The undulating landscape, miles of greenery and cloud-kissed mountains of Scotland, shown in the Bond flick ‘Skyfall’, might have taken your breath away. Fret not, you can feast your eyes on elysian fields right next door in Coorg. Hailed as the Scotland of India, this hill station has always been known to be a crowd-puller. Now, people from up North are making a beeline to spend a few relaxed days, nestled in the lap of nature.

Whether for the sprawling green acres or restrained calm, Coorg is pulling crowds in like never before. Based on state tourism board figures, the number of tourists jumped to 15 lakh, at the end of last year, and figures are expected to go up this year. Last year alone, there were close to six lakh holidayers during this time, in Coorg.

Vedant Ruia, a Mumbai-based businessman, is planning a trip down South with his family.

“I’ve never seen the interiors of Karnataka and this time of the year is favourable. I am going to fly to Bengaluru, drive down to Mysore and then head to Coorg. I’ve heard the drive up there is also really scenic. Besides, I would love to spend time in a place where my cellphone doesn’t work!” says Vedant Ruia.

Resort owners and homestays in Coorg are reporting a significant increase in interest levels from holidayers residing in Mumbai, New Delhi and other northern cities. “This season, a number of winter holidayers are opting for Coorg over other South Indian hill stations like Ooty, Chickmagalur and Kodaikanal. Coorg is more accessible, has several hotels to choose from and has great weather all through the year,” says Rahul Bopanna, of Holiday Inn, Madikeri.

Nicknamed as the Kashmir of the South, it’s no secret that Coorg has been given a facelift and embodies a huge part of Karnataka’s tourism. Apart from an idllyic holiday, there are several tourist attractions that lure even a heritage traveller, who seeks a little history lesson during his vacation. Cherian Ramapuram, of Orange County, explains this fascination, “Coorg beckons the discerning traveller. It’s the land of spices, coffee, warriors, beautiful women and deep-rooted culture, and is blessed with wonderful weather all year round. Once a person travels to Coorg, he wants to go there again and again.”

Of late, even homestays have become popular as travellers seek a rustic experience on holiday. Shivaprasad, owner of Birds Paradise Homestay, one of the 200 registered homestays in Coorg, says, “It’s no surprise that there are so many options today. All our house guests feel there is a certain untouched, raw quality about Coorg that sets it apart from other hill stations. When they come here, they want to spend a few days in isolation, eat the local food, and relax. It adds value to their vacation.” There are around 2,000 homestays in Coorg, apparently, but only close to 200 are registered.

Places like Munnar, Thekkady, Ooty and Kodai buzz with tourists during the season. Travellers prefer the solitude and quiet that Kodagu has to offer. Shamli Narayan, a chartered accountant based in Mumbai, will be travelling to Coorg next weekend. “My husband and I have been thinking of places to visit in the South and we decided on Coorg. We are paying a relatively nominal price for a holiday package and there are several add-ons. It’s a good deal.”

Several resorts offer a variety of options like a body massage, yoga class, coffee plantation tour, trekking and even white-water rafting for the bravehearts. Also, the onus of attracting tourists lies on the owners, to showcase what the beautiful hill station stands for.

Sarfaraz Saudagar, marketing manager of The Tamara Coorg, says, “Coffee is the biggest USP. When you can personalise unique experiences, it draws crowds. We engage guests in a coffee plantation tour since our resort is located within a coffee estate. There is also the option of personalising a coffee type in a guest’s name.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Sindhuja Balaji, DC, Bangalore / November 18th, 2012