Coorg (Kodagu in Kannada) is a district in Karnataka. The district consists of three taluks, namely Virajpet, Somvarpet and Madikeri (Mercara). Mercara is the headquarters of Coorg. Coorg has a distinct identity of its own due to the dominant Kodava community. Kodava community has its own distinct culture (way of life). It is known for coffee, picturesque hill side, the river Kaveri, and the Kodavas identify themselves as ‘brave warriors’. The first Indian Chief of Army –Field Marshal K.M.Kariappa belonged to Coorg. Coorg shares its borders with Mangalore, Hassan, Mysore and Kerala. It is situated in the Western Ghats and gets good rainfall. The climate would be cool throughout the year. Agriculture is the main occupation here; that includes rice and coffee cultivation, spices, rubber and teak.
Coorg is well connected only by road. You can reach Coorg via Mysore, Bangalore, or Mangalore. Reach Mercara first and from there start roaming around the district. Mysore is well connected to Mercara by road. If you are travelling by air or by train, then, Mangalore is the nearest place to get down.
Places to see Coorg offers many destinations for tourists. Mostly, your trip would consist of visiting waterfalls, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. There are many good resorts that have come up recently.
Abbey Falls: It is 8kms drive from Mercara. It is a good picnic spot.
Talakaveri: It is about 48kms from Coorg. The River Kaveri originates from this place. It is located in the Brahmagiri hills at 4500 feet above the sea level. You would see a small pond of water and also a small shrine nearby it. The ambience of Talakaveri is fascinating surrounded by Brahmagiri hills.
Mercara: It is the district headquarters. It is known for beautiful landscape. Visit Raja’s seat and the Madikeri fort in Mercara. The fort was built around 17th century by the kings of Coorg which consists of a prison, a Ganesha temple, a church and a museum. Raja’s seat was earlier used by the local rulers for relaxation. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Madikeri from there.
Bhagamandala: It is 39kms drive from Madikeri. Three rivers merge together here.
It has been a pilgrimage center for the devotees. Nagarahole wildlife sanctuary: It is 93kms from Madikeri. If you are lucky you would get to see elephants, bison, panther, deer and other wild habitat. You can go for a safari there. Another sanctuary is there on the way to Kukke Subrahmanya from Somwarpet. It is called Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary.
Iruppu falls: This falls is generated by the river Lakshmana Teertha. It is said that this river was created by Lakshmana for his brother Rama during their search for Seetha. You would enjoy traversing through all these places; the journey itself makes you feel happy. You pass through quiet villages, dense forests, coffee plantations, and small-small cascades of water on the way. Coorg invites nature lovers, and adventure seekers. If you are interested in photography then Coorg has many secrets in its basket! Try a traditional Coorgi cuisine which consists of rice roti (Indian bread made of rice flour) and non-veg curry to go with it. If you happen to be a good observer then you would notice the way the women in Coorg wear saree. Festivals related to Coorgis coincide with the harvest seasons; Puttari, Kaveri Sankramana and Kailpodhu are some of them. Happy stay in Coorg!
