Distance Learning courses: We answer YOUR queries!

by Sumita Vaid Dixit for Careers360

87,86,732 students are registered in 114 Distance Learning institutes in the country according to our research. Add up  the students registered in 62 more recognised and about 400-odd unrecognised institutions in the country for which estimates are available, the number of students would easily cross one crore (10 million). That is ten times the number of engineers (1.01 million) India produces, and two times the number of regular college seats that are available (5.25 million).

For a nation which has about 1.59 crores students at 10+2 stage, the regular college seats are woefully inadequate. And it is this widening gap that the Distance Learning institutions seek to bridge. And they come in different shapes and sizes from mega universities with enrolments crossing millions to small universities with a Directorate of Distance Learning catering to a few thousand students. Institutions like IMT and Symbiosis, recognised management schools, also have capitalised on the burgeoning demand, but only cater to niche domains like management and IT.

If you have questions on distance learning, post your queries at the bottom of this article and the Careers360 team will answer your queries through the month of August!

And the 249-odd institutions vary in size, reach, quality, and efficiency. So we undertook the first ever objective ranking of 30 select institutions, based on a host of quantitative and qualitative parameters (refer to Ranking on Page 24 ). With technology being a biggest enabler, a look at VSAT-based Distance Learning  (DL) institutions is also included. Columns and interviews with leading experts and listings of
all approved Distance Learning  (DL) campuses roundup the story. Read on to find out more.

Amit Ahuja, 32, works as a systems manager with an IT company in New York, and his résumé says BCA, MCA from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Yes, he was disheartened that despite scoring 78 per cent in his Class 12, he failed to get admission in a regular college. “But I am doing quite well in life!” Be it people like Amit, or homemakers or managers with top MNCs, millions turn to  Distance Learning (DL) to advance their education and career needs.

DL institutions come in various forms. Universities like IGNOU, which are open universities, exclusively offer DL programmes. Many like Delhi University are ‘Dual-Mode' wherein they offer both regular and DL programmes. Private institutes like IMT and private universities like IFCAI also offer programmes through DL (See detailed listing on page 54).

The target audience 
"Two kinds of students populate the universe," says Sumanto Mukherjee, Director, MediafeaturesIndia, a study centre for Sikkim Manipal University. "Most of our students at the first degree level are those who could not get admission in regular streams," he said. At. Master's and specialised diploma levels, people who work and cannot take time off to do a full-time programme dominate, a fact reiterated by Dr. A M Sherry, Director, IMT Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL). Specialised short-term programmes and diplomas attract good professionals for whom time is at a premium.


Classes, Courses, Degree
The core learning in DL comes from the study material. The material, for example, is prepared by university professors and Head of Departments at School of Open Learning in DU. Kavita Mishra, a public relations officer who has done her BA in English from SOL, says that her study material was so useful that her friends in regular colleges often borrowed it to make notes, a point that is seconded by Dr. Manjulika Srivastava, Director, DEC.
Contact classes supplement the learning process. At School of Open Learning, Delhi University, classes are held once a week. In many universities like M.P Bhoj Open University (MPBOU) or Annamalai University they are held two times for 15 days a year at the university campus itself.  Since it is not possible to cover all the subjects in those limited number of classes, students must be self-learners, says Prof. Nishant Pokhriyal, Executive Director, & Dean (Exam), SOL. Resources such as study material, library, teachers are available to open school learning students. But the quality and quantum of resources vary substantially amongst the different players.

But the best part is that the degree awarded by open universities is the same degree awarded to regular college students. Also, a distance education student can migrate to a regular college, provided there’s a seat.


Meeting vocational needs
Open learning is also addressing an un-met need in conventional education: the need for vocational courses. Open schools such as Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) or IGNOU offer a wide-range of skill-based programmes. Venu Gopal, for example, is pursuing Master's in Media Business Management (Distance Education), from ICFAI, Tripura. He wanted to do an MBA programme that would be relevant to his field and not just a regular MBA without a specialisation. “I even looked at programmes being offered by regular colleges, but found only ICFAI offered it.”

Another case in point is Ashima Chowdhary, a graduate in English from Delhi University. She has done a diploma in child psychology from Amity School of Distance Learning, and works as a counsellor in a school in Mumbai. “The course gave me the skills to work.”


Wrinkles in the system
In spite of the advantages of ODE, there’s much to be desired when compared with developed ODE markets such as the US and the UK. Even now printed study material is lost in post. At the moment, only a handful of schools such as SOL are giving the entire material upon submitting admission fee. In fact, SOL students can download the study material from the website. But even SOL is yet to offer courses online.

There are some private DEIs that are conducting classes online and via satellite. For example, Tanya Munshi, editor with a publishing house based in the UK, did a postgraduate diploma in Instructional Design from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, online. From start to finish, the entire module was conducted online, including the exams and submission of project work.  But having just a few institutes exploiting e-learning will not resolve the situation.

Other issues plaguing the system aren’t dissimilar from those affecting the conventional education system. There’s a shortage of qualified faculty, interaction with teachers is uninspiring and in some cases, there’s isn’t any at all. The course material isn’t revised as frequently as it should be and the admission process is still tedious. The revision varies from once in three years as prescribed by DEC to once every 6 months by pro-active schools like IMT-CDL.

Shamshid Khan, working with a Gurgaon-based chemical engineering firm, had to take an off from the office to travel to an SCDL study centre in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, to find out why he hadn’t yet received his material. “I tried calling up their customer care division but it was of no use. They could have easily informed me on the mail or through a phone call."


There is hope 
Although the present infrastructure of Distance Education Institutes is struggling to cope with the growing number of enrolments, Pokhriyal of SOL says that steps are being taken in the right direction. SOL has simplified the admission process. "It now takes five minutes to fill up the form. No mile-long queues anymore,” he said.

All that the admission officer at the counter asks for is the student’s CBSE or any other examination board roll number. The officer punches in the roll number and the system throws up all the details. The form is submitted in five minutes flat. Pokhriyal says that SOL has access to the data centre where information on all Class 12 students is stored, hence the moment the officer enters the roll number of the student, the student’s marks, date of birth, parents’ names and contact details appear.

Also, DEIs are spreading their network by setting up more study centres and information kiosks. Some provide links to open courseware to distance education institutes, overseas. For example, SOL’s website has links to open courseware available on Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “An excellent source for students to learn more about their subjects,” says Pokhriyal.

In addition, DEIs are establishing links with companies and industries to offer employment opportunities to students. ODE isn’t seen equal in rank to classroom learning as not much has been done to promote it, thus recruiters tend to have a different impression of students who have passed out from DEIs. But efforts are being made to improve the interface between DEIs and recruiters.

At the institutional level, there's a vast difference, as the rankings suggest. Some are rich in resources but have a long way to go in ensuring a pleasant learning experience for students. Some others have excellent e-learning platforms and IT-enabled student service systems but lack personal contact. The system is evolving but has a long way to go.

Travel> Sight Seeing in Coorg (Part 4)

Text by: Tanya Munshi


Weather: Coorg is located close to the Kerala border, in southern Karnataka. The climate in Coorg is pleasant throughout the year. It owes its lush green hills and forests to the southwest monsoon from June to September.

Coorg is a hilly region with an expanse of 4,102 square kilometers. The Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats, separate Coorg from Kerala from the south-western and southern borders.

The Kodavas consider the river Kaveri sacred that springs from the Brahmagiri range at Talakaveri. A lot of trekkers and adventure seekers visit Coorg for the famous Tadiandamol range with its highest peak of 1746 m above sea level. The other being, the Pushpagiri or Subrahmanya Hills at a height of 1715 meters above sea level.

Coorg is a blend of hilly areas in the south with cluttered mountains and deep ravines to the north. The unremitting long stretch of jungle that runs between the two main Rivers Kaveri and Lakshamantirtha, is home to the Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Sanctuary.

A year round destination, Coorg experiences the south-west monsoon from June to September, winters from January to February and summers from March to May. The peak season in Coorg is between October to May.

How to Reach Coorg:


Surface
The only way that you can access Coorg is by road. The nearest railheads are in Mysore, Hassan, Mangalore and Kannur, while the nearest airports are Mangalore and Bangalore.

The best way to reach Coorg is by road on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, which should take you about five to six hours by car. By bus, it is almost seven hours. You can hop on to a bus from the KSRTC bus depot near the Bangalore railway station. Buses head to Coorg every half an hour. Once you reach Coorg, you can hire auto-rickshaws to take you to your hotel. There are regular KSRTC buses plying from Mangalore to Madikeri. You can check with your hotel and hire a private vehicle to travel in and around Coorg.

Though not connected with direct railhead or by air, Coorg is well connected with by roads. Karnataka’s state transport buses - the K.S.R.T.C ply from all over the state, offering good connectivity.

Distances from Madikeri by road:
Bangalore - 260 Kms - 6 hours
Mysore - 120 Kms - 3 hours
Mangalore- 120 Kms - 4 hours
Hassan - 125 Kms - 4 hours
Tellicheri - 155 Kms - 4 hours
Kannur - 140 Kms - 4 hours

Train
The nearest railhead is Mysore (120 km), Hassan (125 km), Mangalore (120 km) and Kannur (140 km).


Air
Nearest Airport is Bangalore

Travel> Sight Seeing in Coorg (Part 3)

Text by: Tanya Munshi


Bhaganmandala: Bhaganmandala is a popular pilgrimage spot situated on the upstream banks of the River Kaveri and is also known as Dakshin Kashi. The temple architecture in Bhaganmandala has a strong resemblance to the Kerala style of temples with two-tiered sloping roofs. This is the place where two tributaries Kannike and Sujyoti Rivers join the Kaveri. Pilgrims throng at this confluence known as the ‘Triveni Sangama’, to take a dip and perform rituals before heading to Tala Kaveri, the origin of the River Kaveri.

The Bhagandeshwara Temple is the most popular amongst other temples situated in the vicinity that are devoted to Lord Ganesha, Subramanya and Vishnu. You can visit these temples during October and November when thousands of oil lamps are lit in the temples during festivals. It is fascinating to know that Dassera is celebrated at night where decorated chariots are on display which show how Goddess Shakti had destroyed all evils. Bhaganmandala is also famous for their bee rearing centre called Madhuvana, where you can take a tour in their in-house museum to learn more about bees and honey. There is also a state government run Apiculture Training Institute that is dedicated to the study and research on managing and maintaining colonies of honeybees. You can head towards Napoklu, which is a 9 km drive from Bettegiri (en route Bhaganmandala) to the Padi Igguthappa Temple dedicated to Lord Igguthapp, which is considered to be one of the most holy places of worship by the Kodavas.

Talakaveri: Talakaveri is the origin of the Kaveri River that flows in full strength during the monsoons. The river is looked up on by the Kodavas as their godmother, and hence Talakaveri becomes a venerated site. Talakaveri is situated 12 kms away from Bhagamandala and 47 kms from Madikeri. It’s situated on the hills of Brahmagiri close to Bhagamandala and is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers from the Sapta Sindhus mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. The temple located here is devoted to Lord Agastheeswara which symbolises the bond between Kavery (Parvathy) and Sage Agasthya. This area is popular amongst pilgrims who visit Shiva and Ganesha temples. A small water body with a tiny temple at one end greets visitors to the temple complex. This is considered the source of the holy river. Taking a dip in its holy waters particularly during Tula Sankramana in October is considered very sacred. Surrounded by dense Shola forests, the tranquil atmosphere adds to the flavor. After darshan of the origin, visitors climb the stairs to reach the main Shiva temple. The tile roof temple is reminiscent of a design seen in Southern Karnataka. Beyond the temple limits are forested slopes that are tailor made for trekking and hiking.

Chetalli: On your trip to Bhaganmandala, you can drop by at the horticultural farm at Chetalli and see a wide variety of exotic fruits and flowers. There are flower gardens, cocum and banana plantation, star fruits and mango trees to name a few). Chetalli also houses the Regional Coffee Research Station and is worth paying a visit to see the extent of research that is carried out for coffee, quality of soil and diseases related to coffee beans. Chetalli has a huge potential to become one of the future hotspots for nature tourism, so be sure to check this place out.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp: A Karnataka Forest Department initiative, Dubare Elephant Training Camp is a base which tames wild Asiatic Elephants to help the locals. It’s a sight to watch the elephants bathe and how they respond to the commands of the mahouts. The Dubare Elephant Camp has played a vital role in history, as during the King's rule in Mysore, it was at this camp, that the elephants were trained for the famous Dussera festival at Mysore. Today, the Karnataka Forest Department trains more 150 elephants, out of which Dubare is the most significant one. Apart from the elephants, you can also lovely species of birds such as partridges, peacocks, kingfishers and woodpeckers. On your trip to the Elephant Camp, you can interact with these giants by feeding and bathing them and even go for an elephant ride for a nominal fee. The best part being, the Elephant Camp has log cabins that can be booked through the District Forest Officer at Madikeri. Its quite an adventure visiting the camp as you will have to take a boat across to the island spanning 11 acres (Rs. 20 one way). Rafts can be hired at Rs 100 for a short ride. River rafting exists during monsoons (Jul – Sep) (full course Rs1,000; short course Rs 600)

Iruppu Falls: Located in the Brahmagiri Range of district Kodagu (Coorg), the Iruppu Falls is also referred to as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. It forms the starting point of Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery. The walk up to the Falls is very picturesque. You cross a small bridge, and walk up the muddy stairs surrounded by moss, ferns and tall trees accompanied by the sound of the gushing waters. There is a small square space with some benches kept facing the Falls for visitors to relax after the climb and enjoy the beauty of the Falls. You can choose to dip take a full body dip or just a feet dip at the cool waters of Iruppu. One is advised to be careful during monsoon due to the heavy flow, it is best to go in groups. Iruppu is a plastic free zone and littering is an offence. Iruppu also has mythological significance and is linked to the Ramayana. Legend has it that when Ram and Laxman (Lakshmana) were passing through the Brahmagiri range looking for Sita, Ram felt thirsty. To quench the elder brother’s thirst, Laxman (Lakshmana) shot an arrow into the Brahamagiri Hills resulting in this flow of water.

Plantation Hikes: There are a few Plantation Hikes that are conducted regularly in and around Coorg. These hikes take you through coffee territory, and visitors can feel the plants and the coffee beans. One of the popular ones being the Mojo Rainforest Trek that takes you on a trek to the 1,100 meter rain slope on the Western Ghats. You can contact the Coorg Wildlife Society regarding trekking options, guides and campsites to plan your treks or contact the Coorg Adventure Club to know more.

Resorts like Orange County also conduct a guided tour of a 300 acre coffee and spice plantation. This is where you get to know the difference between an Arabica and Robusta and learn about the spices of Coorg.

Life & People> Featured: Boys before business

Image courtesy: Femina.in

Jennifer Wilkov and Kimberly Mylls' just released revolutionary book 'Boys Before Business: The Single Girl's Guide to Having It All'claims that if you put your relationship before everything else, you'll be blessed with a great love life and a rocking career! But is it fair to put your man before your career? We find out what women think... 

The key issue

Ok, so you’re the head-honcho of your company and everybody looks up to you, but on a date… they just see a woman who they think will never be “girlfriend material” because she’s too caught up in her career! Stings, doesn’t it? On the other hand, you’ve given your precious years to your man, your home, your family but when you talk about a career, you’re just given sympathetic glances. “Do you think you will be able to handle it?” is all you get. Equally unfair! So is there finally hope for us new-age women who want everything from life? Yes there is. With the right amount of patience and perseverance, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Find your anchor

Rolly Srivastava, a rising HR professional, went head over heels just after graduation and married her man a couple of years later. From there they moved towards new careers together and have been successfully married for four years now and still going strong. She believes, that “if you keep your man before everything, and the same is true for him, both of you will be able to rise above your individual aspirations and smoothly run alongside each other.” According to her the key is to find the right person. Vinita Rishi, successful interior designer, married for seven years and now an expectant mother looks at the issue a little differently. “Putting one before the other is not the solution… both have to want the same things from their life together,” she construes. This will help in looking at the bigger picture and at the ultimate goals in life. If both partners are clear on the kind of life they want as a couple, any other discrepancies like working hours, income, and professional status, become minor bumps on the way that can be navigated successfully.

Don’t be hard on yourself

Putting your man and relationship before everything else doesn’t have to translate as waiting on him 24x7. Be there for him, but don’t hover over him. Instead, utilize the monetary benefits your career provides, to make life easier for yourself. So to say, employ a full time maid, a cook etc. so that not only does your house gets managed efficiently, you can also concentrate on your work and spend time with your man guilt-free!

Tanya Munshi, editor and travel expert, moves frequently because of her husband’s job and has therefore opted for a career that she can pursue over the internet. She swears by this smart move and asserts that “today women know what they want and they want both-career and family; a woman has to learn to strike a balance; she should be prepared to make the necessary adjustments and not be too rigid in her life’s ways.” So in lieu of having the pleasure of welcoming your man every evening with a smile, if you have to make a concession to the idea of sitting in a corner office dressed in the latest Allen Solly, is that too hard a bargain?

If you can’t juggle, compartmentalize!

Lipsa Misra fell in love and could barely wait to finish her MBA before she got married. She conceived just when she was offered a lucrative position but decided to make a family instead. Today, with her son almost 2 years old, she has a full time nanny and is back on the job market, ready for her new phase of life! “Sometimes on a blue day I wonder if I was too young to put my career on hold… but one look at my son and I know I’ll never have any regrets,” she avers. If managing a home and work at the same time seems too daunting a prospect for you and it wrenches your heart having to choose, just pick one for a few years and immerse yourself. Life will always give you a chance to pursue the other without any emotional baggage!

Having a perfect relationship and a rocking career doesn’t seem to be such a fairy-tale after all. If nothing else, it is definitely worth trying to put your ‘Boy before Business’ and see if you can live happily ever after. Do you agree?

By Prachi S Vaish

Travel> Sightseeing in Coorg (Part2)

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Madikeri Fort: Originally made in mud, the 110 feet long Madikeri Fort was re-built in stone (with secret underground passages) by Tipu Sultan. Much later Lingarajendra Wodeyar II reconstructed this two-storied fort with brick and mortar between 1812 - 1817. Now the District Collector’s Office, this palace has a stone formation of a tortoise with the initials of King Vijayarajendra and two life size stone replicas of the royal elephants killed by King Veera Raja. In 1855, the British built a Gothic styled Anglican St. Mark's Church which has now been converted into a museum. After a couple of facelifts a Clock Tower and a portico were added by the British in 1933.

Now under the Archeological department, this church turned museum is home to some of the historical artifacts and a section dedicated to Field Martial Cariappa. Other areas of interest within the fort premises are the district prison, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library. The Kote Maha Ganapathi temple is also one of the main temples in Coorg which competes during the Madikeri Dussera Festival.

Raja's Seat: Located at a vantage point in town, Raja’s Seat is a very popular stop in Madikeri. Set on the western edge of Madikeri, people throng the place to catch the sunset view. The sun going down against the backdrop of distant hill ranges is a sight to behold. View of the Coorg Valley with paddy fields and forests between Raja's Seat and the distant ranges add to the picturesque setting. Apart from the breathtaking view of the valley, Raja's Seat also gives you a brilliant view of the road leading to the coastal city of Mangalore. Raja's Seat is essentially a well maintained garden with attractions like a small pavilion and a toy train. According to local folklore, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. We'd also recommend a walk towards the Karnataka Tourism hotel further up. It is a lovely walk along some of the higher reaches in town.

Omkareshwara Temple: It is located in the heart of Madikeri town. The Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II to ward off evil caused by Brahma Rakshasha. Legend has it that Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. The Brahmin came back as 'Brahmarakshasa' to haunt the king. To ward off the evil spirit, a temple was constructed by Wodeyar. A huge tank in front of the temple is an attractive feature of the complex. The main temple structure is unique as it is a blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Just like a dargah, this temple has four minarets and a dome in the centre with a Shivling installed at the entrance, where the Shivling is reported to be brought from Kashi. The history of the temple has been engraved on a copper plate which has been installed at the entrance.

Abbey Falls: Just 8 kms from Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a very popular tourist spot. A steep climb from town leads visitors to this pretty falls tucked within plantations. The final walk to the location through lots of trees sets one up for the final view. Cascading from a 70 feet drop, this waterfall leads up to a pool through coffee and cardamom plantations. You can access Abbey Falls through private coffee estates. The strength of this waterfall is more during the monsoons as compared to summers. You can walk on the hanging bridge to get a closer view of the falls. The water gushing down creates a roaring sound and the mist rising out is quite breathtaking. During summers and winters visitors can sit on the rocks below the falls with feet in the water and the view of the waterfalls in front. A delightful experience indeed! A trip to Abbey Falls during monsoons and winters is ideal. Care should be taken especially during monsoons as it can get slippery while walking around the area.

Thadiyandamol: One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Thadiyandamol stands at a height of 1,747 meters and is ideal for experienced trekkers. You can access its peak with an 8 km drive from Kakkabe, located at a distance of 35 kms from Madikeri. Though you can access two-thirds of the route by jeep, but the final climb is quite difficult yet rewarding with the beautiful view from top. In the lead up to the top, trekkers usually take a break at Nalaknad Palace. Built in 1792, Nalaknad Palace was one of the final safe havens for the last King of Kodagu, while he was escaping from the British. Though not easily accessible, this two-storey building serves as a base for the campers to catch their breath and spend a night of rest before scaling the narrow and steep path to the peak of Thadiyandamol. Presently under the Archeological department, the Nalaknand Palace also houses a bee-keeping centre.

Travel> Coorg (Part 1)

Image courtesy: Yatra.com

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Kodagu, popularly known as Coorg, is one of the most frequented weekend hotspots in Karnataka. This anglicized name – Coorg came into existence after the East India Company took over Kodagu in 1834. Madikeri being the district capital and the main town is located at an altitude of 1067 meters above sea level. Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Coorg is famous for its coffee plantation and Pork Pandi Curry. Apart from the chicory free coffee, Coorg is also known for spices such as black pepper and cardamom. What makes Coorg unique is that it is not yet connected by rail or air. Tucked away in the scenic Western Ghats, it is 260 kms from Bangalore, 120kms from Mangalore and 120kms from Mysore. Its forests are also home to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarahole National Park, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to the local language, Kodava means ‘blessed by Mother Kaveri’. Their Huthri festival which is celebrated during the months of November to December is unique as it marks the end of the rice planting tenure in September and commemorates the Kodava warrior tradition. The Kodavas (Coorgis) are a martial race, and hence exempt by the Indian Arms Act from possessing a license for a firearm within the district. It has produced many famous personalities in the Indian armed forces like Field Marshal Cariappa, who was one of the two Indian armed forces officers to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal, and General K. S. Thimayya who was the Chief of Army Staff.

Pandit Nehru had once aptly stated about the region, “Coorg has given great Generals to the Indian Army. It is noted for its choicest coffee and if I am permitted to add one more to these specialties, I can mention that Coorg is famous for its beautiful and comely women.”

History

Kodagu's recorded history dates back to 9th and 10th century, which reveals that it was ruled by several kingdoms in southern India including Pandyas, Cholas, ending with the Hoysala rule in the 14th century, after which the Vijaynagar Empire took over.

After the defeat of the Vijaynagar kingdom by the Deccan Sultans in 1565, the Nayaks started ruling Kodagu. After the fall of the Changavas, a prince from the Ikkeri or Bednur family dressed as a Lingayat priest settled at Haleri, close to Madikeri. Gradually with time, he gained authority and power and created a base to be ruled by the Lingayat Rajas. As the Lingayats merged their power in Kodagu, they made Haleri their capital, and established the Paleri (Haleri) dynasty, which ruled the region for 200 years. It was under the Paleri dynasty that Kodagu became an independent kingdom.

Haider Ali rose to power in Mysore during the 18th century and tried to capture Kodagu. Much later his son Tipu Sultan, in an attempt to fulfill his father’s dream to seize Kodagu, held the prince Dodda Vira Rajendra of Kodagu captive. With the help of the loyal subjects of Kodava, the prince managed to escape from captivity, defeated Tipu Sultan and recovered Kodava.

From 17th to 19th century, the Wodeyars ruled over Kodagu till the British took over in 1834. Dodda Vira Rejendra Wodeyar and the East India Company signed an agreement in 1790, whereby the later would provide protection to the Kodavas from Tipu Sultan. In 1858, Colonel Fraser was appointed the first Chief Commissioner after the British government took over from the East Indian Company.

Much later, a writer of the Gazetteer of Mysore and Coorg, Lewis Rice traced the lineage up to 1834 when the East India Company overthrew the last Paleri King.

After independence, Kodagu was declared a ‘C’ State in 1952 and in 1956 Coorg was recognized as a district of Karnataka.

Getting Around

Kodagu is a district/region comprising four major towns – Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet and Kushalnagar. All of them are within 30 odd km off each other with coffee plantations in between. Buses and taxis are best mode of transport to move around the region. Within Madikeri, the capital, auto rickshaws are ideal. Most places within town can also be covered by foot.

Tourist Traps in the City

Though there are auto rickshaws available in plenty, it is highly recommended that you bargain for a reasonable fare to your hotel or a tourist spot.

Local Custom

The Kodavas are not known to follow any particular religion. While they consider the Kaveri River as their godmother, the Kodavas believe in ancestor worship, which is personified in the 'Ainemane' or ancestral house of an Okka or family, which is believed to provide protection and a spiritual guide to the family. Each family has a special place assigned to worship their ancestors, as the Karanava i.e the spirit of the deceased ancestor of a family holds an important spiritual place in each family.

The dead ancestor of a family, the Karanava or sprit, has an important place in the spiritual life of his descendants and each family’s ancestral house has an assigned place for the worship of ancestors. Another form of ancestor worship may also involve the offering of meat and liquor to ancestors.

Their Huthri/ Puttari festival which is celebrated during the months of November to December is unique as it marks the end of the rice planting tenure in September and commemorates the Kodava warrior tradition with the festival of Kailpoud. During Puttari, fresh sheaves of paddy are cut on a full moon night and brought to the house by a male member of the family dressed in their ceremonial attire. The sheaves are bound in leaves and tied to various auspicious portions of the house like the front door and the storehouse such as the granary.

Kailpoud is an annual festival of arms that is held towards the end of the monsoon. During this festival, the Kodavas worship their weapons and hold shooting competitions ( where a coconut is tied to a tree) and other sporting events.

Their wedding ceremonies or mangalas are most unique as they are held in their ancestral homes and solemnized not by a priest, but by the elders in the family. It will be interesting to note that the bride gets to decide if she wants to continue living with her new husband. A few days after the wedding, when she visits her maternal home with the husband and if she decides to stay back, the wedding is off. Kodava marriages do not believe in the system of dowry.

At the demise of an adult family member, the news is sent to the village by a firing of two consecutive gunshots, while a birth of a boy is declared by the firing of one gunshot.

Their traditional costumes, especially for the men folk are extremely smart and gorgeous with turbans, black overcoats, sashes and jewellery, while the women wear the sari in a unique fashion unlike any other part of the country.

Shopping

Shopping in Coorg is quite a different experience, its not like a regular tourist spot where you pick up decorative souvenirs. A trip to Coorg is incomplete without Chicory free coffee, honey and spices such as Cardamom and Pepper, oranges during season and home made candles. Visit the local shops in the market area selling pure ground coffee, while you relish a steaming hot cupper, pick up some coffee to take back home.

Communications

BSNL and Reliance have wide coverage in Munnar. However data cards can go for toss owing to the heights and altitudes. However, BSNL has better connectivity than Reliance.