A visit to Coorg is an unforgettable experience. Nature has bestowed its largesse on this region. And its people make the best use of the resources with hard work-a rare virtue in our country.
The tropical forests of the hills of Karnataka are watered by several rivers which cascade down into waterfalls. The chief of these is the beautiful Sharavati, which takes a sudden plunge into the Chasm below and forms the well –known Gersoppa or Jog Falls at Shimoga. Further north, near Dandeli, are the lesser-known Magod Falls and, Belgaum, the Gokak Falls.
Twenty five miles from Somnathpur is Sivasamudram, the `Ocean of Shiva,’ an island between two branches of the Cauvery. Breaking the stillness of the long range of hills and valleys are two cascades of water, the Gangachukki, or the `Cascade from the Sky,’ and the Barachukki. The sight is breathtaking- the huge volume of water falling over the sheer hill, flanked by thick forests, gushes along over the rocks and stones and continues on its way.
The dense forests provide an excellent habitat for wildlife. Deforestation and indiscriminate killing have of late reduced their numbers, but the lucky wildlife watcher can spot some well-known game. Elephants roam around the bamboo thickets, though they are now threatened by the lust ivory and Khedda, the cruel system of catching them. Bison, cheetal, sambar, langur, bear, panther and even the rare tiger roam these forests, a most fascinating sight being the dance of the Peacocks after the rains. While Bandipur is very well known, Dandeli, a teak-and bamboo forest in Karwar district, is even lovelier.
At Nagarhole, in Coorg, is one of the most beautiful though little known sanctuaries with ample game which can be viewed watch-towers.
Near Srirangapatna is the Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary where, on three little islands, birds from different continents make their winter home. The white ibis, the little egret, the darter, the open bill stork, the spoon –bill, the pond heron, the cattle egret, the wild duck, the peafowl, the partridge –these, among so many others, fill the air with their myriad voices. The best time of the year to see he birds at Ranganathittoo is between June and October.
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