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Coorg Information
Kodagu or Coorg is derived from the local version “Kodavu” and the people of Kodagu Kodavas. According to Puranic versions the land of initial settlement was called Krodadesa which later became Kodavu. It is also said that Kodagu is derived from the word Kodava, Kod means 'give' and avva means 'mother', i.e mother Kaveri, the river Kaveri.
Geography of Coorg:
Coorg is located in the south-western part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. Its maximum length is 96 km (north-south) and breadth 64 km (east-west). The area of the district is 4102.3 sq. km. The population estimated in 2001 was 545,322, increasing 11.64% from 1991 to 2001, and 5.75% from 1981 to 1991.
Coorg's Historical Background
Kodagu was included in the Kingdom of Gangas during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century. Changalvas were feudatory to both the above dynasties but they were independent till 14th century since Hoysalas overthrew Cholas in the 12th century. Changalvas accepted the supremacy Of Hoysalas from 14th to 16th century. Then Nayakas who later paved the way to the Haleri Rajas of Kodagu ruled till 1834.
Coorg's Landscape
The prominent peaks ain Coorg are Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani Motte, Tumbe Male. Tadiyandamol (1750 m), Soma Male and Brahmagiri.
Places of Interest in Coorg
Madikeri
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg with about 28,729 population and 1200 meters altitude. Muddurajakeri named after the first ruler Mudduraja from this place since 1681 later became Madikeri. It is a picturesque hill town with Palace inside Fort, Omkareshvar temple, Raja’s tomb, Raja's seat, Abbey falls.
Madikeri is about 120 Kms from Mysore and takes about 2.30 Hrs. From Bangalore it is around 250 kms and takes about 6 hours to reach Madikeri.
Kushalnagar
Kushalnagar is an amazing place to visit in Coorg and a great picnic spot too. The climate in Kushalnagar is completely different from other places in Coorg. The humidity level is much higher compared to Madikeri. There are lots of picnic spots in and around Kushalnagar, some of them are Veerabhoomi, Nisargadhama, Tibetian Monastery, Golden Temple and Harangi Dam.
Iruppu Falls (Irpu Falls)
This is a sacred place called Iruppu in south Coorg on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. According to legends Rama and Lakshmana, passed this way in search of Sita. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being the river Lakshmana tirtha when Rama asked him to fetch some water. The river descends into a water fall known as the Irupu Falls. This place is said to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees on Shivaratri day.
