COORG: The Scotland of India

Coorg also called as Kodagu, is the name derived from the local version “Kodavu”. The people of coorg are called Kodavas. The name Kodava means, where Kod means “give” and ava means “mother, in short mother Kaveri. The kaveri river is the most famous river that flows from Karnataka.
Geography of Coorg:
Coorg is the place that is situated in the southern-western part of Karnataka and is border to Kerala. The population of the coorg according to the 1991estimation was 545,322. Coorg is covered with some of the beautiful landscape and peaks such as Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani Motte, Tumbe Male, Tadiyandamol, Soma Male and Bhrmagiri.
Coorg Community:
Coorg is the home of various races. The main community is the Kodava. Gowdas, Tamilians, Malyalees, Mophlas are the different communities who share this land. There are also some tribal groups such as Kurubas, Kudiyas and Yeravas.
Coorg peoples:
Kodavas: This is the main community that represents coorg. Kodava peoples are known for their bravery since ages. This is the only community that has the right to acquire guns without license. Kodavas men and women look beautiful, smart and are highly educated. Kodava men wear black knee length over the coat that reaches to elbow with scarlet sash and carry silver dagger and glided turban. Whereas, women wear Indian saree but with pleats that goes around chest, and the end is clipped with traditional clip.
Kodava Mophlas: This is the other major community of coorg. They are the known as the Indian Muslim Community, basically called as Arab merchants
Kodava Gowdas: This is the 2nd most major community which includes Arebhashe Gowdas or they can also be called as Tulu Gowdas. This community is known for traditional folk dance Valaga Dance and frolic for Gowdas.
Festivals of Coorg:
Medikeri or Mercara Dasara: This is the second biggest festival after Mysore Dasara. This festival is usually celebrated at night.
Cauvery Sankramana: This festival is celebrated on the day of Tula Sankramana in the month of October. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Goddess Cauvery.
Kunde Habba: This festival is also known as the “Festival of abusing God” and is the traditional festival of tribal people.
Tourist Attraction in Coorg:
Coorg is the beautiful place which has many tourist attraction and they are: Madekeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, a stunning viewpoints like Raja seat and Pilgrimage site like Abbey and Irupu falls.
When to Visit: The best time to visit coorg is between April to November.
How to reach:
•Coorg is 260 km away from Bangalore and 135 km from Mysore.
•By road you take Mysore –Mangalore (NH48) which passes through Kodagu. The distance of coorg from Mangalore is 136 km