EXPERIENCE THE MONSOON MAGIC IN COORG

With its verdant hills, coffee plantations, quaint houses, tantalising cuisine, Kodagu is home to the valiant and comely Kodavas, who are fiercely proud of their language, traditions and family honour

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Although monsoons are not typically associated with travel and adventure, there is a growing tribe of people who love to pack their bags and head for a scenic place, preferably in the hills to soak in the rain for a wet and misty adventure. Feeling tempted to enjoy the rain, be it drizzle or downpour, in a mist-covered hilly destination complete with myriad attractions, which include those of the scenic as well as gastronomic kind? Think no further as Kodagu aka Coorg is the place you are looking for.

This pocket-friendly, picture postcard destination is perched on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. With its verdant hills, coffee plantations, quaint houses, tantalising cuisine, this district is home to the valiant and comely Kodavas, who are fiercely proud of their language, traditions and family honour.

Madikeri, more commonly known by its colonial-era moniker Mercara, is the capital and it is the ideal place to stay given its plethora of homestays and hotels that suit every budget. The town is a three-hour drive from Mysuru and 90 minutes from Kannur International Airport in nearby Kerala.

It is ideal to opt for a homestay in a traditional house in a lush green coffee estate. You can begin your Kodagu vacation by visiting the famous spots in and around this scenic town, which was once home to the Haleri kings who ruled over this region from the 17th century onwards.

One of the most iconic spots in the town is the centuries-old fort. Located right in the middle of the town, this well-preserved fort was built by Muddu Raja in the latter half of the 17th century while declaring Madikeri as the new capital. Later, the fort passed hands and its possession came to rest with Tippu Sultan before it was taken over by the British. Here you can find artefacts of a bygone era as well as portraits that point to its colourful past. Today, this structure houses the office of Madikeri’s Deputy Commissioner.