Coorg

Coorg is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka in size but is among the most beautiful. It is often called the Kashmir of Karnataka for it's cool weather and natural beauty. This small district if home to 260,000 people and is as well known for its coffee and tea estates, as for its brave and gutty people.

People
For centuries, the people of Coorg have been known for their bravery and sportmanship. Several Kodavas (as the people from Coorg are often called) have actively served in the Indian army and the "Coorg Regiment" is among the most decorated. The first military commander of independent India, Gen. Kariappa was from Coorg. Kodavas have always been in limelight when it comes to Indian sports. Several people from Coorg have represented India in various sporting events. The languages spoken are Kodava, Kannada & Malayalam.

Economy
The main occupation in Coorg is coffee plantation apart from orange and rubber. River irrigation is almost non-existant though the river Kaveri has it's origin here. Most coffee estates use spriklers connected to wells and ponds. Coffee plants are also used for decoration and are part of the handi-craft industry in and around Kutta, a small township near Nagarhole.

Climate and Geography
The climate is generally very pleasant and on the cooler side throughout the year. The summer is cool, the monsoon rains are heavy, and winter can get quite chilly. One can see coffee estates everywhere and major towns appear as small pockets of life between the mountaineous forests and coffee estates. The blossom shower at the end of March is an important rain for coffee crops. The wonderful smell of the blossoming coffee flowers pervades the district at this time . The main towns of Coorg are Madikeri, Virajapet, Somawarpet, Kushalnagar and Gonikoppal. Tithimathi is known for its elephant training centre.