Glimpses of India - Coorg

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the geographical features, cultural origins, traditions, wildlife, adventure sports, and travel details of Coorg.

Coorg

The smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore, famous for its evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations.

Kodagu

The alternate name for the district of Coorg in Karnataka.

Evergreen rainforests

Forests covering thirty per cent of Coorg that receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Season of joy

The visitor period in Coorg that commences from September and continues till March, characterized by perfect weather and occasional showers.

Tree canopies

The high, roof-like coverings formed by trees under which coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand in prime corners.

Invigorating

Refreshing and energizing; describes the coffee-filled air of Coorg.

Greek descent theory

A theory tracing the people of Coorg to a part of Alexander's army that moved south along the coast and settled there when return became impractical.

Traditional Coorgi dress

A long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus, known locally as kuppia.

Arab origin theory

A theory supported by the kuppia worn by the Kodavus, which resembles the traditional garment worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Kuppia

The long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus.

Kuffia

The traditional attire worn by the Arabs and the Kurds that the Coorgi kuppia closely resembles.

Kodavus

The fiercely independent inhabitants of Coorg whose martial traditions, marriage, and religious rites are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.

Tales of valour

Stories of courage and bravery, usually in war, which Coorgi homes have a tradition of recounting about their sons and fathers.

The Coorg Regiment

One of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army.

Most decorated

Having received the maximum number of awards for bravery in war.

General Cariappa

The first Chief of the Indian Army, who was a Coorgi.

Firearms licence exemption

A unique privilege granted to the Kodavus, making them the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

River Kaveri

The river that obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg.

Mahaseer

A large freshwater fish that abounds in the waters of the river Kaveri.

Kingfishers

Birds that dive into the river Kaveri to catch fish.

Langurs

Primates in Coorg that drop partially eaten fruit into the clear water to enjoy the splash and ripple effect.

Malabar squirrels

Tree-dwelling animals in Coorg that drop fruit into the water and keep watch from the tree canopy.

Mahouts

Handlers who bathe and scrub elephants in the river Kaveri.

Laidback

Relaxed; not in a hurry.

Rafting

Travelling in a river in a raft, which is a floating platform made by tying planks together.

Canoeing

Travelling in a river in a canoe, which is a large, narrow boat.

Rappelling

Going down a cliff by sliding down a rope.

Mountain biking

An outdoor adventure sport popular among visitors along the walking trails and rugged terrain of Coorg.

Trails

Paths created by walking, which are a favourite with trekkers in the Coorg region.

Slender loris

A small nocturnal primate that keeps a watchful eye on visitors from the tree canopy in Coorg.

Macaques

Monkeys that observe travellers from the tree canopy in Coorg alongside langurs and slender lorises.

Wild elephants

Large creatures in Coorg that travellers are advised to step aside for along the trails.

Brahmagiri hills

The hills in Coorg whose climb rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape.

Panoramic view

A view of a wide area of land.

Nisargadhama

A sixty-four-acre island in Coorg reached by walking across a rope bridge.

Rope bridge

The suspended structure that leads visitors to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama.

Bylakuppe

A nearby settlement in Coorg that houses India's largest Tibetan settlement.

Tibetan monks of Bylakuppe

Buddhist monks residing near Coorg who wear red, ochre, and yellow robes.

Madikeri

The district headquarters and the only gateway to Coorg.

Mangalore Airport

One of the nearest airports to Coorg, situated at a distance of $135\,\text{km}$.