About Coorg

Coorg also known as Kodagu is a place said to haunt you forever with its timeless beauty. Kodagu is popularly dubbed as “Southern Kashmir” and “Scotland of India”.
Kodagu or Coorg is derived from the local version “Kodavu” and the people of Kodagu Kodavas. There are many versions behind the origin of the name Kodagu. According to Puranic versions the land of initial settlement was called Krodadesa which later became Kodagu.
The British administerd Kodagu between 1839-1941 as a separate State. Consequently Kodagu is home to many relics and remians of epic, historic and archaelogical significance.

              Coorg Map
               
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Geography of Coorg

Coorg is located in the south-western part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. Its maximum length is 96 km (north-south) and breadth 64 km (east-west). The area of the district is 4102.3 sq. km. The population estimated is 5 lakhs

Coorg's Historical Background


Kodagu was included in the Kingdom of Gangas during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century. Changalvas were feudatory to both the above dynasties but they were independent till 14th century since Hoysalas overthrew Cholas in the 12th century. Changalvas accepted the supremacy Of Hoysalas from 14th to 16th century. Then Nayakas who later paved the way to the Haleri Rajas of Kodagu ruled till 1834. The third of the Haleri Kings, Mudduraja is said to have leveled the steep mountains in North Kodagu, in 1681, to set up the town called “Mudduraja Keri” where he built the fort that housed the palace. In due course, 'Mudduraja Keri' became 'Madikeri' which is at present the district head quarters. Madikeri is also one of the three taluks of Kodagu the other two being Virajpet and Somwarpet.

Coorg's Landscape

The prominent peaks in Coorg are Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani Motte, Tumbe Male. Tadiyandamol (1750 m), Soma Male and Brahmagiri. The main crops being Coffee, Pepper, Cardamom, Orange, Paddy and Anthurium flower.
Coorg offers you a fascinating past, captivating natural beauty, great cuisine and aromas of the coffee plantations, oranges and honey.


Coorg Cuisine
Coorg presents some of the most mouthwatering delicacies recipes that have been culled from the Greek culture. Coorg cuisine is dominated with dishes prepared with Pork, Chicken and Mutton. The Pork curry (Pandhi Curry), Chicken Curry, Rice Roti, Kadambuttu (Rice Dumplings) Noolputtu (Rice Noodles) are some of the all time favourites. Bamboo –shoot curry with rice roti or wild mushroom curry with rice roti are some of the vegetarian delicacy relished by the Coorgs. The recipes are agreeably different, spicy and smattered with the Greek influence. A lot of coconut, curry leaves, ginger, chili and spices like pepper and cardamom, are used in abundance. The use of wholesome doses of spices, lends flavor and taste to Coorg cuisine, setting it apart from the rest of the cuisines.

Travel Destinations from Madikeri

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