Coorg

Welcome to the land of Coorg, where the weather is very English (in the best way possible), with the ever-so-often downpours. The views are infinitely lush, pastoral and green, and the aroma of coffee lingers in the air. Perhaps the best way that one can fully savour Coorg is by staying at a ‘home stay,’ set in the midst of coffee plantations, where you can choose to share a home with the resident family or check into one of the independent bungalows. Expect to be put up in cosy, wooden-tiled Coorg houses that offer experiences far from what the usual cookie-cutter tour packages would. Staying at such places offer you an unparalleled experience in terms of food and opportunities to get closely acquainted with the culture. Traditional Coorgie dishes include well-cooked pork, chicken and eggs in a melange of spices. Vegetarians, don’t fret as you’ll be eating plenty of freshly picked mushrooms, bamboo shoots, spicy mango sambhars and dosas here. Sightseeing is not just limited to plantation walks; just a short drive away can lead you to gushing waterfalls, perfect for a magical afternoon. If adventure runs through your veins, get your adrenaline rush for the day with a white-water rafting experience. Don’t forget to visit Bylakuppe, known for its Tibetan settlement and the famous Golden Temple that happens to be the largest monastery outside Tibet. After this blissful time, indulge the shopaholic in you and get good buys in the form of jewellery and colourful Tibetan flags. Stop by at one of the restaurants in the area for a portion of steaming momos.

Coorg Bucket List

• Enjoy an early morning stroll in the mist-filled coffee plantations for a breath of fresh air and more; there’s birdwatching to be done too
• Visit the Nagarhole National Park to see the park’s healthy tiger, Indian bison and elephant populations
• Go quad biking in and around the coffee plantations

Volume 1 Issue 10