Virajpet

Virajpet is the second largest town of Kodagu disctrict, in Karnataka. It is the main town of the Virajpet taluka, in the south of the district. The name is an abbreviation of Virarajendrapete after the former ruler of Kodagu, Virarajendra, and this latter form is still sometimes used.

Virajpet is a small town of importance for the local coffee and spice crops. Virajpet is the largest producer of honey in Asia. Nearby towns are Gonikoppal, Ammatti and Ponnampet. Virajpet is around 30 km away from Madikeri, the district headquarter and is about 250 km from Bangalore. The only way to reach Virajpet is by road.

Virajpet features undulating plains from west to east and some small hills. The famous picnic spot Iruppu Falls is 48 km from here.

Some of the tourist attractions in and around Virajpet are the Ayyappa temple halfway up and the Shiva temple at the top of the Malethirike hill, a semispherical hill at Kakotuparambu which is about 8 km from Virajpet, St. Anne's church, the clock tower (pictured), Tadiandamol (the highest mountain in Kodagu) and the Igguthappa (local deity) temple, both in Kakkabe about 15 km from Virajpet.

Waterfalls Near Virajpet
Irpu Waterfalls: Irpu falls runs down through the Bhramagiri hills located in Kutta village of Coorg. It is a stream of Lakshmana-Theertha river and also a sacred place. The water jets from about 60m high and finally joins river Cauvery. The famous temple of Lord Shiva, known as the Rameshwara Temple, is situated nearby. Wandering beyond the falls is restricted as the whole place is termed as wildlife sanctuary. This narrow water falls is extremely beautiful and soothing. The lush green mountains around the falls makes it look more eligant and picturesque. You can also relax at a refreshing pond halfway up the falls. Irpu Waterfalls is 48 km from Virajpet on the way to Nagarahole is Irupu falls.

Chelavara Waterfalls: This ambushed but majestic stream-falls is an ideal place for budding trekkers and nature lovers. Reaching this place is full of fun and adventurous as one has to cruse through the countryside crossroads all along. You will have to walk for about a kilometer from the parking area to reach the falls. It is fairly easy to climb to the falls, but the incline and trail difficulty increases dramatically in the next few miles if you choose to continue beyond. Two kilometers from the falls is another enigmatic Hill, an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. This falls is often miss-spelled as Chalvera Falls, which is incorrect.

It is more like a mini-trekking. People with knee pain might face difficulties. Older generation might not enjoy the trip to Chelavara falls. Do not leave children unattended at anytime. Carry all necessary things along with you, as there are no shops in the vicinity. It is advisable to take along water bottle, towel (if you intend to get into the water), eatables (if you wish to make it a picnic), first aid kit (you never know) and a camera! Try as much to wear trekking boots or sport shoes and avoid wearing slippers, sandals, high heels, formal/office shoes etc. Be extremely careful when you get into water in Coorg as it might cost you your sweet life. Safety first ! Location of Chelavara Waterfalls is Chelavara village (Madikeri-Murnad-9 kms into Virajpet Road-deviation-Kadanga Town-Chelavara village).

Budget, Cheap and Luxury Boutique Hotels and homestays in Virajpet.