Mystic Coorg in Photos

Photographer Leonard Aarons captures some breathtaking visuals of the Kodagu district of southwest Karnataka. Set in the Western Ghats, Coorg is known for its misty hills, lush forests , and aromatic coffee.

1. 
   

   Home to the river Cauvery that originates at Talacauvery in the Brahmagiri hill, the location is considered sacred by the locals.
2. 
   

   5 kilometres from the Dubare Elephant camp, the water is peaceful, away from the noisy bustle of tourists feeding and bathing elephants.
3. 
   

   On the day of Tulasankramana, pilgrims gather at the mouth of the river to watch the water rise from the spring, celebrating the visit of the Goddess Cauvery.
4. 
   

   The hills of Coorg are blanketed with coffee and tea estates. Here, the berries are ripe for the picking, glowing red in the morning sun.
5. 
   

   High in the hills, the weather is delicious, the light is soft, and the trees whisper to you in the silence of the forests.
6. 
   

   Ancient tree roots twist through the earth; Nature finds a way despite the rapid urbanization of once-secluded townships.
7. 
   

   Legend has it that the Cauvery was once held captive by Sage Agasthya. It was Lord Ganesha that saw her plight and, feeling sorry for her, took the form of a crow and perched atop the container that had her imprisoned, toppling it to set her free.
8. 
   

   The verdant banks of the river are home to many varieties of trees.
9. 
   

   From white water rafting to angling, Coorg offers many forms of entertainment to her guests. But it is the quiet serenity of the region that draws people back to her again and again.