Hotel Highlights:
- 1 Km enroute to Kutta from Srimangala
- Coorg cuisine, esp Kadambuttu (rice dumpling) and Pandicurry (pork curry)
Facilities:
- Attached bath
- Dormitory available
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Day 6:
21 December, 2009 - Sultanbathery |
About Sultanbathery:
The hilly eastern gateway to Wayanad. Once the site of a Jain temple, later cleared by Tipu Sultan to create an ammunition dump. Sulthanbathery, is a perfect base for one to explore the eastern corners of Wayanad such as Edakkal caves and Muthanga sanctuary. The beautiful Ambukuthy mountain folded across the horizon makes a great trek trail and a wonderful sight early in the morning and in the evenings. Sulthanbathery is situated about 930 metres above mean sea level and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Fauna:
Bonnet macaques, loris, mongooses, jungle cats, squirrels, jackals, hares, etc. are found in the limited forest areas. Elephant, chital, bear and other wild animals from the neighbouring wild life sanctuaries wander away into the Begur forest range and the forests around Muthanga, which is 20 kilometres away from the town of Sultanbathery.
Birds found include the Nightjars, Red Wattled Lapwings, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Crested Serpent Eagles.
Flora:
A major portion of the district is covered by coffee and tea. Common trees are Silver oak, eucalyptus, areca nut, palms and jack trees. Trees of the wild type like rosewood, Anjili or Artocarpus, Mullumurikku or Erthrina, several species of Caussia are also found here and there, the main purpose of which is to give shade to the coffee and tea plants.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Battery
TFN Hotel:
Hotel Issacs Regency
Opp Aiswarya Theatre,
Sultanbathery,Wayand-673592
Tel: 04936-220512,320055
Website: http://www.issacsregency.com
For more photos, please visit this link.
Hotel Highlights:
- 2Km from KSRTC bus station
- 3Km from Ooty station
Facilities:
- Twin sharing
- Swimming pool
- Ayurvedic center
- Auditorium
- Telephone
- Satellite television
- Room service
- Air-conditioner
- Hot/cold water supply
- Restaurant with Continental, Chinese and Kerala style cuisines
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Day 7:
22 December, 2009- Ooty |
About Ooty:
A series of piquant montages; chill mist laden mornings; dew on the grass; trees that grow to the sky; flowers, a feast to the eye; a strong fragrance of eucalyptus all around; further up the fogged curvy roads, a green undulating blanket of tea; or perhaps a terraced farm; sun lighting up one hill even as the other behind it remains shrouded in a thick green velvet. Pure bliss, thats Ooty for you!
Ooty, the Queen of hills is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South India and a hill station once hailed by British as the place with the best climate in India. With its multitude of attractions like the Botanical garden, Ooty lake, Doddabetta, Rose garden, the Nilgiri mountain train, 6th miles, etc, Ooty offers much to the nature lover in you. And for the passionate trekker, there are the umpteen treks to do via Sispara, Bangitappal, Avalanche, Upper Bhavani, Porthimund, etc. Throw in a few cycles and a pack of crazy riders, we believe the experience is going to be nothing short of euphoria.
Fauna:
Bird life abounds in Ooty, in fact, all around Nilgiris. Species found here are the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher along with the regulars (bulbuls, mynas, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, shrikes, napes, great tits, white eyes, parakeets, kites, etc).
Wildlife in the region includes the Nilgiri tahrs, Nilgiri martens, sambar deers, barking deers, black leopards, bonnnet macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrels, porcupines, dholes, jackals, etc, most of them found in the region of Mukurthi National park, 40Km from Ooty. Going towards the Mudumalai sanctuary you will also spot the Asian elephant, leopards, grey langurs, gaurs, chitals, flying squirrels, wild boars, striped hyenas, sloth bears, etc.
Flora:
Flora in the region is diverse, noted ones being blossoms (Rhodenderons), kurinji (Strobilanthes), roses (the rose garden is supposed to have the largest collection of roses in India), dahlias, marigold, chrysanthemum, carnation, orchids, etc.
Tea is the predominant crop. In addition, crops like potato, carrot, beans, cabbage, turnips, radish, sprouts, etc are also common. Fruits include pears, plums, strawberries, peaches, etc.
Trees found in the region are predominantly Eucalyptus (blue gum), Pine, Cypress and Casuarina. Eucalyptus trees like tea are omnipresent and are used to extract the “Nilgiri tel” - which has excellent medicational properties.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ootacamund
TFN Hotel:
The Queens Residency
31/1,Block No.1,
Theetukal,Fernhill Road,
Ooty - 643004
Tel: 0423-2443251,2443151
Website: http://queensresidency.com
For more snaps, please visit this link.
Hotel Highlights:
- Around 1Km from Ooty Lake and 3Km from Ooty station
Facilities:
- Room service
- 24 hr hot water
- Laundry
- Doctor on call
- Cyber cafe
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| Note: |
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The report excludes the briefing day in Bangalore. Details of the briefing day will be sent directly to participants. |
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