Imagine sitting on a throne and gazing at the majestic scenery of the Western Ghats. Imagine feeling the cool breeze and the fragrance of flowers as you watch the sun rise or set over the horizon. Imagine experiencing the royal splendor of Coorg, the land of coffee and spices.
This is not a fantasy, but a reality that you can enjoy at Raja’s Seat, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Coorg, Karnataka. Raja’s Seat is a beautiful garden that offers a stunning view of the valley and the mountains. It is said that this was the favorite spot of the kings of Coorg, who used to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of their kingdom from here.
Raja’s Seat is not just a place to admire the nature, but also a place to have fun and adventure. It has a variety of attractions and activities that will make your visit memorable and exciting. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, a thrill seeker, or a family traveler, Raja’s Seat has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Raja’s Seat, its history, attractions, timings, fees, and nearby places. We will also give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your visit to Raja’s Seat. So, read on and discover why Raja’s Seat is a must-visit destination in Coorg.
Things to Do at Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is not just a garden, but a mini paradise that offers a range of attractions and activities for all ages and tastes. Here are some of the things you can do at Raja’s Seat:
Enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and the mountains from the view point. This is the main attraction of Raja’s Seat, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of Coorg from a bird’s eye view. You can see the lush green fields, the winding roads, the misty hills, and the sparkling rivers from here. You can also spot some famous landmarks of Coorg, such as Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Abbey Falls, and Mandalpatti from here.
Watch the sunrise or sunset from the garden or the Gandhi Mantap. The garden of Raja’s Seat is a feast for the eyes, with its colorful flowers, manicured lawns, fountains, and statues. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and the soothing sounds of nature. You can also visit the Gandhi Mantap, which is a memorial built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. It is located at the edge of the garden and offers a spectacular view of the sunrise or sunset.
Take a ride on the toy train that runs around the park. If you are looking for some fun and adventure, you can hop on to the toy train that runs around Raja’s Seat park. The toy train is designed like a steam engine and has four coaches that can accommodate up to 16 passengers. The ride lasts for about 10 minutes and covers a distance of 1 km. You can enjoy the scenic views of Raja’s Seat and its surroundings from the train.
Witness the musical fountain show that takes place every evening. Another attraction of Raja’s Seat is the musical fountain show that takes place every evening after sunset. The show features colorful lights and water jets that dance to the tunes of popular songs. The show lasts for about 15 minutes and is a delight for both kids and adults.
Take photos of the colorful flowers and the scenic landscape. Raja’s Seat is a photographer’s paradise, with its vibrant flowers and picturesque landscape. You can capture some amazing shots of roses, marigolds, dahlias, orchids, lilies, and other flowers that adorn Raja’s Seat garden. You can also take some stunning photos of the valley and the mountains from different angles and perspectives.
Best Time to Visit Raja’s Seat
The best time to visit Raja’s Seat is from November to March when the weather is cool and clear. This is also the peak season for tourism in Coorg, as many festivals and events take place during this time.
Some of the advantages of visiting Raja’s Seat during this time are:
- You can see the flowers in full bloom and the valley in green. The garden of Raja’s Seat looks like a rainbow with its variety of flowers that blossom during this season. The valley also looks fresh and verdant with its crops and plantations.
- You can experience the pleasant climate and the fresh air. The temperature in Coorg ranges from 15°C to 25°C during this season, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The air is also clean and crisp, giving you a refreshing feeling.
- You can participate in various festivals and events that take place in Coorg during this season. Some of the festivals and events that you can enjoy in Coorg during this season are:
Puthari: This is the harvest festival of Coorg, which is celebrated in late November or early December. It marks the beginning of the rice harvest season and is a time of joy and gratitude. People wear traditional costumes, decorate their houses, perform rituals, and feast on delicacies.
Madikeri Dasara: This is the grandest festival of Coorg, which is celebrated in late September or early October. It commemorates the victory of good over evil and is a time of devotion and celebration. People decorate their temples, participate in processions, and watch cultural programs.
Huttari: This is another harvest festival of Coorg, which is celebrated in late December or early January. It marks the end of the rice harvest season and is a time of thanksgiving and sharing. People offer prayers, exchange gifts, and dance to folk music.
How to Reach Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is located in Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg district. It is easily accessible by road from different cities and towns. Here are some of the ways to reach Raja’s Seat by road:
From Bangalore:
Raja’s Seat is about 265 km from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. You can reach Raja’s Seat by car, bus, or taxi from Bangalore. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours and passes through Mysore, Hunsur, Kushalnagar, and Madikeri. You can also take a train from Bangalore to Mysore and then a bus or taxi from Mysore to Madikeri.
From Mysore:
Raja’s Seat is about 120 km from Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka. You can reach Raja’s Seat by car, bus, or taxi from Mysore. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours and passes through Hunsur, Kushalnagar, and Madikeri.
From Mangalore:
Raja’s Seat is about 140 km from Mangalore, the port city of Karnataka. You can reach Raja’s Seat by car, bus, or taxi from Mangalore. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and passes through Sullia, Sampaje, and Madikeri.
Entry Fee and Timings of Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat has different entry fees and timings for different attractions and facilities. Here are some of the details:
The park: The entry fee for the park is Rs. 5 per person. The park is open from 5:30 am to 8 pm on all days of the week.
The toy train: The entry fee for the toy train is Rs. 20 per person. The toy train is open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days of the week.
The musical fountain: The entry fee for the musical fountain is Rs. 30 per person. The musical fountain show timings are 7 pm and 8 pm on weekdays and 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm on weekends and holidays.
The parking: The parking fee is Rs. 10 for two-wheelers and Rs. 20 for four-wheelers. The parking is open from 6 am to 9 pm on all days of the week.
You may also like to check out: See What Kings Saw Once Upon a Time: Raja Seat, Coorg
Places to Visit Near Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to many other places that are worth exploring in Coorg. Here are some of the places that you can visit near Raja’s Seat:
Madikeri Fort:
This is a historical fort that houses a museum, a temple, a church, and a prison. It was built by Muddu Raja in the 17th century and later renovated by Tipu Sultan and the British. It offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Coorg.
Omkareshwara Temple:
This is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that has a unique blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture. It was built by Linga Rajendra II in the 19th century as an atonement for killing a Brahmin. It has a large water tank with a mandapa in the center.
Abbey Falls:
This is a spectacular waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and coffee plantations. It is located about 8 km from Madikeri and can be reached by a short trek through a private estate. It has a height of about 70 feet and creates a misty spray as it cascades down the rocks. It is a sight to behold, especially during the monsoon season when it is at its full glory.
Mandalpatti:
This is a scenic hill station that offers a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats and a thrilling jeep ride. It is located about 18 km from Madikeri and can be reached by a rough and steep road that requires a four-wheel drive. It has an altitude of about 1600 meters and is covered with dense forests and grasslands. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers.
Also read: A coorg trip that went according to plan!
Raja’s Seat is a royal retreat in the heart of Coorg that will enchant you with its beauty and charm. It is a place where you can enjoy the nature, the history, the culture, and the adventure of Coorg. It is a place where you can create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
If you are planning to visit Coorg, you should not miss Raja’s Seat. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg in 2 days. You can also explore other amazing places in Coorg and Karnataka with our Coorg tour packages. We offer customized and affordable packages that suit your needs and preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your tour to Coorg today and get ready to experience the royal splendor of Raja’s Seat.
