Some of the most picturesque sights in the south of India are found here in the mountainous region of Coorg. Lush green hills with cascading waterfalls are conducive to beautiful and popular tourist spots.Many have been inspiration for movie shoots and have gained even more popularity as a result, Abbey falls being the most popular of the lot. But there are several such falls in the district and below are listed five of the most popular.
Abbey falls
Situated just outside of Madikeri
town—Abbey Falls is located bang in the midst of coffee plantations
and thick forests. It has access from a private coffee plantation and is
frequented during all seasons. The waterfall comes down from a height of 70
feet and the hanging bridge across the gorge provides an exceptional view of it.
Owing to its huge popularity though, the place now is in a terrible state with
plastic littered everywhere and heavily polluted water. If you can bear the
heavy crowds, do visit this place.
Iruppu falls
Part of the river Lakshmana tirtha, the
iruppu falls are an incredible sight to behold as the water falls from a height
of 170ft, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Coorg. Located in the Brahmagiri
mountain range and being close to Nagarhole, it is surrounded byplush green
surrounding. Getting here is worth it if you can climb down 500 metres down a
steep incline to the falls.
Burude falls
Located in thick mountains, visiting this
place in the monsoons is impossible as one need to cross a creek that is full
of water in the rainy and winter months. Parts of the access to this waterfall
are extremely rocky and steep making it challenging to reach. One has to cross
five separate “waterfalls” created by this ginormous wonder o see it in its
entirety. But if you do, my, is it worth it!
Also known as Dodmane Falls,
this place is also good for birdwatching.
Mallali falls
This waterfall is formed by the Kumaradhara
River flowing down the Pushpagiri hills.One can reach this place from
Somwarpet through jeep or trek through the forest. It is best to visit this
place in the months July through to December as the water is in its full force
and quite marvellous to behold.
The trek to the falls is quite easy,
andsmall, mesmerising streams of water on the way will carry you through
to the actual falls that are a sight for sore eyes.
Chelavara falls
Also
known as Emepaare, meaning tortoise, named after
the rock shape this water falls on; this is one of the most picturesque
waterfalls near Coorg, best known for its magnificent size.The monsoons bring
this natural wonder to life and there is no sight quite as ethereal as it.
In recent times though, owing to accidents around
here,the Kodagu district administration hasbannedtourists,
though you can enjoy this pretty sight from a distance.
About Otters Creek Riverside Home stay Guest House
Otters creek is a Guest house on the riverbanks. Offers 6 Independent Cottages that can accommodate four people in each . Upto 30 people can be accommodated at a time. Otters Creek Nagarhole Coorg is a riverside home stay with cottages facing the river KKR after Srimangala . Suitable for family outings and group outings.
Accommodation is provided for the Trust guests who prefer to stay overnight while participating in the workshops and training programs conducted at Otter’s Creek Nature Trust.
As a trust property, smoking and alcohol are strictly not allowed during your stay and participation of the workshops / training programs
Family
Room
Large room with two double cots suitable for families’ right on the river banks.
Suitable for couples. Room has a double cot and large balcony facing the river.
Perhaps, no trip to Coorg -this wondrous little
haven for nature lovers -is complete without the mandatory shopping of local
fares, and in this beautiful place, there are options aplenty.
A small town called Gonikoppal in Coorg is
a nice place to buy Souvenirs for your loved ones which is just 30 km from
Otter’s Creek homestay in coorg. Shopping in Coorg will be an amazing
experience for shopaholics. You get Lot of locally manufactured goods at best
deals. Most shopkeepers understand and speak English as well as Kannada
Before buying stuff though, keep in mind
that there are differences in quality as is with anywhere and whatever you buy so
if you happen to know someone local, always take their advice on where to buy
stuff here because you will find many shops selling the same wares, or contact
our manager for any details that may be needed
COFFEE–
The most obvious thing to buy perhaps is coffee….duh…you
are in coffee land, the largest producer of coffee in India. You would be a bit
silly if you didn’t take advantage of that .And if you aren’t a filter coffee fan,
well, I’m terribly sorry for you!!! You can go all over the world, but the
coffee you drink in Coorg is arguably, the best you’ll ever drink. Mixed with
the aromas of the hills, Coorg will leave you with a caffeine high! Or vice
versa!
You can choose between the popular Robusta
or Arabica varieties .Both are grown in abundance here. Or get a
blend of chicory, the common additive that adds body to
your coffee with its bitterness. Also be sure to buy a coffee filter if you
don’t already own one as there is a unique way the decoction is prepared.
If you are in Madikeri, Ganesh coffee is
perhaps your best bet. They have been operating since 1965 and are quite popular
with locals and tourists alike. It should be easy to find as it is well known
in the area.
HONEY-
Coorg, until recently, was the largest
producer of honey in the country, till imported bees carrying with them diseases
entered the region. Since then, the honey
industry here has been limping back into business. Nevertheless, the quality of
honey produced in this region is unmatched. Honey is a natural sweetener with many
health benefits and is also incredibly tasty so be sure to pick a bottle or two.
It also makes for wonderful gifts to take back home.
The honey valley estate is a good place to
buy as it is the largest producer of honey in the region.
It is advisable to look for Coorg Ag-Mark
Honey before purchase. That will assure
good quality. Also be sure to ask around as many of the vendors sell
low-quality honey at exorbitant prices.
SPICES-
Grown along with the coffee are Coorg’s
signature spices…pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, star anise,
nutmeg……you name it, and it’s found here. Also thyme and rosemary can be found
here .Coorg is also known for its dry fruits like cashews, raisins and figs,
all of which are of the highest grade and taste incredible. Of course you will
find prices varying depending on the grade, size etc. There are many bustling markets
which sell them and based on your nose and knowledge you can pick them up from
one of many.
WINE-
The popularity of homemade wines in Coorg
is of recent advent. Since homestays opened up, tourists have gotten a chance
to taste these local nectars and have since made it a must have on their lists.
They are so easily found here in almost every home as the locals themselves are
big on drinking. No ceremony or occasion in Coorg goes by without liquor being
served. And it is acceptable for men and women to drink openly.
Wine is made from a variety of products…rice–
a staple crop is a popular ingredient. Ginger, grapes of course, but
also, banana, passionfruit, gooseberry, orange…..basically, everything
that grows here. Even betelleaves. Toddy made from pine
and coconut is also popular.
Generally if you visit an estate, you can
try the local wine there and buy it directly or pick up one from one of many
shops selling them at local markets. They are cheap and easily available and
based on your taste preferences you can pick one. And, if you dislike wine,
then you definitely are missing out because, OMG, are they tasty!
COSTUME –
The Coorg costume is fascinating looking
and super elegant, both on men and women. The men wear a “kupya”, a knee
length half sleeved coat over a full sleeved shirt, with a sash “chale”tied
at the waist. A silver dagger “peechekathi” is proudly tucked into it in
front and an odikathi, a knife, at the back.
The women look gorgeous in their regal
looking outfits. A sari that is pleated at the back, and a pallu that is worn
in a distinct style with a scarf on their heads. Jewellery is also part of
their look and a gold beaded necklace and pendant is what they traditionally wear.
These outfits can be secured from local
shops and learnt how to be worn from the locals.
WEAPONS-
Photo credits – http://www.oriental-arms.com
The Coorgi’s are identified since time
immemorial by their weaponry, which they also worship. Apart from odikathi and
peechekathi that are worn as part of the traditional costume, you will also see
guns proudly displayed in many homes. Hunting has been part of their culture and
are also for personal and property safety. Guns are fired upon birth of a
child, death and even when the first paddy crop is harvested.
With a unique design, knives are large and
elaborately decorated. And these when picked as souvenirs will definitely bring
a distinct Coorgi character as part of your home.
HANDICRAFTS-
Many Tibetan handicrafts are sold here in Coorg
owing to a large settlement of Tibetans at Bylakuppe. Also, sandalwood items
and oils, embroidered and handwoven items like jute bags and bamboo items are
found here. These items can be bought from any of the colourful town markets like
Virajpet, Kushalnagar or Madikeri ,Gonikopal or from flea markets set up now and then.
There are Coorg style jewellery available in gold shops. The jewellery designs
are unique and exclusively worn by coorgies. Check out a few jewellery shops
while you are there to buy you a piece of coorg style jewellery. Rosewood carved
furniture and artifacts are manufactured at Gonikopal. If you are looking for
carved rosewood furniture at reasonable prices coorg is the place for it. The
furniture is delivered anywhere in southindia.
Make sure to bring back a little Coorg with
you on your next visit!
