Glimpses of India- Coorg Overview
Glimpses of India- Coorg describes the hill station of Coorg
located in the western ghats in the state of Karnataka. It is located midway
between Bengalore and Mangalore. The suitable time to visit Coorg is from
September to March. The place is famous for coffee plantations and spices.
There are abundant rainforests which cover 30 percent of the area. The Coorgi
men are brave warriors who are permitted to keep firearms without a licence due
to their trustworthiness. The women of Coorg are pretty. Coorg is also known as
Kodavu and the Kodavus, though are Hindus by religion but their customs differ
from those of mainstream Hindus. They marry within their community. Kodavus are
said to be of Greek or Arabic descent. Some soldiers of Alexander’s army
settled there. Also, as the ethnic dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to
the Arab garment Kuffia, it is said that maybe their ancestors were Arabs or
Kurds. The river Kaveri originates from Coorg. The fish named Mahaseer is found
in the river. Many animals and birds like kingfisher, langur, squirrels and
elephants can be spotted along the river. Tourists relax in the serene
atmosphere and also enjoy adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing,
rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking. While trekking on the
nature trails, animals like Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris
can be spotted on the trees. The major tourist attractions are Brahmagiri
hills, Nisargdham island and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements. Coorg gives
visitors a feel of India’s diverse cultures.
Difficult Word Meanings
Drifted from- been carried
along gently by hair
Martial- having to do with
war
Canopies- roof-like coverings made of trees that
form a shelter
Prime- here, best
Invigorating- strong (here)
Mainstream- a tradition
which most people follow
Tales of Valour- stories
of courage and bravery, usually in a war
Descent- origin
Most decorated- having received the maximum
number of awards for bravery in a war
Mischief- playful behaviour
Ripple effect- a small wave or series of waves
on the surface of water, especially as caused by a slight breeze or an object
dropping into it
Mahouts- a person who works with, rides, and
tends an elephant
Laidback-relaxed, not in a hurry
Rafting- travelling in a river in a
Canoeing- travelling in a river in a canoe (a large, narrow boat)
Rappelling- going down a cliff by sliding down a
rope
Trails- paths created by walking
Glimpses of India- Coorg Question Answers
Q1. Where is Coorg?
Ans:- Coorg is the smallest
district of Karnataka, that sits between Mysore and the coastal town of
Mangalore.
Q2. What is the story about
the Kodagu people’s descent?
Ans:- The Kodagu people are thought to be of Greek or Arabic
descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexender’s army moved south along the
coast and settled in Karnataka when return became impractical. These people
married amongst the locals and their culture is appearent in the martial
traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu
mainstream.
Q3. What are some of the things you now know about?
(i) The people of Coorg?
Ans:- The people of Coorg are
brave and courageous. Their wives are beautiful and full of hospitality and are
eager to recount numerous stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.
(ii) The main crop of Coorg?
Ans:- The main crop of Coorg is
coffee.
(iii) The sports it offers to
tourists?
Ans:- The sports it offers to
tourists are river rafting, canoeing, repelling, rock climbing and mountain
biking. Trekking is also a favourite game in the numerous walking traits in
Coorg.
(iv) The animals you are likely
to see in Coorg?
Ans:- In Coorg, one can see the
animals like Macaques, Malabar sqirrels, langurs and slender loris as well as
wild elephants.
(v) Its distance from Bangalore
and how to get there?
Ans:- The distance from
Bangalore to Coorg is around 250-260 KM.
There are two routes from it,
one route via Mysore which is most frequent, other one is via Neelamangal,
Kunigal, Chanrayanapatna.
Glimpses of India- Coorg Additional Question-Answer
Q4. Here are six sentences with
some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning-
i. During monsoons it rains so
heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.
Ans:- Keep visitors away.
ii. Some people say
that Alexender’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.
Ans:- As on story goes.
iii. The Coorg people are
always ready to tell stories of their son’s and father’s valour.
Ans:- Willing to recount.
iv. Even people who
normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high energy
adventure sports of Coorg.
Ans:- The most laidback
individuals become converts to the life.
v. The theory of the Arab
origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-
belt they wear.
Ans:- Draws support from.
vi. Macaques, Malabar
squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy.
Ans:- Keep a watchful eye.
