Coorg in Karnataka offers visitors breathtaking views over misty hills, teak wood forests and lush green coffee plantations. On the Western Ghats this beautiful hill station is an ideal base for trekking, rafting or just relaxing in beautiful surroundings. The local cuisine is famous and not to be missed! Plan your Coorg trip with our destination guide.

COORG LOCATION
Coorg is in southern India in the south west of Karnataka. It is 252 kms from Banglaore (the capital of Karnataka) and is perched at a height of 1525 m above sea level. It is nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range. You can combine your trip to Coorg with a number of destinations in South India.

COORG ATTRACTIONS
Coorg is called the "Scotland of the East" due to its natural beauty. But this little hill station has a lot to offer other than placid hills and pristine landscapes. An important remnant of the region's history is the beautiful Madekeri Fort which was rebuilt under the great warrior king Tipu Sultan.

Near the Fort is the Abbey Falls, which along with the Iruppu Falls is one of the two important waterfalls of the area. Raja's Seat is the finest local viewpoint and a highlight of any Coorg trip. The Omkareshwara Temple is an important holy place although it gets crowded during the festival of Mahashivratri.

COORG CUISINE
The Kodavas pride themselves on being foodies and the local cuisine is a highlight of any Coorg trip. It is famous for unique non-vegetarians dishes particularly based on game meats, pork (pandhi), chicken (koli) and lamb (yarchi).

Spices like pepper, red chilly and ingredients like bamboo shoot, bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu and voti are a big part of every dish.

Coffee produced in Coorg is absolutely unforgettable.

COORG HISTORY
Coorg is also known as Kodagu its history dates back to as early as 888 AD.

The kingdom was ruled by many dynasties, starting with Gangas of Talakad, Kadambas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas and Nayakas. Information on its early history has come primarily from the various inscriptions on stone and copper plates of 9th - 10th century.

According to the Puranas, "Kodava" is dervied from a word which means 'Land of Anger' but others suggest the place derives its name from the River Cauveri.

Coorgies, though small in number, are a brave population and contribute heavily to the Indian military service.

Planning a trip to Coorg? Browse our Coorg homestay collection or check our list of what to see in Coorg.