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Coorg
or Kodagu is a different facet of India - untouched by commercial tourism,
beautiful, misty blue and green throughout. Steep hills, valleys and gorges with
countless streams that gurgle through them, beckon intrepid trekkers and rock
climbers, as well as the general
nature lover to explore its hidden
treasures.
The land of coffee bushes
resplendent with red berries, cardamom fields covered with white and purple
blossoms, silver oak trees with green pepper climbers and of a sturdy handsome
people called the Coorgis who charm visitors by their hospitality and cuisine
and their intriguing customs and the reverence with which they worship their
river, the Cauvery.
Nestled in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is the source of the River
Cauvery and home to some of India's bravest soldiers like General Thimayya and
Field Marshal Cariappa. While hiking across the countryside in Coorg, get ready
to be greeted by panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded
hill slopes, singing hill mynas & a variety of other birds and undulating
paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies.
Heavy rainfall in this land has gifted a rainforest that’s lush green
throughout & a bracing, misty climate making Coorg - an awesome holiday
experience.
The
People
The
Kodagu people have a unique identity of their own – that of a brave, handsome,
hospitable
community. With their origins unknown even today, visitors are
overwhelmed with their customs, especially their respect for ancestors and a
love of their land. A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army
several Generals and Brigadiers. Kodagus or Coorgis have their own dialect &
follow customs & rituals which are unlike any other people. Kodagu women
have their own special variant of draping the saree. With pleats behind and the
pallu in front, they draw attention to their beautiful good looks as well.
Coffee
This refreshing drink grows extensively in Kodagu on plantations that dot most
of the hillsides. Not to be missed is the traditional black coffee with jaggery
– a tasty delicious drink that most locals offer you. Along with coffee,
oranges, black pepper, banana and cardamom at the bottom of the slopes draw your
attention in plantations everywhere.
Cauvery
Aptly known as the lifeline of the south, Cauvery bubbles up from Talacauvery
and reaches ground level at Bhagamandala, 39 kms to the west of Madikeri, the
capital town of Coorg. One of the seven major rivers of India, Cauvery is also
called the
' Ganga of the south'. It’s a wonderful experience to camp by its
riverside surrounded by the green carpet of hills and whistling birds.
How
to approach Coorg:
By
Road: Plenty of buses from Mysore (120 kms), Mangalore (136 kms) Bangalore (256
kms).
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