Kodagu chronicles

Green....So serene!

2009-11-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Pane mara!

2009-08-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Bamboo club, Polibetta

2008-12-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

Chakke

2008-10-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

When an unripe Jackfruit is cut, a lot of sticky latex oozes out. So before cutting this Jackfruit, Thayi coated the knife and cutting board with coconut oil.

Here in the pic our maid is struggling to cut a raw jackfruit which is full of sticky latex that no ordinary soap can get rid off…..

Therme Thoppu

2008-09-19T05:39:00.001-07:00

Enchanting evening....

2008-08-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

After a long walk along the banks of the river with our dog Tommy as our guide, we took a break. We sat on the rocks, dipped our feet in the river and ate 'Kaibu'.
Ahh…
What bliss…

Wilted

2008-08-09T01:18:00.000-07:00

Papaya Parade!

2008-07-29T01:46:00.001-07:00

Divine intervention??

2008-07-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I am a dog lover. I found this puppy in Polibetta.I fell in love with him instantly. While transporting him from Kodagu to B’lore, I used a cardboard box as play pen. Several times I found him climbing up the 2 ft box with ease and tumbling to the floor of the car. He was a real escape artist! He whimpered and squealed through out the journey. I felt guilty for separating him from his mother..

Gandhari malu!

2008-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

All was well when I went for a walk with grandma’s maid. She offered me tiny red chili (Gandhari malu) which grandma uses in her chutney. She asked me to bite into it. Little did I know she had ulterior motives!! I naively ate it. That's when all hell broke loose!!

Soon I was prancing and dancing around the house. My mouth was on fire. I rubbed my eyes and my eyes began to sting. I drank 6 glasses water and ate 10 spoons of sugar. I rinsed my face with bucketful of water. Even then the tingling sensation remained for almost an hour.

I have developed chili phobia after the incident…

Fresh milk!

2008-05-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

Grandma's maid milking the 'Payyu'.......

I was walking past the cowshed and I saw a ‘chombu’ (pitcher) of fresh milk outside. My cousin put his finger in, to scoop out the thick froth that had settled on the top.I peeked into the cowshed to watch the maid milking the cow.
Cows here graze on natural grass and cow feed. The difference between the milk in Kodagu and dairy milk is not just the flavour. Mom says that naturally reared cow’s milk contain higher levels of vitamins and nutrients. There is no fear of harmful pesticides, artificial hormones and antibiotics when you drink milk from the ‘payyu’ in your ‘kotte’. But when you buy milk from a dairy, there is no guarantee that the milk is hormone free or antibiotic free!!

Chyale...

2008-05-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Pathak...

2008-05-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Lotus pond...

2008-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Kaikeri

Lotus pond at the Jammada Garden...

Fishing in Coorg...

2008-05-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

I went fishing in a creek near my cousin’s house. We found interesting aquatic life there. I felt like I was in a fish reflexology spa, When tiny fish started nibbling on my feet.

We used household items to catch fish. Obviously we returned home with exciting results. By using aunt’s colander we caught tiny fish, shrimp and toad!!!!

Erane

2008-05-05T03:12:00.000-07:00

Erane is spotted all over Kodagu. They help us out by consuming pests we often overlook. They are mostly harmless.

Peechekatthi

2008-04-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

Pambu in Virajpet!

2008-04-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

This little snake was quite accommodating, allowing me to get right up close to him to take this photograph. It was slithering around in the dry yard near grandpa’s house. It had loops on its yellow belly. Thatha called it “Balemuriya pambu”. He killed it mercilessly with a long stick and threw it away!!

Where are the trees?

2008-04-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Everyday trees are recklessly hacked in the forests of Kodagu. This blue mountain in the picture is sparsely covered with small trees and shrubs. Thatha says it was once lush green with tall trees...

Thatha tells stories of people who felled, cut up and moved those tall trees. Since his childhood, he has roamed the forests, scavenged the sites where timber smugglers have stripped the mountain of its green mantle.God save the forests of Kodagu from the hungry timber traders.

A.T.Mansion

2008-04-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Saath khoon maaf was shot here!!

This pic was taken when we took a tour of the beautiful Greenhills property. Kindly contact the blog administrator if anyone has objection.

Breakdown!

2008-04-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Imagine being stranded alone on a dark stretch of country road after a breakdown. There is no breakdown recovery service offered in Kodagu.You have to rely on Good Samaritans and Guardian angels to offer you assistance!!

Jomale....

2008-04-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

Kuppiya

2008-04-07T22:52:00.001-07:00

Mande thuni(Turban)

Traditional Kodava attire..

Chaley

2008-04-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Chaley is an ornamental silk sash...

Evening sky..

2008-04-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Virajpet...

Yum

2008-04-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Kadumbutte

Parrot attraction!

2008-04-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Want to make friends with ‘Gini pakshi’? Grow ‘ Kayi’ in your ‘thota’!!

Madikeri

2008-04-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Quaint!

2008-04-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

A gentle pace of life in a glorious, green setting.

Polibetta

Vista

2008-04-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

View from my cousin's porch. Mercara

Seasons!

2008-03-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

View from grandpa's house...

Monsoon- Wet, green and cloudy!

Summer- Sunny, golden & dry

A Kodava dwelling....

2008-03-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

A house from the past.......

Potted Anthuriums in colors you've never seen before!

Virajpet..aerial view

2008-03-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Click on the image above and tell us what's in the picture!!

Animals....

2008-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Kodavas thoroughly enjoy the companionship of animals.. Most common house pets are dogs and cats.

Granny’s cat is very affectionate. She snuggles up on my lap and likes to be scratched under the chin. She is very playful. She goes bonkers when she sees something dangling!

Thatha’s dog regularly participates in all the ball games. I enjoy playing with him.Unfortunately I am allergic to animal dander. Therefore momma doesn’t allow me to spend too much time with pets.

Kodagu is highly unsafe for this pink pet...!! Kodagu is pork lovers paradise. After keeping them as something akin to pets, they are slaughtered for ‘Kail Muhurtham’.

Ooru koodo

2008-03-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Mangalakarthi and Mangalakara's attire on 'Ooru Kooduva' day.

Anthurium

2008-03-21T02:26:00.001-07:00

Anthurium

2008-03-21T02:26:00.000-07:00

Anthurium is seen in almost all the Kodava homes. Low temperature, good rainfall and fertile soil of Kodagu are ideal for Anthrium cultivation.

A Kodava home

2008-03-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Spittoon(boguni) and brass pot (hande) are used as plant holders.

Antique furniture made of Rosewood.

Village scene....

2008-03-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Workers return home after a hard day of labour!

Rustic simplicity.....

2008-03-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

kids smile and enjoy the mundane things in life with a sense of ease…with a sense of contentment!!

These kids are serenaded by nature everyday. They derive simple pleasures from simple things.

They climb trees, hunt for crabs and fish, play hide-and-seek in the coffee plantation, swim in the river, run around the dry yard throwing coffee beans up in the air…

They wet their feet in a puddle, dirty their hands in sludge, do the rain dance…

We the urban children of digital age, have become aliens to the natural world. Technology has introduced us to a new 'virtual' world. There is little time for bonding with nature. It is detrimental not only for physical fitness, but also for our mental and spiritual health.

Coffee cluster

2008-03-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Bethri

2008-03-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

Cauvery River originates on the Brahmagiri hills. As the rills travel downhill, they come together, forming wider, deeper brook. In turn, brooks combine to form streams, and streams join tributaries of Kaveri.

Cauvery River at Bethri.

Tributary of Cauvery

A stream or 'thodu' near Cauvery.

Number of brooks are visible all over Kodagu.

Akki mado!

2008-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

‘Akki mado’ is a process where husk, bran and brokens are separated from the milled rice.

Kodagu OJ

2008-02-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

Freshly squeezed orange juice...Kodagu style!

Lone tree!

2008-02-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

Misty morning in Kodagu....

Coffee blossom!

2008-02-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Nayi kutti :)

2008-02-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

This puppy is saying "Please don't take me away from the Kuppanda house!"

Chirpy !

2008-02-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

During coffee picking season, there is shortage of labour in Kodagu. People come from Hunsur and Piriyapattana in large numbers to help us out. Like KC mentioned below, they seem chirpy during picking season. That's because they can earn extra cash.

The power of ‘ Ragi mudde’ is amazing. It keeps them going all day!!

Pepper vine

2008-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

A blogger pal from Malaysia comments -I'm amazed to see the raw pepper. This is the first time in my life to see a picture of raw pepper. Thanks for sharing. By the way, what does the whole pepper plant look like? Do you have a picture of it? Thanks for sharing.

This pic is for you friend!

Flower power

2008-02-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

Prime time in Kodagu!

2008-02-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

Coffee spread out in the hot sun.

While drying coffee, the beans need to be stirred occasionally.
>

This mother works hard while her toddler plays nearby!

Exploring!

2008-02-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

In this pic, my cousin and I are scouting out the area!

We are trying to create ripples in the river!

Fuzzy but interesting pic of us blending with nature!

Paala- bridge!

2008-02-18T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hmmm…a log overpass!

People all over the world are striving hard to build better roads, buildings, bridges etc but this little village shall remain the same! Since I am an environment freak, I am happy that this bridge is eco-friendly!

But you never know when it will cave in!!

Knock knock!

2008-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Knock knock!
Who is there?

Is it a crab?

Or is it a dangerous spider?

Pepper

2008-02-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

An unusual plant in Mercara!

2008-02-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

Times of yore

2008-02-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, when wild animals fearlessly roamed around in Kodagu, hunting was a favorite pastime.

A display of antelope's horn.

Hunting competitions were quite popular those days. For athletic Kodava men raised on weapons and warfare, hunting gave an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. In the vast forests of Kodagu there were numerous herds of deer and the hunters preferred it for target practice. In addition, there were Bison, Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, wild Boar and Bears.

Hunter’s house featured a mixed array of embalmed animals. They were mounted on the wall for display.

All these animals were pursued with the help of different firearms. There were no stringent regulations those days. A 'thoke' was a requisite to every household.

Hunter exhibits his collection of rifles.

PS:These pics were taken at the AT mansion, Virajpet (now a commercial property) Kindly contact the blog administrator if anyone has objection.

Cosmo

2008-02-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

Grandma says she is blessed to be in Kodagu. She has a nice garden. Every now and then, she brings freshly cut flowers into her home and arranges them beautifully in a vase. Here is a picture of Cosmo Bipinnatus from her garden. The maid called this flower ‘Paathe Poo”!!

Interesting coffee table!

2008-02-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

This coffee table is a conversation piece. The rosewood table top is propped on an elephant’s leg.

Trunk of an Elephant.

PS:These pics were taken at the ATT mansion, Virajpet (now a commercial property) Kindly contact the blog administrator if anyone has objection.

An old mansion.

2008-02-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

A house from the yesteryears.

A colony in the forests of Kodagu.

2008-02-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hay fun!

2008-01-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

When I am in Kodagu, I hang out with my cousins and other kids in the neighbourhod and do fun things. In December, our barn was full of hay.I had a blast...

We jumped up and down. We wrestled and ruffled around on the haystack.After a while, we got itchy!!

I heard there is a shortage of labourers in Kodagu!!We helped the labourers to load the truck. I don’t mind trading school work for manual work during holidays.

This pooch is doing a sniff-test on hay!!

Ponappa
Class 5

Madikeri...

2008-01-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

Coffee stump...

2008-01-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

An attempt to bring nature indoors with a beautiful coffee tree stump!

Antique pieces from a Kodava home!

2008-01-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

Sandooka/ treasure chest

Everyday after a meal, my great grandmother yanked off a leaf from the betel vine in her backyard. She smeared it with lime paste, rolled it up tidily with pieces of areca nut stuffed inside, placed it in her mouth and chomped it vigoursly. When her saliva turned bright red and became copious she spat into a spitoon like the one above.

Boguni/finger bowl

Nest in our Garden, Kodagu

2008-01-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

I was plucking flowers for Thayi’s morning pooja. Suddenly a bird flew out from the nearby bush. I discovered a little nest made of twigs resting in the center.

I kept a daily tab on the bird. I wanted to protect the nest from my Grandma’s cat, Subbu. So I placed some thorns around the bush.

Her tenacity amazed me. She persistently collected twigs, straw and other scarp to build a nest. She worked hard until she achieved her goal - a cozy little nest for her baby birds.

Later we found three eggs in the nest. Every time we approached the bush, the mamma bird twittered angrily and flew away, then perched on a nearby electric wire and warbled.

It’s a pity that I had to leave before the eggs were hatched.
Writer- Ponnappa, 9 years

Tantalizing Thadiyandamol!

2008-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

THADIYANDAMOL is the highest peak in Kodagu District ( 1750 Mtrs. MSL)

Pics- Arun Bhat

Fresh air...

2008-01-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

The mantle of foliage draped gracefully across the topography is a sight profoundly appreciated by city dwellers!! For the most part, the residents of Kodagu take for granted their access to the great outdoors, with its breathtaking views and health-imbuing fresh air.

Pics by Adit Mandanna.

text:cc

Aimara..

2008-01-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

A beautiful Kodava home with a verandah overlooking the courtyard garden.

Thook Bolcha

2008-01-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

Juxtaposition!

2008-01-18T03:49:00.000-08:00

Coffee cherries ripen at different times on the same tree.A branch can simultaneously hold blossoms, green fruit, half ripe berries and red cherries.

Misty mornings.......

2008-01-16T08:38:00.001-08:00

Kodagu in winter.

Kakoteeswara Temple.

2008-01-11T03:18:00.000-08:00

Eswara temple, Kakotuparambu.

Golden harvest!

2008-01-10T02:23:00.000-08:00

Golden harvest basking in the Sun.

It's koypani time in Kodagu..

Coffee table books for a Kodava home.

2008-01-10T02:13:00.001-08:00

A book on traditional architecture of Coorg
http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/brinda.htm

Field Marshall K. M. Cariappa
http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/kmc.htm

http://www.indiatogether.org/2003/jan/wom-kodagu.htm

Bamboo club

2008-01-08T08:44:00.001-08:00

This quaint club is more than 100 years old.

Want to give something back to your community?

2008-01-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

1.Cheshire Home
PB-93, Pollibetta
571215
S. Kodagu

By Mr.Rana Nanjappa

The Coorg Cheshire Home Day Center (CH) is located in Polibetta, Virajpet Taluk, Kodagu District in Karnataka. There are 94 villages in the taluk with a population of 200,000. According to the 2001 census there were approximately 1200 disabled adults and children living in the taluk.

I was met by the key person running the place – Ms. Geeta Chengappa along with two other volunteers, Mrs S. Begum and Mrs. Cariappa. They as well as about ten other volunteers live in the area and volunteer their services as and when needed. Each volunteer has a specific responsibility – teaching, administration, networking, gardening etc.
The home was as described in their application/proposal. The scope of the work they do in the community was much better to grasp by going on site and talking to the volunteers and staff.

While I was there during the visit I made on two consecutive days, there were about 18 children and 16 adult disabled onsite. The children, and the adults were given therapy by three trained and qualified therapists. The therapists had a room for residence in the center. The attached kitchen was used by them and for meals for the students. A van picks up the children and adults from their homes or convenient collection points every morning and returned them home in the evening.
The children had their own classroom where a teacher taught them basic math, science, geography, English and Kannada. The ages of the children ranged from 5 to about 16. More boys than girls. The teaching was informal and driven by circumstances – since the types of disabilities were varied. The children were reasonably well dressed and obedient. They would go for therapy as and when the therapy schedule demanded.
Cheshire Homes (CH) Day Center since 2000 is doing its best to provide basic education to disabled children and adults as well as improve functional abilities and health of the disabled. – and increase their access to health services. The older children and adults – disability permitting - were trained with basic skills and simple trades to help improve their economic conditions.
The building itself was a long rectangle. It consisted of an Office and store; children’s class room; adult class room; vocational training room; residence room for therapists and kitchen.
A large open area outside and right next and below it was a flower and vegetable garden maintained by the volunteers. The children were encouraged to work in the garden and were given insights into nutrition while doing so. There was quite a bit of open ground for the children and adults to move around when the weather was good. The funds granted by Asha was planned to be used to build a covered playground here so the children could go out and play even during the four to five rainy months in a year. Any child, disability permitting, was encouraged to try their hands at simple handicraft projects. Greeting cards, stationery items and the like were the main products attempted by them. Adults were taught other trades.
Before being admitted to the Center each child is assessed for personal as well as health information. These records were maintained as long as the child was there. CH monitors the health of the children, and when required, arranges for hospital care as well.

What was most remarkable was the involvement in the community. CH actively extends its services as a resource agency in the whole district. By interfacing and interceding with the schools and the District authorities, they try to empower the disabled and create a conducive environment.
Since 2000, CH volunteers, and Ms Chengappa in particular, attend seminars and conferences on disabilities around the country. Besides the children in the Center they also help the disabled in the taluk and district. They have held more than 40 awareness programs in schools and all the teachers have been sensitized to children with disabilities. Ramps have been constructed in 64 schools to give access to the disabled students.
One example to illustrate the scope of the work done by CH: Sumair is an 8-year-old boy with Locomotor Disability. He has no sensation in his lower limbs. Through CH’s efforts he got an ID card, a Physically Handicapped Pension, a wheel chair and has applied for a scholarship for schooling. Twice a week the CH van takes him to a regular school nearby. Through CH he has attended a Summer Camp, Talent Competition and sports. His mother is being assisted by CH in an application to a government scheme to get land in Sumair’s name to build a house. Help such as this is given to students and their families wherever possible. Parents are helped in getting bank loans and micro finance.

The Cheshire Homes Day Center is a comprehensive effort to improve the conditions and the capabilities of disabled children and adults all over the district. This is a project that should earn support from Asha for Education, now and in the future.

2.Opportunity School
P.B.NO. 40, SIDDAPUR ROAD, MADIKERI - 571201. KARNATAKA

The Opportunity School is based on the campus of Kodagu Vidyalaya. The Opportunity School will run under a separate Trust comprising of the members of the Managing Committee of Kodagu Vidyalaya and a few individuals invited to be as trustees. The institution is known as Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School.
Kodagu Vidyalaya will involve students in classes Eight, Nine and Eleven in teaching these children. World over it has been found that this has been an enriching experience for all the people involved in the prograrnme, children, students and teachers and parents.
A number of disabled children live far away from Madikeri and so will only be able to come once or twice a week. It is the aim of Kodagu Vidyalaya to make the Opportunity School into a Resource Centre for the whole of Kodagu District. By establishing a Contact Programme and having the trained personnel of the school visit each Taluk in Kodagu District at least once a week. So that more contact can be maintained with the disabled children and parents and there is a continuity maintained in therapy. Training can also be imparted to personnel.
The Opportunity School began functioning from the 4th of. November 1996. Mrs. Meena Cariappa, daughter-in-law ' of late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa has readily agreed to guide the staff and maintain records and assess the level reached by each, individual child. She has been trained in Hyderabad, has had a number of years of experience dealing with mentally disabled children and written text books for these children. The School already has a full complement of teachers, including Mrs. Gita Shridhar, with a lot of experience and trained, Mrs. Sarika Khuranna, a Post graduate in Speech and Hearing, Ms. Mayuri Somaiah, a trained Montessori teacher.
We are aware that there are a number of people who would like to, help the children in this special section, but are unable to do so owing to distance or lack of time.
This is to inform you that necessary measures have been taken to make it possible for you to help a child by financially sponsoring one. The amount has been fixed at $50 per child per month. Arrangements have been made wherein sponsorship can be collected monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually, whichever is convenient to tile sponsor.
In the case of corporations, organizations or institutions the amount is $300.00 per child per annum. This is so as it costs so much to maintain 'a child in the opportunity section.

Board of Trustees.

Flower power!

2008-01-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

Past Hockey news!

2008-01-08T04:27:00.000-08:00

Mandepanda Cup 2007, Kakotuparambu

he 11th edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival was held from April 16 to May 6 at Kakotuparambu near Virajpet, 22 km from Madikeri. It was the turn of the Mandettira clan to host the festival this time, and a total of 186 Kodava teams participated in this year's edition.

This unique event has figured in the Limca Book of Records for its magnitude. Started by a retired State Bank of India official, the festival attracts nearly 3,000 players in which men and women of all ages can participate.

In the final of the tournament held on May 6, the Mandepanda clan beat the Anjaparavanda clan 7-6 to win the tournament. In the match for the 3rd-4th place, the Machamada family beat the Koothanda family 2-0.

The winning team got Rs. 50,000, and the losing finalist got Rs. 25,000. A sum of Rs. 10,000 each was paid to the two losing semi-finalists.

The honour of hosting the 12th edition of Kodava Hockey Festival next year will go to Alamengada family in Balele.

pics:cc
Text:bharatiyahockey.org

Blossom

2008-01-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

During coffee blossom one can witness thousands of acres bedecked with white flowers, emanating a beautiful scent with the dancing of honeybees & butterflies. The entire flora in the region assumes a white hue as the coffee flowers overpower every other color.

Full bloom

Pics-CC
Text-ineedcoffee.com

A church in Madikeri

2007-12-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Virajpet town

2007-12-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Coorg Oranges!

2007-12-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Coorg orange grown in various coffee zones are prized in the market because of the following characteristics, namely attractive golden tinge, easiness to peel, high palatability, less seediness, perfect blend of acid and sweetness.

Pic:CC
Fact source:ineedcoffee.com

Thithimathi at dawn!

2007-11-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Photo- Ballachanda.S.Changappa

Marvelous Manchalli....

2007-10-31T05:10:00.000-07:00

Manchalli, Kutta

Nobel writes " I spent a year of my early childhood in Manchalli. The breathtaking view of the hills, the serenity of the river, the old bridge that used to sway ( it was berfore the cement bridge was constructed) and the fireplace and mangoes during peak monsoon , the constant rains, the eerie silence of winter nights at times woken up by the howls of Jacakals and the hoots of owls, Gooseberries, view of cattle grazing.. it was heaven! Manchalli is second to none! unique and mystique!"

Iruppu

2007-10-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

Photo
Ballachanda Utham Changappa.

Iruppu Falls is located in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's concert, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being river Lakshmanatirtha.

The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through a forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National Park.

Source- Karnataka tourism

North Coorg Club

2007-10-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

North Coorg Club was established in 1894. The club gives the feel of the bygone era of the British Raj. If you want to experience colonial Coorg all over again, visit NCC!

Top pic
Source- iexplore community

Interesting hedges in Kodagu

2007-10-23T02:44:00.000-07:00

As you meander through Kodagu, trimmed hedges provide a beautiful spectacle to your eyes. To some planters, nicely trimmed hedges indicate a nicely kept kaapi thota!! True??

Chettalli

Chennayanakote.

Palandira Estate

Mythadi

Tata's, Polibetta.

Silver Oaks

2007-10-18T19:42:00.001-07:00

Silver Oak (Grevillea Robusta) trees are used for shade. The tree branches protect the coffee plants from direct sun and provide shelter for migratory birds, insects and mammals. At the same time, the biomass contributes to the fertility of the land.
In addition to silver oak, there are hundreds of other trees like Teak, Jack, Rosewood, Champak, Orange, Ficus, Avocado, Cashew, Honne, Matthi, etc. in the coffee plantations of Kodagu.

Happy Tula Sankramana.

2007-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Kodava Anthem

Sri Mula kanniye,
(O primeval sacred maiden)
O Mother Kaveri,
Wear pommale* Kodagu as a garland, O Mother!

Why do you need a jommale**?
Why do you need a garland of flowers?
Wear the golden land of Kodagu as a garland, O Mother!

O sacred form of Parvati
O Lopamudra,
You descended to earth as a Brahmin’s daughter,
And to cleanse the sins
Of all the sinners
You flowed from the kundike*** to the Eastern sea.

To all the proud ones
You are merely flowing water.
But to the suffering, you are sorrow-relieving holy water.
Those without children
Those without family
And those weary with suffering, bless and care for them, O Mother!

– Nadikerianda Chinnappa

Cauvery, known as the Ganges of the south is one among the seven sacred rivers in the Hindu mythology. From ages it is believed that the devotees take a dip in the holy river to overcome their sins. On Tula Sankramana Day thousands visit the holy shrine to witness the Theerthodbhava of the River Goddess of Kodagu, at Talacauvery ( Atop Bramhagiri range of the western ghats.)

At the auspicious moment, the River Cauvery springs out from the ‘Bramhakundike.’ When there is a sudden upsurge of water in the ‘kundike’ the devoteen take a dip in the sacred pond 'Pushkarini'.

Source-CLN

Thoke Poo

2007-10-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

THOK POOV (Gloriosa superba)-A flower unique to Coorg.

Thoke poo or Flame lilies are grown commercially for a chemical compound. They are used to treat intestinal worms, bruises, infertility, skin problem and impotence.Chemical research shows that all part of this plant, both above and below ground, are extremely poisonous and ingestion could be fatal.

Courtesy- Kuttappa Ittira

Cardamom(elakki)

2007-10-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Source- Sujatha's blog
http://blogpourri.blogspot.com/

No frills capital!

2007-10-14T09:05:00.001-07:00

Chatrakere

2007-10-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Chettalli

2007-10-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

Waterfalls cascading down the rocky cliff of mountains on the Siddapur-Chettalli road.

St.Anne's, Virajpet

2007-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Coffee and Pepper.

2007-10-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Drupe

After pollination of the coffee plant, a small green coffee berry appears called a drupe.

Pepper vine with immature peppercorns.

Kadga

2007-09-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Kodava Jewellery

2007-09-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

Paputtu

2007-09-25T02:24:00.000-07:00