The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary review: A luxury escape in India’s coffee country

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , ,

Sprawling villas, Ayurvedic wellness and warm service define nature-led retreat in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.

The cool, coffee-covered hills of Coorg have long been a favourite escape from Bengaluru, the southern Indian tech hub formerly known as Bangalore. About five hours away by road, the region in Karnataka is known for its lush forests, vast plantations and slower pace of life.

The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary sits comfortably within this landscape, and the first thing you notice on arrival is just how much space there is. While most luxury resorts squeeze villas, restaurants and swimming pools into a few carefully landscaped acres, The Leela sprawls across an entire hillside, making you feel less like you have checked into a hotel and more like you have temporarily acquired a small plantation in Coorg – which, come to think of it, is something of an Indian dream.

Spread across 30 hectares, the property began life as a coffee plantation and has wisely resisted the temptation to manicure away its origins. Robusta and Arabica coffee plants, pepper vines, fruiting fig trees and towering silver oaks still punctuate the landscape. Malabar parakeets and barbets flit through the trees, while the occasional Malabar giant flying squirrel makes a dramatic appearance overhead. It is easy to see why The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts calls its latest offering a “sanctuary”.

The opening comes as The Leela marks its 40th anniversary. A brand known for its polished resorts and palace hotels – and a favourite destination for the big fat Indian wedding – takes a somewhat different approach in Coorg, putting nature and wellness at the heart of the guest experience.

The welcome

The hotel sends a BMW 5 Series to collect me from Bengaluru, a pleasant bonus given the traffic on Indian roads. As we drive into Coorg, the road gradually ascends into the ancient Western Ghats. The air cools, the landscape grows lush and mist settles over the valleys. By the time I arrive, city life feels like a distant memory.

Indian hospitality rarely believes in understated arrivals, and The Leela follows the template. Five people appear to welcome me, all smiles and hovering care. A young woman in a sari sprinkles water from the sacred Kaveri river; another offers a garland made of coffee beans and cardamom pods. The soaring bamboo lobby reminds me of both a Zaha Hadid and Balinese design aesthetic.

In short order, I am assigned a butler, Manisha, a pleasant and brisk 26-year-old who takes care of my needs for the next three days.

An electric golf cart is the preferred mode of transportation, and I soon discover why. The property is large but its red-brick buildings are tucked into the landscape. The downside is the terrain. My villa is in the valley; the lobby is almost at the summit. Walking between the two could count as cardio, not that I ever choose this option.

The neighbourhood

The resort is near Madikeri in the heart of Coorg, or Kodagu as it is known locally. This is coffee country, with forested hills, waterfalls and a distinctive Kodava culture.

One morning, we drive for about 90 minutes to Talakaveri, regarded as the source of the Kaveri river. The road winds through misty hills to the river’s birthplace, a place of considerable beauty and religious significance. Standing there, I finally understand why nearly every girl I have met from Coorg is named Kaveri.

The room

The property is entirely villa-based, with sizes ranging from 80 square metres to 930 square metres for the presidential villa. I stay in the Forestlight Luxury Villa which, at 300 square metres, is larger than the Manhattan apartment I once owned.

I enter through a blue door into an open veranda and al fresco dining area, complete with a Gaggia coffee machine. Outside is a private infinity pool, heated pool and hot tub, along with two massage tables and a hammock.

Inside, a king-size bed opens on to the veranda. The generous bathroom has indoor and outdoor showers, his-and-her sinks and a separate dressing area with luggage storage and a safe.

The scene

Secluded resorts have one perennial problem: how to keep guests entertained without making them feel they are at summer camp. This Leela sanctuary has plenty of answers.

Guests can kayak on the lake, try catch-and-release fishing or visit the petting zone, where cows, goats, horses, rabbits, turkeys and, somewhat incongruously, emus share space. On rainy afternoons, a games area offers carrom, chess, table tennis, foosball, pool and a giant carrom board made with Pakistani marble.

As a birdwatcher, I also enjoy a morning walk with resident naturalist Emmanuel, who introduces me to some of the property’s blue birds, butterflies, trees, mushrooms and spices.

The service

Service is one of The Leela’s strengths. Staff seem encouraged to anticipate rather than merely respond. Manisha unpacks my bag, prepares a cheese platter, and ferries me around the property for spa and yoga appointments. Restaurant waitstaff remember my preferences, and offer choices and alternatives.

The naturalists are eager to share their love for the land and its non-human inhabitants. Even the staff who cart me around in the golf buggies are solicitous. The guest experience co-ordinator, Yashmita, puts together an itinerary that is both inclusive and flexible, important for a resort that emphasises relaxation.

The wellness

Aujasya by The Leela Spa occupies 2,500 square metres and combines Ayurveda with contemporary treatments, fitness facilities and relaxation areas.

On my first day, I try the Turkish hammam – this is the only resort in the region to have one – where two therapists massage, polish and exfoliate my skin as I lie on a heated marble table. I emerge feeling squeaky clean and, dare I say it, a few grams lighter.

The following day brings an Ayurvedic shirodhara by the serene Ruby. After an oil massage, warm oil is streamed over my forehead and head for about 20 minutes. It is blissfully relaxing, particularly for restless minds.

The food

Luma, the all-day dining restaurant, is spacious and serves excellent regional and international food, with live counters offering Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, European and pan-Asian dishes. Try the Coorg dishes for a taste of the region.

Zen serves beautifully plated pan-Asian food in a garden setting. The desserts with Japanese Nama chocolate are elegant. Here, too, the waitstaff point out ingredients and details in a way that elevates the experience.

The Cellar serves excellent mocktails using local herbs and spices.

At 92 Degrees, the property’s coffee lounge and library, guests can explore the bean-to-cup journey and learn more about Coorg’s coffee heritage, a great way to connect to the spirit of the place.

The verdict

The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary combines spacious villas with warm, attentive service and an extensive range of activities and wellness experiences. Its greatest luxury, however, is that it offers time and space for guests to disconnect from the city without compromising on comfort. For travellers seeking a nature-led luxury escape in South India, it makes a persuasive case.

The bottom line

Villa rates start from $580 per night, including 18 per cent tax. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is at 11am.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future.

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> Lifestyle> Travel> Hotel / by Shoba Narayan / September 25th, 2026

Enters Guinness World Records for ‘Largest Reading & Listening Contest’

Amazing Feats, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

Mysuru: 

Dr. Vani C Raghavendra (hailing from Chammanamada family in Kodagu and currently residing in Mysuru) has entered the Guinness World Records for her participation and contribution to the “Largest Reading and Listening Competition,” organised by Ebek Language Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, India.

Dr. Vani achieved this milestone and received the official Guinness World Record certificate by actively completing all stages of the competition and accurately answering the quiz questions within the required time limits.

This achievement stands as a testament to her dedication, hard work and profound passion for education.

As an educator at Sadviveka School, Dr. Vani is committed to building self-confidence and essential life skills among her students.

Believing that education brings both knowledge and the power to transform lives, Dr. Vani shared that this record is a dream realised through the support of her mentors, family, friends, colleagues and students.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 24th, 2026

Diya Bheemaiah selected for World Junior Badminton

Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion

Mysuru: 

Diya Bheemaiah of Kodagu has been selected to represent India at the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from Oct. 5 to 7.

In the selection trials conducted at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) Badminton Academy from Sept. 18 to 21, Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah teamed up with Haryana’s Baruni Parshwal, putting on an exceptional performance to claim the available spot.

Having already represented the country in this year’s Asian Championships (Japan), the Dutch and German Junior Internationals, Diya will represent the country at the prestigious World Junior Badminton. She currently training at the Badminton Association of India’s National Centre for Excellence (NCE) in Guwahati, Assam.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Diya Bheemaiah said, “I feel very happy to be selected for the Indian team. I am proud to have represented the country in three major tournaments including the German Open, Dutch Open, Asian Games this year and now at the BWF Junior World Championship.”

A resident of Rajarajeshwarinagar in Mysuru, Diya’s father, B.B. Bheemaiah, is a badminton coach while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a badminton player.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 24th, 2026

Book on Kodava traditions, culture, heritage released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru: 

‘Kodava Veera Janangada Antaratma Part-1’, written by Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa, was released recently at the Kodava Samaja in Ponnampet. The event was organised by Jabbhoomi Charitable Trust.

Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna released the book and stressed the need for Kodavas to preserve their inherited customs and values without being influenced by external forces.

The book focuses on the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture and seeks to highlight the importance of preserving traditional values.

It also attempts to challenge colonial historical narratives through researched accounts, references and documentation of Kodagu’s oral traditions.

The author examines the underlying meanings of various Kodava customs, heritage and regional practices, besides highlighting the spiritual and cultural ties the community has historically maintained with its ‘Guru Karonas’.

Speaking after releasing the book, Ponnanna said Kodavas should never forget their authentic traditions and practices. He appreciated the author’s efforts in preparing the comprehensive volume and said documentation was vital to the community’s ongoing demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.

Jabbhoomi Trust’s Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah said the book was the outcome of more than two years of collecting records and historical material relating to Kodava attire, rituals and traditions.

“This is the first step in recording our culture in a way that allows us to proudly claim it as our own,” he said.

Author Ramesh Uthappa said the book was an effort to pass Kodava practices on to the next generation by documenting what he had learnt from elders. He said the work avoided distorted history and instead presented factual accounts of Kodava life. “Such works will play a crucial role in legally documenting Kodava rights and existence,” he said.

The author also interacted with the audience and explained various aspects of the book, citing examples of the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Articles / September 24th, 2026

Asian Games | I was encouraged to quit, but here I am: Joshna

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , ,

The forty-year-old is competing at the Asian Games for a remarkable seventh time; the veteran, still chasing gold, is keen to add to her tally of five medals at the quadrennial showpiece.

Joshna is still going strong. | Photo Credit: PTI

For nearly a quarter of a century, Joshna Chinappa has stood like a colossus on the squash court. At 40, Joshna doesn’t seem to have lost her fighting spirit and tenacity.

She knows she is ageing, has tweaked her training module accordingly and has remained one of the finest players in the country a good 24 years after she made her Asian Games debut in Busan in 2002.

Taking part only in the women’s team and mixed doubles (with Velavan Senthilkumar) events at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games, the veteran from Chennai is more than eager to bag another medal.

Seeded third in mixed doubles, the Velavan-Joshna duo will take on the fellow Indian pair of Suraj Chand and Shameena Riaz in the round of 16 after having received a bye in the first. In the women’s team event (Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna and Shameena are her teammates), the No. 3-seeded India has been drawn in Pool C alongside Japan, China and Iran.

On the PSA World Tour, Joshna’s career has overlapped with three generations of elite squash players. Most of her contemporaries — Nicol David (43), Laura Massaro (42), Jenny Duncalf (43), Alison Waters (42) and Annie Au (37) — have long retired, underlining her remarkable longevity.

Placed 73rd in the chart, Joshna is India’s third-highest ranked woman behind the 18-year-old Anahat Singh (World No. 17) and Tanvi Khanna (World No. 71). A winner of 11 PSA titles, she continues to perform at a high level and is determined to make another significant contribution at the Asian Games. Everyone who has followed Joshna’s career knows how meticulous and disciplined she is in her preparation.

Saurav Ghosal, a former men’s top-10 player, perhaps perfectly summed up her longevity. “First and foremost, she really, really loves the game. She’s immensely talented, but she has also worked tirelessly on every aspect of her game to remain at the top for as long as she has. I hope that she comes back from the Asian Games with quite a few gold medals.”

In this interview with The Hindu, the five-time Asian Games medallist reflects on her longevity, debut at the 2002 Asiad, most cherished memories from the continental showpiece, and the motivation that continues to drive her at the highest level. Excerpts:

You are competing at the Asian Games for the seventh time, becoming the first Indian sportsperson to achieve the feat…

I honestly didn’t think I would make a seventh Asian Games appearance. I just focused on my training and tournaments. It definitely feels great to be a part of the Indian team again.

You have won five medals at the Asiad, but a gold remains elusive. What are the chances of clinching the yellow metal?

We have a strong team and yes, it would be great to win another medal. I have always taken my matches one at a time, so I am as prepared as I can be.

Looking back, which was your best Asian Games?

Performance-wise, 2018 would probably be the best I played (singles bronze and silver in women’s team).

How special was it to be on the Asiad stage as a teenager?

As a 15-year-old, it was amazing to see so many superstars of Indian sport in one Village. There is one memory that stands out from my first Games in Busan in 2002. We are usually given our official India clothing and I would obviously wear that to play and train. But in my down time at the Village, I wore a personal T-shirt at the food hall a couple of times, and legendary hockey player Dhanraj Pillay told me that I had to be in my India clothing. It’s something we should always be proud of. It was inspiring for me because it made me aware that I am always representing my country at the Games on and off court… that has stayed with me till now.

You were part of the top 10 in the PSA rankings thrice. When you got there for the first time as a 29-year-old in July 2016, how did you feel?

The top 10 is a special place. It took a lot of effort, especially coming back from my ACL surgery, and years of work with my team.

There were top players like Nour El Sherbini, Raneem El Welily, Nouran Gohar, Camille Serme and Massaro. So how difficult was it to get or stay there?

I definitely played with a bunch of incredibly talented and hardworking women who were greats of the game. Playing with them, beating some of them and making it to the top 10 was one of the best moments of my career.

What did the win over Nicol — an eight-time World champion — in the 2018 Asian Games women’s team semifinals mean to you?

It meant a lot because I have always looked up to her and admired how humble she is as a champion. I really wanted to do it for the team. She is one of the greatest of all-time. Coming in from the disappointment of losing singles and making the team final after beating a strong team like Malaysia was amazing!

You had a on-court rivalry with Dipika Pallikal but shared a bond and went on to bag medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games…

We have had some amazing wins together for India and I will always think of my time competing with her and playing alongside her as inspiring and motivating.

You have won 11 Tour titles. You had to wait 10 years to earn your latest crown, at the Japan Open in 2025. Why did it take so long to end the drought?

I didn’t expect to win in Japan. It felt great to win after ages, especially since I beat girls who were in their early 20s and were ranked way higher than me. The difference now is that I am a lot more relaxed towards competing and I am more performance-oriented than result-focused. Maybe it just helps me enjoy and appreciate these moments more and play better squash.

Every title I have won has come at different times of my life: they all have come after years of training and preparation. Each one has been rewarding.

How have you been able to sustain at this level for nearly quarter of a century? Is it down to mental sharpness, your focus on fitness, outlook towards life or all three?

The main reason I am able to still compete today is my parents. My team, including my coach, strength and conditioning trainer, physios, nutritionist and sports psychologist, has been amazing. The support from my sponsors, the State government, Central government and Squash Rackets Federation of India has been great. It takes a lot to compete at the highest level and it’s only possible because of the amazing people I work with. I do work a lot on the mental and physical side of the game besides recovery. I really appreciate and worship my body, which has been so incredibly supportive.

Joshna took to the sport after playing with her father at MCC. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

How much has the sport evolved since you began playing?

So much! At the international level, the game has become so much more physically demanding, faster and skilful. Domestically, we have many players playing, and the level has improved a lot. Seeing so many PSA (World Tour) events happening in India is wonderful because many of our players benefit tremendously by playing in them and watching the top players competing here in India.

Squash will make its debut at the 2028 LA Olympics…

Such exciting times ahead for squash. India has a great chance to do well.

You had knee injuries/surgeries in 2011 and 2023? How challenging was it physically and mentally to come back from those?

I tore my ACL on the right knee in 2011 and was out of the game for a year. I was encouraged to quit playing and get into coaching. I had no financial support but I moved to Bombay (Mumbai) and worked with a really good Egyptian physio and trainer — Ahmed Youssef. When I got back to playing, coach Ritwik Bhattacharya helped me. Some of my best victories came after that surgery because I believed I had a lot more to offer to the game and I really wanted to play for India again.

And in 2023, during the last Asian Games, I found that there was no cartilage in my right knee and it also needed a surgery. But I did the surgery more for quality of life as it was painful to do basic things like driving, getting out of bed comfortably and jogging. My surgeon, Dr. Jagdeesh, who did my ACL surgery, also did my cartilage surgery and told me that I would be able to compete again. So I moved to Bengaluru and worked with Yash Pandey at Peak Performance. I got back on court after five months of rehab. I decided to train and play for a couple more years to see if I could play the Asian Games.

How big a support has your father been and what are your memories of playing with him at Madras Cricket Club?

My dad is the main reason I am here today. He introduced me to the game as he was a squash player himself. I have the best memories of tagging along with him to the MCC and playing squash with him, other MCC members and my friends. He was my coach and motivator for a very long time, especially when I was a junior.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by K Keerthivasan / September 24th, 2026

Karnataka coffee estates sit on forest land, owners in a pickle

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All

Concern has intensified as the Coffee Board is undertaking a detailed land survey of coffee growing regions in India, including Karnataka.

The Board official said Karnataka produces 70 per cent of India’s coffee. File Photo | Express

Bengaluru :

Coffee estate owners in Karnataka are worried. Though the State Government passed a resolution opposing the 7th draft notification for implementation of the Kasturirangan report, it has now announced that it will undertake a detailed survey of forest land, buffer zones and eco-sensitive areas in and around forest patches. This comes as a concern as around 30 per cent of coffee estates sit on encroached forest and revenue department land parcels.

Sources in the Coffee Board said coffee estates in Karnataka abut forest land. “In the past, land parcels used for coffee cultivation were part of forest and revenue lands, but were not a concern. Now with rising man-animal conflict, the declaration of ESA and protected forest patches, the area under coffee plantation is becoming a concern,” a source said.

“Most of the areas of concern are in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Hassan districts. The encroachments have not yet been legalised. If the land parcels are taken away, the coffee plantation area in the state will be reduced, impacting coffee production too. Further, if the Kasturirangan report notification on ESA is implemented, 30-35 per cent of coffee growing region will be lost as it falls under protected areas,” the source said.

Concern has intensified as the Coffee Board is undertaking a detailed land survey of coffee growing regions in India, including Karnataka. Through the survey the Board is also assessing the impact of drought and unprecedented rainfall in parts of the state which would impact coffee production during the next financial year.

According to Coffee Board officials, during FY 2025-26, 3.62 lakh tonnes of coffee was produced. Looking at the blossoming period, the Board had estimated production at 3.80-4 lakh tonnes.

A senior Board member, seeking anonymity, said: “There is limited scope for expansion of coffee-growing region in Karnataka, which is around 2.46 lakh hectares. The Board is looking at utilising areas where arecanut is grown in Shivamogga and Sagar for growing coffee, apart from regions in northeast India and Andhra Pradesh. But Karnataka’s suitable climate for shade grown coffee will be destroyed if land parcels are recovered or declared as protected areas.

The Board official said Karnataka produces 70 per cent of India’s coffee, and the Union government has set a target of increasing coffee production in Karnataka to 7 lakh tonnes by 2047. But with land becoming a constraint, rising man-animal conflict and buffer zone rules, this target seems out of reach, the official said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / September 23rd, 2026

Grant official language status to Kodava, Arebhashe in Kodagu: MP Yaduveer Wadiyar

Records, All,

Commenting on Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s recent visit to the coastal belt, Wadiyar described the region as a stronghold of the BJP and criticised the government’s track record.

Mysuru:

Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar urged the Karnataka State government to extend official language status to Kodava and Arebhashe in Kodagu district, similar to the recognition granted to Tulu as a second additional official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Addressing a press conference, in Mysuru, on Saturday, Wadiyar welcomed the decision to grant recognition to the Tulu language, but demanded equal efforts from the government towards preservation and promotion of Kodagu’s native languages.

Responding to plans to hold Kambala, traditional buffalo race of the coastal region, during Mysuru Dasara festivities, the MP said, “Knowing fully well that we would object to organising Kambala as part of Mysuru Dasara, they are still pushing it forward, attempting to create division among us. We are neither anti-coastal nor anti-Kambala. Instead of bringing it here, the government should support and enrich the sport in the coastal region itself, by allocating necessary funds”.

Commenting on Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s recent visit to the coastal belt, Wadiyar described the region as a stronghold of the BJP and criticised the government’s track record.

“Merely announcing schemes and projects is not enough. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made several announcements in the past as well, but none of them saw actual implementation,” he alleged.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Mysuru / by T R Sathish Kumar / September 19th,2026

Dubare Elephant Camp Reopens: New No-Touch Rules and Entry Guidelines You Must Know

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , ,

Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu reopens today, Sunday, September 20, with a strict no‑touch visitor policy. The Forest Department’s updated protocols replace elephant bathing and feeding with distanced viewing from barricaded areas. Expect time‑slotted batches, safety briefings and capped crowds as day visits resume after months.

What changes on the ground? Visitors must stay behind ‘green zone’ barricades with a minimum 10‑metre buffer. “Public shall be restricted to designated ‘green zones’ surrounded by barricades.” Touching, feeding, selfies and entering the river are barred. Sessions run in batches of about 50 for 45–60 minutes; only calm, cleared elephants are displayed. Camps also observe a weekly rest day, usually Tuesday.

Dubare Elephant Camp entry timings and on‑site ticketing Entry will be managed at on‑site counters near the access point, issuing time‑slot tokens. Arrive early to secure a morning batch and avoid noon queues. The SoP authorises slotting and batch caps. Official records note a dedicated ticket counter. Carry cash or UPI and government photo ID. Expect brief holds if elephants show stress; staff can reshuffle batches. Families with seniors should budget extra time for queuing and the safety briefing

Bengaluru route and Sunday return rush

From Bengaluru, follow NH‑275 past Ramanagara and Mandya to Srirangapatna, then continue via Hunsur toward Kushalnagar. This is the quickest, with predictable facilities en route. Expect Sunday return spikes on the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway between 4 pm and 9 pm. Leave mid‑afternoon or after 8 pm.

Weather, river‑flow watch and Dubare rafting

Today’s forecast for Madikeri shows afternoon thunderstorms and persistent cloud, which can slow crossings. Rafting at Dubare runs only when river flow is safe. Check status on site before detouring. Heavy discharge or sharp showers may pause activities without notice, so keep plans flexible

Nearby add‑ons and safe alternatives

If Dubare fills its batches, pivot nearby. Harangi and Mathigodu elephant camps are already open under the same safety rules. Kaveri Nisargadhama’s forest island and the Bylakuppe monastery circuit offer easy detours for families. These options keep your day rewarding without bottlenecks, and suit a Bengaluru start and Sunday return.

source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Priyank Gupta / September 20th, 2026

Kodava weddings: Keeping Coorg’s warrior legacy alive

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Centuries-old customs preserved through attire, weapons and ancestral rituals.

The peeche kathi and odikathi are traditional symbols of Kodava identity, worn as part of ceremonial dress (Photo: Yana Kaveramma/Wikkimedia Commons)

Held against the green hills of Coorg in Karnataka, Kodava weddings are distinctive for the Kodava community’s warrior heritage, ancestral traditions and close-knit social customs. From the bride and groom’s traditional attire and ceremonial weapons to rituals honouring ancestors and community participation, these weddings preserve a cultural identity shaped over generations.

Away from the better-known coffee plantations and mist-covered landscapes of Coorg, or Kodagu, in Karnataka, the weddings of the Kodava community offer a glimpse into a distinctive cultural tradition where marriage is closely connected with ancestry, family and martial heritage. Traditional attire, ceremonial weapons, ancestral homes, music and community rituals come together to create a celebration that reflects the history and identity of the Kodavas.

The customs surrounding a Kodava wedding have evolved over generations, shaped by the community’s distinctive social organisation and its long association with military service. While contemporary weddings may incorporate modern venues and practices, several traditional elements continue to connect families with their ancestral past.

A community shaped by warrior heritage

Kodagu has long been associated with the Kodavas, a community whose history includes a strong martial tradition. Kodava men traditionally served as soldiers and were known for their association with weapons, while military service remained an important part of the community’s identity.

This heritage is particularly visible during weddings, where ceremonial weapons form an important part of the groom’s traditional appearance. The peeche kathi, a small ceremonial dagger, and the odikathi, a traditional weapon carried as part of Kodava ceremonial dress, are among the symbols associated with Kodava identity.

Rather than serving a practical purpose during the wedding, these weapons represent values such as courage, honour and the community’s warrior past. Their presence also reflects the importance of family possessions and traditions passed from one generation to another.

Where wedding clothes reflect a community’s past

The clothing worn by the bride and groom are among the most recognisable features of a Kodava wedding. The bride traditionally wears a sari in the distinctive Kodava style, with the pleats tucked at the back. The sari is accompanied by traditional jewellery that forms an important part of the community’s visual identity.

Kodava ainmanes, or ancestral homes, are closely tied to family lineage, ancestral memory and important community gatherings (Photo: Raqesh Thimmaiah/Wikkimedia Commons)

The groom traditionally wears a kupya, a long, knee-length garment, with a chele, a traditional waist sash. The ceremonial dagger is worn with the sash, bringing together the community’s traditions of dress and martial heritage.

The attire is not simply wedding clothing. It carries elements of identity that distinguish Kodava customs from other wedding traditions found across Karnataka and the wider region.

Ancestral homes at the heart of tradition

For Kodava families, the ainmane, or ancestral home, occupies an important place in community life. These traditional family homes are closely associated with lineage and the memory of ancestors and have historically served as gathering places for important family occasions.

Ancestral customs remain an important part of Kodava social traditions. Weddings can therefore become occasions to reconnect with the family’s lineage and acknowledge the generations that came before the couple.

The role of the ainmane also highlights the collective nature of Kodava identity. Marriage is not viewed only as a union between two individuals but as an occasion involving two families and their wider social networks.

Ancestral customs at the heart of the celebration

Kodava wedding customs include ceremonies that reflect the community’s relationship with its ancestors. Karanang Kodpo is one such traditional ceremony associated with honouring and invoking ancestral spirits.

The rituals surrounding marriage have traditionally involved members of the extended family, reinforcing the idea that the wedding is a community occasion rather than a private ceremony involving only the bride and groom.

Unlike weddings where religious priests and elaborate rituals dominate the proceedings, traditional Kodava marriage customs have historically placed considerable emphasis on family participation, ancestral traditions and community practices.

A wedding celebrated by the community

Community participation is one of the defining features of a traditional Kodava wedding. Relatives and members of the wider community come together to assist with preparations, participate in ceremonies and share meals.

Music, traditional songs and dances can form part of the celebrations, helping preserve elements of Kodava oral culture. Such gatherings also provide an opportunity for younger generations to encounter customs that may otherwise be less visible in everyday life.

Food is another important part of the occasion. Traditional Kodava cuisine, known for its distinctive use of local ingredients and meat preparations, forms an important part of wedding feasts and brings families and guests together.

Weapons that carry memory

The ceremonial weapons seen during Kodava weddings are among the most distinctive symbols of the tradition. Their significance extends beyond the wedding itself, as weapons have historically been closely associated with Kodava family identity.

The peeche kathi is generally worn by the groom as part of his traditional attire, while the odikathi has a ceremonial association with Kodava traditions. In some families, such objects may be inherited, giving them an additional connection to family history.

Their presence at weddings therefore serves as a reminder of a time when martial traditions played a much greater role in the social life of the community. Today, they function primarily as cultural symbols, preserving that history within a contemporary celebration.

Kodava weddings adapt to a changing world

Like many traditional ceremonies across India, Kodava weddings have evolved as lifestyles and social circumstances have changed. Families increasingly hold celebrations in marriage halls, hotels and other modern venues, while some incorporate elements of contemporary Indian weddings.

Yet the changes have not necessarily removed the community’s traditional identity. Kodava attire, ceremonial weapons, ancestral customs, traditional cuisine and community participation continue to feature in many celebrations.

For Kodavas living outside Coorg, weddings can also become occasions to return to their ancestral homes and reconnect with relatives and community traditions. This has given the ceremony an additional role as a means of cultural transmission.

A living heritage of Coorg

A Kodava wedding offers more than a glimpse into a community’s marriage customs. As modern lifestyles reshape the way weddings are organised, these customs are also being adapted to new settings. Yet their continued presence ensures that the history of the Kodavas remains visible not only in Coorg’s landscapes and ancestral homes, but also in the ceremonies through which each new generation celebrates family and community. 

source: http://www.mediaindia.eu / Media India Group / Home> Tourism / by Ananya Karn / September 20th, 2026

Scientific paper on genetic make up of Kodavas published

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B.K. Thelma, Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Delhi, South Campus. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A scientific paper on the genetic makeup of Kodavas  has been published by scientists from the University of Delhi, South Campus, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.

The paper, titled ‘Unique Demographic History and Population Substructure Among the Coorgs of Southern India’, was published last year in Communications Biology, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering research in biology.

President of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda C Mahesh Nachaiah in the traditional Kodava attire – Kuppia. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Journalist and author P.T. Bopanna, who is shortly bringing out a book on the origin of the Kodavas (Coorgs) based on the findings, said Coorg-born Prof. Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma of the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, and her team had carried out systematic sampling of the Kodava population across Kodagu using available genetic analytical tools.

Discussing the study’s key findings, Bopanna said the Coorgs are not a single population but three, each with distinct histories and genetic makeups. The study segregated the present-day Coorg population into three genetically distinct sub-groups — Coorg1, Coorg2 and Coorg3.

According to a summary of the study, Coorg1 shows a strong tribal genetic component (70–80% of ancestral south Indian ancestry) and is estimated to have formed around 2,000 years ago through the admixture of a Palliyar-like group with another Dravidian group (proxy Mala).

Coorg3, on the other hand, emerged as the oldest of the three, with divergence dating to around 3,000 years ago. This group carries a distinct genetic component that does not match any contemporary South Asian or Eurasian population.

The analysis further revealed that Coorg1 and Coorg3 combined to form Coorg2 only around 330 years ago — a finding that may partly explain the socio-cultural homogeneity seen among Coorgs today, the study notes.

Yet despite this unified cultural identity, the genetics point to a far more fragmented ancestry. Y-chromosome analysis suggests male Coorg ancestors may have shared genetic ties with Eurasian and Middle Eastern populations, while female ancestors were primarily indigenous to South Asia, the study’s summary points out.

The findings also shed light on historical migrations that shaped the Indian subcontinent, pointing to male-mediated migration followed by assimilation with native females. The Coorgs appear to carry one of the oldest Y-chromosome lineages to have migrated from Central Asia into South India.

“They were among the first people to settle in India during the Bronze Age, before the majority of male-mediated migration, which includes the majority of caste groups in North and South India,” the study notes.

While noting that the findings underline India’s complex demographic history — marked by multiple ancient migrations and deeply divergent lineages — Bopanna said the Coorgs have practiced strict endogamy alongside family-level exogamy (marrying outside the immediate family but within the community). 

Geographical isolation in the Western Ghats, he added, helped preserve distinct genetic boundaries, while stating that the study makes a landmark contribution to understanding South Indian ancestry, ancient migration patterns, and genetic evolution.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>India>Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2026