Tag Archives: Talakaveri

Steeped in culture and packed with wonder: Our guide to witnessing Kodagu’s grace and hospitality

Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Set in the heart of Kodagu (now Coorg), The Tamara Coorg crafts a scenic getaway for the discerning traveller. Surrounded by nature’s bounty and soaked in tales of history, the property gives its guests a peek into the culture and the livelihood of the people in the region.

When it comes to an experiential holiday in the hills, Coorg is the first destination that comes to mind. Previously known as ‘Kodagu’, this hill station has bragging rights to misty mountains, sprawling coffee plantations, quaint monasteries, pepper vines, and a host of other scenic delights for the discerning traveller. 

The etymology of the words “Kodava” (referring to the indigenous people, language, and culture) and “Kodagu” (referring to the land) traces back to the root word ‘Koda’ of uncertain meaning. Some speculate it signifies ‘hills’ while others suggest it signifies ‘west.’ In 1956, Kodagu (now Coorg) was established as a district and became a part of the Karnataka state.

The Land of Coffee

Kodagu thrives as the land of coffee, with the Robusta variety being its primary plantation crop. Notably, Kodagu alone contributes around 33% of India’s coffee production. The region is also renowned for its exquisite wild honey. Nestled within a 184-acre coffee estate, the Tamara Coorg resort stands as a testament to preserving the surrounding ecosystem, untouched by extensive development, making it a truly unique creation in this coffee-rich land.

The flora and fauna of Kodagu

Blessed with three wildlife sanctuaries—Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri—and the Nagarhole National Park (also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park), located within the Kodagu district, the region boasts an unparalleled wealth of flora and fauna, showcasing its remarkable biodiversity.

Kodava people

The Kodava people, also known as Kodavas, are the inhabitants of this land. They speak the Kodava language and traditionally identify as land-owning agriculturists, following a patrilineal social order deeply rooted in martial customs. Kodavas hold their ancestors and weaponry in high reverence, and uniquely, they are the only community in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence. Kodagu has also produced several notable hockey players.

Kodava festivities

Kodava festivities revolve around their agricultural practices and military traditions. The community celebrates three main festivals that are distinctive to their culture—Kail Podh, Kaveri Changrandi (Tula Sankramana), and Puthari. In recent times, under the rule of the Haleri Rajas, Kodavas have also embraced a few Hindu festivals, including Ugadi, Ayudha Puja, Dussehra, and Mahashivaratri.

Kodava trails at The Tamara Coorg

Embark on our immersive Kodava Cultural Tour and be transported to a bygone era steeped in tradition. Journey to a nearby village, where a guide will accompany you to an Ainmane, a quintessential ancestral home of the Kodava people.

Walk through the halls of the Ainmane, as it unveils its architectural marvels and treasured artefacts. Delve into the essence of Kodava heritage as you learn about their unique way of life.

Indulge in a tantalising Kodava meal that showcases the region’s authentic flavours and local ingredients. Carry with you cherished memories of the warmth and hospitality as you bid adieu to the Kodava people.

In and around Kodagu

Scouting for activities to partake in when in Kodagu? Here’s a list of destinations that are a stone’s throw from the city and are worth a visit:

  • Abbey Falls | Distance: 44 km
  • Talakaveri And Bhagamandala | Distance: 40 km
  • Bylakuppe | Distance: 76 km
  • Nalknad Palace | Distance: 7.5 km
  • Padi Igguthappa Temple | Distance: 9.2 km
  • Chelavara Falls | Distance: 13 km
  • Omkareshwara Temple | Distance: 38 km
  • Raja’s Seat and Nehru Mantap | Distance: 38 km
  • Madikeri Fort And Palace | Distance: 37 km

For more information about planning a Kodagu itinerary and booking a stay at the plush property of The Tamara Coorg, click here. 

source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Naste Traveller / Home> India> Hotels & Resorts / Published by The Tamara Coorg / August 04th, 2023

Minister offers pooja at Bhagamandala ahead of Cauvery Teerthodhbhava

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HIGHLIGHTS

The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery.

Minister offers pooja at Bhagamandala ahead of Cauvery Teerthodhbhava

Madikeri:

The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery. The special rituals and preparations taking place at Talakaveri and Bhagamandala since the 27th of September. District In-charge Minister Bosaraju visited Talacauvery and Bhagandala to review the arrangements. His visit included a special pooja at the Bhagandeshwara temple in Bhagamandala ,marking the beginning of the traditional lighting of the lamp (Nanda Deepa), which will remain lit for the next month.

The Nanda Deepa, which is traditionally lit on this occasion, will continue to burn until next month. This year, the festival occurs late at night, and both the district administration and the government have been diligently working to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to facilitate the event. Minister N.S. Bosaraju expressed his confidence in the smooth execution of the J teertodhbhava. He also reviewed preparations at the Bhagandeshwar Temple and Talacauvery shrines. The preparations are in full swing at Bhagamandala, and the Talacauvery temples in anticipation of the holy Teerthodhbhava celebration. Minister Bosaraju was accompanied by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna during the inspection. Deputy commissioner Venkat Raja briefed the minister on the construction of a stage for cultural and religious programs, the establishment of barricades for convinience of devotees and other necessary arrangements. The focus is on ensuring that devotees have a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.

The minister assured that proper facilities and arrangements, such as food distribution, medical assistance, and ambulance services, will be provided to make the event safe and comfortable for devotees. In terms of security, there will be a significant police presence, under the leadership of SP , one ASP , two Deputy Superintendents, nine Inspectors, 15 Sub-Inspectors, 30 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 350 head constables, and other police personnel, including Home Guards, ensuring the safety of the event. KSRTC Depot Manager Mehbooba Ali said that additional buses will be deployed on the Madikeri- Talacauvery routes to meet the transportation needs of the devotees. According to sources nearly 50 thousand crowd would witness Teerthodhbhava. The devotees from Chennai, Tamil Nadu would also visit the shrine along with devotees from various districts of state.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / October 17th, 2023

Coorg – The Scotland of India

About Kodagu / Coorg, Uncategorized, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coorg located on the Western Ghats around 180 miles from the hi-tech city of India Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka is admired for its enduring beauty. The recorded history of the area says that it was ruled by the Lingayat Rajhas who established their capital at Madikeri where they built a mud fort. The inhabitants of Coorg, Kodavas agitated the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the course of random rebellions.

Eventually Tipu marched into Coorg with a large army in 1785 AD and overcome to their little kingdom. But just after four years, with the British assistance, Coorg take back their Kingdom and Raja Veerarajendra set about the task of reconstruction. Yet in 1834 AD, the British captured the Coorg and prosecuted the last Raja Chikkaveera Rajendra and expelled him. With its foggy mountains and opaque jungles, Coorg give the impression like a little corner of to the British and adopted a name as the Scotland of India.

The British left a legacy behind that is still an imperative source of national capital. The well laid coffee plantations by them in Coorg account for almost half of Karnataka’s coffee production and the state goes on with to be the major producer of coffee. Talakaveri, the origin of the River Kaveri is situated in the Brahmagiri hills of Coorg and this area is about 4,500 ft above the sea level. Hence, it is one of the scenic spot in Coorg. A temple and a big tank have been built near the kundike at Talakaveri; the pilgrims’ take bath in the tank prior to praying at the origin of the river.

There are two famous Hindu Temples dedicated to lord Shiva and lord Ganesha and both the temples are open to visitors. Coorg has many verdant hiking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it’s better to visit in the months from October to February. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination. You can accompany cheap flights to India for exploring this marvelous destination that is definitely going to manage your travel budget in a way you will be able visit much more places of interest.

A breathtaking attraction of waterfalls known as abbey Falls is located at a distance of around four miles from Madikeri town, approaching this attraction is itself an excellent ride experience as the path that you drive on is very narrow with countless turns and twists, ups and downs with a ebullient mother nature greets you at each turn. This famous falls, situated on a private property, attracts a large number of tourists around the globe. There are other famous waterfalls to be explored such as Iruppu Waterfalls, Mallalli Waterfalls and the Chelavara Waterfalls. A nature lovers paradise Nisargadama, an ecological park, this romantic 64-acre island is reachable through a hanging bridge offering immense pleasure to all the Nature and Fun loving tourists to wander around the park. You can also visit various stunning attractions like Nagarahole, Dubare Forest, Harangi Dam, Chiklihole Reservoir, Omkareshwara Temple, Coffee Plantation Farm, Raja’s Seat and Madikeri Fort.

source: http://www.CheapFlightHouse.co.uk / admin> News> / August 28th, 2011