Facts and figures about Kodagu (Coorg) – a beautiful hilly district in Karnataka State

Kodagu (formerly Coorg, anglicised version) is one of the districts of Karnataka State with Madikeri as headquarters. Some of the facts and figures about this beautiful district are narrated below:

Historical

The indigenous people who lived in this area for centuries have been called Kodavas. They had basically been agriculturists and were also known as great warriors. But they have been ruled by other South Indian dynasties like Kadambas, the Gangas, the Cholas, the Chalukyas, the Rastrakutas, the Hoysalas and Vijaynagar Rayas. It was known as Coorg (an anglicised name) earlier.

Location of the District

It is located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats

Latitude 12° 19' 45 North

Longitude 75° 53' 44 East

Kodagu is bordered by

• Hassan District - in the north


• Dakshina Kannada district - in the north-west


• Mysore District - in the East


• Kannur District (Kerala) - in the south-west


• Wayanad District (Kerala) - in the South

Population

As per the Census of India, the population of Kodagu District is 554,762. Its ranking in terms of population is 539 out of 640 districts in India.

Area

The geographical area of this District is 4102 Sq. Kms or 1584 sq. Miles.

Representation at State and National levels

Karnataka Legislative Assembly

1. Sh. M. P. Appachu Rajan representing the Madikeri constituency


2. Sh. K. G. Bopaiah representing the Virajpet constituency

Parliament

Sh. Adagooru Huchegowda Vishwanath represents the Mysore Lok Sabha constituency (Kodagu is a part of the Mysore Lok Sabha constituency)

Rivers

The main river in District Kodagu is Kaveri or Cauvery which originates at Talakaveri located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. A greater part of Kodagu is drained by this river and its tributaries.

Rain Fall

Kodagu has intense rainfall in the months of July and August but may have showers in the month o November. The minimum rainfall is 1,500 millimetres and in some of the areas, the yearly rainfall exceeds 4,000 millimetres.

Temperature

The temperature is normally highest during April-May. The average temperature in the District is 15 °C and it ranges between 100 to 28 °C

Wildlife

Rich with wildlife, Kodagu has three sanctuaries, namely, Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Talakaveri Sanctuaries. In addition, it has National Park at Nagarhole. Many species of deer, tiger, leopard, dhole, gaur and Asian elephants are found in the forests of Kodagu.

Agriculture

This beautiful hill station has a natural forest spread over a large area, especially in the south and east. Agroforestry is very common. Coffee is the most common plantation crop in this District and is one of the most revenue-earning sources. It is also known for growing of spices like black pepper, vanilla and cardamom. Forest honey is in plenty. Rubber, teak and cocoa are the other crops cultivated in Kodagu.

Economy

Kodagu is considered to be a prosperous district of Karnataka and agriculture, forestry and plantation form a considerable part of its economy. Coffee contributes as a major cash crop. Tourism has also picked up in recent years.

Festivals

There are three main festivals celebrated in this District. These are (a) Kailpodhu, celebrated to mark the transplantation of rice crop on September 3, (b) Kaveri Sankrmana, connected with river Kaveri in mid- October and (c) Puttari, linked with the harvesting of rice in late November or early December.

Connectivity

Kodagu is a well-connected hill station and can be approached by road, railways, airport and seaport.

By road

Kodagu is well connected with three Ghat roads (a) Sampaje-Madikeri Ghat road from Mangalore (b) Makutta-Perubadi/ Virajpet Ghat road from Kannur and Thalssery and (c) Panathur-Bhagamandal Ghat Road from Kanhagad and Kasaragod.

By railways

Nearest railway stations – Mysore and Hassan in Karnataka state and Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala State

By Air

The nearest Airports are (a) Mysore Airport which is 130 km from Madikeri and 115 Km from Virajpet. (b) Mangalore International Airport is located at a distance of about 140 km from Madikeri and 172 km from Virajpet.

By Seaport

The nearest seaport is New Mangalore Port at Panambur which is about 145 kms from Madikeri.