Coorg is an alluring hill station perched on eastern slopes western ghats of Karnataka. It shares it border with Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kasaragod district of Kerala in west and Kannur district of Kannur to southwest and Wayanad to the south. The Kaveri or Cauveri is one of the major rivers flowing through. The river Harangi is also a tributary emerging from Western...
Coorg is an alluring hill station perched on eastern slopes western ghats of Karnataka. It shares it border with Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kasaragod district of Kerala in west and Kannur district of Kannur to southwest and Wayanad to the south. The Kaveri or Cauveri is one of the major rivers flowing through. The river Harangi is also a tributary emerging from Western ghats in Coorg and meandering to Somwarpet Taluk. Coorg is a scintillating town with astounding beauty for eyes. It has been bestowed with cascading waterfalls, towering hills, scenic views, and sprawling coffee plantations. Coorg is nestled between natural beauty often referred as ‘Scotland of India’. This opulent town is a perfect destination for every kind of tourist, be it sports enthusiasts, nature lover, peace seeker, foodie or cultural driven. Coorg is a blend of cultural diversification amidst mesmerizing landscape. Let’s take a closer look about this coffee producing hub.
HISTORY
Coorg came into existence after the East India Company took over Kodagu in 1834. Before that Kodago came under magestic Vijayanagar dynasty. Linga Rajas ruled until his death and in 1782 Tipu Of Mysore ruled this place. In 1788 Tipu’s force was driven out of Coorg by Vira Raja. The British then made an agreement with Vira Raja and enter into the place. From 1834 to 1946 Coorg was a provincial state under Britishers.
COFFEE
God has bestowed Coorg with abundant mild coffee plantation. Though Chikmagalur is the place where it originated but Coorg is considered to be the ‘coffee mug of India’. Coorg has sprawling plantation of coffees. Two major coffee famous worldwide from Coorg are Arabica and Robusta.
• ARABICA- Arabica bean is a much more flavorful and an aromatic coffee, with 60% more lipids and twice the concentration of sugars compared to Robusta, it is also milder, thinner and relatively more acerbic.
• ROBUSTA- Robusta has high caffeine content, at about 2-2.7%, compared to 1-1.5% for Arabica beans. Robusta beans often create a more bitter and earthy-tasting coffee than Arabica, so it needs to be used carefully (source).
FAIR AND FESTIVALS
• KAILPODU- After the end of the harvesting season this unique festival is celebrated. On this day the weapons are taken out of the Pooja room, cleaned and decorated with flowers. People indulge in scrumptious meals and get together. Several sports tournaments and feasts take place in open gardens in city.
• KAVERI SANKARAMANA: Another major festival in Coorg is associated with Kaveri river which flows across city. It is marked as the renewal of the Kaveri river. Water level rises automatically during this time and people take dip in river. People flock from entire south on this day to get rid of their sins. Non-veg is prohibited is almost every household during this festival.
• PUTTARI: Puttari is the annual harvest festival of Coorg nand puttari means new rice. On Puttari day, the whole family come together in their ain-mane, the family house decorated with flowers and green mango and banana leaves. Special foods are prepared which include thambuttu, puttari, kari, and poli poli.
CUISINE
Coorg has some local delicacies which are delectable. Must try some of these dishes.
• KADAMBATTU: It is a steamed rice dumpling. It is served with vegetable curry.
• PANDI CURRY: A symbolic dish of Coorg. Pork curry is served with almost every meal.
• PAPUTTU: It’s a dish that shows love for rice in the city. This dish serves steam rice with coconut cake.
• NOOLPUTTU: This is steam rice noodles.
• AKKI OTTI: Its a staple breakfast of this city also it is made of though into round shape.
PLACE TO VISIT
• ABBEY FALLS: Abbey falls is majestic waterfall situated 1 km from Madekeri. Water cascading and lush green it is a scenic landscape and tranquil place. Voice of gushing water can be heard while reaching this destination. This is the famous picnic spot of the city.
• CHIKLIHOLE RESERVOIR: The place is away from the usual crowd at popular tourist spots and offers some calm and peace to its visitors. Sprawling gardens and water flowing across dam makes it a spellbinding nature sight. The dense forest along with the rich flora and fauna add on to the charm of the place.
• DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP: One of the major tourist attraction in Coorg. Dubare camp is located on banks Kaveri river, it is a must visit place. You can witness gigantic and peace loving elephant and even indulge in some activities with them. Photography buffs and Animal lover visit this place frequently.
• HARANGI DAM: It was the first dam built across river Cauvery. It has a height of 47 meters and length of 846 meters creating a marvelous view of forceful streams of water. It is one of less crowded tourist spots. It is a picnic spot with natural picturesque.
• HONNAMANA KERE LAKE: Named after goddess Honnamana, who gave her life for the well being of people. This lake is a captivating sight to behold. Near by temple devoted to Goddess Honnaman is also located. It is one of the largest lakes in Coorg. Along with sightseeing, one can also engage himself/herself in various kinds of outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.
• OMKARESHWAR TEMPLE: Dating back to 1820, this temple was built The fort has rich history and has seen many battles and successions. It's one of the most revered temple in Coorg.
• KOTEBETTA TREK PEAK: Third highest peak in Coorg, kotebetta is a popular tourist spot for trekking. Natural resources all around trekking makes it a unforgettable experience. At top of hill a Shiva temple is also located. There are several operators who have trekking groups organized in a day.
• MADIKERI FORT: Built by Mudduraja in 17th century and was later renovated by Tipu Sultan. It is a destination which is famous among tourists in Coorg. The fort has rich history and has seen many battles and successions. Fort comprises of a Church, a Library and a Ganesha temple with exquisite architecture.
• MALLALI FALLS: Mallalli Falls are created when River Kumaradhara drips down from the peak of Pushpagiri Peak, which is over a height of approximately 200 feet. Interesting flora and fauna species and an engaging trekking trek makes it enjoyable and adventurous.
• MANDALPATTI TREK COORG: This trek is located about 4 km from Abbey falls. The place offers tourists with some seclusion and space away from the usual crowdedness of the tourist spots. Nature has set some lush green sprawling fields and mesmerizing beauty for environmentalists and trekkers.
• NALKNAD PALACE: It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Madikeri town. It has built in the year of 1792 by Dodda Virarajendra who was a Haleri ruler Dodda Virarajendra. The fort holds many historical stories and is a perfect depiction of ancient architecture. Its roofs and walls have been adorned with many ancient paintings and carvings. There is a gigantic gateway at the place. Inside the palace, you will find a kalyana mandapa which is a platform to hold marriage ceremonies.
• PADI IGGUTAPPA TEMPLE: Most prestigious and ancient temple in Kodava, it was built in 1810. Dedicated to Lord Iguthappa which is another name for Lord Subramanya, the temple resembles to the Keralite temples in architectural design. Devotees belief that any wish is granted by visiting this sacred temple.
• SOMWARPET: A place must visiting to take you away from hustle and bustle of city life. It is a small town near Coorg which has abundant natural beauty spread across vicinity. The area around the lake is also mesmerising with lush greenery, soothing atmosphere and huge spread of coffee estates.
• RAJA’S SEAT: Want to witness city from top of a hill with a magnificent view. Raja’s seat is one of the less explored and a must visit place in Coorg. Providing surreal view from top sunset and sunrise are spellbinding from here.
HOW TO REACH
• AIRPORT: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to the city. It is about 160 kilometres from city. You can a cab to travel this distance.
• RAILWAY: Mysore junction about 95 km is the nearest to the city. Travel via a cab or bus to reach city.
• ROAD: Coorg is connected to Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore via road.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to April is the best time to visit Coorg.
• SUMMER: Temperature ranges from 30°c to 40°c ( Pleasant and sunny)
• RAIN: Temperature ranges from 20°c to 32°c ( Medium to heavy rainfall)
• WINTER: Temperature ranges from 13° to 25°c (Pleasant and breezy)