Class X English First Flight Glimpses of (Coorg) Notes

Introduction: Coorg is a coffee producing area in the state of India. It is situated midway between and the coastal town of . The place has an amazing weather throughout the year with enough rain during the monsoon season. The people of Coorg are known to be one of the bravest. Coffee is the main crop grown in this region. This land is also famous for its rainforests and spices. A variety of animals can be found here while the place is surrounded by beautiful Brahmagiri hills, islands and Tibetan settlements.

Synopsis:

1. Home to Rainforests: Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mysore and Mangalore. It is known as Kodagu also. This land of rolling hills is the smallest district of Karnataka. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God. It is home to evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. During the monsoons, it has a lot of rains. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The weather is perfect. The air breathes of coffee. Coffee estates and beautiful colonial bungalows are scattered around the forests.

2. Greek and Arabic Descent: The people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. It is said that a part of Alexander’s army settled here. These people married among the locals. Their culture and traditions are different from the Hindu mainstream. According to another theory, these people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the people which is like the Kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

3. Brave People: Coorgi homes are known for their hospitality. They are brave people. There are endless tales of valour related to the people of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

4. A Tourist Paradise: There are a variety of natural scenes which can be enjoyed by the tourists. Kaveri, the only river of the area, gets its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish exists in large number in the river. Birds, bees and butterflies give one a good company in Coorg. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and wild elephants are found in large numbers in the forests. The river and mountain offer various adventurous sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The trekkers find numerous walking trails in this area. From the top of Brahamagiri hills, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. There is a sixty-four acre island of nearby. It can be reached through a rope bridge. Buddhist monks are settled in Bylakuppe which is very close to this place. Their red, ochre and yellow robes are very attractive to look at.

Vocabulary:

1. Drifted – carried along 2. Inhabited – resided by 3. Martial – concerning war 4. Plantations – big fields 5. Commences – begins 6. Invigorating – strength giving 7. Tucked – placed 8. Canopies – hanging covers 9. Prime – of the best quality 10. Descent – ancestry 11. Apparent – clear 12. Religious rites – religious ceremony 13. Distinct – separate 14. Origin – lineage 15. Resembles – being similar 16. Hospitality – reception of guests 17. Recount – narrate 18. Valour – bravery 19. Most decorated – most rewarded 20. Firearms – weapons 21. Abound in – be in plenty 22. Ripple – round waves formed in water 23. Mahout – a man who controls the elephant 24. Canoeing – sailing in a canoe 25. Rappelling – going down a cliff by a rope 26. Trails – paths for walking 27. Macaques – monkeys 28. Panoramic – beautiful 29. Misty – full of mist 30. Settlement – place of residence 31. Monks – mendicants 32. Ochre – a colour 33. Robes – dresses

Value Points:

. Coorg is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. . It is called the land of rolling hills. . It is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. . It is the smallest district of Karnataka. . Coorg is the home of evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. . The most pleasant season for the tourists is from September to March. During this period, weather is perfect and the air breathes of coffee. . The people of Coorg are fiercely independent people. They are possibly of Greek or Arabic origin. . It is said that a part of Alexander’s army settled here and married amongst the locals. . Their long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt Kuppia resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs. . Coorgi homes are known for their hospitality. . The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. . The river Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. . High energy adventures with river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and mountain biking are quite popular in Coorg. . Birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels and langurs find shelter in the rainforests of Coorg. . The top of the Brahamagiri hills gives one a panoramic view of the misty valley of Coorg. . India’s largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is famous for its Buddhist monks and temples.