252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals.
The Kodagu district comprises different communities - Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Moplah out of which the largest is the Kodava community, both economically and politically. The economy depends on agriculture, coffee plantations, foretry and tourism.
There are many versions behind the origin of the name Kodagu. According to the Puranas, Kodava is the redifned name of Krodhadesa, meaning 'Land of Anger', said to have been inhabited by the Kodava tribe. While for some, it is believed to hve been named after the River Cauveri, where 'kod' means 'give' and 'ava' means 'mother' - which means Cauvery is the 'mother to the people'. Few believe the name originated from the Kannada kudu which means 'dense forest' on a steep hill. It is said that the history of Coorg dates back to as early as 888 AD.
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 price from Ikkeri. It was the first dynasty in the history of Kodagu, whch spanned 234 years and ruled the entire region.
While everyone talks about the tourism part of Coorg, Karnataka.com salutes Coorg for entirely another reason - a very important one. Coorgies in general opt for the military service in India. We thank them for their contribution in securing our borders.
Local Activities
Coorg is an ideal place for outdoor activities, food and shopping!
- Trekking: Coorg has many verdant trekking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it's best to go in the months from October to February. Some of the known 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).
- Golf: Avid golffers can tee off at the 9-hole course of Virajpet.
- 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: There are few good camps around Coorg that offer rafting down the Cauvery river. For some fast paced action, visit the Upper Barapole River to the south of Coorg in Brahmagiri. The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.
- Food: Coorgi cuisine is famous and unique, especially for non-vegetarians as it is based on game meats, pork and other delicious ingredients. Popular dishes are pandhi (pork), koli (chicken) and yarchi (lamb) spiced with pepper, kokum, bamboo shoot, red chilly, bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent coffee.
- Shopping: Some of the popular items to buy are coffee, honey, spices, cardamom, pepper, pineapple papads and oranges ( season). Coorgi silk saree are also very famous and they have a different style of wearing them.
- Fairs & Festivals: Schedule your visit to coincie with one of the colorful festivals of the region. The festivals of the Kodava community are largely around agriculture military activities.
- The 'Festival of Arms - Keilpoldu' is held in the months of June to September. During this festival the weapons are polished and worshipped before resuse.
- Cauvery Shankaramana is based around the river Cauver is held in October.
- The harvest festival 'Puthar' is celebrated in November or December. The festival is accompanied by folks songs and dances, performed by the different villagers at their temples.
Getting Here
- Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)
- Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)
- Road: The Mysore - Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.
Co-ordinates: 12.25 N, 75.44 E
Best Time To Visit: April to November
Where To Stay
- Hotel Coorg International,
Convent Road,
Madikeri - 571201.
Phone: +91-8272-29390, 28071, 28072. - Hotel Crystal Court
Phone: +91 8272 - 221543, +91 8272 - 221870
Email:
- BB Estate Homestay
- CoffeeBean Homestay
- Hillyside Homestay
Email:
- Kabbe Holidays Home Stay
Chelavara Village, Cheyandane P.O., S.Coorg, Karnataka - 571 212
Tel.: (08272) 200658
Mob: (0) 98454 46652 or (0) 98459 94510
E-mail:
- Swarga Resorts
25 Kms from Sakleshpur and 250 Kms from Bangalore
Coffee Planter, Kumbarahalli Estate Post, Via Yeslur,
Hassan District - 573 137
Tel : +91 8173 329215 / +91 8173 278242,
Mobile : +91 94480 54505
Please contact HolidayMakers.in for all your hotel/resort bookings.
Climate
Pleasant all year round. Monsoon is from June to September.
| Season | Min | Max | Clothing |
| Winter (Oct to Jan) |
14 C | 26 C | Thick Cotton Light Wool & Sneakers |
| Summer (Feb to Jun) |
20 C | 32 C | Light Cotton & Sneakers |
| Monsoon (Jul to Sep) |
18 C | 30 C | Umbrella, Rain coat & Sneaker |
Tourist Information
1. Tourist Bureau, PWD Travellers Bungalow, Madikeri-571 201.
2. Karnataka Tourism, Old Exhibition, Mysore-570 021.
3. Assistant Conservator of forests, Wildlife division, Arnaya Bhavan, Ashokpuram, Mysore.
4. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, 49, Khanija Bhavan, 2nd Floor, Bangalore - 560001. Phone: (080)- 2235-2901, 2235-2902
5. Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhawan, 18th cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.
Emergency Numbers
Government Hospital: 08272-223445 / 223444
Police Control Room: 100 or 08272-229333 / 228330
Also See
Resources
- Coorg Recipes
- Kodava
- Coorg Package from HolidayMakers
- Coorg Tourism Info
- Nisargadhama photos on Flickr
- Coorg Weather
- Where did the Coorgs come from?
The origin of Kodavas (Coorgs), a martial race inhabiting Karnataka’s picturesque hill district Kodagu, has always been shrouded in mystery. But a book which has scientifically analysed their origin has come to one conclusion: They are not original inhabitants of India. - World Kodava Meet- 2007 from Dec 23
To showcase the distinctive culture and heritage of the Kodava Community, the habitants of Kodagu, the small hilly district, the Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy will host a three-day 'World Kodava Meet-2007' in Madikeri from December 23.Addressing newspersons here last night the Academy Chairperson Smt Ulliyada Daatu Poovaiah informed that over two-lakh Kodavas spread all over the world would converge during the world-meet.
- New Sainik Memorial to come up in Madikeri
A meeting presided over by the Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav has decided to build a new Sainik memorial at Madikeri.The meeting decided to build a memorial building as the present memorial situated on the side of the road was built in the memory of soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The meeting observed that many of soldiers from the district, which had given top generals other than brave officers and jawans to the Indian armed forces, had died during Second World War, Indo-China and Indo- Pak wars and Kargil war. They should be remembered in a proper manner, the meeting opined.
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