Traditional Kodava Lifestyle

The traditional Kodava lifestyle is closely tied to nature, agriculture, and family. Life in the serene hills is relatively peaceful, and the Kodavas have managed to maintain a balanced lifestyle that revolves around farming, particularly coffee cultivation, and living in harmony with the environment. A walk through the rolling hills of Coorg reveals an almost timeless way of life, with rustic homes made from local wood, surrounded by vast expanses of coffee plantations, pepper vines, and dense forests.

At the heart of Kodava culture is the family unit, and most homes still follow traditional practices passed down through generations. Life is also governed by the cycles of nature, with festivals like Kodava New Year (or Poornakumba) marking important moments in the year. Coorg is also home to the Kodava dance, a cultural expression that showcases their deep connection to music, movement, and community.