Kodagu District

About:

Kodagu (Coorg) District, the erstwhile kingdom of the Hoysalas and Vijayanagar is a picture perfect hill station in Karnataka that houses a treasure trove of diverse culture. Covering an expanse of 4102 sq. km, Kodagu (4000 m elevation) is encircled by Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Mysore and Kannur District of Kerala state and Wayanad district of Kerala.It is also known by its anglicised name of Coorg. It occupies about 4,100 square kilometers (1,580 mi²) of land in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka. As of 2001, the population was 5,48,561, with some 13.74% of the population residing in the district's urban centers.

Kodagu's capital is Madikeri. The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada District to the northwest, Hassan District to the north, Mysore District to the east, the Kannur District of Kerala to the southwest, and the Wayanad District of Kerala to the south.

The 2001 Census quotes Kodagu's population indices at 5,48,561. This rural district's economy depends primarily upon agriculture, plantation and forestry. The coffee plantations and orange groves of Coorg are renown all over the world.Kodagu is one of the smallest districts in Karnataka comprising of 3 taluks Madikeri, Somwarpet and Virajpet.

Kodagu District's pristine verdant forests and sun kissed terrains specked by snow white coffee blossoms captivate tourists. Bestowed with a resplendent history and traditional legacy, Coorg attracts tourists by the droves.

The district has a mountainous configuration which presents a grand panorama of verdant valleys, ravines, fast flowing streams, lofty peaks and awe inspiring spurs. The major peaks are Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri Hills.The largest river in Kodagu district is the Cauvery with its principal tributaries Hemavathi, Lakshmanathirtha, Kakkabbe and Harangi or Survanavati, flows in an easterly direction and river Barapole flows towards west.Kodagu is a veritable botanists' paradise with more than 1,300 species.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

The climate of Kodagu is cool, equable and pleasant. The district has very moist rainy monsoon climate.

• Winter lasts from January to February
• Summer from March to May
• South-west monsoon from June to September
• North-east monsoon from October to December.

History:

Kodagu was a kingdom rulled by the Hoysalas from the 11th to the 14th century A.D. and thereafter by the Vijayanagar kings and the Chengalvas. The Wodeyars of Kodagu ruled from the 17th to the 19th century. The British annexed Kodagu in 1834 after dethroning Chikkaveerarajendra Wodeyar. It was administered by Chief Commissioners till Independence and then in 1952, as a category 'C' state, had a representative in the Rajya Sabha. Upon the reorganisation of states in 1956, Kodagu became a district of Karnataka State.

The Kodavas were the earliest agriculturists in Kodagu, living in that place for centuries. Nayakas and Palegaras like Chengalvas and Kongalvas ruled over them. Over centuries several South Indian dynasties, like the Kadambas, the Gangas, the Cholas, the Chalukyas, the Rastrakutas, the Hoysalas,and the Vijaynagar Rayas, ruled over Kodagu.

Kodagu was a kingdom ruled by the Hoysalas from the 11th to the 14th century CE, and thereafter by the Vijayanagar and the Chengalvas. The Haleri Rajas of Kodagu ruled from the 17th to the 19th century. In between the Mysore Sultans invaded and ruled Kodagu for a couple of decades in the eighteenth century.

The British annexed Kodagu in 1834, after dethroning Chikkavirarajendra the last Haleri Raja. The province was administered by Chief Commissioners until Indian Independence in 1948. The last Chief Commissioner of Coorg was Ketolira Changappa.[3]

Kodagu was granted a representative in the Rajya Sabha as a category 'C' State in 1952. In the re-organisation of States which took place in 1956, Kodagu became a district of Karnataka State.

Educational Institutions:

Institutions

• BT Chanaiah Gowramma College, Kodagu
  
• Coorg Institute Of Dental Science
• School Of Nursing Madikeri Education
• Coorg Institute Of Technology
• Dist Institute Of Education & Training
• Saraswathi T T I
• Sarvodaya Womens Teacher Traing College
• Sarvodaya College Of Edn
• Government Polytechnic
• Cauvery Polytechnic
• Cauvery Womens College
• Govt First Grade College, Kushalnagar
• Kavery Womens College
• Srimangala First Grade College
• Govt Pu College , Ponnampet
• D. Chennamma Pu College
• Sri Cauvery Pu College
• Kannada Bharathi Pu College
• Cauvery College,gonikoppal
• Murnad Pu College
• Govt Homoeopathic Medical College

Langauge

Culture:

There are three main festivals: the Festival of Arms or Kailpodhu, Kaveri Shankaramana and the harvest thanksgiving at Puttari (puthari). These three festivals occur between September and December.

Kailpodhu
Kailpodhu is celebrated on the 3rd of September. Officially, the festival begins on the 18th day after the sun enters the Simha Raasi (the Western sign of Leo). Kail means weapon or armory and Pold means festival. The day signifies the completion of "nati" - meaning the transplantation of the rice (paddy) crop.

Kaveri Sankramana
The Kaveri Sankramana festival normally takes place in mid-October. It is associated with the river Kaveri, which flows through the district from its source at Talakaveri.At a predetermined time, when the sun enters Tula Rasi (Tula sankramana), a fountain from a small tank fills the larger holy tank at Talakaveri. Thousands of people gather to dip in this holy water. The water is collected in bottles and reaches every home throughout Kodagu. This holy water is called Theertha, and is preserved in all Kodava homes. A spoonful of this water is fed to the dying, in the belief that they will attain moksha (spiritual emancipation) and gain entry to heaven.

Puttari
Puttari means “new rice” and is the rice harvest festival (also called huttari in the adjacent Kannada-speaking country). This takes place in late November or early December. Celebrations and preparations for this festival start a week in advance.

On the day of Puttari, the whole family assembles in their ain mane (the common family house), which is decorated with flowers and green mango and banana leaves. Specific foods are prepared: thambuttu, puttari, kari and poli poli. Then the eldest member of the family hands a sickle to the head of the family and one of the women leads a procession to the paddy fields with a lit lamp in her hands. The path leading to the field is decorated.

How to reach?

Road Transport: Kodagu is well connected with all season motorable roads. It is well connected by K.S.R.T.C buses from all over Karnataka, particularly from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore & Hassan.

Distance

• Bangalore(260 KMS)
  
• Mysore(120 KMS)
  
• Mangalore(120 KMS)
  
• Hassan(125 KMS)
  
• Tellicheri(135 KMS)

Bus Stations

• Kodagu Central Bus Station
  
• Virajpet Bus Station
  

Tourist Attraction

Fort and the Palace:The fort stands on an elevated ground and is visible from any part of the town. The original mud fortress was rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan The ground plan of the palace is an irregular hexagon with circular bastions at six angles. The palace situated inside the fort was rebuilt by Lingarajendra II in brick and mortar between 1812 and 1814.

Raja's Seat:This is a small square mantapa in brick and mortar of four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. This lovely spot was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west.

Triveni Sangam: A sacred site for the Hindus, Bhagamandala is on the banks of the confluence of three rivers, Cauvery, Kannika and a mythical river Sujyothi, to form the 'Triveni Sangam'.

Tadiandamol (5,724 ft) is the highest peak of the district and is situated near Nalknad Palace which is 40 kms from Madikeri.

Beelur Golf Club:
Is located 8 kms from Somwarpet town and it is one of the oldest club in the town. The lush green golf ground attracts may movie makers.

HARANGI:A reservoir with picturesque spot is one of the main attractive tourist centre at a distance of 9 kms from Kushalnagar. Best season to visit is between August and December.

Malemalleshwara Betta:
Is located around 13 kms from Somwarpet and 7 kms from Shanivarsanthe. Pooja will be conducted regularly and a Grand Celebration on Maha Shiva Rathri every year.

Coorg: Situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg is a hill station in Kodagu District boosting an exotic natural environment. Coorg is commonly known as the 'Scotland of India' as well as 'Kashmir of the South'. This beautiful hill lies between 3000 and 4000 ft above sea level

Abbey Falls:
Abbey Falls also called as Abbi falls is just 5 km from Madikeri. Here the Madikeri or Muttaramutta stream naturally falls from a precipice at a height of 70 feet in between huge boulders to a rocky valley. The British called Abbey falls as the Jessy waterfalls in memory of Jessy the daughter of Madikeri's first chaplain. During the monsoon season the water flow is very high. Abbey falls is well known picnic spot. The best time to visit Abbey falls is early winter when the monsoons have brought plenty of water.

Pushpagiri or Subramanya hill, the celebrated mountain is in the north-west of Kodagu, about 36 kms from Somwarpet and 1.5 km from Kumaralli, which is amidst jungle.Starting from Bhagati, at the base of Pushpagiri, it is about 10 kms walking, the ascent taking a good walker about three hours. The summit commands an extensive view of Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan and Mysore.

Brahmagiri Hill :Particularly the young and the able bodied, climb up about 300 feet to the summit of the Brahmagiri peak where, it is said, the seven great sages meditated.

Dubare:
Mainly an elephant-capturing and training camp of the Forest Department at the edge of Dubare forest; on the bank of the river Kaveri along the Kushalanagara - Siddapur road.

Omkareswara Temple
The omkareshwara temple was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820. This temple is built in Indo- Saracenic style of architecture with a dome on the roof and minarets at the four corners. The Linga was brought from Kashi.

Kushalnagar is just 32 Kms from Madikeri, and 87 Kms from Mysore.From here, by hiring a taxi, you can cover Cauvery Nisargadhama, Harangi and Dubare in one trip.

CAUVERY NISARGADHAMA:Forest department is maintaining this wonderful picnic spot, on the banks of river Cauvery, near Kushalnagar. The hanging bridge, pedal boat center, tree top shelters, elephant safari, deer park are the main attractions of Cauvery Nisargadhama.

Nagarahole:
Nagarahole national Park is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Nagarahole National Park is located 94 km away from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The sanctuary comprises three forest ranges namely, Nagarahole, Kallahalla & Thitimathi.

Bhagamandala:
Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi, is said to join from underground.

Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement
Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement Bylakuppe is the largest Tibetan settlement in India located near Kushalanagar in Kodagu district. The settlement set up in 1960 holds a several monasteries and temples of all major Vajrayana (Indo-Tibetan Buddhist) lineages.

Gandhi Mantapa:To the left on the way to Raja's seat a mantapa is built on the sacred mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi in 1956. There are two royal tombs at Madikeri. Veerarajendra began the construction of the royal tomb on a hill commanding a view from all directions to the north of Mahadevpet.

Igguthappadevara betta, in the proximity of the Aiyengeri forest near Kakkabbe , is a lofty peak and is a pilgrim centre for the Coorgs in particular and other Hindus in general. Worshippers from all over the district congregate at the shrine and offer poojas and sometimes "Tulabhara", weighing oneself with rice or coconuts and offering the same to the deity along with some money.

Honnamana Kere:
(Honnama Lake) is a lake and holy place in Doddamalthe near Sulimalthe village, 6 km away from Somwarpet town. It is the biggest lake in Coorg, and once a year, during the Gowri festival, a special pooja is conducted and 'Bagina' which consists of belonging of goddess Honamma is left to the lake.

Mallalli Falls:
Mallalli Falls is situated around 25 km from Somwarpet. The exact location of Mallali falls is in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk. It is an eye feasting sight of river Kumaradhara gushing through the valley and falling into a gorge, with lush green mountains around.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Around 30 km from Somwarpet towards Kukke Subramanya and is spread over 102 sq km in the Western Ghats. This place is a frest for trekkers who want to experience the wilderness of Western Ghat.Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many Elephants, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars, Spotted Deers, Sambars, Barking Deers, Mouse Deers, Jackals, Hares, Common Mongoose, Common Otter, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet and Porcupine.

Talakaveri:
The place where the River Kaveri originates. The temple on the riverbanks here is dedicated to lord Brahma, and is one of only two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and Southeast Asia.

Nagarahole game sanctuary was constituted in 1955, and extends over 111 sq. miles of reserved forests in the eastern region of the district. The game sanctuary comprises three forest ranges namely, Nagarahole, Kallahalla & Thitimathi. The sanctuary is situated at the distance of 105 kms from Madikeri.

Nisargadhama:
An island and picnic spot near Kushalanagara, formed by the river Kaveri.

Iruppu Falls:
A sacred spot in south Kodagu in the Brahmagiri hill range. The Lakshmana Tirtha River flows nearby.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Madikeri (STD: 08272)

• Hotel Rajadarshan (ph:229142)
  
• Hotel Brahmagiri Comforts (ph:225866)
  
• Hotel Mayura Valley View (ph:228387)
  
• Hotel Cauvery (ph:225492)
  
• Hotel Fort View (ph:225266)
  
• Hotel Coorg International (ph:228074)
  
• Hotel Coorg Side (ph:225489)
  
• Hotel New Chithra (ph:225191)
  
• Mercara Inn (ph:223607)

Virajpet (STD: 08274)

• Hotel Keerthi (ph:257207)
  
• Sangeetha Lodge (ph:256883)
  
• Orange County Resorts (ph:458481)
  
• Shivas Residency (ph:255451)
  
• Seetha laxmi Lodge (ph:257531)

Somwarpet (STD: 08276)

• Hotel Kushal, Kushalnagar (ph:272242)
  
• Kodagu Plaza, Kushalnagar (ph:273052)
  
• Veerabhoomi Tourist Village Resort (ph:274069)
  
• Hotel Karthik International, Kushalnagar (ph:273318
  
• Hotel Kaleghat, Kushalnagar (ph:274785)

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