Coorg - Kerala Trip.in

www.keralatrip.in Kodagu is located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. It has a geographical area of 4,102 km2 (1,584 sq mi).[8] The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. It is a hilly district, the lowest elevation of which is 900 metres (3,000 ft) above sea-level. The highest peak, Tadiandamol, rises to 1,750 metres (5,740 ft), with Pushpagiri, the second highest, at 1,715 metres (5,627 ft). The main river in Kodagu is the Kaveri (Cauvery), which originates at Talakaveri, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, and with its tributaries, drains the greater part of Kodagu. View of Tadiandamol In July and August, rainfall is intense, and there are often showers into November. Yearly rainfall may exceed 4,000 millimetres (160 in) in some areas. In dense jungle tracts, rainfall reaches 3,000 to 3,800 millimetres (120 to 150 in) and 1,500 to 2,500 millimetres (59 to 98 in) in the bamboo district to the west. Kodagu has an average temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), ranging from 11 to 28 °C (52 to 82 °F), with the highest temperatures occurring in April and May. The principal town, and district capital, is Madikeri, or Mercara, with a population of around 30,000. Other significant towns include Virajpet (Virarajendrapet), Kushalanagara, and Somwarpet. The district is divided into the three administrative talukas: Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet..

Coorg and Kerala

coorg and kerala

Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs. The town can be found 1525 meters above sea level on the plateau of the Western Ghats. A prince from the Haleri dynasty, Muddu Raja founded Madikeri in 1681 under the original name Muddu Rajakeri, which became Madikeri. Madikeri is officially know as Mercara. RAJA'S SEAT One can have a panaromic view of the hills from Raja's seat. Sunsets at Raja's seat are an enchanting experience. Raja's Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India's most scenic locations. The view from Raja's Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja's Seat. This is the ideal place to go for a morning stroll. OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE Omkareshwara Temple The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and built the temple to appease the Brahmin's spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple is like a Muslim dargah and has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance. MADIKERI FORT Mercara Fort Mercara Fort can be found on elevated ground atop Madikeri. The fort was originally made out of mud and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan with stone, only to be wrested back by the Coorg King in 1791.There are two mortar elephants, built life-size to catch the visitors' eyes as they enter the fort. Inside the fort, the British took out the temple of Virabhadra in 1855 and replaced it with the gothic-style Anglican Church, which has since been converted to a museum. The Madikeri Palace is inside of the Madikeri Fort and is home to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The Palace was established by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The two-story structure was renovated by the British two times and a clock tower and portico for the commissioner's car was added in 1933. ABBI FALLS Abbi Falls Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 8 km drive from the main town. GADDIGE Gaddige, also know as Rajas' tombs or the tombs of Virarjendra is a significant monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings. TALACAUVERY Talacauvery Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMA Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort. BYLEKUPPE Tibetan cultural dances being peformed at the monastery premises in Bylekuppe Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans. VALNUR FISHING CAMP Valnur fishing camp is located near Kushalanagar on the banks of the Cauvery. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling for the majestic Mahseer after obtaining fishing permits from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a bird-watchers' paradise. DUBARE RESERVE FOREST & DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalanagar famous for its elephant training camp. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. HARANGI DAM The Harangi dam near Kushalanagar has a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a week-end stay. No matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will fin

coorg

coorg

The Coorgs' customs are quite different from those of the other people of India. The people of Coorg are well known for being hospitable. A delicacy that is served at community feasts is pork, prepared in vinegar that has been made from wild berries. The people of Coorg are quite fond of their weapons. They have a festival completely dedicated to weapons called Keil Podh. The Puttari harvest festival is opened up with the firing of guns. When a family is blessed with a son, a single gunshot is fired into the sky to welcome the little one. Likewise, when a Coorg passes away, two consecutive gunshots are fired into the sky to make the neighbors aware of the death. A Coorg Female performing a custom at the wedding. Primarily, the people of Coorg worship ancestors. In their houses, they have idols or images of their ancestors to whom the offer obedience and prayer. The idols are traditionally made from wood or clay, covered with metal, and placed in a shine called a kaimada that is built close to the ain-mane(ancestors home) entrance. A Coorg Elder invoking the blessings of Goddess Cauvery & Ancestors. Coorgs worship nature and they hold the river Cauvery in the highest regards. To them, the holy river is their mother. It is mentioned in the Puranas that the Coorgs were summoned by Lord Brahma when the River was going to take birth. All the Coorgs gathered at Talacauvery and took the first dip when the Goddess appeared and turned into the river. The people of Coorg are blessed by touching their elders' feet. A mother is held in the highest regard within the Coorg society. The mother is the first to bless a journeyman or young married couple. Unlike other Hindu societies, a Coorg widow may still participate in joyous occasions such as her children's weddings. She is seen as the principal figure for conducting wedding ceremonies that are conducted traditionally by elders without the participation of a priest. A Coorg Groom in the ethnic white kuppya and the headgear during the First Day (Oorkudo) Ceremony. The white Kuppya is worn only on marraige or death ceremonies. It may come as a surprise to many that the Kodava(Coorg) language has no word for dowry and prostitution, both of which are absent among the Kodavas. The general level of culture and education among women of Coorg has always been higher, women know their rights and are treated well in the family. A widow may remarry, which is quite common and has always been acceptable in the Coorg culture. Member of the Grooms party killing ( Chopping down ) mock banana trunk soldiers . A ritual at Coorg weddings. Even though Coorgs are Hindus, their marriage rights are not performed by a priest. Weddings in Coorg are like something from another planet. The groom claims a bride once a member of his clan has killed mock banana trunk soldiers. Following a feast, the men and women of Coorg get down to dancing, to the tribal beats which sounds to not have changed since time immemorial. The Coorg family unit is known as the okka. This is a patrilineal tribe made up of males with common ancestry. The male members of the okka(clan) all share a unique okka name. Presently, there are nearly 1000 okka families and family names in Coorg. The okka members worship each okka founder, known as the Karanava. In the central hall of every home in Coorg, you will find a Nellakki Bolucha, a lamp that is lit to honor the Guru Karana. The eldest member of an Okka is traditionally treated as the deity. The people of Coorg are also worshippers of nature and revere the earth, moon, fire and sun. Fire in the hearth of the kitchen is particularly sacred. The cultures and traditions of the Coorgs embrace Hinduism, but are unique and immensely different. Usually a priest oversees none of their births, deaths, marriages or festivals. Meat and libations are served at most of their feasts. Some of the customs practices by the Coorgs are reminiscent of pre-Christian Greek and old Eurasian traditions. Contact www.keralatrip.in

coorg

Natives of the country of Coorg, from the French magazine 'L'Illustration'. c.1866 The Coorgs(Kodavas) saw the first successful invasion when Hyder Ali took over their land in 1763. However, it was not long before Hyder's army was defeated and Kodagu reverted back to Kodavas in 1765. In 1768 Lingaraja, the younger brother of the Haleri King Muddayya attacked Hyder's troops near the boundary with Mysore and defeated them. A treaty was effected and the boundaries of Mysore and Coorg, fixed. Once again, due to internal squabbling among the ruling kings, Hyder Ali sided with Linga Raja I and suceeded in installing him on the throne, finally taking direct control of the Kodavas in 1775. Lingaraja I died in 1780, leaving behind his two children to claim the throne. Coorg Warrior. c 1850 Hyder Ali took custody of the minor princes and appointed one of his minister to rule Coorg. An open rebellion broke out in June, 1782 and the Kodavas drove out Hyder's troops and dignitaries. Hyder Ali died and his son Tippu Sultan took over. In 1783, Tippu Sultan marched through Kodagu, while returning from Mangalore to Srirangapatana. He retained control of Coorg and strengthened the garrison at Mercara Fort. He called a meeting of Coorg chiefs and delivered to their hands written mandate accusing them of polyandry, plundering his armies & rebelling against Hyder and himself seven times. He warned the Kodavas with dire consequences, if they would rebel again. Enraged by the diktat, the Kodavas again rose up in rebellion, sacked and plundered Madikeri. The same year Tippu sent a force of 2,000 men against Kodavas, which was defeated. Engraving of General Lally, The Chief Commander of French in India. In 1784 Tippu invaded Coorg with his ally General Monsieur Lally and his french troops. Lally and his men were successful in capturing many Kodava's in the North & Western Parts of Coorg. The captured Kodava(Coorgs) were taken to Mysore, forcibly converted to Islam & enlisted in the Mysore Army. In 1784 Tippu entered Coorg with a 32,000 strong army, along with a French battalion commanded by General Monsieur Lally and defeated the Coorgs. In 1788, Kodavas rescued their king Dodda Vira Rajendra, the eldest of the princes, who had been taken prisoner by Tippu and held in Periyapatna fort. Once back in Coorg, the young Prince quickly organized an army and and kept on engaging Tippu's forces in the battlefield. By 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra had successfully attacked and sacked most of the forts garissoned by Tippu Sultan's forces, except Mercara Fort. The same year Dodda Vira Rajendra came in contact with the British. In October 25, 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra signed a treaty with the British, who promised to protect his kingdom against Tippu's onslaught and offer him independence in running the affairs of his kingdom. In return, the Raja would have to assist and fight along the British forces in their war with Tippu Sultan. In 1791, after a prolonged siege, Tippu's forces evacuated Mercara Fort and Dodda Vira Rajendra regained his entire kingdom. Eventually, the Kodavas backed the British troops and Tippu fell in the year 1799. The Princess Victoria Gouramma of Coorg. A steel engraving by Winterhalter and Grave by James S. Virtue Co. London. c.1835 Following Coorg's British annexation in the early 1830s, the town was directly under British rule until the Indian Independence in the late 1940s. Coorg was recognized by the Indian Constitution as part "C" state and elected a government to assume office in the early 1950s with a chief minister of its own. In November of 1956, the town of Coorg united with the onetime state of Mysore, as part of a state reorganization. Now, the district of Coorg is part of the state of Karnataka. Throughout the history of Kodagu, no ruler has held direct sway over the region. Kodagu has always been under the influence of local chieftains and maybe because of this reason, their culture has never been assimilated with the neighbors and they have always maintained their unique identity

coorg

COORG 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 northern parts of Kodagu were ruled by the Kongalvas who were a vassal of the Cholas. 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. For most of the period the influence of the Changalvas or the Kongalvas never reached beyond the borders 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. Dodda Vira Raja ruled from 1687 - 1736. Under his rule the administration of the region was streamlined into villages and districts. Other notable figures in the history of Kodagu are Dodda Vira Rajendra (1780 - 1809) and Linga Raja II (1811 - 1820).