Coorg, Karnataka – Well Where’s Kodagu? Actually, you know it as Coorg. It’s an idyllic and charming district in Karnataka. Well, once you visit here, you will realise you’ve reached Heaven on Earth. It has some great misty hills. It’s an ornamental shrub that remains green and lush throughout the year. It has vast green fields and plantations. The forest is dense and has leafy foliage. You will have the opportunity to see some organic spice and tea/coffee plantations. It’s best to visit this place from September to March.
You will come across a folk group with its ethnic warrior tradition. They are known as Kodagu. They have a unique culture. They worship their ancestors, i.e., Ajjas and Thaayis in a shrine that they call Kainmadas. The amazing part is that they pray to nature like the River Kaveri, mountains, forests, and weapons like swords and guns. Especially during the Kalipodh festival. They revere, respect, and honor their past warriors and livelihood. They don’t worship any idols. They consider nature as their greatest guidance, and they have a stern belief system that it s direct connection to their ancestors. They see them as family protectors and role models. They speak the Dravidian Kodava Language. They engage primarily in agriculture and have a vital presence in the Indian Army. They also have past links to Indo-Greeks or Kurdish tribes. The Coorg regiment has a lineup of warriors and soldiers from the Kodagu tribe. They believe in marrying within their community. Their community is very hospitable and brave. They also celebrate the harvest festival Huttari.
The Kaveri River is also known as the Cauvery. It gives wonderful opportunities for river rafting and watersports. Trekkers come from across the country to explore nature, widllfie and adventure adrenaline.
Coorg is India’s 2nd largest Tibetan settlement, also known as Mini Tibet. The Namdroling Monastery is a golden temple once must visit. You will experience Tibetan culture and Buddhism here. You will come across many Tibetan monks, nuns, and residents here. With some cascading waterfalls and greenery everywhere its known as the Scotland of India. It has pleasant and cool weather due to its brilliant green pastures and dense forests. It has several wildlife animals, including elephants and langurs. Coorg depends on plantations, forestry, agriculture, and tourism. Coorg is situated between Mysore and Mangalore.
Things one must to do in Coorg
A breathtaking mountain range known as the Brahmagiri Hills. It’s on the border of Karnataka and Kerala. Well, it’s between Kodagu and the serene Wayanad. Godavari and Kaveri rivers are right along the place. At around 1,608m lies the Brahmagiri peak. It has stunning views, forests, grasslands and wildlife. Many trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers visit here.
You will also come across Nisargadhama Island, which is an amazing forest retreat. It’s around 64 acres of an island with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood, teak and lush green trees. You need to walk through a hanging rope bridge that gives you access to the island. Rabbits, deers and peacocks make it a site to visit. It has a specialised place called the orchidarium, a greenhouse, and a vivarium that conserves orchids, as it gives them ideal and controlled conditions for delicate plants. The kids can also play at the playground here.
The Tibetans settled in Coorg, making it the second-largest settlement. It’s called the Bylakuppe. You can visit monasteries, feel the peaceful enviornment sit and meditate. You can see some vibrant murals around the settlement. You can interact with monks and discuss the Tibetan Buddhist way of life and understand a few life skills. You can buy some Tibetan crafts and enjoy some authentic meals. Coorg chocolates are a famous pick. You may get your hands on some tea, coffee and rich spices like pepper and cardamom. With some Coorg cuisine, you will come across Pandi curry. You can try the famous papadums made of potato and ragi.
70-foot waterfall right in the middle of the plantations and spice vineyards, known as the Abbey Falls. It’s very close to Madikeri. Nature lovers and trekkers visit here, but yes, swimming is strictly prohibited.
Direct connection with Ramayana, the Lakshama Tirtha Falls (Iruppu Falls) is another destination one must go to. It’s about 170 foot waterfall and is serene and vibrant. But yes, only after the monsoons. It’s quite a moderate trek for tourists to easily reach here.
Also, if you love a sundowner, then visit the Raja’s seat, which is a renowned viewpoint. You will see vistas over rolling hills, valleys and paddy fields. Its history lies in its name, where the Kodava kings enjoyed nature’s spectacle. It is also a popular garden with some cool benches from where you can watch the sunsets, take a walk along the path and enjoy the toy train. You will experience the mesmerising orange to purple skies.
How to reach Coorg
Reach up to Kannur Airport and hop into a taxi, and it’s just 112 kms away. If you are a train lover, then take a train to Mysore Railway Station from here, its bout 130kms. You can also reach till Manglore from here. Coorg is just 140 km. Roads are also well-connected to major cities in India, such as Madikeri.
