Coorg ~ A Leafy Paradise

Not for nothing do they call it the Scotland of India. Coorg is set in clean, green natural surroundings away from the bustling crowds. Misty hills, roads that wind their way through lush forests, aromatic pepper and spice plantations and sprawling coffee estates that are reminiscent of the days of yore. Even the people of Coorg are different – the Kodavas are a warm, friendly people who are proud of their martial heritage with a hospitable disposition that is legion. Merrymaking, drinking and eating are the hallmarks of this community and it is infectious – very infectious!

A trip to Coorg will be a holiday of a different kind. Coorg, most definitely gets under your skin and will have you wanting to come back for more.

Why go
Simply put – because Coorg is different. Spend the day playing a round of golf in the lush 18-hole golf course at Mercara Downs, picnic at the gushing Abby waterfalls, angle for trout or if you are lucky mahaseer in the Cauvery river or trek through the forests to Nishani Peak. There is much to do and see in Coorg.

Make Tracks
From Bangalore hire a taxi to make the five hours trip to Coorg or take the bus. From Mysore, regular buses and taxis are available to Madikeri with drive time being around 3 hours.

Stay
For an authentic experience and a taste of estate life, a home stay is the best. Many estate owners have opened up their homes to guests and it’s a treat to be at the receiving end of their legendary hospitality. Gowri Niwas and the Rain Forest Retreat are good options. Book in advance!

Others can choose the more conventional route of staying at a resort. The Orange County and the Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley Resorts will provide all the comforts one is looking for.

What the guide books don’t tell you!
Read any guide book and they will list out a set of must do’s. Here we attempt to give you an authentic experience of the place and for that we recommend:
- Sample pandhi (pork) curry and if you can do it at somebody’s home, the better it will be!
- Attend a Coorg wedding if you can. No priests, no fire, just drinking, eating and merry making! Elders perform the ceremony in this wedding ceremony which is unique
- Buy a bottle of freshly potted honey and cardamom and pepper to take back home
- Watch out for the leeches. Wear leech socks as protection
- End the day with a sundowner at the North Coorg Club