Coorg or Kodagu is a different facet of India - untouched by commercial tourism, beautiful, misty blue and green throughout. Steep hills, valleys and gorges with countless streams that gurgle through them, beckon intrepid trekkers and rock climbers, as well as the general nature lover to explore its hidden Coorg / Kodagu / Madikeri, Karnatakatreasures. The land of coffee bushes resplendent with red berries, cardamom fields covered with white and purple blossoms, silver oak trees with green pepper climbers and of a sturdy handsome people called the Coorgis who charm visitors by their hospitality and cuisine and their intriguing customs and the reverence with which they worship their river, the Cauvery. Nestled in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is the source of the River Cauvery and home to some of India's bravest soldiers like General Thimayya and Field Marshal Cariappa. While hiking across the countryside in Coorg, get ready to be greeted by panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded hill slopes, singing hill mynas & a variety of other birds and undulating paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies. Heavy rainfall in this land has gifted a rainforest that’s lush green throughout & a bracing, misty climate making Coorg - an awesome holiday experience.
The People
The Kodagu people have a unique identity of their own – that of a brave, handsome, hospitable Coorg / Kodagu / Madikeri, Karnataka community. With their origins unknown even today, visitors are overwhelmed with their customs, especially their respect for ancestors and a love of their land. A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army several Generals and Brigadiers. Kodagus or Coorgis have their own dialect & follow customs & rituals which are unlike any other people. Kodagu women have their own special variant of draping the saree. With pleats behind and the pallu in front, they draw attention to their beautiful good looks as well.
Coffee
This refreshing drink grows extensively in Kodagu on plantations that dot most of the hillsides. Not to be missed is the traditional black coffee with jaggery – a tasty delicious drink that most locals offer you. Along with coffee, oranges, black pepper, banana and cardamom at the bottom of the slopes draw your attention in plantations everywhere.
Cauvery
Aptly known as the lifeline of the south, Cauvery bubbles up from Talacauvery and reaches ground level at Bhagamandala, 39 kms to the west of Madikeri, the capital town of Coorg. One of the seven major rivers of India, Cauvery is also called the ' Ganga of the south'. It’s a wonderful experience to camp by its riverside surrounded by the green carpet of hills and whistling birds.
How to approach Coorg:
By Road: Plenty of buses from Mysore (120 kms), Mangalore (136 kms) Bangalore (256 kms).
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