Kodagu
(Coorg) Travel Guide
Lands & People:
Not really too far from the bustle of metropolitan cities, Kodagu or Coorg as
it is better known, has maintained its serene picturesque beauty over the centuries.
Homesick always, the British called this land
Scotland of India.
These breathtakingly beautiful rolling hills in Karnataka nestling cash rich
coffee plantations, clear skies and a warm, friendly and hospitable people create
a special aura unmatched anywhere else in the country.
This little area in the Western Ghats has an ancient history, ruled successively
by the Kadambas, Gangas, Chengalvars, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagara, etc. and
finally the British. But the region always retained its strong cultural heritage,
distinctive to this day. The fiercely brave martial tradition has produced many
brave generals for India.
Fragrant coffee:
Kodagu is famed for extensive coffee plantations that cover most of the hillsides.
Most of them are under multiple cropping of coffee, orange, black pepper, and
cardamom at the bottom of the slopes. Plantations are beautifully maintained
with modern irrigation and curing and processing facilities for the beans. When
coffee bushes blossom in April, the whole area is heavenly with the exquisite
fragrance of the brilliant white flowers.
Madikeri
Previously known as Mercara, Madikeri is the ancient name of this picturesque
capital town. Situated at 1,525 m elevation, the town is great for walking around,
surrounded by rolling which offer excellent trails for hikes. Tadiyendamol is
the tallest peak here, Waiting to be climbed. One can have a distant glimpse
of the Arabian Sea from this peak.
Makikeri Fort:
A 19th century fort, it now houses a temple, a chapel, the prison, a small museum
and assorted government offices. Golf courses Madikeri and Pollibetta have golf
courses, Madikeri courses being a nine hole one. Raja's seat A promontory with
breathtaking view, it is said that for centuries the Kodagu royals came here
in the evenings to watch the spectacular sunsets.
Around Madikeri:
Very close is Nagara hole National Park, one of the most well maintained game
sanctuaries in south India. It is accessible from Mysore via Hunsur and Murkal
94 km from Mysore. Visible often are elephant, spotted deer, sambar, bison,
chital Jeep and elephant rides available for jungle safari. Harangi Situated
in north Kodagu, it is a beautiful reservoir and ideal for weekend or short
holiday staying at the guest house. The placid water surface is good for quiet
water sports. There is a dairy farm nearby.
Season : October - May
Horticultural Research Centre:
Situated in Chettahalli, 24 km from Makikeri, it specializes in improving the
local flora like pepper, mango, pears, peaches, guavas, oranges, bananas, pineapples
and Kodau's special favourite, passion fruit. It also has a nursery and sells
plants. Talacauvery The mighty river Cauvery rises here out of a small well.
On Sankaramana day in October, one can see actually the holy water gushing out
at a precise moment known beforehand. This is considered a special religious
miracle and thousands of pilgrims come here to watch it. The water here is considered
to have special properties and holy bath on this day is expected to give physical
and spiritual strength stay.
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