The hill station of Coorg is rich in natural splendour and scenic grandeur. It is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka and is the birthplace of the sacred Cauvery River. Coorg is famous for its cool climate, coffee and tea plantations and the myriad exciting activities available to tourists. Tourists who are only interested in relaxing and unwinding flock there almost all year round for the climate and the lush greenery. And there truly is nothing but greenery as Coorg's economy is based on agriculture, plantations and forestry.
In Coorg (or Kodagu), you’ll find over 4000 sq km. of lush greenery made up of sandalwood, bamboo and rosewood forests. It is a paradise for honeymooners and backpackers alike, where paddy fields and pepper, cardamom, oranges and turmeric grow in abundance. It’s also a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers as well as for those seeking more exciting thrills like white water rafting and parasailing.
A popular destination for both tourists and the local elephants is the Dubare Forest. All the activities here revolve around the river as Dubare lies on the banks of the Cauvery River in eastern Coorg. Popular things to do here are riverside treks, swimming, elephant interaction programs and fishing. For those seeking something a little more exciting, you can find white-water rafting sessions available down the Cauvery, only in season of course.
If you're eager to catch a glimpse of giant tuskers and their entire families, perhaps 200 in all, make your way to Kabini. This is a very popular area where you'll be witness to one of the greatest elephant shows on the planet as they amble along in their natural environment. Get a new perspective of the wild by taking a boat ride, a jeep safari or even by riding on top of one these giant beasts to explore the forest and go in search of wildlife. It's rare, but if you’re lucky you’ll spot the elusive tiger and the equally shy panther. Animals that you're sure to catch a glimpse of are deer and gaur.
If you're an enthusiastic bird watcher, you'll be amazed at the unbelievable profusion of birds. Coorg is definitely a bird watchers paradise, and you can catch sight of almost 300 different species of birds. From storks and herons to vultures and eagles, you’ll find it all here. In addition to that, hundreds of migratory birds arrive in Coorg in the winter from thousands of miles away.
The Rajiv Gandhi national park, better known as Nagarhole, used to be the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. It is a must see for the wildlife lover as it is now a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and it links up with the Tholpetty Sanctuary in Kerala. You'll get a clearer view of the forest as some areas have been cleared of vegetation. This increases your wildlife sighting opportunities and game viewing. The Nagarhole area is also home to few of the prominent tribes of Coorg.
Coorg also holds remnants of South Indian royalty. There are plenty of opportunities to explore forts and palaces. The fort at Madikeri was originally made of mud but was later rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan when he briefly ruled over the area. Don't miss the Raja’s Seat. This is a small pavilion surrounded by a beautiful garden, which offered the Kodagu Kings a majestic view of the valley below.
If you're interested in pilgrimages and temple tours, Coorg will definitely not disappoint. Pilgrims take a dip and perform rituals at Bhagamandala. This is a common practice because it is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Cauvery and the Kanika. The temple here is built in the Kerala style and is dedicated to various gods. Omkareshwara temple in Mercara City is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 19th century in a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles. But one of the more famous temples is the Sri Bhagandeshwara temple, located about 30 km from Madikeri.
Don't leave the coffee-covered hills of Coorg before visiting one of the sprawling coffee plantations. Sign up for a coffee tour and you'll learn all about the coffee process and how Coorg became one of the coffee capitals of South India. If you time it right, you could be part of the coffee berry picking sessions and watch how the berries are processed to end up in your morning cuppa. You can also buy some Robusta coffee to take home with you as most of the estates sell their produce right there. It's a great way to carry home a part of Coorg.
The Cauvery River is not the only reason that Coorg is lush and verdant. There are many waterfalls and streams that wind their way through the region. You'll find good trekking routes around the waterways and it’s always refreshing to take a dip. Irpu Falls lies at the base of the Brahmagiri Range which forms the boundary between Karnataka and Kerala. It is an area of excellent biodiversity. Abbi Falls is close to Madikeri and is located in a private coffee estate. This is a good chance to explore a waterfall and a plantation at the same time.
As for accommodation, Coorg caters to a number of different preferences and budgets. You can stay at eco-farms, estates or home stays. Posh hotels and resorts are also available for those who want to escape and unwind. Most home stays and hotels offer a variety of adventure activities and excellent Coorgi food.
Coorg cuisine is rich with South Indian flavours, combinations of coconut, curry leaves, ginger, chilli and spices like pepper and cardamom. Dishes of pork, fish and chicken are very popular as the people of Coorg are mostly non-vegetarian. You’ll find even roadside hotels sell Kodava specialities.
Coorg is definitely the perfect holiday destination, whether you’re looking for a wild ride or a place to unwind. With its fantastic climate, scenic views and varied activities, it truly has something for everyone.
