The land of warriors and home of the famous Coorgi Pork, Coorg (officially called Kodagu) is peppered with coffee plantations, gurgling streams and tumbledown town markets. Once the base of some of the most powerful empires in south India, Coorg will enchant you in more ways than you can imagine!

Madikeri (Mercara) is famously known as the "Scotland of India" for no lesser reasons. Quaint cottages, waterfalls, plantations, serenity and peace are all pervasive here. The warrior clan of Kodavas who have called Coorg their home over centuries, today offer an insight into their unique culture with good cheer and warm nature.

Explore lush wilderness at Nagarhole National Park, picnic by the majestic Iruppu Falls, stroll along Madikeri's enchanting evening market, enjoy rafting on Barapole River, trail into the unknown depths towards the Brahmagiri Peak, and discover Coorg"s rich history with a visit to Raja's Seat, Talacauvery, Madikeri Fort or Bhagamandala. Also tour coffee plantations or gorge on spicy, Coorgi curry at a local restaurant. The hills will soothe your mind beyond compare.

From hockey festivals to traditional archery, the fervent love for eco-tourism and nature, and the oh-so-obvious love of food and wine, Coorg will bowl you over indefinitely.

Places to see

Art lovers can visit the Nalkand Palace, which is a historical icon of sorts. The Raja's Seat and the Madikeri Fort are also worth a visit. There is a unique museum with memoirs of ancient warrior souvenirs like idols, cannons, swords and more, which makes this an exciting place to visit. The Golden Temple in Bylakuppe has a majestic gold Buddha and you can also witness life in a monastery here. It is home to the largest settlement of Tibetans outside Tibet. The Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery - the largest teaching centre of the Nyingmapa lineage - is home to over 5000 lamas, and is known for its three gilded Buddhas.

Bhagamandala is a sacred site of ancient temples. It also marks the confluence of the Cauvery and Kanika rivers and is joined by a third river, Sujyothi underground. Waterfalls like Mallalli Waterfalls, Abbey Falls, Chalwaara Falls and Irupu Falls are fantastic natural getaways.

Adventure enthusiasts will love visiting the Dubare Forest near Kushalnagar and dropping by at an elephant training camp in the morning. Rides are open 10:00 in the morning to Noon.

Coorgs three main mountain peaks - Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Tadiyendamol, are excellent for trekking. Tadiyendamol, the highest point in Coorg and second-largest in Karnataka, is a challenge for the brave hearted. Kotebetta is an awesome place to trek.

Enjoy Ultralight Flying (Microlight Flying) on Coorg. Flights take off from nearby paddy fields and you can get a majestic view of the Brahmagiri range straddling high between Heaven and Earth. Also try off-roading on the trail through Somwarpet, Coorgs coffee heartland, and feel the adrenalin rush as you speed through foliage, estates and forests.

Kakkabe is home to rare wildlife species like Pangolin, Barking Deer and Flying Squirrel, and beautiful woodlands. The area is lush through the year. Maybe due to the nearby Padi Igguthappa Temple, which houses the Kodava rain god, Iguthappa? Nisargadama and Barapole Rivers offer great white-water rafting fun.

Places to eat

Coorg is the largest producer of coffee in India, home to some of the world's best coffee. A cup of steaming coffee and a plate of hot Pakoras at the Tata Plantation Trails is all you need to refresh your senses.

A plate of good Pandi Curry with a generous serving of Kadumbuttu (dumplings) teamed up with other unusual dishes like Nool Puttu (rice noodle dish) or Bembla (gravy made of bamboo shoot) is a must-eat. Juices of Nellikai, Kaipuli, and Passion fruit are particular favourites in every Coorgi household. To get a taste of authentic Coorgi food, check yourself into a traditional Coorgi homestay. Aiyappa's Estate Home, Bopanna's Homestay and Tata Plantation Trails are popular ones.

Coorg Cuisinette and the East End Hotel serve traditional Kodava favourites. Upscale lovers can enjoy a romantic Coorgi meal at the Club Mahindra Resort Hotel or Hotel Coorg International. Vegetarians will love the Sri Krishna Bhavan, Mayura Valley View Hotel and the Udipi Hotel here where vegetarian delights are fresh and aplenty.

Things to Do

Coorg-ians are known for their hospitality. When invited for a meal at a traditional home, it is customary that the hostess asks all those at the table 'Ellaarku Ethichaa?' (Has everyone been served?), to which you must only reply after everyone finishes their meal when she asks Kai Bai Othathaa? (Are all your hands and mouths content?).

Check into any of Coorg's eco-tourism lodges and wild escapes and enjoy a memorable experience. Two endangered species found here are the Indian White-backed Vulture and Nilgiri Laughingthrush. Others birds like the Great Pied Hornbill, the White-bellied Treepie, the Blue-winged Parakeet and White-bellied Blue Flycatchers can be spotted in Coorg.

Oranges, homemade chocolates, local wine, spices, cardamom, coffee, pepper and honey are must-buys. The Friday Market in Madikeri is a great place to visit. A traditional Kodava sword, Peeche Kathi, is a nice addition as well.

Campingbeneath the stars is a popular activity here. Others head to enjoy a late night drink at the famous North Coorg Club, one of the oldest clubs in the country.

At the Kunde Habba Festival, local tribes abuse Lord Aiyappa with Kunde songs (abusive songs) and since most of them are labourers, they are allowed to swear and abuse their employers as well!

Cauvery Sankramana marks the birth of Cauvery, and witnesses devotees throng the Tala Cauvery for prayers in October. Legend has it that Goddess Cauvery appeared on a fine October morning, and manifested herself from a small tank.

Local Customs

A birth of a boy in a family is marked with a single gunshot while the death of a family member is marked by two. Guns hold an important place in a Coorg-ian's life. A whole festival - Keil Murtha - dedicated to the worship of guns.

The one thing that Coorg-ians cannot live without is alcohol. No celebration begins without a good swig of the bottle. The high point of celebration when the bar runs free here is the wedding, where the bridegroom slashes mock bamboo soldiers with his dagger before he marries the girl. Strangely, though Coorgs are Hindus, priests do not perform their marriage rites. The revelry begins soon after with everyone dancing, drinking and making merry over the wedding feast. Kodava dancing is a sight to behold. The traditional Kombat, Couriat, Piliyat, Bolakat, Kolat and Ummalat dances are common at all religious functions. Women in Coorg are much heralded in folklore as men; free from child marriage, prostitution, gender bias and polygamy, they are treated with great respect.

Wildlife

Kakkabe is a natural museum of sorts. The rainforest is filled with exotic and rare animal and bird species. A few animals one can spot here are the Pangolin, Barking Deer and the Flying Squirrel. During monsoon, the trails are infested with leeches. Birdwatchers will love spending time here to view a variety of birds. Bird species like the Red-wattled Lapwing, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Black-rumped Flameback, Red-rumped Swallow, Oriental Magpie Robin and the Crimson-backed Sunbird are exceptional sights when in Coorg.

Nagarhole National Park is a great place to discover Coorg's unique wildlife. Early mornings are the best to spot animals here, like the Indian Gaur or Jungle Bison!

Traveller Tips

• Beware of leeches while trekking in Kotebetta as they can prove a nightmare if you aren't prepared!