Coorg or Kodagu the thickly wooded grandeur on the Western Ghats is the most beautiful hill station of Karantaka. It is the home of Kodava people. This unspoilt land of million hills is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, is now India's coffee bowl. A tiny district in the state of Karnataka, Coorg is the biggest producer of Coffee in India. The British who colonized Coorg and set up coffee plantations prior to independence compared Coorg to Scotland. Both these places have grand and regal highlands with sturdy mountains. The race/community of people dwelling here is called Kodavas, known for their bravery & valour. The rich heritage of the people of Kodagu, the land of culture & the abundant natural beauty beckons every visitor to conserve this tiny district.
Kodagu district (formerly Coorg) is situated among the rich coffee estates in the Western Ghats of India. The districts headquarter Madikeri (formerly Mercara) can be easily reached by boarding a state transport bus from Bangalore or Mysore. Madikeri is a very little known beautiful hill station with many breathtaking spots located around.
The prominent peaks in Coorg are Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani, Motte, Tumbe Male, Tadiyandamol, Soma Male & Brahmagiri. Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India, Cardamom & oranges are grown extensively in this part.
Coorg is one of the major places that get heavy rainfall in India. If you want to experience Monsoon rains, you will like the peaceful setting here. The best season to visit Coorg is anytime. The climate is usually very pleasant all around the year.
Coorg is an ideal place for outdoor activities, food & shopping. Some exotic places to visit in Coorg are:
- Abbey Falls
- Madikeri Fort
- Irrupu Falls
- Madikeri Omkareshwara temple
- Harangi Dam
- Bhagamandala Temple
- Tala Cauveri
- Nagahole
- Kotebetta
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Madikeri Palace
- Golden Temple
- Pushpagiri Hills
- Gaddige
- Nisargadhama
- Thadiyandamol Hills
- Igguthappa Devara Betta
- Madikeri Raja Seat
For all those who love nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool, gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, Coorg is the just the ideal place for them!
If it were to be a matter of identity alone, Kodava culture is indisputably distinct from mainstream Karnataka. Kodava Hindu marriages have no priests, there is much liquor, dancing and wedding feasts boast of a main entrée called the pandhi curry, a spicy, vinegary pork curry. The men are resplendent in their turbans and ties. Many sport handlebar moustaches, the effect of marital tradition. The women are beautiful and ramrod-erect in their specially draped Kodava saree.
For all its virtues, Kodagu isn't all milk & honey. The downturn & climate change have swept this lush land. The seasons are changing, coffee prices are depressed, and many Kodava techies have been laid off. Drinking is a problem. The Kodavas love their drinks, but too many seem to get drunk too fast and too often.
The district's easy social fabric is showing some evidence of fraying. The Hindu-first political philosophy of Hindutva, which has strong roots in neighboring Mangalore & across Karantaka, appears to be taking hold among the Kodavas. Muslims & Christians are widely evident in Kodagu.
Madikeri was formely known as Muddurajakeri. Muddurajakeri which means Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri King, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687. The form of the name often used in English, Mercara, is derived from Madikeri .
Ooty and Kodai have been traditional honeymoon destinations in South India. Unfortunately they can get monotonous & crowded. Coorg is better bet as it has managed to remain unspoilt. Coorg, the coffee land has many estates who welcome guests and these estates stays makes the entire proposition interesting. To make the best of estate stays and to get a discount, you can schedule your stay during week days. Coorg is quite close to Bangalore (250km). If you are in South India, you might not have to spend too much money on transportation to reach Coorg, which is well connected by bus from Bangalore & Mysore.
You can enjoy un-spoilt beauty of Coorg by staying away from the center of town. Exotica resort, 7 km from Madikeri, is a good choice for stay in Coorg. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and unwind in picturesque natural surroundings of Exotica. The Exotica Resort in Madikeri is an all season resort for families on vacation and company conferences or workshops. It offers Outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Massage and multi-cuisine Restaurant.
