Glimpses of India - Coorg

1.0About the Author

Lokesh Abrol is a renowned doctor. He is also a traveller and social entrepreneur who loves India and likes writing about different places he visited in India. The present essay on 'Coorg' highlights his sharp observation and the ability for a graphic description of the wonderful land that is called Coorg.

2.0Central Idea

This lesson gives us a beautiful insight of the smallest district of Karnataka and its people. This place 'Coorg' has an amazing weather throughout the year and enough rain during the monsoon season. Coorg is a coffee producing area in the Karnataka state of India. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The people of Coorg are known to be one of the bravest. Coffee is the main crop grown in this region. This land is also famous for its rainforests and spices. A variety of animals can be found here while the place is surrounded by beautiful Brahmagiri hills, islands and Tibetan settlements.

3.0Piece of Heaven

Coorg - A Heavenly Place

Coorg district of Karnataka lies between the towns of Mysore and Mangalore. It is like a heaven on Earth. It is inhabited by martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. Weather and Environment of Coorg It is the smallest district of Karnataka. It consists of evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. The best season to visit Coorg starts in September and continues up to March. The weather in Coorg is pleasant during those months.

People of Coorg

People here are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a legend, Alexander's army moved South along the coast and settled there only when they were unable to return to their country. These people married among the locals and their culture can be witnessed by their martial traditions, marriages and religious rites. The Kodavus (residents of Coorg) wear a long black coat with an embroidered waist belt known as Kuppia, it resembles kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Bravery Tales of Coorg

Coorg people are well-known for their bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. General Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief, was a Coorgi. Even today, only the Kodavus are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

4.0The Panoramic View

Wildlife in Coorg

Coorg is home to a large number of wild animals and birds. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish, is found here. Kingfishers, squirrels and langurs live without any fear. Wild elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts. The river Kaveri gets its water from the hills of Coorg.

Coorg - A Tourist Place

Even the laziest tourists become adventurous on coming to Coorg as it is full of adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing etc. The climb to Brahmagiri hills brings smiles to many faces as one can see the panoramic view of Coorg from there.

Nature at Its Best

India's largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is inhabited by monks in red, ochre and yellow robes. There are many more surprises waiting at Coorg for the tourists to discover.

Reaching Coorg

Coorg can be reached by road and by rail. If one prefers to go by air, then the nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore. By road, it is around 250-260 km from Bangalore.

5.0Let's Recall

• Coorg is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
• It is called the land of rolling hills.
• It is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
• It is the smallest district of Karnataka.
• Coorg is the home of evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations.
• The most pleasant season for the tourists is from September to March. During this period, weather is perfect and the air breathes of coffee.
• The people of Coorg are fiercely independent people. They are possibly of Greek or Arabic origin. It is said that a part of Alexander's army settled here and married amongst the locals.
• Their long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt Kuppia resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs.
• Coorgi homes are known for their hospitality.
• The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
• The river Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg.
• High energy adventures with river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and mountain biking are quite popular in Coorg.
• Birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels and langurs find shelter in the rainforests of Coorg.
• The top of the Brahamagiri hills gives one a panoramic view of the misty valley of Coorg.
• India's largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is famous for its Buddhist monks and temples.