Green Valley View

One of Coorg's most serene and scenic viewpoints is the Green Valley View, where the spectators can see panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the valleys below. Lying close to Madikeri, the principal town of Coorg, the viewpoint gives visitors a sweeping view of the Brahmagiri Hills, thick forests, and picturesque coffee plantations. It is an excellent place for the one who wants to spend time with nature and enjoy the incredible landscapes that Coorg boasts of. Foggy valleys in the morning time and a scintillating sunset in the evening only add to the allure, thus turning it into heaven for Nature Lovers and Photographers. 

From the viewpoint, while there, one can witness an experience of surrealism, which is almost magical mist drifting over the valleys and hills stretching endlessly to distance. The region is also a whole variety of flora and fauna. It provides a peaceful place for bird watchers and just the quiet of nature in every sense. Visitors can spend some hours here, enjoying the silence of the surroundings or walking through the pathways around the place. 

Green Valley View is also  in Coorg, where sunset and sunrise are at their  best. In the early mornings, the misty valleys spread serenity, and the gentle changing light over the hilltops leaves them drenched in soft sheen. On the other hand, the sunsets are equally splendid, painted in orange, pink, and gold hues. The changing sky colours and the natural scenery make it a  good photography location. 

The area is very much accessible by road from the town of Madikeri, which is a distance of 5-6 km from here. Local taxis or auto-rickshaws can be availed to reach the viewpoint, or one can even enjoy a small drive through the beautiful roads. The drive is a pleasure, for you pass through estates of coffee, misty hills, and luscious green forests. Those who  thirst for adventure can trek from Madikeri to Green Valley View at short distances and become acquainted with the surrounding nature. The little  trek through forest pathways gives a good view of the region's healthy flora and fauna . 

Considering the best time for visiting Green Valley View, the cool winter months between October and March offer the most pleasurable and comfortable outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon period, June to September, is wet by nature. Though the picturesque green terrains during this time are bound to attract  attention, access to this vista might become strenuous during that particular period due to wet, slippery surfaces. A clear sky with a clear view from the lookout comes within the horizon between October and March. 

NEARBY LOCATION: 

1. Raja's Seat: The place is one of the most visited viewpoints in Madikeri, located 7 km from Green Valley View. The place has been named "Raja's Seat" from the customary visit of Coorg kings, who used to visit the place to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful sunset views in the misty hills and valleys. The viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the surrounding countryside. Well-maintained gardens at the spot make it a perfect place for a leisurely walk or family outing.

2. Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls is located about 10 km from Madikeri. It is one of the most iconic waterfalls in kodagu. The falls plunge from a height of 70 feet into the heart of some dense forest plantations of coffee. Here, nature lovers have a great destination. It is accessible by trekking into the forest and offers a beautiful walk along the green cover. The hanging bridge close to the falls provides an excellent view of the falls close up.

3. Omkareshwara Temple: Omkareshwara Temple of Madikeri is around 8 kilometres far from Green Valley View. It is one of the shining examples of the  architectural heritage of Coorg. Built by King Linga Rajendra II during the 19th century, it specifically mingles Islamic and Hindu styles with the touch of a central dome, four minarets, and beautiful etchings. As it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the centre of serenity and becomes a doyen for people on the grounds of  religious contemplation. 

4. Talakaveri: Talakaveri is the birthplace of one of South India's prominent rivers, the Cauvery River, approximately 40 km from Madikeri. Talakaveri is one of the sacred sites for pilgrimage by Hindus on Brahmagiri Hill, where devotees visit to bathe in the holy waters of the river. This place is equally good to view the valley and hills around. Tourists can trek to Brahmagiri Peak for a more panoramic view of the Western Ghats.

5. Iruppu Falls: Another beautiful fall lies at Iruppu Falls, about 60 km from Madikeri. Iruppu Falls cascades from a height of 170 feet and are set amidst dense forests in the Brahmagiri Hills. It's an excellent place for a trek and nature walks. The trek to the falls provides excellent views; many  have reported and seen wildlife . The falls are also an important religious centre along the Ramanathaswamy Temple. 

6. Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp The dubare elephant camp offers a stay in the elephants' natural habitat. Situated around 30 km from Madikeri, this lies on the banks of the Kaveri River; it houses elephants for forest patrol and other purposes. People can feed and bathe them there and gain insights into their training and conservation. 

7. Madikeri Fort: To the southeast, about 7 kilometres from Green Valley View, is the Madikeri Fort ancient monument in Coorg. Constructed during the 17th century by the Mysore kings, it has been renovated with the guidance of the British and now has a small museum inside it. The architecture of the Madikeri Fort is a combination of both Hindu and Islamic styles; it has heavy walls and monumental doors. Once inside, exhibits and artefacts, including the history of this region and that of Coorg culture and traditions, can be viewed. 

8. Nisargadhama: Nisargadhama is an island on the Kaveri River, nearly 25 km from Madikeri and housing a beautiful nature park. The park has an abundance of wildlife, including deer, peacocks, and rabbits, making it the ideal location for a nature walk. Here , one can stroll peacefully through bamboo groves, observe the serene surroundings, or even take a boat ride in the river. 

9. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is an ecologically sensitive area about 45km from Madikeri and covers the stretch of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary provides an outstanding variety of wildlife with a variety of Nilgiri Tahr and tigers, leopards, and several other species of birds. This place is popular with trekkers and nature lovers since it offers excellent scenic routes through dense forests and hills. 

10. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: 50 km  from Madikeri, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Coorg's most picturesque and biodiverse regions. Extensive flora and fauna , such as elephants, tigers, and deer their varieties, are present here. This area is highly used for trekking. The trails lead up to the Brahmagiri Peak with outstanding views of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary also offers bird viewing, thus making it an excellent place for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.  

HOW TO REACH :  

• By Bus: KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore to Madikeri. One can get local taxi transport to Green Valley View from the Madikeri bus stand.  

• By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Mysore and Mangalore. You can hire a taxi or bus from either of the stations to reach Madikeri. 

• By Air: The nearest airport is  Mangalore. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Madikeri.