Here's Why You Should Discover Coorg

Nestled deep inside the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats of India lies the district of Coorg (also known as Kodagu). Considered among the top tourist hotspots in India, by virtue of being a coffee producing region in the country, Coorg is also well known for the indigenous ethnic groups like Kodavas and Arabashas, who are historically famous for belonging to the warrior classes. Here are some of the best reasons for you to discover Coorg.

The indigenous culture – Enthralling to the very core!

The diversity of Coorg is absolutely mesmerizing, to say the least! A number of ethnic groups make up the core of the population of this place, and it is in their varying customs, traditions and lifestyles that Coorg celebrates its diversity. Even though Kannada and Kodava are the official languages, a tourist may be at wit’s end if he tries to figure out the number of languages spoken by the locals around here! The general attire of people in this district also varies from one locality to another.

Kupyas, Chale,Odikathi and Jomalae are terms that one shall come across while dissecting the numerous elements of costumes in Coorg. Festivals like Kailpoud, Kaveri Sankramana and Puttari are pompously celebrated here, and most of them have the flavor of agriculture, which is the mainstay of Coorg’s economy.

Love hill stations? Here is your next destination

If you are done touring the hill stations of the east and central India, Coorg might just be the next item on your itinerary! The salubrious climate draws tourists from other parts of India, at almost all times of the year. A number of nearby tourist destinations complement the breathtaking beauty of the hills. Talakaveri, the origin of the Kaveri River is located in the vicinity of Coorg.

There are only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, which still exist in South East Asia – one of those ancient temples is present on the banks of Kaveri. The River Kanika meets Kaveri at Bhagamandala and makes it a famous tourist spot in Coorg. Lakshmana Tirtha River and Iruppu Falls also draws a significant crowd of visitors, all throughout the year. Other notable places of tourists’ interest are Nagarhole National Park, Nisagadhama picnic spot, Abbey Falls, Mallalli Falls and Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.

Flora and Fauna – Keep your eyes glued to the surroundings!

The variety of natural vegetation that flourishes here is simply stunning. Located in the coastal regions of the country, Coorg houses some of the most exotic species of plants within its boundaries. Some of the well known plant species found here are  Diospyros,  Mesua (Ironwood),  Calophyllum angustifolium, Canarium strictum (Black Dammar), Toona ciliata (Indian Mahogany),  Euonymus, Vaccinium and Cinnamomum.

Acacia, teak and sandalwood are also found growing abundantly in various parts of this place. Not only are these trees and plants the subjects of widespread of research by botanists and experts of other fields, they form the very heart of the natural beauty of Coorg which is responsible for making it a top hill station in India.

The fauna is also diverse, and that can gauged from the very fact that there are three well managed wildlife sanctuaries in Coorg –situated in Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri and Talakaveri. Besides, the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, better known as the Nagarhole National Park, is also a well known custodian of the numerous animal species found in this district. The Asiatic elephant, leopard and gaur are the most abundant species of animals that one can spot in Coorg. The place is also an ornithologist’s delight, for more than 300 species of birds have been sighted here in recent times.

Connoisseur of good food? – This is the right place for you!

The taste buds of any tourist are bound to get stimulated in multifarious ways, while tasting the eclectic range of food and cuisines on offer in Coorg. The famous Udupi cuisine, which is a well known feature of the coastal regions of the state, finds prominence here.

Dharwad Pedha, Maddur Vade, Mysore Pak and Joladda Roti may all sound a tad too quirky, but you have to taste each and every one of those food items to know why people love visiting this place so much! Besides the traditional South Indian cuisines, one can also find a number of multi cuisine restaurants and food joints offering North Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes.

Facts at a glance
Location – Malnad, Mysore Division, Karnataka, India
Geographical coordinates - 12.4208°N 75.7397°E
Population – 5,54,982 (according to Census 2011)
Total area – 4102 square kilometers
Official languages – Kannada, Kodava