Coorg also called as Kodagu is derived from the local version Kodavu and the people of Kodagu. According to ancient scripts the land of initial settlement was called Krodadesa which later became Kodavu. Coorg is sometimes misspelled as “Koorg” and “Coorge”.
Where is Coorg Located?
Coorg is located in the south-west part of Karnataka bordering Kerala. Coorg measures 96 km (north-south) in length and 64 km east-west in breadth. The area of Coorg district is 4102 sq. kilometers and the population estimated in 2001 was 545,322, increasing 11.64% from 1991 to 2001, and 5.75% from 1981 to 1991. (wikipedia)
Coorg in History
Coorg was under the Gangas rule during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century. Changalvas were allies to both the above dynasties but they were independent till 14th century as Hoysalas defeated the Cholas in the 12th century. Changalvas accepted the supremacy Of Hoysalas from 14th to 16th century. Then Nayakas who later paved the way to the Haleri Rajas of Kodagu ruled Coorg till 1834.
The Coorgs – People of Coorg
Coorg homes several communities with diverse ethnic origins. Coorgies or Kodavas are the main ethnic community. Gowdas (Arey bhashe gowdas or Coorg gowdas), Tamilians, Malayalees, Mophlas or Mapilles (Muslims) communities also share a part. There are some tribal groups such as the Kurubas, Kudiyas, Yeravas who are said to be the tribal origins of Coorg.
Coorg is one of India’s famous travel destination and has been called the Scotland of India by the British and also called as the Kashmir of South India. Coorg has become a latest tourist hot spot and people from all over the world visit Coorg.
Coorg’s natural beauty, the people, the culture and the food is the major attraction which draws people towards Coorg from all over the world.