Coorg or Kodagu is a tiny district located in the Southwest corner of Karnataka, South India. Madikeri (previously known as Mercara), a picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level, is the district headquarters of Kodagu.

Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colourful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas., Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the Kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan or the British. And so to this day all Kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a license.

Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian army. The women are known for their beauty. But what Kodavas are famous for is their hospitality.

TRAVEL FACTS

:: Altitude: 5,000 Feet

:: Rainfall: 150 cms

:: Best seasons: Although Madikeri is pleasant throughout the year, the monsoon lasts from June to August. The best time to visit would be October - April.

:: Electricity: 230-240V

GETTING TO WINDCREST ACRES

:: Air: The nearest airports are Bangalore (260 kms) and Mangalore (135 kms).

:: Train: The nearest railheads are at Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan (146 kms).

:: Road: From Bangalore, there are two routes to Coorg. Both routes are almost the same distance (around 250-260 kms). The route via Mysore, is the oft-frequented route. The stretch after Hunsur is scenic and the drive through the coffee plantations is absorbing. The other route is via Neelamangal, Kunigal, Chanrayapatna, all of which are located on the National highway. After Chanrayanapatna, the state highway route takes you to your destination.

:: Bus: The local bus service in Madikeri has connections to almost every place in Coorg. Alternatively, there are regular buses to Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Shimoga. Inter-state bus routes to Mumbai, Chennai, Ooty and Coimbatore start from Madikeri.

:: Local directions: From Madikeri town centre [6 kilometers to WindCrest], take the Galibeedu road and travel for 4 kilometers, passing Mahindra Club on the right hand side. Carry on down the road till you come to a fork then take the right exit towards Kaloor. WindCrest is a 5 minute drive from this point.

Taxis are available for local travel and sightseeing.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

:: Pandhi Curry (Pork Curry)
:: Kadumbuttu (Rice Dumplings)
:: Koli Curry (Chicken Curry)
:: Nool Puttu (Rice Noodles)
:: Bamboo Shoot Curry (Bamboo Shoot Curry)
:: Votti (A sort of Rice Pancake cooked over burning coals)

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

24 hour ATM facilities and other bank services are available in Madikeri.

HEALTH HAZARDS

Drinking local tap water is not recommended for tourists. Mineral Water can be purchased from most shops.

USING LOCAL TELEPHONES & INTERNET

Private run telephone booths have both STD and ISD facilities. These booths charge government telephone rates. We suggest that you ask for the bill in these booths before you make the payments. Internet cafes are located in Madikeri.

SHOPPING

Kodugu is coffee country. The coffee estates here produce some of the world's best coffee. So, don't forget to take some home. You could also buy Honey, Cardamom. Pepper & Oranges (in Season).