Mahindra Homestays » Coorg

Photos of Coorg

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:30:38 +0000

Coorg (also known as Kodagu) is a photographers delight. Located in the Western Ghats of south-western Karnataka the region offers breathtaking views over misty hills, teak wood forests filled with exotic birds and lush green coffee plantations.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite photos of Coorg that show off this stunning region. If you have any photos you would like to see included here then upload them to our Facebook page.

Tea Plantation

Just before sunrise at Thadiyandamol

Scenic viewpoint

Irupu Falls

Abbey Falls

Nagarahole National Park

Golden Temple

Namdroling Monastery

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Karnataka Cuisine and Pandi Curry Recipe

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:09:31 +0000

With Karnataka’s diverse topography, the food habits of different regions bring an interesting element to the state’s cuisines. With a vast coast line, rain forest areas and plains, Karnataka cuisine has a lot of influences. The bordering states of Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh also influence the cooking techniques and types of ingredients used.

Karnataka has many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, often accompanied by rice. Popular dishes include Bisi bele bath, Jolada rotti, Ragi rotti, Akki rotti, Saaru, Idli, Vangi Bath, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Davanagere Benne Dosa, Ragi mudde and Uppittu. Variations of these can be experienced in different regions.

While some basic dishes are common to all regions it is the region specific delights that you should be looking for when travelling to the state. The three main areas which are sure to take you for a gastronomical ride are Mysore, Coorg and Bangalore.

COORG
Coorg is known for its copious amounts of alcohol and meat products in daily use. If you are foodie, this place is sure to delight you. Pandi Karri (Pork dish), Koli Saaru (Chicken dish), Meenu Saaru (Fish Dish) are dishes that you will encounter often. Coorgis often use traditional styles of cooking. Their love for food is enormous and one can see that in all local festivals, marriages and family events. Try the Kabadu dish which is eaten with the curries.

They also use bamboo shoot and mushrooms in their food which is seen sparingly in India. Try arriving in Coorg around the Kailpoldu festival when culinary skills are spruced up and every kitchen is pulsating with activity.

MYSORE
Mysore and surrounding areas is yet another region which is known for its fabulous food. The south Karnataka region emphasises more on staple grains like bajra and jowar. This region is known for its vegetarian dishes. Meals consist of Ragi mudde, Saaru, Rice and Yogurt. A salad called Kosambari (pictured below) which is prepared using simple ingredients such as lentils, green chillies and finely chopped coriander, and various Palyas (fried, boiled or sauteed spicy vegetables) are quite famous.

BANGALORE
Bangalore also lies in South Karnataka and traditionally serves up dishes like Mysore although this kind of food is fast disappearing from the house-holds. Being a cosmopolitan city, the dishes in Bangalore have a lot of modern infusion in the food creating some varied and unusual dishes.

Certain traditional foods however will always remain part of the Bangalore kitchens; namely Shenga chutney, mosaru, kempu and heavy use of vegetables.

PANDI (PORK) CURRY
This spicy pork curry is typical to Coorg. It is normally served with rice.

Ingredients:
1 Kg Pork (2 Lbs)
1tsp Turmeric power
1tsp Cumin Seeds
8-10 Small Onions or 2 big onions
10-15 cloves of Garlic
3-4 Green Chills
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
2 tbs Cumin Power
Vinegar
Salt to taste

Preparation: After washing the pork well and draining all the water off it, marinate the pork for 10-15 minutes with salt, red chilly power or pepper and turmeric. While this is being done, blend the green chillies, onions, ginger and a few cumin seeds. After this, fry the cumin powder until it turns darkish brown, and then add mustard and the rest of the cumin seeds. Fry this for a few minutes. Now add the marinated pork to the blended onion mixture and cook for a while. Add the fried condiments and cook on low flame for a few minutes till the pork is cooked. Add vinegar to the dish and serve with rice.

Homestays offer fantastic home cooked cuisine for guests and hosts are happy to share recipes and even show you some of the cooking techniques.

Places in Coorg

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:54:42 +0000

Coorg is a popular hill station in Karnataka, especially with those seeking a weekend break from Bangalore. The lush green topography is a haven for wildlife, bubbling rivers offer white water rafting challenges and rolling hills with the scent of coffee wafting through them are perfect for walking and trekking.

Coorg or Kodagu is a fairly vast district and has places tucked away which are worth seeing. Here is a list of places in Coorg to visit.

Madikeri
Madikeri is one of the most popular places in Coorg to base yourself in. The largest town of Coorg, it is situated in the North of the district and is the hub for many visitors. There are plenty of sight-seeing opportunities near Madikeri like the Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Raja’s Tomb, Omkareshwara temple and the Nisargadhama Forest in the town. A good place to visit the local eating joints for some typical Coorgi food.
Getting There – Madikeri is well connected to all maijor transport hubs by local buses and cabs.

Abbi (Abby) and Iruppu Falls
Often spoken about in one breath, the Abbi and Iruppu Falls are near Madikeri. Gushing with water, especially in the monsoons, these are great picnic spots. Easy trekking trails run from the falls and those interested can veer off into the wilderness. Ensure that you watch out for leeches in the rains though.
Getting There – Regular buses run from Madikeri and Gonikoppal to these falls.

Somwarpet
Many people miss this haven of coffee and spices due to the distance from Madikeri. Somwarpet is in the North East part of the district and takes about two hours to reach from Madikeri. Cardamom, coffee, peppers, oranges, ginger, and other vegetables grow extensively here. Somwarpet lies close to the third highest peak in Coorg after Tadiyandamol and Brahmagiri. It is known as Kotebetta and is a delight for trekkers. The other things to see here are Malemalleshwara Betta and the Beelur Gold Club.
Getting There – 42 kms from Madikeri, drive on the almost smooth roads in close to two hours or take us bus from the main stand at Madikeri.

Bylakuppe
The largest Tibetan settlement in South of India, Bylakuppe is spread over four regions just before Coorg. If driving from Bangalore, Bylakuppe is reached just before hitting Kushalnagar. There are a few places to stay here. Most people make a short stop, but it’s worth your while to stay for a night. See the young monks solemnly move about in the large courtyard of the Namdroling Monastery. Many visitors go there only in the mornings, but the lit up monastery in the evening is even more spectacular. Oil lamps are lit slowly through the evening, as monks line up to light the ritualistic lamp after dark.
Getting There – Bylakuppe is 40 kms from Madikeri, around a two hour drive or buses are available from the main stand at Madikeri.

Bhagamandala & Telecauvery
The Cauvery is one of the largest rivers in Karnataka and the convergence of a plethora of bio-diversity and activities. A touch of Kerala can be seen at Bhagamandala and Telecauvery with an ancient temple with a copper roof. Also known as Triveni Sangam, the spot is a semi religious destination, especially in mid October. Steps from here lead to the Brahamagiri Peak from here are essential to climb to get a panoramic view of the lush district.
Getting There – Over an hour’s drive from Madikeri, this is well connected by cabs and buses.

Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is en-route from Bangalore. One of the most esteemed game parks in India, Nagarhole is a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the South of India. Summers is the best time to visit, when animals roam more freely in search of water. A couple of days make ideal time to soak in the verdant surroundings and make multiple trips into the jungle. These are organised by the government, as private vehicles are restricted to go in.
Getting There – Nagarhole is well connected to Mysore and Madikeri by buses or even by cab.

There are many places in Coorg to explore, check out our Coorg homestay collection to find a base to explore this region from. If you would like to visit Coorg contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

White water river rafting in Coorg

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:04:12 +0000

The hill station of Coorg is best known for being a cool respite during the hot summer months, where visitors can relax amidst colourful scenery, wooded slopes and beautiful undulating landscapes. The start of the monsoon season brings a new opportunity to the region for those seeking adventure, with the chance to try some exciting white water river rafting in Coorg.

Between the months of July and October visitors can experience the rush of adrenaline from a Coorg white water rafting adventure. Its a lot of fun, but at the same time its totally safe. Trained man power will assist the beginners in rafting and safety equipments like life jackets and helmets are provided and mandatory to use.

The rafting lasts about two to three hours depending on the speed of river flow. During this time you can expect to to experience about five or six rapids which are a memorable experience.

River rafting in Coorg is a must in the monsoon season. Outside of the monsoon there are still opportunities to try out still water rafting but to experience the river at it’s best the white water rafting experience is highly recommended.

White water rafting can be arranged for you at the Eco Habitat homestay. In an idyllic farm like setting two charming villas offer comfortable and private accommodation for guests.

If you are interested in white water river rafting in Coorg yourself then our reservations team can help you plan a trip. Get in touch to find out more!

Karnataka tourism – places to see and explore

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:30:59 +0000

In Karnataka there are two distinctly different destinations which make a great combination for tourists. The first is bustling Bangalore, a young city but one with a rich history. The second is Coorg, sometimes called “Scotland of the East” due to its natural beauty. We explore the best of both places.

1. Bangalore by bus or foot
These inexpensive half-day and full-day tours cover Bangalore’s most important landmarks. These are convenient ways to discover the city. Another option for exploring the city is to hire a private cabs. Ask your homestay host to help you arrange a ride for a reasonable price with a guarantee of safety and efficient service.

Walking tours such as BangaloreWalks help people discover the lesser known aspects of the city. People can opt for a variety of tours like the Traditional walk, the Victorian walk or the Lalbagh walk, which cover different themes of this vibrant city. The tours start from Rs.300 and breakfast at popular restaurants is included in the package.

view of outer ring road, Bangalore

2. Tour of temples in Bangalore
Prime amongst Bangalore’s temples is the Bull Temple, which is built in Dravidian architecture. It is famous for the enormous statue of a bull that’s carved from one massive boulder. Other than this, in Rajajinagar you will find the beautiful ISKCON Temple where the annual Rath Yatra attracts thousands from all over the region. Just minutes from there is a Hanuman Temple where the annual Hanumanth Jayanthi is celebrated every December.

The Bull Temple in Bangalore

3. Monuments and historic sites of Bangalore
Foremost amongst such sites are Bangalore’s Vidhana Sabha (The State’s Legislative House), Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The Bangalore Palace was built by Mysore’s Maharajahs and was only recently opened to the public. The Palace has suffered due to years of neglect which is very evident. In contrast visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace, which is over 220 years old and served as a lavish summer retreat for the king.

Bangalore Palace

4. Family spots in Bangalore
Cubbon Park is an enormous green oasis in the heart of the city. Spread in over 300 acres, the park serves as a lovely picnic spot and has many recreation activities. A children’s park, toy train, theater and more can keep the whole family entertained. The park itself provides a refuge from trappings of urban development. Lal Bagh is another place perfect for a family outing. Built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the sprawling garden is considered the most charming and romantic in the country. It has lovely lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and historic stone formations. Horticulture lovers throng to the garden for the flower shows that are held three times a year.

A recent addition to the city is the Lumbini Garden. Located along the Nagvara Lake, the park offers enjoyable activities such as boating, a wave pool and a children’s park. The Bannerghatta National Park is a sanctuary where one can find wild animals like migrating elephants, bison, wild boar and if you are lucky the elusive leopard as well. The sanctuary, where rescued animals find refuge, is also home to a crocodile farm and a butterfly park amongst others.

In Bangalore thrill seekers will enjoy the Wonder La Amusement Park, India’s largest amusement and water park. The park is home to many thrill and water rides as well as rain dance sections. Fire crackers and laser light shows in evening are a delight to watch.

Cubbon Park

5. Coorg’s Madekeri Fort and waterfalls
This highly imposing fort is Coorg’s most important tourist attraction. It was initially built of mud, which was later replaced by concrete stone under Tipu Sultan. Inside the fort you will find the Palace of the Lingayat rulers. Located 8 kms from Madikeri are the charming Abbey Falls, a lovely place for picnics. Private vehicles are the best way to reach the falls and the visit should be clubbed with a visit to Madekeri Fort. Located 91 kms from Madikeri Fort is the Iruppu Falls. This beautiful waterfall is also an important pilgrimage. It is believed to have a historic connection with Lord Rama and there is also an important Shiva temple here.

Iruppu Falls

6. Raja’s Seat in Coorg
As the name suggests, this was a beloved spot of the Rajas from where they could enjoy panoramic vistas of the misty blue hills and lush green valleys. Even today, this destination serves as an important viewpoint and people come here in large numbers particularly to see the sunset and sunrise. A serene garden has also been created here for the use of the public.

Sunset in Coorg

7. Omkareshwara Temple
This temple was built 200 years ago in tribute to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Other than for its religious importance the temple is also loved by people fond of architecture as it is a beautiful and rare example of Hinduism, Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.

8. Activities in Coorg
Some of the most popular trekking trails here are trails in the hills of Brahmagiri, on the way to the Irrupa Falls, to Pushpagiri the second higest peak of Kodagu and to Tadiandamol, which is the highest peak. Golfers will love the 9-hole course of Virajpet. It’s a nice way of unwinding while honing one’s golf skills.

Valanoor is the backwater of the river Cauvery and people fond of fishing come here to try and catch the famous mahaseer. The best season for this is from October to May. Many camps around Coorg offer rafting down the Cauvery. For the experienced the route from Upper Barapole River to the south of Coorg in Brahmagiri is perfect.

Starting point of the Brahmgiri Trek

KARNATAKA TOURISM PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Coorg and Bangalore are about 260 kilometers apart.
Coorg does not have an airport or a railway station. The nearest airport is at Mangalore, about 135 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is at Mysore, about 120 kilometers away. In Bangalore there are two main railway stations: Bangalore City Junction and Bangalore cantonment.
KSRTC operates air-conditioned luxury buses between Bangalore and Coorg
Learn more about and view homestays in Bangalore and Coorg
Learn more about Karnataka tourism

Hill Station Weekend Breaks From Bangalore

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:59:55 +0000

If you are in Bangalore and want to escape the city for the weekend there are plenty of easily accessible options. Here is a list of our favourite hill station breaks for getting away from it all.

Coorg

Nestled in south-west Karnataka lies Coorg, a small hillstation that’s often called ‘The Scotland of the East’. In Mercara or Madikeri, one finds the proud Madikeri Fort, which was built in 17th century. Here, the Raja’s Seat overlooks a deep valley and from here you can enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. At the Abbey Falls water cascades to a depth of 70 feet into a rocky valley offering an unforgettable sight to visitors.

Tadiyendamol is the loftiest peak in Coorg challenging people to climb it. Located on the banks of the river Cauvery is the Valnoor Fishing Camp where avid fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling for the huge game fish mahseer. Over 5000 monks reside at the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe and it is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in the country.

Wayanad

This hill station is located in the northern part of Kerala. Its natural beauty has been left intact as it hasn’t been overrun by tourism. Wayanad is largely covered by spice plantations, paddy fields and forests. The region’s landscape is speckled with beautiful trekking trails. One important trail is the 10 hour climb to the top of the 2100m Chembra Peak, the highest point in Wayanad.

One of the main attractions is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where it is possible to see deer, bears, macaques, elephants and even tigers. Other attractions include the ancient Sree Thirunelli and Valliyurkava Bhagavathi temples and the 5000 year old prehistoric rock-art in the Edakkal Caves.

Ooty

Ooty is known as ‘the queen of the Blue Mountains’ and is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is known for beautiful gardens, wooded rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests, coffee and tea plantations, ancient tribes and monuments. Ooty’s Botanical Gardens has developed over the last 150 years, and offers over 2,000 species of flowering plants.

A popular spot amongst families is the Ooty lake. This is an artificial lake, which was constructed in the early 1800’s.

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and it stands at a height of 8,640 ft above sea level. It is accessible by road and the drive offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys. Ten minutes from the Ooty Market is a Toda Village. The Todas are one of the oldest tribes to inhabit this region and you will find beautiful Toda temples in the area. For those who want to shop, handicrafts can be purchased right from the village at great prices.

Coonoor

Coonoor is the second highest hillstation in Nilgiris and it is perched at a height of 1,856 meters above sea level. Sim’s Park in Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1798 meters and is nestled in a deep ravine. The park is famous for great views to many of Coonoor’s popular tourist spots such as Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose and Lady Canning’s Seat.

Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and maneuvers the rocky terrain with ease. Many songbirds like nightingales, babblers, larks and robins, whoare found in Coonoor. The Pomological Station is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits are grown here for research purposes. The Law Falls are located 7 kilometers from Coonoor and water here drops from a height of almost 200 feet.

Yercaud

Located near Salem in Tamil Nadu’s Servarayan range at an altitude of 1,500 meters is Yercaud. Yercaud’s highest point is the Servarayan temple, which is perched at a height of 5326 feet. The hills here are rich with fauna and flora, which includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, and many other native species. The Yercaud Lake is surrounded by well-groomed gardens and thick trees. One of the best views that Yercaud can offer is at the Lady’s Seat. Panoramic view of the ghats and beyond can be seen from here. Stargazing is a lovely experience at the Lady’s Seat.

The Kiliyur Falls in Yercaus fall from a majestic height of 90 feet andare popular amongst visitors.

Staying in a homestay is the perfect way to enjoy these hill stations. Our reservations team will be happy to help you with planning a perfect getaway, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get in touch with you.

6 Beautiful India Views You Must Book To See Now

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:10:31 +0000

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that we are currently offering many of our homestay properties at half the usual price – but only for a limited time.

Book before 30 September 2009 and you can secure bargain holiday accommodation all over India. Dozens of friendly hosts in some stunning Indian homes are waiting to welcome you.

Here we show you ten views that are close to our half price India homestays.

Click on the destination the links to go straight to our website and reserve yourself irresistible views at irresistible prices.

1. A breathtaking sunset near our Alleppey homestays, in Kerala, shimmering on the backwaters.

2. Thadiyandamol, the highest peak in Karnataka, near our Coorg homestays – the ‘Scotland of the East’.

3. The awesome Bahá’í House of Worship, near our Delhi homestays.

4. Outside the Palace of Winds, near our Jaipur homestays.

5. The verdant rolling hills near our Munnar homestays, Kerala.

6. An old train rattles through the quiet countyside near our Ooty homestays.

Click to our main site to see the full list of our India homestays.

7 Really Interesting Things To Do In Coorg, India

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:48:07 +0000

Front page image: Creative Commons

Nestled away in the south-western corner of Karnataka lies a place dubbed ‘The Scotland of the East’: Coorg.

There’s plenty to do and see in this stunning part of the country, but we’ve been thinking really hard and have come up with seven particularly interesting or different things to do in Coorg that will add more to your trip.

Got any ideas of your own? Please add them to the comments below.

And of course, Mahindra Homestays offer a unique variety of homestays in Coorg – take a look.

1. Help an elephant take his daily bath

Near Kushalnagar there is a natural island with 11 acres of land, covered in trees and surrounded by a wonderful wreath of water. The Dubare Forest is maintained by the forest department, who also run an ‘Elephant Training Camp’. The island is reached by a 20 rupees motorboat ride. Tourists visit to witness the daily routines of tamed elephants.

These huge mammals are used to the attention, moving through the river water and lying down while visitors pat and clean them. Tourists enjoy scrubbing the ears and backs as the elephants throw water on themselves through their trunks. After the bathing fun, it’s dinner time, with visitors serving ‘raagi balls’ made especially for them by the forest department. The cool and gurgling waters of the Cauvery River create a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere.

You can get back to the mainland either by the same motorboat or by following a natural stone path through the river.

2. Visit the biggest Tibetan settlement in southern India

Did you know there is an 18,000-strong community of Tibetans living in southern India?

Bylakuppe, situated 90 kms away from Mysore city on the Mysore-Madikeri highway, is the largest Tibetan refugee camp, housing thousands of Tibetans in exile. Over 45 years ago Tibetans settled here, creating a ‘mini-Tibet’ in one village.

As you get close, you’ll see Buddhist monks – ‘Lamas’- overtaking you on their speeding motor bikes, their maroon robes flapping in the air. In the market they can be seen wearing Raybans and listening to their i-Pods! The sense of sudden change as you enter this Tibetan enclave is surreal, with its colorful flags, monasteries and modernised Tibetan culture.

More than 7000 monks pursue their monastic education in Bylakuppe’s monasteries, with dedicated veneration to his holiness The Dalai Lama, their supreme master. The Golden Temple, with a 60 ft gold plated Buddha statue, and the recent addition of ‘copper colored mountain’ Zandong Palri it’s an attractive tourist destination.

3. Trek the hills

From easy to arduous treks, Coorg has varying trails for all kinds of adventure seeker. The best season to plan treks in Coorg is December to May. The three main mountain peaks in Coorg for trekking are Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Tadiandamol. You can trek alone or with a guide. Organisations like Coorg Adventure Club (CAC) organise trekking expeditions from time to time and can arrange the necessary facilities for the interested trekkers. The experience has it all: thick forests, sloping hills, waterfalls, incredible views of this area dubbed ‘Scotland of the East’.

4. Watch the hockey festival

Hockey is a traditional game of the Kodava community, the ethnic group of this region. The Kodava Hockey festival in Coorg has run since 1997. The principal rule of the festival is that a particular team is represented by members of a specific family. Each year, the festival is organised by a different family who give their name to the tournament. It’s for both men and women and is considered to be of great importance. The festival was initiated to bring the people of Kodava community closer. The opening and closing ceremonies are held with spectacle of various dances and a emonstration of martial arts of Kodavas.

5. Tuck into Coorg cuisine

Even though the people of Coorg are mostly non-vegetarian, they are influenced by the South Indian ways of cooking food. Their rich cuisine of dishes use pork, chicken or fish but are cooked with coconut, curry leaves, ginger, chilli and spices like pepper and cardamom. If you eat meat, you have to try it cooked South India style.

6. Attend a Coorg wedding

A Coorg wedding is very different from other South Indian weddings, with the customs followed more familiar to those of North India. The bride wears a red sari, draped in an unusual manner that involves tying pleats in the rear, taking around the back and pinning of small portion of the pallu (end of the sari) securely over the right shoulder.

Men and women of Coorg are known for their beauty, bravery and intelligence. The men look handsome in their long overcoats, with a silken sash around the waist. They carry a customary dagger called ‘pechekathi’ tucked on to the right side of the sash.

Coorg weddings are distinct from weddings in other Indian states because they don’t follow customs like dowry system or child marriage, and it is only here that alcohol is served as a customary ritual with the food.

If you are staying with Mahindra Homestays, ask your host if they know of a wedding you may be able to observe.

7. Walk the plantations

Coorg is densely covered with coffee, pepper and cardamom estates. These estates on the lush and steep hills of Coorg make an interesting walk. With Mahindra Homestays, you can even stay in one of the plantation properties and learn from the estate owner all about the growth of coffee and important local spices. Not to mention enjoy a piping hot coffee made wish fresh beans as you relax and enjoy the wonderful views.

To find out more about Coorg and book your homestays in Coorg, visit the main Mahindra Homestays site where you can browse properties and book online.