Coorg (also known as Kodagu) is a hilly district on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Often referred to as the Scotland of India, Coorg lies at an altitude of 1,525 m and has a pleasant climate all year round. Set amidst lush green forests and aromatic coffee and spice plantations, it is a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers. Coorg is popular for outdoor activities like trekking & hiking, angling, plantation tours and bird watching. The district headquarters is located at Madikeri, about 260 kms away from Bangalore.
The locals of Coorg are a friendly lot and the main communities are Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Moplah out of which the largest is the Kodava community. The district is bordered by Hassan District to the north, Mysore District to the east, Kannur District of Kerala state to the southwest and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. Coorg consists of three administrative units: Madikeri or Mercara, Virajpet and Somvarpet. Best For: Coorg is best known for
• Estate stays and Plantation tours: Coorg is dotted with coffee and spice plantations. Many of these estates now offer home stay style accommodation to guests. Here you get a first hand experience of the day to day activities on the plantation • Trekking and Hiking: Treks to peaks of Tadiyendamol, Pushpagiri and Kotebetta are the most popular. • Wildlife: The district has one national park, Nagarahole also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, and three wildlife sanctuaries: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kodagu has been an independent or semi-independent kingdom through much of its known history. Its boundaries varied, often taking in some of the surrounding country, especially toward the east. The modern district of Kodagu was incorporated into the state of Karnataka in1956. The kingdom was ruled by many dynasties, starting with Gangas of Talakad, Kadambas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas and Nayakas. Information on its early history has come primarily from the various inscriptions on stone and copper plates of 9th - 10th century. The Haleri dynasty was the last noteworthy dynasty to rule the whole of Kodagu. It came into power around mid-16th century and was founded by a young prince from Ikkeri. It was the first dynasty in the history of Kodagu, which spanned 234 years and ruled the entire region.
Though the weather is pleasant all year round the best season to visit Coorg would be between the months of September and April. Summers are comparatively warmer with temperatures ranging between 28-35 degrees Celsius while the monsoon months of June to August are besieged with heavy rainfall and are cool, humid and wet. Winters are mild with temperatures between 15 and 20 degree Celsius.
You can change money at Madikeri at the State Bank of India, College Rd. or at the Canara Bank Main Rd. They exchange money and travellers’ cheque and give advances on credit cards. You can also change money at the Indian Overseas Bank. Few hotels like the Coorg International also change money for their guests. You can find ATM’s of most banks at Madikeri. Several of them are located in the city centre around the KSRTC and private bus stands.
No permits are required to travel to Coorg other than a valid visa for India.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Mangalore (135 kms from Madikeri, the district headquarters). There are daily flights from Mangalore to Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. From Mangalore you can also get weekly / bi-weekly flights to international destinations like Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat and Bahrain Bangalore is the other nearest airport located about 260 kms from Madikeri. The airport at Bangalore is very well connected with flights to most domestic and international destinations. By Rail:Mysore is the nearest railhead located about 115 kms from Coorg. It has good rail connections to all-important destinations in India.
By Road: A good network of roads connects Coorg to Mysore (120 kms), Bangalore (260 kms) and Mangalore (135 kms). Deluxe buses are frequently available from these places. One can also find ordinary buses from Shimoga and Hassan. Buses also ply from Cannanore and Tellicherry (both are about 115 kms from Madikeri). Getting Around: Buses are a common mode of transport for getting around in the Coorg region.
Regular K.S.R.T.C. buses operate between Kushalnagar and Madikeri. One can also hire an auto or a taxi to get to Kushalnagar. Private buses are available from Madikeri, Napoklu and Virajpet for those who want to travel to the Padi Igguthappa temple. Kakkabe is also well connected by private buses from Madikeri (1 ½ hrs), Virajpet (1 hr) and Napoklu. To get to Dubare Forest Reserve & Chiklihole Dam hire a taxi from Kushalnagar, Suntikoppa or Siddapur since these places are not connected by public transport system.
Auto rickshaws and taxis can be hired for touring within the town.
An ideal destination for adventure lovers, Coorg offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
• The hilly region and the lush green forests make Coorg a fantastic place for trekking. October to March is the best season for trekking and guides can be hired who will make all the necessary arrangements for food and accommodation. Some of the popular trails are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where you could trek your way to the Irrupa Falls. You could also consider trekking to Pushpagiri, the second higest peak of Kodagu and Tadiandamol (the highest peak).
• Angling: Valanoor is the backwater of the river Cauvery. It draws fishing lovers from all over India. You can try and catch the famous mahaseer and the best season is from October to May.
• White water rafting and kayaking – The more adventurous lot can try rafting down the Cauvery river. The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September with the rapids being most powerful in August. There are many adventure tour operators that organize white water rafting for groups of six or more.
• Golf: If you are looking for a good game of golf then head to the 9-hole golf course of Virajpet.
• Plantation tours and estate walks: Plantation tours are usually organized by owners of the coffee and spice plantations. Guides accompany you around the plantation and you get a first hand experience of the day to day activities on the plantation. Have a cup of coffee with a planter and get a feel of their culture and tradition.
• Camping and jungle walks: Coorg is an ideal place to go camping in the jungles or on mountain tops. Explore nature, walk through the forest trails, rivers and streams and stop by to see small water falls. See the wide variety of flora and fauna and end the day in your sleeping bag under the star lit night.
• While you are in Coorg you could also go on a village tour, visit the Tibetan settlement, be a part of the interaction programme with elephants (where you can feed them and go on a ride) or visit the wildlife sanctuaries.
At Madikeri
•Madikeri Fort: This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a temple, a chapel, prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of Madikeri. •Omkareshwara Temple: Built in the 19th century in the Indo Saracenic style located east of the fort is the Omkareshwara temple. •Raja's Seat: According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the panoramic view it offers of the surrounding region. •Abbey Falls: Scenic waterfall, 5 km from Madikeri.
Harangi Dam is a great picnic spot 36 kms from Madikeri.
Talakaveri : The place where River Kaveri originates. The temple on the banks of the river here is dedicated to Lord Brahma and is only one of the two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and SE Asia. Nisargadhama: is a beautiful island formed by river Kaveri and picnic spot near Kushalnagar. Iruppu Falls: This is a sacred spot in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana passed this way while searching for Sita. Sri Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being the river Lakshmanatirtha. The river descends into a cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is said to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees on Shivaratri day. Dubare: This is mainly an elephant-capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of the river Kaveri, on the Kushalanagara - Siddapur road.
Nagarahole: A national park and wildlife resort. The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground. Kakkabe is a trekker’s delight as there a number of small treks and of different grades that suits most visitors although most trails are leech infested during the monsoon Nalakunad Palace, built in 1794 is worth a visit. It is a two storied structure which was used by the Kodava kings as a hunting lodge and has intricate wood carvings. Igguthappa temple is also impressive.
Where To Eat: The cuisine from Coorg is distinctive with emphasis on using freshly ground spices. The most delectable dishes are the pandi curry (succulent pork curry) and kadumbuttu (rice dumplings), koli curry (chicken curry), nool puttu (rice noodles), and votti (rice roti). Pork is an important part of the menu and is served on special occasions and during festivals. Mushrooms, chicken, bamboo-shoots, rice and banana are but a few favourite ingredients used in the preparation of authentic Coorgi cuisine.
Where To Stay: A wide variety of options are available for stay in Coorg. Apart from the regular budget Hotels and luxury hotels you also have to option of eco-friendly resorts, estate stays or home stays.
Estate stays: A range of estates are available from the basic to the luxurious. These estates are basically coffee and spice plantations that take in guests and offer a unique experience for those staying here. Plantation tours are arranged by the owners and guides are also arranged for trekking and hiking.
Home stays: Home stays are an excellent option for those looking for an authentic Coorg experience. Many locals of Coorg now allow visitors to stay in their own house and experience a typical Coorg life. Delicious local cuisine will also be served upon request. Hosts are often the best guides in exploring the best of Coorg.
Resorts: There are some fine resorts in Coorg which offer an eco friendly atmosphere and services like guided treks in nearby areas, ayurvedic massage, etc
Some of the recommended places to stay in Coorg are the Orange County Resort, Club Mahindra, Rainforest Retreat, Hotel Coorg International and Honey Valley Estate.
