Tag Archives: Authors of Kodagu

A rising star among global tourist destinations-Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dr Geetha Kariappa is a professor of English, with 25+ years of experience, teaching graduate and post-graduate classes at the University of Mangalore and Mysore. Her passion lies in writing. As a full-time author, her 4 published novels and short stories with Kodagu and Kodava culture as the backdrop are the best sellers on Amazon. 

Travel makes one modest. You see what tiny place you occupy in the world.

–Gustave Flaubert

Someone famously remarked, see the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees, ask for no security.

Kodagu or Coorg, often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’, is the most searched travel destination of the year and secured the 7th position among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations. This recognition is a testimony to the district’s natural beauty, enchanting scenery, gushing waterfalls and virgin forests. It has numerous resorts and homestays and its 7th global ranking places it alongside renowned destinations like Sri Lanka, Goa, Bali, Thailand, Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar, Italy, and Switzerland.

Coorg is immersed in a rich cultural heritage of tradition, hospitality and bravery. The small martial race of around 1.5 lakhs of Kodavas as the indigenous people of Kodagu are called, are a warrior clan known for their extraordinary martial abilities. As an ethnic minority worldwide, their attire reflects their ancestral lineage and culture dictates equality between men and women. Their three main festivals honour their ancestors and weapons; celebrate the bounty of paddy and worship the sacred river, Kaveri. In Coorg, every tradition, every dance, and every festival confirms their spirit of resilience.

Nestled amongst the Western Ghats, Coorg is well-known for its lush coffee plantations, verdant woodlands, rolling hills and unexplored terrains. It is a land of mystic and quaint gateways into mind and body relaxation.

 Today, I touch upon hidden gems of natural beauty spots that can be charming tourist destinations for tourists willing to explore beyond the winding pathways, fruit orchards, quaint hills and river isles. Let’s uncover 5 unexplored gems that brand them the authentic Coorg.

Kabbe Biological Park sitting atop the pristine dense jungle of Kabbe Hills, situated 45 kms from Madikeri, the largest town of Coorg District, offers safari trips. You can soak in the echoes of birdsongs amidst tall bamboo strips, and sight spotted deer, gaurs and wary leopards. This little-known bio reserve forest makes an ideal nature watch for families beyond crowded reserves.

2. The hidden twin Waterfalls of Mallali near Somwarpet is another surreal delight as visitors come upon it surrounded by the verdant wilderness of lush forests. One can easily lose themselves in the tranquil spectacle as foamy currents of water swirl around the massive rocks in perfect symphony. You will be in sync with nature if you want to sit and meditate on the rocks.

3. The splendid Chelavara Falls located merely 20 kilometres uphill from Madikeri township brings one closer again to vibrant natural forces untouched by traveller footprints. As we ride uphill, maybe in a car or jeep, we encounter kingfishers and hear the distant boom of the waterfall.  The majesty of a great swathe of white foamy waterfall hurtling down from lofty cliffs into an emerald jewel of a pool is a sight to behold. Early morning visits are an ideal time to connect with nature.

4. The Irpu falls within the sacred forests beside the Lakshmana Tirtha River near Kurchi village is a dreamlike place. It unites picturesque nature with eternal legend as Lord Lakshmana is supposed to have performed atonement here revealing the Irpu Falls. The visitors feel spiritually connected through worship and adoration that has spanned centuries.  There arises a mystic aura surrounding the place.

5. The Chomakund Mountain trekking trail, located 45 kms from Madikeri township is another fresh discovery. It straddles the Western Ghats reaching 5500 feet for seasoned trekkers. It’s a concentrated 6-hour climb, and you may sight kingfishers or wild Gaurs. The comprehensive 360-degree scenery showcases rolling grasslands and the whole district unfolds before you. It’s like a new exploration beyond the scripted holiday. 

Besides the coffee plantations, you may explore fragrant spice gardens of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla grown alongside coffee in estates in and around Madikeri. You will get a firsthand look at the entire process of coffee, from growth to roasting. It is practical to go on ‘Guided Tours’ where you can explore the greenery, and coffee shrubs, learn about different crops, and witness the fascinating coffee-roasting process.

Visit the ‘World Coffee Museum’, in ‘Mercara Gold Estate’ which showcases the journey of coffee, from its birth to the present day; both chronologically and geographically. After the tour, savour a cup of estate-fresh filter coffee.

Don’t forget to enjoy the taste of spices incorporated into the Coorgi cuisine in Coorg’s offbeat, charming ‘Homestays’ in secluded places amidst fruit orchards or rolling hills. Discover the slow simmering of culinary contents in earthen pots over family hearths to spread warmth into your heart. Sit out around the slow-burning bonfire listening to the cicadas sing into the starry night. 

These experiences in charming hideaways offer glimpses into local life, authentic Kodava cuisine, and touching conversations with hosts, immersing you in the true spirit of Coorg. Enjoy your stay and come back again. As Roy M. Goodman states, ‘Happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. With age comes wisdom, with travel comes understanding.’

source: http://www.interviewtimes.net / Interview Times / Home> National> Trending / by Dr. Geetha Kariappa / June 23rd, 2024

‘Bird Watching Brings People Closer To Nature’

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , ,

Birder from Kodagu Dr. S.V. Narasimhan feted

Mysore/Mysuru:

Bird watching is one of the mediums to create awareness on environment conservation, said Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a Birder and Author from Virajpet in Kodagu.

He was speaking after receiving felicitation at ‘A Day with Salim Ali’ event jointly organised by Mysore Science Theatre Festival Trust, Kutuhali, NCF (National Curriculum Framework) and SVYM (Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement) at Kiru Rangamandira here on Saturday.

“We Indians have always understood the importance of environment since we are worshippers of nature and see divinity in all living beings. Students should learn about nature and its conservation,” he said. A doctor by profession, Dr. Narasimhan is perhaps known to many for his passion for birds.

Bird-watcher N.R. Harsha said renowned Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali had conducted a research on birds between November, 1939 – February, 1940 in Mysuru region and that the recent research had shown the presence of 419 species of birds in Mysuru region.

“Mysuru region has 191 local species and witnesses 129 different species of migratory birds in winter season. In addition, 53 variety of local migratory birds are also spotted in our region. Among the various species of birds found in the country, Mysuru contributes about 30.7 percent and Karnataka contributes 76 percent,” he noted.

On the occasion, Kannada and English version of the book  ‘Salim Ali – Wonder in the World of Birds’ (Salim Ali – Pakshi Lokada Beragu’) by Dr. M.C. Manohara/ Shashidhar Dongre were released. Artistes of Arivu Ranga staged a play while talks were delivered on ‘Salim Ali and Me’ by S. Subramanya, ‘Birds of Mysuru Region’ by N.R. Harsha and ‘Bringing Birds to People’ by Abhishek Krishnagopal. 

Mysore Science Theatre Festival Trust Trustee Shashidhar Dongre, CFTRI Scientist (retd.) Kollegal Sharma, Suhail Khadar of NCF and Praveen of SVYM were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 25th, 2024

Sangeetha Raviraj conferred with Gowramma Endowment Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , ,

Writer Sangeetha Raviraj was presented with the Gowramma Endowment Fund Award given by the District Unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

gowramma endowment award for sangeetha raviraj

Madikeri: 

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district unit president Sangeetha Raviraj was conferred with the Gowramma Endowment Fund Award for Kodagu.

She was felicitated with a shawl and fruits and tambourines at a function held at Saraswathi DEd College auditorium in the city on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Sangeetha Raviraj said that valuable writings should increase. Only then will a new wave be created in the society. She also opined that creative writing will be seen.

In the past, writings upheld the value of society. Writings should come in that direction. She said better literature should be written.

She suggested that the Sahitya Parishat should take the lead in reprinting the book Gowramma of Kodagu.

Writer Kasthuri Govindammaiah said that literature hides the pain of the mind. He said that writing helps in documenting the happenings of the society.

Gowramma of Kodagu has written many stories and poems to highlight the ups and downs of the entire society. He said that the youth should be able to develop a taste, taste and fondness for literature.

It is a matter of happiness that a programme is being organized in the name of Gowramma, who has contributed immensely to the field of literature in Kodagu. The exception that Kodagu has not contributed to the field of literature is decreasing today. He said that it is highly self-evident that women today are not confined within the four walls but also pervade the field of literature.

He advised the students to take full advantage of the opportunity available in the competitive era and move forward.

Speaking as the keynote speaker, Smita Amritraj said that Gowramma’s stories are about questioning, protesting and highlighting the slants of society through literature.

Sreekumar, principal of Saraswathi D.Ed. College, said that the shortcomings of the society can be highlighted through literature. In this regard, he suggested that students should study the work of Gowramma of Kodagu.

Janapada Parishat district president B.G. Ananthasayana said that students should develop literary writing and share it with everyone. Similarly, scientific writings should come, he said.

Lokesh Sagar, president of the District Unit of The Sahitya Parishat, said, 5. Gowramma of Kodagu is the birth anniversary and is being celebrated as Literature Day. The reason why Kodagu has made a name for itself at the national level is the freedom struggle of Gowramma of Kodagu and her love for literature. Keeping this in mind, gowramma’s birth anniversary is being celebrated, he said.

There was talk that Kodagu was lagging behind in literature. However, this problem has been overcome in recent times and the role of women writers in this has been immense, he said. He said that various programmes are being organised through the district unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

Baithadka Janaki Belyappa spoke. The winners of the competition were Sirigowri (1st), Aishwarya (2nd), Vishank (3rd) and Shravani (Consolation Prize).

Kishan Poovaiah, Diwakar, K.S. Ramesh, Sunitha and Muralidhar were present.

source: http://www.vijaykarnataka.in / Vijay Karnataka, Kannada / Home> Kannada News> Kodagu / by Vijay Karnataka / March 06th, 2018

Athur Village in Coorg : A Mini Nursery of Kodava Writers in English

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A land known as the nursery of Indian Hockey, Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka State has been a cradle for sports and Army.

However, located down south of Kodagu, Athur village near Gonikoppal town has been a mini nursery for writers! The village is home to four popular writers in English – C.P Belliappa and his sister, Kaveri Nambisan, P.T. Bopanna and his son Devaiah Bopanna.


It does look like Athur village has given birth to these Kodavas with a talent to be ‘pen-tastic’ not just at an amateur level, but at a professional one.


Growing up, I listened to stories of Princess Victoria Gowramma and Narimangala. My childhood days spun into a web of stories from different Kodava writers narrated to me by my mother. Sometimes, with a tale of a tiger’s tail by C.P. Belliappa.


As a teenager, I pondered over P.T Bopanna’s question, “Are Kodavas Hindus?” and sneaked a laugh at (AIB) All India Bakchod’s comic stories whose head writer was Devaiah Bopanna.


Chepudira P. Belliappa or popularly called as C.P Belliappa pursued a career in engineering. However, settling down in Coorg as a planter, he has been promoting technical education in Coorg. He has also penned many articles and is famous for his books, “Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg”, “Nuggets from Coorg History”, “Tale of a Tiger’s Tail and other Yarns from Coorg.”

His sister, Kaveri Nambisan has a unique style of writing. Her popular books like “The Scent of Pepper” can take you on a ride to Scotland of India, Kodagu with vibes of ethnicity. Her other books like “Mango-Coloured Fish” and “The Hills of Angheri” showcase stories derived from personal experiences. She is a doctor by profession. Kaveri started off as a writer for children’s magazines. She was recognized as the Coorg Person of the Year in 2005.


A leading author and a journalist, Palanganda T. Bopanna has been writing books about Kodavas and Kodagu. He has promoted several websites, including coorgnews.in, dedicated to Kodagu news. Bopanna is a recipient of the Gourmand international award for his book ‘The Romance of Indian Coffee.’


His son, Devaiah Bopanna, has co-founded a media company called ‘All Things Small’ which concentrates on writing true stories by giving a unique, modern touch to journalism. A Mumbai-based writer, Devaiah adds a tinge of comical approach to his writings.

These writers have touched many hearts with their writings. The root to their writing stems from Athur village and it is my dear hope that more writing talents mushroom from the Kodava land.

source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / February 05th, 2021

The food we eat: Indian power foods from sattu to millets

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Science & Technology, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

Every part of our country has traditional ‘power foods’ that are simple, healthy and practical. Maize, bajra, jowar, dozens of varieties of millets and many more of rice.

Varagu Millet Tomato Pulao. Many of India's ‘power foods’ like bajra, jowar, maize and several varieties of millets are easier to cultivate than rice or wheat. (Photo courtesy Shradha Saraf)
Varagu Millet Tomato Pulao. Many of India’s ‘power foods’ like bajra, jowar, maize and several varieties of millets are easier to cultivate than rice or wheat. (Photo courtesy Shradha Saraf)

Having visited Bihar after many years, I was on my way to Patna airport to catch the return flight to Bangalore. Like most Biharis the driver was a talker, and a good one. After depleting our views on the political scene in the country and Bihar in particular, we were still two hours from Patna. Murari asked if I had eaten.

“No.”

“Aap Litti kayenge?”

“Hahn, kayenge.”

Litti roasted over hot coals on a chill morning in January is a treat not to be missed. It is like a wheat bun filled with a sattu, onion and jeera stuffing and traditionally eaten with a favourful tomato-rich baigan bartha cooked in mustard oil. We finished off with adrak ki chai and re-joined the commotion on the road. The hearty breakfast for two cost Rs 60.

The car sped forward and my thoughts lingered in reverse gear, dwelling on the years I spent as a surgeon in a busy mission hospital in Mokama, a hundred kilometers from Patna. In the post-operative phase after any abdominal surgery when a patient asked, “Can I eat sattu?” you knew he was on his way to recovery.

In Bihar sattu (roasted and powdered channa) is considered essential to wellbeing. It is vital for all Biharis; for those who have lived and worked there too it is a thumbs-up favorite. I used to drink sattu instead of the mid-morning tea during my years there. It is high in protein, easily digested and has a cooling effect in summer months. Patient-attenders always bring dry sattu for their use. Mixed with water and some salt, and eaten with green chillis and raw onion, it is also a convenience-food that can be carried on long journeys.

Every part of our country has traditional ‘power foods’ that are simple, healthy and practical. Maize, bajra, jowar, dozens of varieties of millets and many more of rice. However, our palates have got used to the monotonous taste of white rice and chappatis made from polished wheat. Their blandness demands highly spiced gravies thick with grease. Much worse are the maida-based snacks, breads, buns and sugary or deep-fried foods. Maida is refined wheat flour with all its nutrients removed, providing only the calories. It should not have a place in any kitchen cupboard or should be purchased only if necessary, for occasional use. In my childhood days it was popularly known as ‘Merkin Podi’ meaning ‘American Powder.’

Healthy eating is now increasingly common among upper class but upper class is only a small fraction in a country of 140 crore people. Most Indians cannot afford the luxury of eating the right foods. They are the daily-wage-earning labour in factories, construction, agriculture, domestic and hotel work; vendors, autorickshaw and bus drivers; the safai karmacharis, well- diggers, potters, plumbers, cowherds; their old and their young. Their main concerns regarding food are the cost of food, appeasement of hunger, cooking time and expense, and taste.

Until the early 1990s, an average family was satisfied with grains, pulses and locally grown vegetables, with meat, eggs, milk and fruit used sparingly. In my career I have seen how those who ate the most basic but natural food rarely suffered from heart disease, diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure. These diseases affected those who could eat processed foods with their high content of sugar, salt, fat and chemical preservatives –  namely the privileged classes.

With globalization, the floodgates of consumerism were opened and cheap, heavily processed food became affordable. It satisfied on all counts – Good to taste, economical, satiating and without the hassles or the expense of cooking. Result: A staggering number of our citizens belonging to all social strata began to suffer from the above ailments, plus others like recurring stomach disorders, reduced fertility, dental caries, anaemia and in children the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

It is disturbing to acknowledge that our country is in the grip of a huge nutritional dilemma. India’s future will be shaped as much by the health of our people as by education, job availability and a more just distribution of wealth.

Every problem comes with a remedy. Here are some which will go a long way in ensuring good health for all our citizens.

As it is with most problems, one must go to the basics.

Many of the ‘power foods’ like bajra, jowar, maize and several varieties of millets (the pearl, the finger and the foxtail millet, to name a few) are easier to cultivate than rice or wheat. They need little water. It is possible to harvest two crops a year and in the intervening months, vegetables can be grown in the fields, thus promoting crop rotation. We should be replacing rice and wheat cultivation with these grains in a nationwide project. Rice and wheat can be grown in judiciously chosen water catchment areas. Thus, we can conserve millions of tonnes of water every year and bring remarkable improvement in the nutritional status countrywide. Children will have stronger bones, teeth and muscle and will no longer suffer from anaemia.

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KAVERY NAMBISAN is an Indian surgeon and author of books like The Scent of Pepper, A Luxury Called Health: A Doctor’s Journey Through The Art, and Cherry Red, Cherry Black. Views expressed are personal.

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source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / Money Control / Home> News> Health & Fitness / by Kaveri Nambisan / March 05th, 2023