Blog

Kodagu or Coorg as it is now called was the domain of the Kodava kings who ruled this roughly 4500 sq km of pure verdant and unpolluted land in the Western ghats. The reign of these Kodagu kings lasted for around 250 years after which it came under British influence and patronage. This is why even today, this region is highly westernized in terms of its food, culture, habits, and attire. However, the Kodagu customs and traditions were never deserted by the locals, and hence, its rich socio-religious practices are still widely prevalent. 

The Kodavas are land-owning agriculturists with martial customs. They are friendly, kind-hearted, and accommodating. They have adapted, adopted, and imbibed various facets of other cultures and interwoven them into their traditions and practices. Prime examples of these can be seen in weddings, food, language, etc. They are a fiercely loyal clan… No wonder they have produced people like Field Marshal Cariappa, Major General Thimmayya, who have gone on to head various regiments in the Indian Armed Forces. 

The Kodava festivities centre around their agricultural practices and military traditions. They worship a number of deities like Kaveramma, Igguthappa, Bhagwati, Mahadeva, Bhadrakali, Subramanyaswamy and Ayyappa. The main festivals celebrated in the region are Kalipoldu or the festival of arms, Cauvery Sankramana or the worship of river Cauvery and Puttari or the harvest festival among many others. The rich Kodagu culture is portrayed in the cuisine and attire of the Kodava community. Their authentic cuisine includes special dishes like Kadumbuttu (steamed rice balls) served with Pandi curry (pork), Otti (rice roti), Akki payasam (rice kheer),  Paaputtu (like idli), Noolputtu (rice noodles), Thambuttu (sweet). Coconut, Jaggery, Jackfruit, Mango, and Plantain are widely used to make some of the local dishes. Boiled rice forms the staple food of the Kodava community. The Kodavas have a distinctive dressing style and practices that are very prominent during their ceremonial occasions. The men carry ceremonial knives and perform martial war dance during these special occasions. Madikeri, the headquarters of the district of Kodagu is a hill station which is the epicentre of all that this tranquil location has to offer. It boasts a literacy rate of 85% which is higher than the national average of 57 %. These palpable values and legacy along with a tinge of modern lifestyle make Kodagu a perfect holiday destination for Xenophiles as well as the Millennials. Multiple extravagant luxury hotels and resorts are located in and around Madikeri, one of them being Paddington Resorts And Spa.

Paddington Resorts And Spa is a luxury retreat situated in the midst of a dense jungle giving the residents a first-hand experience of mother nature. Located on the banks of river Cauvery, Paddington serves as the ideal escape from the outside world to the peaceful and serene flora and fauna and rich historical setting of Madikeri. They offer a myriad of services ranging from an exciting zip line over the coffee laden properties to a cycle through the aesthetic terrain all the way up to the Chiklihole Dam. Experience the true essence of the Kodava lifestyle, their food, and cultural extravaganza through Paddington Luxury Resorts. The resort provides a feeling of a home away from home where the guests experience remarkable hospitality on behalf of the competent staff. With modern facilities and unmatched accommodations, Paddington resorts are nothing short of a paradise on earth. It’s mesmerizing and rejuvenating atmosphere will make your vacation memorable. The stay here offers a blend of luxury and comfort. Immerse yourself in the many experiences that the place, its people, and activities have to offer. Come, be our guest and experience Kodagu in all its might.