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Coorg - Scotland of India/ 2023

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Coorg or Kodagu is one of the popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. Coorg is situated in the southwestern part of Karnataka in the Malnad area of Western Ghats. Situated at a varied altitude of 900 m to 1715 m above sea level, It is found at the southern end of the Western Ghats. House of the thickly forested hills and high mountains that include Tadramol, Pushpagiri, and Kottebetta, Coorg found its name after fouling the name Kodagu which means steepness. Coorg, established as an independent kingdom after the 9th century CE, was ruled by a Hindu dynasty until the end of the 16th century. Later in 1834, it was captured by the British. Coorg was incorporated into Mysore in 1953 and is now part of Karnataka. 

A Haven For Tourists - Tourist Places In And Around Coorg

Coorg houses a lot of scenic attractions that are frequented by visitors and they range from historical monuments, such as palaces and forts to ancient temples, ecological parks, waterfalls and sanctuaries. The main attraction of Coorg is Talacauvery which is the origin of Cauvery. Others are the Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Mallalli Falls, Madikeri Fort, Madikeri Palace, Raja's Seat, Nalknad Palace and Gadhige (Raja's Tombs).

Some of the famous religious destinations in the vicinity of Coorg are Bhagamandala, the Tibetan Golden Temple, the Omkareshwara Temple and Talacauvery.

Coorg also offers scenic destinations, such as Chelavara Falls, Harangi Dam, Kaveri Nisargadhama, Dubare Elephant Camp, Honnamana Kere and Mandalapatti. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Nagarhole National Park and the adjacent Bandipur National Park as these are ideal places for nature lovers.

Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking, golf, angling and river rafting can be chosen here. Most of the trekking trails in Coorg are located in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The Pushpagiri Hills, Kotebetta, Igguthappa, Nishani Motte and Tadiandamol are the other trekking destinations in Coorg.

The Upper Barapole river, situated in the Brahmagiri Hills towards the south of Coorg, is the destination of water sports enthusiasts; whereas, Valanoor, the backwaters of river Cauvery, is the favourite destination of avid anglers.

Coorg Weather

November to April is the most suitable season to visit Coorg. Coorg can be reached only by road and the place is well connected from Mangalore, Hassan, Mysore, Bangalore, Kannur and Wayanad by roads.

How To Reach Coorg

The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore which is situated at a distance of 118 km. The nearest airport to Coorg is the Mangalore International Airport which operates regular domestic and international flights.

The Culture Of Coorg

The scenic hill station of Coorg is also famous for its unique culture and traditions. Huttari, Mercara Dasara, Keil Podu (Kail Muhurtha or the Festival of Arms) and Cauvery Sankramana or the Thula Sankramana are some of the festivals celebrated in Coorg. The local cuisine, especially the non-vegetarian dishes, is very famous amongst the various South Indian cuisines.

The population of Coorg comprises of various tribal communities like Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Kudiyas, and Buntas. A majority of the population belongs to the Kodava tribe (Kodavas or Coorgies) and they are known for their hospitality and bravery.

Coorg is internationally renowned as a prominent coffee producing centre and the place experiences a typical tropical climate. It was the British who introduced coffee plantations to Coorg. Arabica and robusta are the major coffee variants that are cultivated here. This place is also famous for its honey, cardamom, pepper and orange production.

Coorg's Name And A Peek Into History

There are many theories related to the origin of the name Kodagu. Some believe that Kodagu was derived from Krodhadesa, the land of the Kodava tribe. Others believe that Kodagu originated from the word Kodava which evolved from two words “Kod” (give) and “avva” (mother) which denoted Mother Goddess Cauvery. Later Kodagu was anglicised into Coorg.

The historical records of Coorg can be dated back to 8th century AD, when it was under the rule of Ganga dynasty. Coorg later became a territory of various rulers like the Pandyas, Cholas, Kadambas, Chalukyas and Changalvas. The Hoysalas gained power over Coorg from 1174 AD but it was subsequently occupied by the Vijayanagara Rayas by mid-14th century. The region, thenceforth, was ruled by the local chieftains called the Nayaks. The Haleri dynasty or the Lingayat Rajas took over Coorg in the mid-16th century and ruled over this region till the early 19th century.

Coorg was under the direct governance of British till the Indian Independence in 1947 and it became an independent state in 1950. In the year 1956, during the re-organisation of the states, Coorg was merged with Karnataka and today, Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka with three taluks–Madikeri, Somavarapete and Veerajapete. Madikeri serves as the district headquarters of Coorg.

Coorg Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Coorg

  • Jan
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How to Reach Coorg

  • By Road
    Coorg is well connected to the other districts of Karnataka and the neighbouring state of Kerala through road. Places like Mangalore, Hassan, Bangalore, Kannur, Thalassery, and also Wayanad have roads connecting to Coorg. The Sampaje-Madikeri Ghat road from Mangalore, the Makutta-Perumbadi/Virajpet Ghat road from Kannur and Thalassery and the Panathur-Bhagamandala Ghat road from Kanhangad and Kasaragod are the roads providing access to Coorg.
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  • By Train
    The nearest railway stations to Coorg are Mangalore, Mysore and Hassan in Karnataka and Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala. Through these stations Coorg is connected to all major cities of India.
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  • By Air
    Mysore and Mangalore airports are the closest ones to Coorg. Mangalore International Airport is at a distance of 168 kms from Virajpet and 140 kms from Madikeri. Mysore Airport is at a distance of 121 kms from Virajpet and 127 kms from Madikeri.
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