Friday, July 13, 2012

Coorg – the Scotland of India


Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, the holy river Cauvery, orange groves, the fresh and lucid air which always filled with the stimulating aroma of coffee and fresh cardamom, Coorg honey, undulating streets and breathtaking views …Coorg has a lot to offer to the tourist.

This god gifted, pollution free, calm and quiet land of grassy hills occupies an area of 4,102 square kilometres (1,584 sq mi) in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka with a population of 554,762.

Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill’ also entitled as the Scotland of India, has mesmerizing mountain ranges all over with luscious greenery. The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south.

Kodagu was ruled by many dynasties, starting with Gangas of Talakad, Kadambas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas and Nayakas. The Haleri dynasty was the last noteworthy dynasty to rule the whole of Kodagu. It came into power around mid-16th century and was founded by a young price from Ikkeri. It was the first dynasty in the history of Kodagu, whch spanned 234 years and ruled the entire region.

The culture of Coorg is unique in many ways. The Kodagu district comprises different communities - Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Moplah out of which the lasrgest is the Kodava community, both economically and politically. The economy depends on agriculture, coffee plantations, forestry and tourism.

Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit.

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