Monthly Archives: September 2011

Back to the roots

Shoot in progress

Shooting in Progress

Fox History gave students a chance to present their culture on film.

Ayush Ganapathi, a Std VI student of Coorg Public School at Gonicoppa in Kodagu, has made it big. He is one of the five students picked by the Fox History channel in the country to depict the rich and unique culture of Kodagu district.

Many partcipants

More than one lakh students from over 60,000 schools across the country wrote an essay on the theme “My City and My History,” highlighting the cultural and historical aspects of their region.

Ganapathi wrote an essay on Puliyanda, a Kodava family’s origin and existence, following which he figured in the list of 12 students who were called to Delhi for final interview. The students were asked to speak and explain their themes and Ganapathi was one of the winning five.

Fox History had organised the event in association with the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH). The channel team visited COPS and a few select places in Kodagu for a shoot.

The traditions of Kodagu, mainly cultural, were shot in the COPS premises, apart from shoots in other locations such as Talacauvery, Nalknad Palace and the Ain Mane (ancestral houses) of the Puliyanda family. A mock show of Nari Mangala (wedding of a slain tiger), a practice that was in vogue in Kodagu in the past, was also shot on the occasion.

Fox History proposes to make a documentary for telecast some time later. The teachers and staff of the COPS, who interacted with the Puliyanda family, should be complimented for bringing laurels to COPS, says M.D. Nanjunda, senior Principal of the COPS.

source: www.thehindu.com / Life & Style > Kids / by Jeevan Chinnappa / March 21st, 2011

Rani Belliappa , Obituary

Rani Belliappa (75), wife of M.B. Belliappa, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodagu Vidyalaya School (BVB-KV) in Madikeri, died at a private hospital in Bangalore on Monday morning, family sources said.

She was the daughter of the Speaker of the erstwhile Coorg State, B.S. Kushalappa.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / National>Karnataka> Mysore / June 28th, 2011

Coorg – The Scotland of India

Coorg located on the Western Ghats around 180 miles from the hi-tech city of India Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka is admired for its enduring beauty. The recorded history of the area says that it was ruled by the Lingayat Rajhas who established their capital at Madikeri where they built a mud fort. The inhabitants of Coorg, Kodavas agitated the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the course of random rebellions.

Eventually Tipu marched into Coorg with a large army in 1785 AD and overcome to their little kingdom. But just after four years, with the British assistance, Coorg take back their Kingdom and Raja Veerarajendra set about the task of reconstruction. Yet in 1834 AD, the British captured the Coorg and prosecuted the last Raja Chikkaveera Rajendra and expelled him. With its foggy mountains and opaque jungles, Coorg give the impression like a little corner of to the British and adopted a name as the Scotland of India.

The British left a legacy behind that is still an imperative source of national capital. The well laid coffee plantations by them in Coorg account for almost half of Karnataka’s coffee production and the state goes on with to be the major producer of coffee. Talakaveri, the origin of the River Kaveri is situated in the Brahmagiri hills of Coorg and this area is about 4,500 ft above the sea level. Hence, it is one of the scenic spot in Coorg. A temple and a big tank have been built near the kundike at Talakaveri; the pilgrims’ take bath in the tank prior to praying at the origin of the river.

There are two famous Hindu Temples dedicated to lord Shiva and lord Ganesha and both the temples are open to visitors. Coorg has many verdant hiking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it’s better to visit in the months from October to February. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination. You can accompany cheap flights to India for exploring this marvelous destination that is definitely going to manage your travel budget in a way you will be able visit much more places of interest.

A breathtaking attraction of waterfalls known as abbey Falls is located at a distance of around four miles from Madikeri town, approaching this attraction is itself an excellent ride experience as the path that you drive on is very narrow with countless turns and twists, ups and downs with a ebullient mother nature greets you at each turn. This famous falls, situated on a private property, attracts a large number of tourists around the globe. There are other famous waterfalls to be explored such as Iruppu Waterfalls, Mallalli Waterfalls and the Chelavara Waterfalls. A nature lovers paradise Nisargadama, an ecological park, this romantic 64-acre island is reachable through a hanging bridge offering immense pleasure to all the Nature and Fun loving tourists to wander around the park. You can also visit various stunning attractions like Nagarahole, Dubare Forest, Harangi Dam, Chiklihole Reservoir, Omkareshwara Temple, Coffee Plantation Farm, Raja’s Seat and Madikeri Fort.

source: http://www.CheapFlightHouse.co.uk / admin> News> / August 28th, 2011