A proposal has surfaced for the construction of a mini-hydel project across the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district at a time when the conservation of Western Ghats should be a policy priority.
The proposal in question is for the Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project across the Kumaradhara in Kodagu, which seeks the diversion of 2.8 hectares of forestland in Kumarahalli village of Somwarpet taluk.
This has been proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure of Hassan district and is pending before the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division, for examination and recommendation.
However, conservationists have expressed concern drawing attention to ecological issues and the degradation of the Western Ghat ecosystem under the guise of mini and micro hydel systems.
Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has appealed to the Forest Department to deny permission for the project on grounds that the site was close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary — an important elephant habitat and home to several species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Mr. Kulkarni said that the project area reportedly falls within the sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notified in June 2017 and lies barely 2.5 km from its boundary.
“The region is already facing severe habitat fragmentation due to multiple infrastructure projects, unregulated tourism, and mini-hydel projects, and the new proposal, if approved, will further add to anthropogenic pressure and have a negative impact on the elephant corridor,” said Mr. Kulkarni. While it will threaten the survival of key species, it will also aggravate human-elephant conflict in the region, he cautioned.
Underlining the importance of conserving the project area, Mr. Kulkarni said failure to do so will also result in the degradation of the riverine ecosystem. The attention of the authorities was also drawn to recurring incidents of landslides in the region due to habitat degradation and measures to stop further deterioration of the ecosystem were sought.
The representation made to the Forest Department on October 28, 2025, also sought to remind the authorities of the State government affidavit filed before the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 9333/2009, wherein it undertook not to permit new mini hydel projects in the Western Ghats.
“The High Court had accepted this undertaking, leading to the cancellation of several proposed schemes. Any new approval, Kulkarni argued, would contradict this commitment and violate the State’s stated conservation policy,” said Mr. Kulkarni.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / November 11th, 2025
Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa is a gifted orator and custodian of Kodava Culture. For generations the Paradanda family have been tasked with keeping the customs and traditions at the Padi Igguthappa Temple pristine and relevant. While being extremely proficient with such knowledge, his humility shows when he unhesitatingly seeks external assistance from elders in the community to validate his thoughts. Subramani does his best to elegantly recollect the customs for the Kodava community. – CLN Newsdesk.
In keeping with Kodava tradition, from the sunrise on the day of Kani Puja – which is essentially performed in Kodava households following the Teerthodbhava at TaleKaveri, the tenth sunrise marks the sacred day known as Pathalodhi, also referred to as Tholayaar Pathh. Coincidentally this event takes place a few days before the rising full moon – considered positive by the Kodavas as it signifies growth. This tenth day is therefore considered very auspicious for undertaking any good or new initiative, as it is believed that any work commenced on this day will be blessed by the Divine Force in an enduring manner. Typically piercing of ears, lagna patrike, marking the site for construction of houses, House warming… are undertaken on this date. Many Kodavas observe Karona Kodupa on this day in Okka AinManes.
A similar practice takes place in Tulunad.
At Paadi, the Paradanda family traditionally is given the responsibility of performing the Tholayaar Patth Aaradhane on Monday, 27th October 2025.
On this occasion, special poojas, Tulabhara Sevas, and Maha Poojas will be performed. An interesting aspect is that at the end of the ceremonies, after the circumambulation of the Temple, the idol of Igguthappa is brought to the South-East facing corner under the sacred (milk bearing) jackfruit tree – symbolically facing His Sister Pannangala Thamme, as well as generally considered the Gulliga Sthaana.
There are other details relating to certain agricultural practices that are of no further significance due to the advancement of veterinary science and is superficial, hence not being mentioned.
Devotees are requested to visit the Paadi Sri Igguthappa in large numbers to the Temple on this auspicious occasion. It is important to keep up with traditions that make us Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas who we are.
The Devathakka’s Prayer at Tholayaar Pathh
The prayer commences by inviting the devotees who offered Thulabara Pooja to the Deity in the morning. As a matter of interest, Thulabara is open for all, irrespective of their caste. Towards the end the Devathakka invokes Igguthappa’s blessings for the entire land of Kodagu; His kindness to influence the weather Gods from extreme weather – rain or sunshine, so that there are bountiful crops with enough water to survive comfortably; lush canopy of greenery with abundant produce in the fruit bearing trees so that even the pranipakshi, ettha kadchi and mankind can survive comfortably.
Another very important and interesting aspect of the prayer is that forgiveness is sought if any rituals or Tantra or Mantra is erred by the priest or if the chandekol maaraya missed a beat. Similar forgiveness Is sought for any errant occurrence by the person who bears the divine umbrella, the bearer of the chamara and chatri to be forgiven and last but not the least – the prayer ends with an abundant supply of oil for the sacred lamp and the padiyakki which is served as naivedhyam to the Deity.
Finally, in Kodava culture.. there is no overbearing influence of mantra and tantra when praying before nellakki bolcha in kodava thakk. This equates us as “one” (equal in stature) in all our prayers – even our Guru Karonas and the Gods are addressed in first person. Significantly the Gurukarona’s image is etched in the first step of Namaskara Mantap where the Devathakka stands and prays to the Deity. The stark simplicity and rustic yet sophisticated nature of our customs is remarkable and it is our duty to understand, practice and nurture it for future generations.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa / October 25th, 2025
The Codava National Council (CNC) marked “Pathalodhi”, the auspicious 10th day after Talacauvery’s holy water emergence, with poignant ceremonies at Mullusoge War Memorials, Madikeri Fort, and Naalnaad Palace in Kodagu.
Under Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, the events on October 26, celebrated Codava martial valour and lamented over two centuries of royal tyranny that decimated the indigenous Animistic tribe from 1633 to 1834.
Mullusoge, along the Cauvery near Kushalnagar, hosted tributes to Codava warriors who thwarted Hyder Ali and Tipu’s assaults more than 32 times, preserving Codavaland’s independence. Meedhi offerings exalted these protectors against Mysore aggression.
At Madikeri Fort (9:30 AM), the CNC mourned 40,000+ Codavas slaughtered inside, with 842 clans extinguished by Tipu and Rajas. The fort’s 201-year dark era saw Chaadi Siddi (spy)-executed beheadings for trivial defiance, epitomised by Tipu’s Devattparamb betrayal massacre. Oblations prayed for victims’ repose and CNC’s success in securing ST status and self-rule.
Naalnaad Palace in Yevakapadi (12:30 PM) saw floral honours for clans wiped out by Keladhi/Paaleri rulers. Abductions for royal gratification led to infants’ live burials in “Nagaari Kund”; resisters like Puliyanda Karicha were elephant-dragged to death. Kaapala mercenaries from Malabar enforced decapitations. Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’s “Chikavira Rajendra” immortalises this savagery, the CNC highlighted.
Post-1947 governance inherited this persecution, the CNC charged, exploiting Codava loyalty before erasure. Calling for atonement, it demanded GOI and GOK enact ST listing, 6th Schedule autonomy, “Gun-Thok” safeguards under Articles 25–26, and a unique 2026–27 census identifier for the non-caste, Animistic Codavas.
Participants with Nachappa were Chambanda Janath, Nandetira Ravi Subbaiah, Thennira Mina, Areyada Girish, Puttichanda Don Devaiah, Apparanda Viju, Apparanda Prasad, Nandineravanda Bopanna, Apparanda Prakash, Apparanda Vivek, Mekerira Babbu, Areyada Savan, Kupadhira Rani Monnapa, and Kupadhira Monnappa, uniting in solemn remembrance.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / October 26th, 2025
Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad presiding over a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad on Thursday directed representatives of labour unions, homestay and hotel associations, and other organisations to ensure that workers are paid minimum wages without fail and warned of strict action in case complaints are received.
Chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, the Minister emphasised the need to create awareness among workers about government schemes, including health insurance, and stressed safety measures in homestays and hotels, such as installation of CCTVs and compulsory collection of guest details.
On the issue of registration, licensing, and renewal of homestays in Kodagu, the Minister said discussions would be held with the Tourism, Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj Ministers. He suggested that associations appoint a PRO or a liaison officer to coordinate registration and renewal processes, adding that pending applications could be cleared during the quarterly KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meetings.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who was present at the meeting, said that a delegation would soon meet Tourism and other Ministers after the conclusion of the Dasara festival. Tourism officials informed that nearly 230 applications are pending in the district.
During the meeting, labour union leaders drew attention to shortage of labour inspectors, continuation of the traditional bonded-labour system, and difficulties faced by plantation workers. Responding, the Minister assured that joint inspections involving Revenue, Labour, Police, Panchayat Raj, and other departments would be conducted if specific cases were reported.
The Minister said that payment of minimum wages is mandatory and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of unorganised workers.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2025
India International Coffee Festival kicks off this week, and it promises a packed calendar for javaphiles in Mumbai.
The competitions receive participating entries from home brewers and professional baristas. Pics courtesy/IICF
If you are a coffee lover, and take keen interest in its craft, India International Coffee Festival (IICF) to be held within the Bakery & HoReCa Industry Show is where you should be from October 30 to November 1.
Organised by Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI), the event will see six preliminary rounds of competitions including flagship National Barista Championship, Brewer’s Cup Championship, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Latte Art Championship. The final will be held in Bengaluru later this year. It is a great spot to network and engage with representatives from the entire coffee value chain across India.
The jury consists of qualified tasters
DM Purnesh, a fourth-generation coffee grower from Chikmagalur and immediate past president, SCAI, part from industry folks, the event is a great place for entrepreneurs, aspiring professionals, and enthusiasts to understand about coffee and its process. Over the last 23 years that we have been running competitions, we have seen a lot of interest from home brewers.
A participant takes part in a filter coffee making challenge
A qualified jury judges the competitions. Winners at Indian Barista Champion 2025 to be held in Bengaluru later this year will go on to represent at global competition World Barista Championship 2025,” says Purnesh.
Exhibiting brands include Kaapi Machine and Solutions, caffeine superstore Benki, Brewing Gadgets and Trufrost & Butler.
Serious about coffee
(Left) Suhas Dwarkanath; (right) a participant takes part in a previous coffee-making championship
Hamsini Appadurai, president, SCAI, is happy consumers are more aware in recent years and want to know where their coffee comes from. “Gone are the days when we would order a cup of coffee.
We also have a Brewers Cup and Filter Coffee Championship, which sees participation from home brewers as well. We want everybody to catch the coffee bug,” she tells us.
Micro communities around coffee are thriving on social media, WhatsApp and offline. “Makers discuss brewing and brewing techniques. The competitions are becoming a sort of value badge, allowing homebrewers to showcase their talent of working with different kinds of coffees and techniques,” adds Appadurai.
DM Purnesh and Hamsini Appadurai
Suhas Dwarkanath, last year’s winning barista who recently notched the 15th spot at the World Barista Championship 2025, says the festival is a great place to meet with the community exchanging ideas, networking and most importantly learning from others. “Trends today include coffee mocktails and Coffee Omakase sessions where barista-led Omakase coffee sessions are hosted over a multi-course tasting experience just like an omakase sushi dinner. It is a unique journey of coffee beverages for the diner. The expert highlights unique flavours, origins, and innovative preparations, sometimes with accompanying food pairings.”
On October 30 to November 1 At Bakery and HoReCa Business, Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex. Time 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Register www.bakerybusiness.in Entry Rs 500
source: http://www.mid-day.com /mid-day / Home> Mumbai Guide News> Things to do News> Articles / by Phorum Pandya (smdmail@mid-day.com) / Mumbai, October 28th, 2025
Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song from Peter has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
A still from Sundari Sundari
Peter is about creating hope, says director Sukesh Shetty, describing his upcoming sensitive crime drama that blends love, action, and local traditions. “We made sure the film meets expectations, and we worked as one team. About 50 per cent of the shooting was done in the rain. Music had to be a highlight, so Ritvik Muralidhar worked on a song that could become a trend,” Sukesh added, speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the film’s first song, ‘Sundari Sundari’.
Talking about the intent of the song, Ritvik says, “Our goal was to make the song feel original in every language, using all live instruments. The credit goes to the entire team. Three more songs will be released soon.”
The visuals of the song feature Rajesh Dhruva and Raviksha Shetty in a romantic sequence, with lyrics by Nagarjun Sharma, and sung by Kapil Kapilan and Sunidhi Ganesh. Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Actor Rajesh Dhruva, who stars in the film, described the journey as special: “Sukesh wanted something extraordinary, and producers Ravi Hiremath and Rakesh Hegde supported the vision. Every note of Sundari Sundari lands on your heart. It’s the kind of song that will stay on everyone’s playlist.”
Peter is a sensitive crime drama rooted in tradition, highlighting the Chende Mela — a 300-year-old drum ensemble integral to Kerala’s cultural performances such as Yakshagana and Bhutakola. The film promises an immersive theatre experience, bringing this centuries-old folk rhythm to life on screen.
Produced under the Vruddhi Studios banner, the ensemble cast includes Janvi Rayala, Pratima Nayak, Raghu Pandeshwar, and Ram Nadagouda, with cinematography by Guruprasad Narnad, collection by Naveen Shetty, and art direction by Devaraj Kala.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / b y A Sharadhaa / September 13th, 2025
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
The Bungalow 1934 is a 91-year-old family home where traditional Kodava cooking and hospitality are the order of the day.
On a hilltop in Coorg, sandwiched between a coffee estate and the Brahmagiri range, Bungalow 1934 is Amrith Thimmaiah’s home and a living chronicle of Kodava culture.
In 1934, Ketolira Diwan Bahadur Chengappa built a home in the typical Kodava-British style of bungalows, set against the backdrop of the Ballyatra hill. When Chengappa became the first Chief Commissioner of Coorg in 1943, the home became the venue for lavish parties for state guests and British officials.
In 2010, the fourth-generation of the family, Amrith Thimmaiah, and his parents Gappu and Fancy Ganapathi, opened their 91-year-old family home as a heritage homestay.
View of Bungalow 1934 set against the Ballyatra Hill / Amrith Thimmaiah
About the homestay
The Bungalow is located in Yavakapadi village, roughly 30km from Virajpet and Madikeri. There are sweeping valley views, as well as a clear view of the Igguthappa temple, a deeply significant site for Kodavas who visit the deity for a bountiful harvest.
Bedrooms at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
With mud walls, pillars, and beams, the home is a true depiction of Coorg ‘s ainmané or ancestral homes, where vaastu dictates aspects like where the owner’s room should be located (in the kubéra moolé, or south west direction). A sprawling fig tree stands out front, and you enter into a pillared, elevated open veranda where, traditionally, Kodava families gathered for tea, family meetings or an evening drink.
The hall in the Bungalow 1934, with old plates passed from generations in Amrith’s family / Amrith Thimmaiah
Peppered with antiques and with mosaic tile floors, the main bungalow features living spaces, a large common dining area, a room where Amrith stays, and four guest bedrooms. An annexe beside the main bungalow houses two more guest bedrooms. The six spacious rooms are rustic and cosy , with blue tiles, beamed ceilings, in-built fireplaces, and four poster beds. Large windows offer ample sunlight and views of the mountains. When the temperature drops in these misty mountains, there are plenty of fireplaces across the home and porches to curl up with some homegrown coffee.
Kitchen at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
The home is surrounded by rosewood, jackfruit and mango trees, and the grounds lead into the 70-acre Green Acres coffee estate. Arabica and Robusta coffee plants grow under a light canopy of Silver Oak, Cedar, and Benteak, dotted with pepper vines and cardamom plants. The buzz of cicadas and birdsong fill the air. Birders will be able to spot hornbills, white-bellied treepies, and the crow pheasant or the chombuka, considered lucky by the Kodavas.
About the hosts
Amrith at the BBQ lunch spread by the stream / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith is a rally driver by profession and a passionate host at the homestay, managing bookings personally (the homestay is not listed on any booking platforms), helping with logistics and recommendations. Guests usually come through word of mouth or as repeat visitors, and bookings are confirmed only for days a family member is present at the homestay. Staff leaves and village festivals are respected, and no bookings are made during this time.
Fancy Ganapathi making Noolputt (steamed rice noodles) with Subbu, Krishna, Chethan & Pavithra / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith’s mother, Fancy Ganapathi, is a powerhouse who oversees the food at the homestay. The former lecturer of Kannada literature is a horticulturalist by passion, and a catalyst in forming the 700-member Nature’s Best Food Cluster in Kodagu. The organisation trains grassroot level farmers and enables them to sell their products at outlets in Coorg. “At the Bungalow, I love to share recipes with guests and if someone wants to purchase local produce, I ensure the cluster family provides their products,” she says. Gappu Ganapathi, Amrith’s father, is the backbone of the bungalow and manages the entire coffee plantation.
The Bungalow has 8 to 10 staff members, whose families have been associated with the Ketolira family for generations. Janaki Saraswati, the cook, used to be Amrith’s nanny and was taught heirloom recipes by Amrith’s grandmother.
The food
Frozen Mulberry Crush / Amrith Thimmaiah
Koli Chuttadh (Chicken woodfire roasted) with bird’s eye chilies and lime / Amrith Thimmaiah
Food at the homestay stays true to any traditional Kodava home, with classic local dishes like khaima undae (mutton keema balls), kori erachi pulao (mutton pulao), pandhi curry and otti (pork curry with rice flatbread). Buffet style meals served in the dining area are generous and take into account dietary preferences. There are numerous vegetarian options within the gamut of Coorg cuisine, featuring seasonal produce like kaaké thopp (black nightshade leaves), kumm curry (mushroom), and kaad maangé curry, a tangy, sweet curry made with Coorg wild mangoes.
Fancy ensures that all dishes are served in the traditional Kodava style: baimbalé with otti (tender bamboo shoot curry with rice flat bread) served with ghee is a common Coorg breakfast; rice cakes or putt with meat curry; chutneys or pajjis made from seasonal produce.
Pomfret Fish Grilled / Amrith Thimmaiah
Onak Meen Barthadh (Dried Fish fry) / Amrith Thimmaiah
She also makes fruit wine and chocolates, and her mulberry and pomegranate wines are a hot favourite. This year, she has started to make oil and tea out of the rosemary growing in her small garden. The pathaya or granary on the homestay premises houses the products she makes, and make for perfect souvenirs to take home.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith Thimmaiah
At dusk, Amrith has a house rule: he will host a typical Coorg-style barbeque for guests. Meat is roasted the traditional way over an open wood fire, mixed with finely chopped bird’s eye chili and the juice of bitter lime, to serve up Coorg’s favourite starter, pork chuddals. The family and staff tell stories by the fire, while you can sip cocktails under a star-studded sky with the lights of Madikeri town in the distance.
How to spend 48 hrs at The Bungalow 1934
Sparko at Charandi Polé / Amrith Thimmaiah
The homestay offers plenty of cosy nooks to read, write and while away the hours, but if you want to venture out, Amrith organizes treks to Thadiandamol peak and Chelavara Waterfalls. For those interested, Fancy conducts workshops for chocolate, wine, or jam making (4 people minimum, Rs5,000 per person). Sparko, the family dog, may take you down to a stream a short walk from the bungalow, where you can enjoy a barbeque picnic lunch by the stream.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Take a leisurely 2km walk or a guided plantation tour with Gappu at the coffee estate. Gappu and Fancy live in a home close by, with fish ponds, a cow shed, a coffee drying and storage area, and are happy to invite you over with advance notice.
In his monthly radio broadcast, Modi lauded the distinctive character and diversity of Indian coffee, saying it has carved a ‘unique identity’ on the world stage.
For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. | Photo Credit: For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention.For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention.
Planters in Karnataka have welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the global recognition earned by coffee from the State’s key producing regions Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday. However, growers have urged the government to take concrete steps to address persistent challenges affecting the sector.
Coffee Board of India chairman M.J. Dinesh thanked the Prime Minister for recognising the efforts of lakhs of growers and said the acknowledgment would inspire renewed enthusiasm in the sector. “The Prime Minister’s words will encourage planters, traders, and exporters alike. It comes at a time when the board has undertaken several initiatives to boost both productivity and domestic consumption,” he said.
For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. “It is heartening that the Prime Minister has spoken about coffee from Kodagu, which produces the largest share of India’s coffee. His words reaffirm the importance of our work,” said coffee planter Ravi Chengappa from Virajpet in Kodagu.
However, Mr. Chengappa noted that the sector continues to face serious difficulties. “Coffee growers are struggling with rising input costs, labour shortages, damage caused by erratic rainfall, and wild animal attacks. Fluctuating international prices and a lack of adequate crop insurance have also left many growers financially vulnerable,” he said.
Another farmer Dinesh H. from Chikkamagaluru urged both the Central and the State governments to take immediate steps to protect the livelihood of coffee farmers. “We hope the Prime Minister’s appreciation will translate into stronger policy support. The government must address these long-standing issues from better price realisation to support for sustainable cultivation so that the next generation of planters can continue this legacy,” he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / October 27th, 2025
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