Coorg

Coorg or Kodagu is a little hilly district in Karnataka that is covered in coffee and pepper estates. The land has a long history of British planters and the Kodavas continue to maintain many old English traditions.

Coffee of the Robusta variety is grown in vast areas and the Kodava[?] people live a rich life due to the economic freedom provided by the Coffee market. Kodavas consider themselves as descended from the warriors and they have many quaint cultural practises such as carrying a ceremonial knife on their skirt like robes. The culture also includes communal gatherings where drink, dance and a special pork dish with the special seasoning of Garcinia are central attractions.

The names of Kodava people is also characteristic and includes a clan name. The clan is central to Kodava culture and families trace their lineage through clans and marriage within a clan is discouraged.

The Kodava language is a scriptless language which is a mixture of words from Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil roots.

Madikeri meaning 'forest of the honey bees' is the administrative center of Coorg.