Famous hill station in South India. Home to the Kodavas community and lush plantations growing coffee, black pepper and cardamon.

Kodagu is a paradise for any nature lover. Popular with tourists and local trekkers, Kodagu is also known by its italicized name, Coorg, which means “dense forest on steep hill”. True to the meaning, one can delight in various tours to the plantations, orange groves, trek through unspoilt forest tracts in the wildlife sanctuaries and national park. 

History of Kodagu

The earliest historical record of this relatively undeveloped region of India in the south, is from the 8th century. It was at the crux of the of the lucrative salt trade passing between the coast and cities on the Deccan Plateau. Ruled by the astute Hindu Haleri Rajas, the state managed to avert invasions by the powerful neighbours. Its independence was ensured by a combination of hilly terrain (its natural defense against enemies) and lack of roads (a deliberate move by the defensive kings). These advantageous factors partnered with the tenacious and highly trained army allowed Kodagu to enjoy status as the only Indian kingdom to avoid any conquest. More recent records are less clear, though there is evidence it was ruled by various Hindu monarchies with a brief conquest by Hyder Ali and numerous futile attempts by the Muslim army. In 1834, it was annexed by the British and in 1956, became a district of the Karnataka State. 

Tourism in Kodagu

Home-stay tourism is popular in Kodagu and proved to be a good way to enjoy one’s travel in this refreshing hill resort. The beautiful area combines rugged mountains with cardamom jungles, paddy fields and coffee plantations and sweet smelling orange groves, and a home-stay tour enhances thetravel experience mingling with the Kodavas and having a first experience of their way of living. Their distinct culture including their rich traditional outfits, heavy jewelry and cuisine adds a memorable touch to one’s India tour. 

Wonderful Waterfalls

Nature spots include the wonderful waterfalls, trekking trails and panaromic peaks. 
Favourite picnic spots are not to be missed as the glorious waterfalls form the perfect backdrop for a leisurely day out. Such travel attractions include Irpu where the cascading waters originate from the Brahmagiri hills, another popular tour spot.  Abbey Falls, a most popular attraction and picnic site within a private plantation presents a most spectacular sight from a hanging bridge. Besides these usual tourist spots, there are other lesser known waterfalls, which are no less amazing despite the fewer travellers heading there. These waterfalls are the 35 feet Devaragundi Falls in Todikana, Devarakolli Falls along Madikeri – Mangalore road, easily visible by the side road, 50 feet Private Falls within the Palace estates and the huge waterfalls in Chelavara village.  

Thrilling trek trails

Trekkers will enjoy the trail up to Tadevendamol, the region’s highest peak rewarding the hikers with breathtaking view of the nearby Arabian Sea. Nagarhole National park is another travel attraction. Wildlife, such as spotted deers- locally known as Chitals, elephants and bisons are common sights. Jungle safari is also available. Climbing up the Brahmagiri hills to reach the Brahmagiri peak, a part of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a challenge for any seasoned trekker. The steep climb, starting at Irpu waterfalls, leads to the ridges, where the beautiful vistas and view of the valleys below make the hard work all worth the while. Narimale Peak is also near Brahmagiri and provides a comfortable trek through the grassland. 

Terrific Temples

In keeping with the characteristic of travel sites in any region of India, there are  temples with unique architecture to marvel. These include Keralan style constructed  Bhangandeshwara Temple in the quiet village of Bagamandala, Omkareshwara Temple with unique fusion elements of red-tiled roofs, Keralan Hindu architecture and Islamic influenced domes and Tibetan monastery. 

For a quiet hill station, Kodagu offer plenty to discover and appreciate the glory of nature during the travel.