Much loved for its scenic natural environs, its deep-rooted cultural heritage, and its historic lineage, Coorg makes for a lovely summer retreat.
Also known as Kodagu, its lazy sprawl is a dominating presence in the rural expanses of Karnataka’ south western region. The waters of the sacred river, the Talakaveri create swathes of bountiful verdure marked by pepper groves and coffee plantations. The astonishingly rich and varied bio-diversity of its wilderness expanses in the Western Ghats, offers up multitude opportunities to engage with nature through the most rewarding experiences.
Coorg has long enjoyed its reputation as the country’s “Coffee Capital’ but also arouses our curiosity about its unique Kodava traditions, which are still relatively unknown, even within India itself.
The misty hills of Coorg beckon us to sample the many charms of this hilly region, all year round, but in summer it offers a wonderful refuge from the punishing outcomes of rising temperature across India in the hot weather.
Coffee growing in the region dates back to the 17th century and even now has a firm grip on its economy.
Unmissable Tourist Hotspots
Madikeri or Mercara, Coorg’s picturesque capital town is a mosaic of greens and tranquil beauty. Follow the wooded trails for picnics in fragrant groves and savour a true-blue forest bathing experience to heighten your senses. For the more adventurous there are some pretty hiking and trekking trails to follow in the forested hills.
Nehru Mantap, in town, lies close to Raja's Seat. It offers beautiful panoramas of Madikeri's hilly surrounds. Best time here is at sunrise or sunset.
Dropping from a height of 70 ft the crystal cascades of Abbey Falls, formerly Jessie Falls, are a sight to behold. Their setting between swathes of coffee and spice plantationso adds to their vast appeal. Little wonder you’ll be tempted to linger on and enjoy the spectacle of sunlit waters against a foil of resplendent verdure all around.
The Madikeri Fort dates back to the late 17th century. If stones could speak it would recount to you the many battles and skirmishes it has witnessed over the centuries. Though it now serves as an office of the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office, you can visit the church, temple and museum located in the complex. You will also see the clock tower constructed by the British in 1933. The Kote Maha Ganapathi temple here also hosts the Madikeri Dasara festival.
For an uncrowded experience in the bounteous beauty of Coorg let your footsteps take you to the Chiklihole Reservoir, created by a dam on the Cauvery River. Surrounded by lush forests it’s a popular spot for picnics, birding and photography.
You should make a point to visit the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp and spend time with these gentle beasts. You can even take part in several activities involving interactions over three hours with the resident elephants. Kids will love this. They can help bathe the elephants in the Cauvery River, feed them with ragi rotis, jaggery, sugarcane and bananas —and even enjoy an elephant ride in the jungle.
Coorg has a fabulous array of allurements— whether you want to be in the thick of all the action, or prefer to find your own space in these gorgeous environs. With a bit of judicious planning ahead you can come home with some truly memorable experiences of this slice of India’s most seductive southern regions.