Kodagu or Coorg is derived from the local version �Kodavu� and the people of Kodagu Kodavas. According to Puranic versions the land of initial settlement was called Krodadesa which later became Kodavu. It is also said that Kodagu is derived from the word Kodava, Kod means ‘give’ and avva means ‘mother’, i.e mother Kaveri, the river Kaveri.
Geography of Coorg:
Coorg is located in the south-western part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. Its maximum length is 96 km (north-south) and breadth 64 km (east-west). The area of the district is 4102.3 sq. km. The population estimated in 2001 was 545,322, increasing 11.64% from 1991 to 2001, and 5.75% from 1981 to 1991.
Coorg’s Historical Background
Kodagu was included in the Kingdom of Gangas during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century. Changalvas were feudatory to both the above dynasties but they were independent till 14th century since Hoysalas overthrew Cholas in the 12th century. Changalvas accepted the supremacy Of Hoysalas from 14th to 16th century. Then Nayakas who later paved the way to the Haleri Rajas of Kodagu ruled till 1834.
Coorg’s Landscape
The prominent peaks ain Coorg are Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani Motte, Tumbe Male. Tadiyandamol (1750 m), Soma Male and Brahmagiri.
The Coorgs
Coorg homes several communities with diverse ethnic origins. Coorgies or Kodavas are the main ethnic community. Gowdas (Are bhashe gowdas or Coorg gowdas), Tamilians, Malayalees, Mophlas or Mapilles (Muslims)� communities have also share a part . There are some tribal groups such as the Kurubas, Kudiyas, Yeravas who are said to be the tribal origins of Coorg.
Climate
Pleasant all year round. Monsoon is from June to September.
| Season | Min | Max | Clothing |
| Winter (Oct to Jan) |
14 C | 26 C | Thick Cotton Light Wool & Sneakers |
| Summer (Feb to Jun) |
20 C | 32 C | Light Cotton & Sneakers |
| Monsoon (Jul to Sep) |
18 C | 30 C | Umbrella, Rain coat & Sneaker |
Getting Here
* Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)
* Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)
* Road: The Mysore – Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.
Getting Here
- Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)
- Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)
- Road: The Mysore – Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The
district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.
