Coorg is the anglicised name of the Kodagu district of Karnataka, located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. It is fondly referred to as “the coffee cup of India” as some of the world’s best coffee plantations thrive on its land. Other things apart, the Kodavas are especially renowned for their distinguished martial history.
Below are some of the activities one can engage in while at Coorg.
1) ATTEND THE HOCKEY FESTIVAL
International Hockey Festival in Coorg (Photo: Organge County)
Hockey is the traditional sport of the Kodava community of Coorg. In fact, several Kodavas have represented India in International Hockey tournaments, even Olympics. The Kodava Hockey Festival has been referred to the Guinness Book of Records such is the passion for hockey in the Kodagu district of Coorg. Each year, the festival is organised by a different family who give their name to the tournament. This year, it’s being organised by the Madanda family. It’s played by both men and women. The festival played a great role in bringing the Kodava community closer.
2) RELISH THE COORG CUISINE
Kodava Cuisine (Photo: The Hindu)
The Kodavas, who claim to be descendants of Alexander the Great, are pure non-vegetarians. But like any other cuisine, Coorg food is influenced by the history and culture of its people. Therefore, the meat is cooked in lots of fresh coconut, spices and curry leaves. In fact, the Kodavas’ fondness for good food and liquor is legendary. And if you eat meat, you have to try it the south-Indian style! Coorg is famous for Pandi Curry, Kadabu, Atti Payasa and Baimbale.
3) EXPLORE THE PLANTATIONS
Coffee Plantation in Coorg
The landscape of Coorg is dense with plantations of coffee, pepper and cardamom. You can take a walk through the plantation or even stay at the estate and learn all about important local spices from the property owner. And don’t forget to enjoy a piping hot coffee made from beans harvested directly from the estate! Savour its deep flavoured blend as you watch the mist drift across the plantation and the wooded hills of Coorg.
4) VISIT BYLAKUPPE
Tibetan monasteries – Bylakuppe
While at Coorg, visit the biggest Tibetan settlement in South India. On the Mysore-Madikeri highway, situated 90 kms away from Mysore, is located the largest Tibetan refugee camp- Bylakuppe. It houses thousands of Tibetans in exile, who came and settled here over 45 years ago. Several monks pursue their monastic education in Bylakuppe’s monasteries. While at Bylakuppe, buy local handicrafts, eat fried momos and witness the multi-faceted Tibetan culture.
5) ATTEND A COORG WEDDING
Wedding in Coorg (Photo: Raghav)
Unlike most south Indian weddings, a Coorg wedding follows customs more familiar to those of North India. The bride wears a red sari and the groom wears a long overcoat, with a sash around their waist. They also carry a customary dagger called “pechekathi”, tucked to the right side of their sash. The feasting is grand and the people look handsome in their traditional costumes. With the dancing and the good humour, the Coorg weddings become a highly enjoyable spectacle. Ladies must not forget to wear the Kodava sari, with the pleats at the back!
6) PLAN A TREK
Trekking in Coorg (Photo: Izmail)
This hilly paradise has exciting outdoor activities to offer to the adventure enthusiasts. One can trek upto the highest Tadiandamol peak. Once at the top, soak yourself in the mesmerizing views: the lush green forest, the sloping hills and the echoing waterfalls. The best season to plan a trek in Coorg is from December to May. Other mountain peaks for trekking include Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri.
7) BEFRIEND AN ELEPHANT
Dubare Elephant Camp (Photo: Sarah Nahum)
Visit the Dubare forest. Surrounded by water bodies, the forest is situated on an island and is maintained by the forest department, who run the Elephant Training Camp. Lie with elephants in the river water, pat scrub and clean them while enjoying the cool and refreshing waters of the Cauvery River. Witness the elephants throw water on themselves through their trunks!
8) ANGLING IN RIVER CAUVERY
Cauvery River (Photo: Darshan)
The mahseer in the waters of river Cauvery attracts a lot of professional anglers from across the globe to the fishing camps of Coorg. The angling season starts during mid-November till March the next year. Tourists can also enjoy river rafting on Cauvery during the monsoon season. The various fishing camps offer nature in its most charming and picturesque aspects. So soak in those stunning scenes around.
9) VISIT THE TIPU SULTAN’S FORT
Mercara Fort
History lovers and religious travellers can have a great time here. A visit to this place will take you back to the Tipu Sultan era. Unlike the palace in Srirangapatna closer to Mysore, here you are allowed to take pictures and explore both the floors of the palace, the lower one of which contains an exhibit of Tipu Sultan’s life.
10) HEAD TOWARDS THE ABBY FALLS
Abby Falls – Coorg
Enjoy a peaceful time by the lovely Abby Falls. Listen to the sound of the sparkling water and rejuvenate your senses. Smell the scented unruffled breeze and take a walk through the lush green hills. Just opposite the fall, there’s a hanging bridge through which the Kali Mata Temple and black pepper trees can be seen. One can reach the falls either on foot or on a two wheeler.
If you get a chance, do participate in the celebrations of the two major festivals of this place: the harvest festival or “puthari”, when the first stalks of rice are cut and the festival of weapons, when the Kodavas shoot a coconut fixed high up on a towering tree.
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