Coorg

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About the city

The picture perfect town is situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft above sea level. Coorg is a highland country, perched on the escarpment of the Western Ghats. It is bound by Hassan district on the north and by Mysore on the east; by the Malabar area of Kerala on the south and by the South Canara district of Karnataka on the west.

Coorg or Kodagu, as the people of this little district in Karnataka call their land, is a different facet of India: unsullied, beautiful, green, and exciting with the lovely blue Sahyadari Mountains, dense forested valleys, gurgling mountain streams and waterfalls. It is the land of coffee bushes resplendent with red berries, cardamom fields covered with white and purple blossoms, old silver oak trees laden with huge hives, and of a sturdy handsome people called the Coorgis who charm by their hospitality and cuisine, their intriguing customs and the reverence with which they worship their river, the Cauvery.

The city houses the historic Madikeri Fort, the Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and some beautiful viewpoints such as Raja's Seat. Around Madikeri, there are many recreational and pilgrimages such as Abbey and Irupu Falls.

A friendly warning to all concerned: One trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it'll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you.

That's Coorg for you, incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that- a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest.

Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling (Mahaseer too!) options available. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbour Bangalore.

But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you're the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, then Coorg is just the place for you.

Land of Coffee, Hills and Falls!

Coorg or Kodagu, as the people of this little district in Karnataka call their land, offers a different facet of India: unsullied, beautiful, green and exciting, The dense forested valleys of the lovely blue Western Ghats,, the gurgling mountain streams and waterfalls make Coorg a truly enchanting paradise. It is the land of coffee bushes resplendent with red berries, cardamom fields covered with white and purple blossoms, old silver oak trees laden with huge hives, and of a sturdy handsome people called the Coorgis who charm with their hospitality and cuisine, their intriguing customs and the reverence with which they worship their river, the Cauvery.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, near Mysore in the Indian state of Karnataka, Coorg is the birthplace of the River Cauvery and home of some of India's bravest soldiers like General Thimayya and Field Marshal Cariappa.

Hiking across the country, or simply motoring down mountain trails in Coorg, the visitor encounters panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded hill slopes, undulating paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies.

Picture this layer and layer of undulating landscape, covered in thin mist. Towering bamboo and rosewood trees. Gushing waterfalls, meandering streams. Rows of fragrant coffee bushes, cardamom, nutmeg, orange and lemon grass plantations. Animals like elephants, tigers and the Malabar Squirrel scurry past. Welcome to Coorg. You could plan it like a romantic getaway or a leisurely holiday. It could even be a home for the adventurous at heart, given the number of scenic treks here try the Mojo Rainforest Trek through 25-acres of organic farms, the Talacauvery-Brahmagiri Peak, Kakkabe to Malma and Thadiyendamol, and the Honey Valley. It has none of the usual touristy crowd and all other ingredients of a wholesome holiday. Definitely a sojourn for the soul.

Local Languages

Kodava Tak - a mix of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam, English

Moving Around

Travelling in Coorg is best on a jeep, which can be hired within the town. If you are the strong-hearted type, you can also try and discover the treasures here on foot. You'd find most locals walking or cycling around the region, which is a good option considering you know your way around.

Much like the freshly ground coffee from its abundant plantations, Coorg has its unique flavour. This little pocket in Karnataka is fiercely individualistic and although christened 'Scotland of the East' by homesick British officers of the Raj, Coorg or Kodagu presents a lovely local palette of dress, language, cuisine and culture replicated nowhere else in the world. Believed to be descendants of Alexander's Greek and Persian officers, the people of Coorg with their aquiline features, are a goodlooking lot. Their joie de vivre comes from the misty mountain air, lush greenery, bubbling brooks and the aroma of fresh coffee that are taken for granted in this beautiful region. Coorg has much to offer for lovers of Nature. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, trekking and boating and the Nagarhole National Park closeby is rich in wildlife. Nestled among forested hills and by the River Kaveri, Coorg makes for a tranquil getaway. and long after you have left, like the deliciously spicy tang of its cuisine, Coorg lingers on.

Fast Facts

Time Zone: GMT +0530 (Indian Standard Time) Latitude: 12° 25 N Longitude: 75° 45 E STD Code: 8272 Area: 4,102 sq km / 1,584 sq miles Population: 545,322

Orientation

Coorg is the southwestern district of Karnataka bordering Kerala. It is situated on the western mountainous region of South India. It is bordered by Hassan district to the north, Mysore to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. The district town of Coorg is Madikeri.

History

Pre-20th Century History

Coorg or Kodagu has a rich and varied history. During Alexander's invasion of India, it is believed that after his defeat of Punjab, he wished to continue further into the country but faced rebellion from his soldiers - of Greek and Persian stock. He is said to have turned back to Greece, leaving some of his forces behind. History records that he died on the way back. It is surmised that his forces who were later overthrown by an uprising, decided to travel down South rather than risk the hazardous journey back. This mixed crew of Greeks and Iranians found the densely forested and thinly populated region of Coorg a natural fortification. There is a possibility that they abducted and married women from surrounding areas. They gave Coorg its unique culture and today there is proof in the form of Greek words and phrases in the Kodava dialect. As far as Coorg's Hindu history goes, it was ruled by the Kadambas in the northern province, from the 2nd to the 6th century AD. In the centuries that followed, the region was ruled in part and as a whole by a number of dynasties ranging from the Ganga Dynasty to the Cholas, the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Kings. From 1600 onwards, the Lingayat Rajas ruled over Coorg and established their capital at Madikeri where they built a mud fort. The Kodavas continually challenged the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan through sporadic rebellions until finally, in 1785, Tipu marched into Coorg with a large army and devastated their little kingdom. Four years later, with the help of the British, Coorg regained its independence and Raja Veerarajendra set about the task of reconstruction. In 1834, the British took over Coorg. They impeached the last ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra and sent him into exile.

Modern History

When India became independent in 1947, Coorg became a free land and a province. In 1950, as per the new Indian Constitution, Coorg became a state. In 1956 a state reorganization took place along linguistic lines and Coorg was merged with Mysore State, which in 1972 changed its name to Karnataka. Coorg continues to be a district in Karnataka and has, in turn, 3 taluks or districts - Madikeri, Somwarpet and Virajpet. Madikeri is also the district headquarters of Coorg.

Recent History

Plantations of coffee, introduced by the British, have become a characteristic of this region. Planted on hillsides too steep for growing rice, coffee is the source of much of the local wealth in Coorg. In recent years, tourism has gained importance - plantation houses have been converted to accommodate visitors, and walking and trekking holidays have become common.