The economic slow down in Europe,  has hit the coffee industry hard. Though the Coffee prices in London and New York terminals are on a all time high, it does not reflect positively, on the domestic  prices. One of the main reasons, is the loss in the premium given earlier for Indian washed coffee’s.

Coffee Planters in Coorg need to take into the account the volatility in International Markets. Photo by: ineedcoffee.com

The volatility in coffee prices will continue, till such time, Europe and the Euro stabilises. Coffee being the second largest traded commodity after oil, long term predictions will be foolhardy.

Our MP H. Viswanath’s statement that the Karnataka Govt. is neglecting Kodagu on the development front, should be viewed in the right perspective. The local MLA’s  have a lot of answering to do now, rather than waiting for the next election.

Changing Outlooks, Exodus of Kodava people from Kodagu, pressures of Modern Living are few of the reasons for the culture and heritage of Kodagu is vanishing fast. Photo by: John Issac

I have no doubt in my mind  that Coorg has  been receiving step motherly treatment from the time Coorg lost its Statehood. Kodava heritage centre was earmarked to be built in the year 2004 but nothing has been done to date, despite eighty eight lakhs of rupees being sanctioned. The list of non performance is endless.

I welcome, Tourism Secretary’s statement, that his department  would  protect Kodagu’s environment  while the eleven tourism projects envisaged, are in progress.

The forests of Coorg need to be protected. Coorg is the catchment area of river cauvery. Timber Mafia and illegal encroachments of forests are already the biggest threat. Tourism also should not in anyway effect the flora and fauna of Coorg, adversely. Photo by: Manoj Vasanth

Joythi Ramalingam has been taking keen interest for betterment of Kodagu,  from the time he was the Deputy commissioner of Coorg. The elected representative should give him all the support he so desires, to make Coorg, a better place to live in.

When he made the statement at a meeting with officials, MLC M.C. Nanaiah and MLA Appachu Ranjan said as Kodagu is rich in greenery, the tourism department should ensure that new projects do not affect the environment.

The projects include Maletirike Hill at Virajpet, trekking at Nagarahole, view points at Kotebetta and a bridge at Hattihole.

Jyothiramalingam urged the district administration to complete the works at the earliest. He said the tourism department lacked sufficient staff and that the vacant posts would soon be filled.

Ecotourism has become quite popular in Coorg.

Ecotourism is an approach in tourism in which tourists seek out difficult to access and scenic areas such as forests or mountains, for a trip or a vacation. Ecotourism has become popular in Coorg among visitors interested in environmental conservation, ensuring not to disturb the ecosystem, while creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local people.

People have the right to visit different places, and also places that are environmentally fragile, but not at the cost of destroying a fragile ecology. Ecotourism in such places can be the best income-generating activity for the local people. Ecotourism should aim for direct and indirect improvement of income levels and living standards of the local people.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for a ecotourist

Do’s: -

• Leave all camps and trails clean
• Carry back or dispose off in a proper garbage location all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc.
• Respect local culture & traditions

Don’ts:-

• Do not use Polythene and plastics are non bio-degradable and unhealthy for the environment
• Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
• Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
• Do not leave cigarette butts or make open fires in the forests.
• Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.

At this point of time, it is very important for each one of us to make ourselves aware, of how we can live and have a good time without damaging the environment. The damage to environment happens in several different ways but eco-tourism is the only way to minimize the effects of environmental damage that happens due to tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder and it would be in our best interest that we do our bit in safeguarding someone who is the most dear to us” Mother Nature”.

Home stays are surely more exciting than hotels.  Many homestays are surrounded by coffee plantations and located in some of the most scenic desitinations in Coorg. By staying at a homestay, you have all the time to explore the place at your own relaxed pace .At a homestay you shall feel more like a resident, and less of a traveler.  At a homestay you can  experience a typical coorg life.  Guests are allowed to stay as family members, and delicious local cuisine is served upon request. Hosts are often the best guides in exploring Coorg. If you are a privacy seeker, then you can go for the  homestay all for yourself with a caretaker or cook present in the premises at your service.

There are a number of homes providing home stays in Coorg.  Accommodation can be arranged for couples, families and groups. Tariffs vary depending upon the location and facilities available.  There are also home stays that would provide you the entire house, which can accommodate 6 to 15 people at a reasonable price.

There are hundreds of home stays in Coorg, and It is very important for a traveler to get complete information of the home stay he or she would want to stay in, before booking the place.