Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with luring amalgamation of history, luxury, adventure, mouth-watering cuisine. Located along the western ghats, this famous coffee-producing hill station is well-known for its jaw-dropping ravishing scenery and opulence. Not to forget the popular festivals - Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest). Stunning mountains, the cascade of falling waters, and eye-feasting view of the flora and fauna, this place is indeed a perfect holiday destination for people who need an escape from their monotonous 9-5 hectic life. Much-acclaimed to be the preferred destination for trekking sports and white water rafting, Coorg qualifies to be the perfect location for the thrill-seekers. Not just the scintillating beauty, this misty landscape has a rich culture and a unique local clan - Kodavas specialised in martial arts, widely known for their hospitality. Ranging from admiring the beauty of this heavenly destination to a challenging trek or deep insight into the culture at the Madikeri Fort to the enthralling adventure at Abbey falls or the spicy curries to the sweet heart-melting handmade truffles, Coorg will make you oscillate to the extremes in everything. With so many activities in the house, this is indeed an ideal destination for everyone, whether you are a foodie, an explorer, an adventurer, or a tranquility seeker.
History
The majority of the early accounts of Coorg(Kodagu) are fundamentally eminent and the genuine record of history in Coorg is available only following the ninth century. On the word of inscriptions, Coorg was under the rule of many dynasties of South India such as Changalvas, Cholas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Kadambas and Pandyas.
It is believed that early on the northern part of Kodagu was under the Kadambas and the south under the Gangas. The Cholas were a powerful force in the eleventh century they defeated the Gangas. However, the Changalva Arasus continued o rule the south Kodagu when Raja Chola was ruling in Tanjavur. The situation more or less remained the same till the invasion under Alauddin Khilji. In the fourteenth century the Changalvas became prominent rulers of Kodagu.
The period between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries were tumultuous and rulers changed faster than the seasons. However, Kodagu continued to cling on to its independent stature. The fall of the Vijayanagara empire signaled a change and in this period Keladi Nayaks of Ikkeri took over Kodagu and established the Paleri(Haleri) Kingdom. Paleri kings, who were Lingayats of Veerashaiva faith, ruled the region for more than 200 years (1580 – 1834). The first ruler of Paleri dynasty was Vira Raja. His grandson Muddu Raja I was a popular ruler and ruled for more than 50 years. He moved his headquarters to current day Madikeri in 1681. It was called Muddu Raja Keri and later shortened to Madikeri. Under the Paleri dynasty Kodagu attained a status as an Independent kingdom. Rulers kept changing in the time span.
In 1784 Tippu entered Coorg with a 32,000 strong army, along with a French battalion commanded by General Monsieur Lally and defeated the Coorg Army, made true of his threat and hauled thousands of civilian and captured Coorgs to Srirangapatna.
In 1788, Coorgs rescued their king Dodda Vira Rajendra, the eldest of the princes, who had been taken prisoner by Tippu and held in Periyapatna fort. The Coorgs who escaped Tipu’s army, rallied around the the young Prince kept engaging Tippu’s forces in the battlefield. By 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra had successfully attacked and sacked most of the forts garissoned by Tipu Sultan’s forces. A series of several events followed this. Eventually, the Kodavas backed the British troops and Tipu fell in the year 1799. In November of 1956, the the State of Coorg was amalgamated with the onetime state of Mysore, as part of a state reorganization. Now, the district of Coorg(Kodagu) is part of the state of Karnataka.
Throughout the history of Coorg, no ruler has held direct sway over the region. Coorg has always been under the influence of local chieftains. The culture of Coorg has never been assimilated with the neighbours and has always maintained their unique identity.
Culture of Coorg
Coorg is the Place with deep History of Kings and Rulers, the culture here completely different by other parts of the Karnataka State. Main ethnic group and majority are Arebhase Gowdas and Kodavas as they settled in the Kodagu from the time of British and south Indian dynasties rule. Women’s in the Coorg wear Saree which completely in different way compared to other communities and people. The Swords and Guns are ritually worship by the Coorg people, Coorg peoples are born fighters from time of Kings to nowadays.
Coorg Cuisine
Coorgs are well known for their love of good food and liquor. The liquor is known as Kudi and good food is called as Kadi. At all of the Coorg festivals and weddings, the Coorg people can be seen enjoying Kudi and Kadi as they indulge themselves in song and dance.
The Cuisine of Coorg is influenced by the history, geography and culture of the people. Boiled rice and rice gruel are the staple food of the Coorgs. As rice grows abundantly in the valleys of Coorg. Pork, chicken, crabs and river fish are the commonly consumed non vegetarian items. Beef is prohibited here. A wide variety of steam cooked dish called Puttu is very famous here. Different types of Puttu comes in different shapes. Some of the popular puttu in Coorg include Kadambuttu, Thaliya puttu, Paa Puttu, Noo Puttu, Nuchu Puttu, Thambuttu etc.
