KODAGU (COORG) REGION

The mountainous Kodagu (or Coorg) region is home to the Kodava people and refugee Ti¬betans. The geography and cool climate make it a fantastic area for trekking, bird-watching and generally refreshing the soul. Winding roads ramble over forested hills and past spice and coffee plantations, which burst into fra¬grant white blossoms in March and April.
The best season for trekking is October to March. You should hire a guide who will arrange food, transport and accommodation; see right for recommendations. Most treks last two to three days, but longer treks are pos¬sible; the most popular treks are to the peaks of Tadivendamol (1745m) and Pushpagiri (1712m), and to smaller Kotebetta.
Kodagu was a state in its own right until 1956, when it merged with Karnataka. Local politicians, tired of seeing little financial as¬sistance from Bengaluru for infrastructure and social services, are pushing for state¬hood to be restored, or at least for more local autonomy.
The region's capital and transport hub is Madikeri, but for the authentic Kodagu ex¬perience it's best to base yourself on one the many estates that lake in guests. Owners can arrange plantation tours and guides for hik¬ing routes. Avoid weekends, when places get booked up by Bengaluru's IT and call-centre crowd.