Why the Real Coorg Lies Beyond Coffee Estates — Discover Its Quiet Corners, Not Just Abbey Falls
Most travellers come for the photos — Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Dubare Elephant Camp. They come, click, sip a filter coffee, and leave.
But what if we told you that the true soul of Kodagu doesn't live on postcards?It lives in trails that don't show up on maps. In shrines where silence sits longer than prayers. In rain-drenched forest corners where no tourist ever thinks to pause.
Let's take that turn. The one Google Maps doesn't suggest. The one where stories begin.
What makes Coorg different from other hill stations?
It's not just the coffee. It's the character.
This isn't a place built for performance.No gondolas. No flashy clubs. No polished hill-top resorts shouting five-star deals.Instead, you'll find home-run homestays. Mud roads that curve like poetry. Jackfruit trees older than your surname.
Coorg doesn't entertain. It embraces.
And when the rains come — that's when it unwraps itself completely.
Not the chaotic monsoon of the plains. Here, it's a rhythm. A whisper on the leaves. A hush that falls over the land, telling you — slow down.
Tired of Abbey Falls? These secret spots are waiting for your footsteps
1. Chiklihole Reservoir – The Place Where Water Dreams
Tucked between Madikeri and Kushalnagar, Chiklihole doesn't make it to glossy lists — and that's its gift.
No boating rides. No vendors selling corn. Just a dam, a silent lake, and a sky so wide it forgets to end.
Come at sunset. Watch light fold itself over the water.Sit under the eucalyptus trees. Let your thoughts ripple like the reservoir.
It's not about activities. It's about arrival — to a place within.
2. Nalknad Palace – The Storybook That Still Stands
Built in 1792, this quiet two-storey structure hides in the hills of Kakkabe.The last refuge of Kodagu's kings. The first stop for those seeking forgotten history.
You won't find crowds. Maybe a caretaker. Maybe a few goats.But the moment you walk through the wooden arch, the past walks with you.
The murals whisper. The beams creak. And time — it slows, respectfully.
3. Chelavara Falls – Not Just Water, But Wonder
Unlike Abbey Falls, Chelavara doesn't advertise itself.You drive through forest roads, past coffee estates, past disbelief, until you hear it — not roaring, but breathing.
A 150-feet drop over black volcanic rock. Rain makes it wilder. Braver.
There are no barricades. No guides. Just instinct and awe.And maybe that's the point.
4. Mandalpatti – The Edge of Everything
They call it the 'Scotland of India'. But Scotland never had this sky.
Mandalpatti is where the Western Ghats rise and open their arms.To get here, you ride a bumpy jeep track. And when you reach, the wind welcomes you like an old friend.
Clouds curl around your feet. The valleys stretch out like secrets.You don't need filters. Just presence.
Pro tip: Go before sunrise. Let the golden hour have its say.
5. Igguthappa Temple – The God of Harvest and Harmony
While tourists line up at Omkareshwara Temple, the locals bow gently at Igguthappa.Tucked deep inside Padi hills, this isn't just a temple — it's the heartbeat of Kodava culture.
The air smells of sandalwood and rain.No entry fee. No flash photography. Just faith, wrapped in quiet.
It's not for show. It's for soul.
6. Honey Valley – Where Nature Writes Poetry
Not a place. A feeling.
Deep in the Nilakandi Estate, Honey Valley is where trekkers, artists, and thinkers go to become quiet again.
It's a homestay. A trail hub. A monsoon hideout.Waterfalls appear out of nowhere. Butterflies flirt with your breakfast.
And if you trek up to Nilakandi Falls through the forest — be prepared. The forest will ask for your silence in return.
Why go offbeat in Coorg? Isn't it easier to stick to the main road?
Of course, it is easier.But when did 'easy' ever give you goosebumps?
The lesser-known places are not only more peaceful. They're more personal.They don't shout for your attention. They wait — patiently — for you to look.
Here's what you gain when you choose the quiet paths:
No tour buses. No selfie queues.
Air that smells of pepper vines and wild ginger.
Moments that can't be tagged, only remembered.
Practical Tips: How to Explore Coorg Like a Local
Skip the suitcase.Backpacks are better for bumpy rides and unexpected turns.
Dress earthy.Leeches don't care about your Instagram aesthetic. Carry salt. Wear long socks.
Carry cash.The best meals are served by aunties who don't accept cards.
Wake with the hills.Start early. Most places glow at dawn and rest by dusk.
Respect everything.People. Trees. Rivers. Sacred groves. Ask before clicking. Tread lightly. Leave no plastic.
The Hidden Economy of Local Travel
When you choose the lesser-known —You keep homestays alive.You buy spices from real farmers, not souvenir shops.You help forest trails stay open, because someone saw value in keeping them wild.
This isn't just about escaping crowds.It's about creating a softer, fairer tourism that doesn't flatten local stories under its boots.
So what's stopping you?
A bad road? A language barrier?Good. That's when real travel begins.
While others sip overpriced coffee at branded cafes, you could be sipping homemade black coffee, strong enough to restart your soul.While others pose near fences, you could be walking barefoot in a paddy field, under clouds ready to rain.
Final Thoughts
Don't just visit Coorg. Wander into it.
Take the trail that looks too quiet. Eat at the shack that smells like yesterday's firewood.Speak less. Breathe more. Let the monsoon write something new in you.
Because the best parts of Coorg aren't in travel brochures.They're in moments — silent, small, sacred.And if you slow down enough, they'll find you.
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Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Telegraph
The 20 best things to do in Goa
There's more to Goa's attractions than beaches. In fact, despite visiting primarily in the summer as a child, I was often taken on hikes with my father deep into the rainforests, past waterfalls, ancient temples and towering trees. It is a versatile state, with a sandy coastline hugged by the mighty Western Ghats. As one of the region's many festivals will showcase, it is the people who truly make Goa stand apart from the rest of India. Beyond their food and fantastic music scene, their art, architecture, adventure and wellness offerings all have elements of susegad – complete relaxation. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Goa. Find out more below, or for more Goa inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best free things to do Best for the great outdoors Best for culture Best for wellness Best for families Museum of Goa Explore Goa's contemporary art scene Fondly called MOG by locals, the Museum of Goa showcases the state's extensive contemporary art scene. Renowned Goan artist Subodh Kerkar, who founded the gallery, showcases why Goa is different to the rest of India. His expressions, especially Goa's Ark from his permanent exhibit, bring forward the deep-rooted Portuguese history and the complexities of inter-religious life. Insider tip: Allow at least two hours to explore the museum. It is worth booking a guided tour, which can be done upon is also a terrace, an outdoor garden with artworks and a restaurant serving Goan classics like ros omelette. Spice Farms Visit a local plantation Touring a spice plantation as a visitor is fascinating, as it gives an insight into Goa beyond its beaches. Learn the incredible details of the spices that grow in the region, like black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves. Most tours include walking through plantations within the state's rainforests and end with a traditional lunch. Insider tip: Choose a spice plantation tour that offers extras like accommodation, cookery lessons (especially Saraswat cuisine, which uses most of the spices grown). Some, like Dudhsagar Plantation, offer bird watching and dedicated activities for children, such as zip lining and rock climbing. Mario Miranda Gallery Flick through a cartoonist's gallery Many of us in India grew up admiring Mario Miranda's cartoons in national newspapers – he'd present readers with vivid and witty illustrations of everyday Goan life. He travelled the world and even worked with famous cartoonists like Charles M. Schulz and R.K. Laxman before retiring to his ancestral home in Goa. His galleries are scattered across Calangute, Porvorim and Margao, each offering unique souvenirs to take home. Insider tip: Set in an old Goan laterite home with an enchanting garden, the gallery in the bucolic village of Porvorim is the region's prettiest. Best free things to do Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit Goa's prominent pilgrimage site Old Goa is one of the state's most charming regions and was the capital under Portuguese rule. Ask any local what to see here and they'd point you in the direction of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is also a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians. This impressive church is built from granite and is famous for preserving the remains of St Francis Xavier, encased in a silver casket, who died in 1552. Insider tip: Expect heavy crowds from local tourists visiting the church between the end of December and early January. While you're here, walk across the gardens to visit other heritage structures, like Se Cathedral and Churches and Convents of Goa. Fontainhas Explore the Latin Quarters A stroll through Goa's charming Latin Quarters, Fontainhas, in the capital city of Panjim, is an excellent way to spend a day. You'll walk past many ornate Goan-Portuguese heritage homes, each painted in vivid hues of mustard, burgundy and ivory and nearly all cloaked under tropical trees and bougainvillaea climbers. The evenings here have a different energy – you'll see locals flocking to the tavernas and restaurants, but Fontainhas is best explored in the morning on a weekday. Insider tip: Fontainhas gets particularly lively during festivals like the annual Carnival, held in February ahead of Lent, and theSão João festival every June. Shops and restaurants open after 10am and close any time between 6pm and 11pm. Bakeries are ordinarily open between 8am to 8pm. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Visit the region's Hollywood site This popular Baroque church façade has served as a backdrop for many Bollywood films and Goan postcards. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was the first port of call for sailors from Lisbon, who stopped to give thanks for a safe voyage across the seas. Many here believe that the stairways were modelled on a smaller scale after those at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal, with a central landing area and symmetrical stairways on either side. Insider tip: Dress codes are strict here (no sleeveless vests or shorts above the knee allowed inside), but its elegant white and blue façade is worth admiring from afar. The Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine Picture the region's abandoned church and monastery In 1602, Augustinian Friars, who had arrived on Goa's shores to spread Christianity in 1572, constructed this prominent church and monastery. Choosing Monte Santo (Holy Mount) as their site in Old Goa, it was largely considered one of the key churches in the Iberian world. After being abandoned in the 19 th century, at present, only a part of the belfry stands tall – the rest has fallen into ruin and disrepair. The original bell was transported to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Insider tip: It is ideal to visit during sunrise or sunset, when the sun's rays over the laterite-hued ruins make for excellent photos. Anjuna Flea Market Shop for local crafts and clothing Anjuna's popular flea market is open every Wednesday between October and April. Shop quintessential bohemian wear, plus printed shirts, embroidered scarves, Goa trance music CDs, Indian handicrafts, spiritual paraphernalia and essential oils. What I love about the markets in Goa is that even if you don't buy anything, the vendors are still happy to have a chat with visitors. Insider tip: Further south, head to Mapusa market for similar paraphernalia but also excellent local cashews (Zantye is the oldest and most trusted shop to buy cashews). Mapusa is also famous for pottery, spices and Goan chorizo. Festivals Join the local celebration India does have the most kaleidoscopic festivals, but Goa is a world apart. There's Carnival held every February, which sees floats, samba and Goan trance music. Every March or April, the spring festival called Shigmo is held across the state, where various parades and folk dances are performed by members of the Hindu-Konkani community. This is followed by the São João festival in June, where many Christian Goans merrily drink copious amounts of feni and jump in wells wearing floral coronets. June also sees the farming community celebrate Chikhal Kalo, a mud bath festival. South Goa comes to life during Diwali in autumn. Insider tip: Despite festivals being celebrated throughout the year, December is the busiest time in Goa as it celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Christmas Day and even Sunburn, an annual electronic dance music festival that attracts over300,000 visitors. Best for the great outdoors Chapora Fort Take in the famous view You might wonder why so many domestic tourists strike a pose upon the walls of this majestic laterite fort. It served as a backdrop for the famous Bollywood film, Dil Chahta Hai, released in the Noughties and has had a loyal fan base since. Don't let that dissuade you – the view overlooking the Arabian Sea meeting Chapora River is worth the short hike. This fort has been under the rule of the Marathas, the Portuguese and was the former site of the Sultanate of Bijapur. Insider tip: Head up here on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and if you still can't find a tranquil spot, head further south to impressive forts like Reis Magos, Aguada (fee payable on entry) or Cabo de Rama. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary Head deep into a national park More than a sanctuary, this large wildlife reserve is a part of the Western Ghats. It's also home to the mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls (see above) and Mollem National Park. As one of the top spots in Goa for bird watching, you'll easily spot some endemic species here like the state bird – the flame-throated bulbul, Malabar grey hornbill and the brahminy kite. If you're lucky, you'll also encounter leopards, elephants, cobras and pythons. Insider tip: Carry minimal items with you – hikes here can be tedious, and there are tribes of wild, curious monkeys that are notorious for snatching belongings from travellers. Deep in this national park, you can visit the 13th-century Kadamba-period Shiva temple, the oldest in the state. Dudhsagar Falls Trek to Goa's colossal waterfalls Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer magnificence of Dudhsagar Falls. Translating to 'a sea of milk' in Hindi, the Mandovi river comes cascading down four tiers, at 310 metres in height. Summers can be underwhelming as the falls aren't in their full, raw power, so the best time to experience them is in October after the heavy monsoon season. There are jeep safaris from Mollem National Park that you can hire for the day for a guided hike close to the falls. Be warned, it is a bumpy ride and a slightly demanding trek to the falls. If you want to spend a full day and night here, there are modest homestays nearby, such as Dudhsagar Plantation. Insider tip: For a cherished memory, head to the designated viewpoint (your guide will point this out to you) and wait for a train to pass along the railway bridge, with the colossal waterfalls in the backdrop. Divar Island Explore unspoilt Goa Take a break for half a day and catch a ferry to the island of Divar, an unspoilt part of Goa. You might even spot mugger crocodiles in the Mandovi River. Ferry boats operate (weather dependent) every 30 minutes from Old Goa, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss the ornate Saptakoteshwar Temple, along with an ancient step well built by the Kadamba dynasty. Insider tip: The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle (permitted on the ferry). Back to index Best for culture Goa Chitra Museum Honour the region's agrarian life In the quaint, sleepy village of Benaulim is the Goa Chitra Museum, which labels itself as an ethnographic museum honouring Goa's agrarian life. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes observed how traditional tools in farming and cookery were fading from Goan lifestyles and decided to open this museum with a notable collection of more than 40,000 artefacts that he spent years collecting across the state. Insider tip: A guided tour is well worth it to understand Goa's rural life better. Combine this museum visit with a beach day at Benaulim Beach nearby. Menezes Braganza House Visit one of Goa's most opulent mansions A fine example of Goa's glorious, colossal mansions and Indo-Portuguese architecture is Braganza House in Chandor, South Goa. The aristocratic Braganza family was granted land by the king of Portugal in the 16 th century, with additions made over the years. Today, it is often used for wedding and fashion photo shoots as the opulence still stands; Portuguese ceramic tiles, oyster shell window panes, Belgian oak in the library, Italian marble and Venetian glass chandeliers in the ballrooms – and interestingly, a fingernail relic of St Francis Xavier in the chapel in the east wing. Insider tip: Pay a visit to the library in the West Wing, which belonged to notable journalist and activist Dr Luís de Menezes Braganza, who played a significant role in Goa's fight for independence from Portuguese rule. Sri Mangueshi Temple Take a moment in Goa's spiritual heart Goa's Saraswat Hindu community plays a significant role in the state. The exquisite Mangueshi Temple (also known as Mangeshi Temple), which is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was originally built in the village of Cortalim. After the arrival of the Portuguese, many locals were converted to Christianity, which resulted in the Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of the deity) being moved and the temple being rebuilt in the village of Ponda. Today, the main temple is painted in hues of turquoise, white and ochre and is open to all. Its intricate seven-storey lamp tower is lit up every night. Insider tip: Dress codes are not strict here, but it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Photography is allowed outside, but is best avoided in the main temple. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts Learn about the cultural legacies of Goa On top of a hill in Altinho, Panjim, lies the pearly white, cerulean blue and red oxide colours of the property of Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts. Founders Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar opened this space to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural legacies of Goa through collections and rotating exhibits. Former residencies have seen national and international artists portray traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures, along with regular art festivals and lectures in their amphitheatre. Insider tip: After exploring, stop by their al fresco café called Bodega, which serves an all-day breakfast. All About Alcohol Museum Delve into the story of feni, the drink of Goa In a dedicated space in Candolim, Goa's first alcohol museum is more insightful than it sounds. All About Alcohol dives into ancient methods of distilling, making and consuming Goan liquor, mainly feni, a traditional beverage made from either cashew apples or coconut palm sap. There's a feni cellar, plenty of feni artefacts, ranging from old glassware to labels, but what makes this collection by Nandan Kudchadkar interesting is realising how much feni is interwoven into Goan life. Insider tip: Book a guided tour, which includes a feni tasting at the beautiful wrought iron-clad bar. Contact: 0091 703 007 7013 Opening times: Monday-Sunday, 11am-9pm. Price: £ Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) Watch local performances Learn about the state's enthralling art and architecture at the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim. In this 200-year-old mansion, you'll find the fascinating history of the region's traditional art, music and gastronomy. CIPA regularly hosts shows from bygone eras, including re-enactments of Serenata, a practice in Panjim where it was common for Goan men to serenade women. You can also book a traditional fado and mandó show – Goan soulful melodious music accompanied by vocalists and local percussionists. Insider tip: All show tickets include food and drink. Be mindful that at times dietary requirements cannot be catered to. Best for wellness Yoga retreats Find balance in a traditional setting Goa has earned a solid reputation as one of India's best destinations for yoga retreats. Purple Valley was one of the first establishments where travellers could learn ashtanga yoga with their week-long workshops. Today, there are thousands of retreats (often by the beach or in the rainforests), combining yoga, ayurveda treatments and guided meditation to help those seeking recalibration, balance and a peek into traditional yogic philosophy. Insider tip: Many traditional yoga centres can be basic in terms of accommodation, and the focus is very much on the yoga rather than comfort. Some high-end tropical eco retreats by Ashiyana are perfect for combining yoga and rejuvenation in a heavenly property (between October and April). How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Rashmi Narayan Having spent my childhood summers in India's famous seaside state – my father's birthplace – I am often escaping the chaos of London for some much-needed susegad, the Goan attitude towards leading a relaxed life.
India.com
04-08-2025
- India.com
Why the Real Coorg Lies Beyond Coffee Estates — Discover Its Quiet Corners, Not Just Abbey Falls
Coorg doesn't speak loudly. It the mist rising from valleys, through the rustle of coffee leaves, through a silence so rich you can almost touch it. Most travellers come for the photos — Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Dubare Elephant Camp. They come, click, sip a filter coffee, and leave. But what if we told you that the true soul of Kodagu doesn't live on postcards?It lives in trails that don't show up on maps. In shrines where silence sits longer than prayers. In rain-drenched forest corners where no tourist ever thinks to pause. Let's take that turn. The one Google Maps doesn't suggest. The one where stories begin. What makes Coorg different from other hill stations? It's not just the coffee. It's the character. This isn't a place built for gondolas. No flashy clubs. No polished hill-top resorts shouting five-star you'll find home-run homestays. Mud roads that curve like poetry. Jackfruit trees older than your surname. Coorg doesn't entertain. It embraces. And when the rains come — that's when it unwraps itself completely. Not the chaotic monsoon of the plains. Here, it's a rhythm. A whisper on the leaves. A hush that falls over the land, telling you — slow down. Tired of Abbey Falls? These secret spots are waiting for your footsteps 1. Chiklihole Reservoir – The Place Where Water Dreams Tucked between Madikeri and Kushalnagar, Chiklihole doesn't make it to glossy lists — and that's its gift. No boating rides. No vendors selling corn. Just a dam, a silent lake, and a sky so wide it forgets to end. Come at sunset. Watch light fold itself over the under the eucalyptus trees. Let your thoughts ripple like the reservoir. It's not about activities. It's about arrival — to a place within. 2. Nalknad Palace – The Storybook That Still Stands Built in 1792, this quiet two-storey structure hides in the hills of last refuge of Kodagu's kings. The first stop for those seeking forgotten history. You won't find crowds. Maybe a caretaker. Maybe a few the moment you walk through the wooden arch, the past walks with you. The murals whisper. The beams creak. And time — it slows, respectfully. 3. Chelavara Falls – Not Just Water, But Wonder Unlike Abbey Falls, Chelavara doesn't advertise drive through forest roads, past coffee estates, past disbelief, until you hear it — not roaring, but breathing. A 150-feet drop over black volcanic rock. Rain makes it wilder. Braver. There are no barricades. No guides. Just instinct and maybe that's the point. 4. Mandalpatti – The Edge of Everything They call it the 'Scotland of India'. But Scotland never had this sky. Mandalpatti is where the Western Ghats rise and open their get here, you ride a bumpy jeep track. And when you reach, the wind welcomes you like an old friend. Clouds curl around your feet. The valleys stretch out like don't need filters. Just presence. Pro tip: Go before sunrise. Let the golden hour have its say. 5. Igguthappa Temple – The God of Harvest and Harmony While tourists line up at Omkareshwara Temple, the locals bow gently at deep inside Padi hills, this isn't just a temple — it's the heartbeat of Kodava culture. The air smells of sandalwood and entry fee. No flash photography. Just faith, wrapped in quiet. It's not for show. It's for soul. 6. Honey Valley – Where Nature Writes Poetry Not a place. A feeling. Deep in the Nilakandi Estate, Honey Valley is where trekkers, artists, and thinkers go to become quiet again. It's a homestay. A trail hub. A monsoon appear out of nowhere. Butterflies flirt with your breakfast. And if you trek up to Nilakandi Falls through the forest — be prepared. The forest will ask for your silence in return. Why go offbeat in Coorg? Isn't it easier to stick to the main road? Of course, it is when did 'easy' ever give you goosebumps? The lesser-known places are not only more peaceful. They're more don't shout for your attention. They wait — patiently — for you to look. Here's what you gain when you choose the quiet paths: No tour buses. No selfie queues. Air that smells of pepper vines and wild ginger. Moments that can't be tagged, only remembered. Practical Tips: How to Explore Coorg Like a Local Skip the are better for bumpy rides and unexpected turns. Dress don't care about your Instagram aesthetic. Carry salt. Wear long socks. Carry best meals are served by aunties who don't accept cards. Wake with the early. Most places glow at dawn and rest by dusk. Respect Trees. Rivers. Sacred groves. Ask before clicking. Tread lightly. Leave no plastic. The Hidden Economy of Local Travel When you choose the lesser-known —You keep homestays buy spices from real farmers, not souvenir help forest trails stay open, because someone saw value in keeping them wild. This isn't just about escaping about creating a softer, fairer tourism that doesn't flatten local stories under its boots. So what's stopping you? A bad road? A language barrier?Good. That's when real travel begins. While others sip overpriced coffee at branded cafes, you could be sipping homemade black coffee, strong enough to restart your others pose near fences, you could be walking barefoot in a paddy field, under clouds ready to rain. Final Thoughts Don't just visit Coorg. Wander into it. Take the trail that looks too quiet. Eat at the shack that smells like yesterday's less. Breathe more. Let the monsoon write something new in you. Because the best parts of Coorg aren't in travel in moments — silent, small, if you slow down enough, they'll find you.
New Indian Express
18-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Greens raise concerns over UVCE's new academic block in bio park
BENGALURU: The biodiversity park at the Jnanabharathi Campus of Bangalore University (BU) is under threat as parts of the park are set to be demolished for building an academic block for University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), the state's first autonomus institute on IIT model. Now, an online campaign has been launched against construction activity in the area. UVCE is set to claim 52 acres of land which is under BU. 'Acres of land are being given to to multiple institutions and agencies, disrupting the biodiversity park and we have always protested against it and now history is repeating,' said TJ Renuka Prasad, an environmentalist who was part of building the bio park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, environmentalists refer to it as the 'lungs' of Bengalureans. 'We have planted around 30 acres with the Western Ghats species. It's a reserve of many sandalwood trees. There are 175 species of birds and demolishing such a space will have a huge impact to the ecology of Bengaluru,' said Prasad.
