Camp amidst Coffee estate at Coorg

 

252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.

Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals.

The Kodagu district comprises different communities - Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Moplah out of which the largest is the Kodava community, both economically and politically. The economy depends on agriculture, coffee plantations, foretry and tourism.

There are many versions behind the origin of the name Kodagu. According to the Puranas, Kodava is the redifned name of Krodhadesa, meaning 'Land of Anger', said to have been inhabited by the Kodava tribe. While for some, it is believed to have been named after the River Cauveri, where 'kod' means 'give' and 'ava' means 'mother' - which means Cauvery is the 'mother to the people'. Few believe the name originated from the Kannada kudu which means 'dense forest' on a steep hill. It is said that the history of Coorg dates back to as early as 888 AD.

The kingdom was ruled by many dynasties, starting with Gangas of Talakad, Kadambas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas and Nayakas. Information on its early history has come primarily from the various inscriptions on stone and copper plates of 9th - 10th century.

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.

Local Activities

Coorg is an ideal place for outdoor activities, food and shopping!

• Trekking: Coorg has many verdant trekking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it's best to go in the months from October to February. Some of the known trails are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where you could trek your way to the Irrupa Falls. You could also consider trekking to Pushpagiri, the second higest peak of Kodagu and Tadiandamol (the highest peak).
• Golf: Avid golffers can tee off at the 9-hole course of Virajpet.
• Angling: Valanoor is the backwater of the river Cauvery. It draws fishing lovers from all over India. You can try and catch the famous mahaseer and the best season is from October to May.
• White Water Rafting: There are few good camps around Coorg that offer rafting down the Cauvery river. For some fast paced action, visit the Upper Barapole River to the south of Coorg in Brahmagiri. The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.
• Food: Coorgi cuisine is famous and unique, especially for non-vegetarians as it is based on game meats, pork and other delicious ingredients. Popular dishes are pandhi (pork), koli (chicken) and yarchi (lamb) spiced with pepper, kokum, bamboo shoot, red chilly, bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent coffee.
• Shopping: Some of the popular items to buy are coffee, honey, spices, cardamom, pepper, pineapple papads and oranges ( season). Coorgi silk saree are also very famous and they have a different style of wearing them.
• Fairs & Festivals: Schedule your visit to coincie with one of the colorful festivals of the region. The festivals of the Kodava community are largely around agriculture military activities. 
  
  • The 'Festival of Arms - Keilpoldu' is held in the months of June to September. During this festival the weapons are polished and worshipped before resuse.
  • Cauvery Shankaramana is based around the river Cauver is held in October.
  • The harvest festival 'Puthar' is celebrated in November or December. The festival is accompanied by folks songs and dances, performed by the different villagers at their temples.

Getting Here

• Road: The Mysore - Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.

Co-ordinates: 12.25 N, 75.44 E

Best Time To Visit: April to November

Climate

Pleasant all year round. Monsoon is from June to September.

Season	Min	Max	Clothing
Winter (Oct to Jan)	14 C	26 C	Thick Cotton Light Wool & Sneakers
Summer (Feb to Jun)	20 C	32 C	Light Cotton & Sneakers
Monsoon (Jul to Sep)	18 C	30 C	Umbrella, Rain coat & Sneaker

OUR PROGRAM:

 

Trip Highlights:

1. Drive through Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Visit Irupu falls.

3. camp at Base of Tadiyendamol amdist coffee estate.

4. Trek to Peak. (4kms).

5. Visit Golden temple.

 

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ITINERARY:

• Day 01
• Overnight journey from Bangalore. (1130pm- Scheduled Departure - 6hrs drive).

 

• Day 02
• Early morning refresh at Local hotel; Early b/fast; Drive to Irupu Falls via Safari through Nagarahole wildlife sanctuary. Lunch at Falls, then drive to the base of Tadiyendamol. Overnight camp amidst the coffee estate, Campfire.

• Day 03
• Early morning visit to Tadiyendamol peak, return for b/fast; pack up, lunch on the way; drive back to Bangalore via Golden temple. Late night arrive at Bangalore.

 

Note: The itinerary is subject to change.

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Tariff: Rs 3799/- per head

Includes:

1. Comfortable accommodation & rooms for freshen up (tents (3pax & 2 pax in a 3 seasoned water proof tent)+ sleeping bags+ ground mats).

2. Finger lickening, Sumptuous, hygienic 3 course 2cycle vegetarian meals.

3. Instructor charges.

4. Local entry fees & Forest entry fees.

5. Comfortable non a/c transportation (12 seater- Tempo traveler; 18 seater- Swaraj Mazda; 35 seater- U/deluxe bus; 50 seater- U/deluxe bus).

Photogallery