Coorg has many verdant trekking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it's best to go in the months from October to February. Some of the known trails are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where you could trek your way to the Irrupa Falls. You could also consider trekking to Pushpagiri, the second higest peak of Kodagu and Tadiandamol (the highest peak).
The Vancahal range has multiple trekking routes which land up at a breathtaking ridge. It's a windswept place and the ridge area gets very breezy, naturally the route starts from Galibeedu (Village of Wind).
Club Mahindra has a good trekking center, but you can also contact Cats Adventure(+919900777377) for trekking guides. It is considerably dangerous to trek without a local guide as routes are not marked, jungles are leech filled and the tribal people are very wary of outsiders.
There also a other activities such white water rafting and fishing available within a fifty km radius, but the trekking routes are a must do!
Like many regions, the Kodava valley has its share of local festivals, when we we around there was a day when all the women of the house hold shot a boar and celebrated the feast, however to be privy to such an event one needs to be invited to a local's house, If you lodge at a homestay, your chances are better.
Typical festivals:
- The 'Festival of Arms - Keilpoldu' is held in the months of June to September. During this festival the weapons are polished and worshipped before resuse.
- Cauvery Shankaramana is based around the river Cauver is held in October.
- The harvest festival 'Puthar' is celebrated in November or December. The festival is accompanied by folks songs and dances, performed by the different villagers at their temples.
Grub & Grog..
Traditionally Coorg has had a drinking culture, even for women. As a outcome there is a host of wines as well as grogs (cocktails) locally produced. Different fruit wines such such as apple, gauva, cashew, banana are found in the local market. Not all are palatable to traditional tastes but worth a try (Apple was quite good!).
Grogs are essentially a blend a local spices such as honey, pepper, clove etc. and some alcohol content. My favorite ones where Admiral Grog (Brandy, honey; Pepper and cardamom), Arbica Grog ( Local coffee with Brandy and cinnamon) and a Mint - Rum based cocktail. (Also available in non-alcoholic versions). A good barman will grind the ingredients fresh before concocting your drink (Planter's Bar at Club Mahindra recommended).
The reputation of kodhava valley cuisine has already spread way beyond ....The Pandi (Pork) curry and chops are truly delicious! The best version I tasted was from a road side tea stall, which incidental had a make shift kitchen for the plantation owner...who made pork curry everyday.
Other interesting options include Kodambittu (Rice balls), Palak dal, bembla curry and some pachadi.
Of course one has to absolutely have the filter coffee in Coorg, grown in neighboring plantations, it has the power to create a brand new coffee lover :-)
Other places of interest:
- Tibetan Monastry near KushalNagar (The largest one in south India),
- Abbey Falls with a lovely suspension bridge.
- Talcauvey Basin
- Drive through known elephant routes
Where to stay: Club Mahindra, Orange County & Local Homestays
Reason to return: Pandi curry, Vanachal hills & Goorg
