Coorg
Coorg,
also known as Kodagu, is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of
southwestern Karnataka, India. It is known for its lush greenery, coffee
plantations, and scenic beauty.
History
The
earliest known history of Coorg dates back to the 2nd century AD when the
region was ruled by the Kadambas, a dynasty of South India. They were followed
by the Gangas, who were in power until the 11th century. In the 14th century,
the region came under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.
In the
16th century, Coorg became an independent kingdom ruled by the Haleri Rajas.
The Haleri dynasty was established by Mudduraja, who defeated the previous
ruler, Lingaraja. The Haleri Rajas made significant contributions to the
development of Coorg, including building roads, temples, and irrigation
systems.
During
the British colonial period, Coorg was known as the “Scotland of
India” due to its cool climate and rolling hills. The British recognized
Coorg’s strategic location and its potential for coffee cultivation. They
established coffee plantations in Coorg and encouraged European settlers to
invest in the region. As a result, Coorg became a major producer of coffee, and
the economy of the region grew rapidly.
In 1834,
Coorg was annexed by the British East India Company and was made a district of
the Madras Presidency. It remained a district of Madras Presidency until 1956
when it was merged with the state of Mysore (now Karnataka) after India gained
independence.
Coorg
played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Many Coorgis
joined the Indian National Army led by Subhash Chandra Bose to fight for
India’s independence from British colonial rule. Several prominent freedom
fighters, including General K.S. Thimayya, came from Coorg.
Today,
Coorg is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the
world. It is known for its natural beauty, coffee plantations, trekking trails,
and wildlife sanctuaries. Coorg has managed to retain its unique culture and
traditions despite the influx of tourists, making it a must-visit destination
for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature.
Culture
The Coorg
district is home to several indigenous communities, each with its unique
customs, traditions, and beliefs. We will explore the culture of Coorg in
detail.
1.
Festivals and celebrations: Coorg is famous for
its colorful festivals and celebrations. Some of the most popular festivals
celebrated in Coorg are:
a.
Kail Podh: This is a harvest festival celebrated in August
or September. The festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season
and the beginning of a new year.
b.
Puttari: This is another harvest festival celebrated in November
or December. The festival is celebrated to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful
harvest.
c.
Huthri: This is a festival celebrated in November or December to
mark the end of the hunting season.
d.
Puthari: This is a festival celebrated in December to celebrate
the onset of winter.
e.
Cauvery Sankramana: This is a festival celebrated in October to
mark the birth of the river Cauvery.
2.
Cuisine: Coorg is known for its unique cuisine, which
is a blend of various flavors and spices. Some of the most popular dishes in
Coorg are:
a.
Pandi curry: This is a pork curry made with a blend of
Coorg spices.
b.
Noolputtu: This is a steamed rice noodle dish that is
usually served with coconut chutney or chicken curry.
c.
Akki otti: This is a flatbread made with rice flour that
is usually served with a spicy meat curry.
d.
Koli curry: This is a chicken curry made with Coorg
spices.
3.
Attire: The traditional attire of Coorg men consists
of a long coat called the Kupya, which is worn over shirt and trousers. They
also wear a turban called the Peta. The traditional attire of Coorg women
consists of a saree and a blouse, and they wear a scarf called the Dopatta.
4.
Folk art and music: Coorg have a rich tradition of folk
art and music. Some of the popular folk-art forms are:
a.
Kaliyattam: This is a form of folk theater that is
performed during the festivals of Puttari and Kail Podh.
b.
Bolak-aat: This is a form of drumming that is performed
during the festivals of Huthri and Puthari.
c.
Ummathaat: This is a form of folk dance that is
performed by women during the festivals of Kail Podh and Puttari.
Coorg is
a culturally rich hill station that has a lot to offer. From its colourful
festivals and unique cuisine to its traditional attire and rich tradition of
folk art and music, Coorg is a cultural gem that should not be missed.
How
to reach
Coorg is
a great destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. If you are
planning to visit Coorg, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach there:
1.
By Air: The nearest airport to Coorg is the Mangalore
International Airport, which is around 160 km away. From the airport, you can
hire a taxi or take a bus to Coorg. Another option is the Kempegowda
International Airport in Bangalore, which is about 290 km away.
2.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Coorg is
Mysore Junction, which is around 120 km away. From the railway station, you can
take a taxi or a bus to reach Coorg. Alternatively, you can also take a train
to Mangalore or Hassan and then take a taxi or a bus to Coorg.
3.
By Road: Coorg is well-connected by road to major cities in
Karnataka and neighbouring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from
Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, or Hassan to reach Coorg. The road journey is
scenic, and you can enjoy the lush green forests and coffee plantations along
the way.
Places
to visit
With its
natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Coorg is a must-visit
destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the best
of South India. If you’re planning a trip to Coorg, here are some places that
you shouldn’t miss.
1.
Abbey Falls: This is one of the most popular tourist spots
in Coorg. The waterfall cascades from a height of 70 feet and is surrounded by
lush greenery. It is located about 8 km from the town of Madikeri.
2.
Talacauvery: This is the source of the river Cauvery,
which is considered to be a holy river by the people of South India. There is a
temple dedicated to Lord Brahma here, and a dip in the holy water is said to
cleanse one’s sins.
3.
Dubare Elephant Camp: This is an elephant training camp located on
the banks of the river Cauvery. Visitors can watch the elephants being bathed,
fed, and trained by the mahouts.
4.
Nisargadhama: This is a beautiful island surrounded by the
river Cauvery. It is a popular picnic spot, and visitors can go boating,
elephant riding, and bird watching here.
5.
Raja’s Seat: This is a popular sunset point in Coorg. It
offers a stunning view of the valley below and the surrounding hills. It is
located in the town of Madikeri.
6.
Madikeri Fort: This fort was built by the Kodava kings in
the 17th century. It has a palace, a temple, and a museum inside it. The museum
has exhibits on the history and culture of Coorg.
7.
Omkareshwara Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and
has a unique architecture that blends Hindu and Islamic styles. It is located
in the town of Madikeri.
8.
Coorg Wildlife Society: This is a sanctuary for injured and
orphaned animals. Visitors can see tigers, leopards, bears, and other animals
up close and learn about their conservation.
9.
Iruppu Falls: This waterfall is located in the Brahmagiri
Hills and is considered to be a holy site by the locals. Legend has it that
Lord Rama and Lakshmana passed by this place during their search for Sita.
10. Coffee Plantations: Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations.
Visitors can take a tour of the plantations, learn about the coffee-making
process, and taste some of the best coffee in the world.
Accommodation
Here are
some details on accommodation options in Coorg:
1.
Resorts and Homestays: Coorg has a plethora of resorts and
homestays that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular
ones include Orange County Resorts, Club Mahindra, The Tamara Coorg, and Taj
Madikeri Resort & Spa. Homestays are also a great option if you want to
experience the local culture and cuisine.
2.
Hotels: There are many hotels in Coorg that range from
budget-friendly to luxury. Some of the popular ones include Hotel Coorg
International, Hotel Le Coorg, and Hotel Hillview.
3.
Camping: Coorg is a great place for camping, and there are many
camping sites that offer a unique experience amidst nature. Some of the popular
camping sites include Gonikoppal Adventure Club, Dubare Elephant Camp, and
Nalknad Palace.
4.
Treehouses: If you want a unique and unforgettable
experience, you can opt for treehouses that offer stunning views of the
surrounding forests. Some of the popular treehouse accommodations include The
Machaan, Treebo Trend Vrindavan Coorg, and Kabbe Holidays.
5.
Homestays: Coorg is known for its hospitality and
homestays are a great way to experience it. You can find homestays in different
parts of Coorg, ranging from traditional Kodava homes to modern villas.
6.
Farmstays: Coorg is famous for its coffee and spice
plantations, and farmstays offer a unique experience to visitors. Some of the
popular farmstays in Coorg include The Ibnii Spa Resort, The Windflower Resorts
and Spa, and The Silver Oaks Homestay.
Coorg
offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and
preferences. Whether you are looking for a luxurious resort, a cozy homestay,
or a unique camping experience, Coorg has something for everyone.
Conclusion
Coorg is
a beautiful hill station that offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and
bustle of city life. With its scenic beauty, rich culture, and range of
activities, Coorg is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Karnataka.