Coorg Braces for Tourist Influx During Good Friday-Easter Weekend; Locals Expect Traffic Woes

Known for its scenic landscapes, coffee plantations, and cool climate, Coorg remains a top choice for both relaxation and adventure.

MADIKERI: With the upcoming Good Friday and Easter long weekend from April 18 to 20, Kodagu (Coorg) is expected to witness a heavy influx of tourists, especially from Bengaluru. As travel portals and news sites highlight Coorg as a prime getaway destination, resorts and homestays across the district are already reporting near-full bookings.

The long weekend, beginning on April 18 (Good Friday) and culminating in Easter Sunday on April 20, presents an ideal opportunity for city dwellers to escape to the hills. Known for its scenic landscapes, coffee plantations, and cool climate, Coorg remains a top choice for both relaxation and adventure.

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However, this seasonal rush is likely to come at a cost to the local population. Residents in key towns such as Madikeri, Virajpet, Kushalnagar, and Gonikoppa are bracing for traffic congestion, crowded public spaces, and environmental damage.

Speaking to The Kodagu Express, Ganesh Aiyappa, a resident of Madikeri, said, “Every long weekend it’s the same story. Roads get blocked, parking becomes impossible, and basic movement within town is a struggle since already our roads are narrow and in bad conditions. We can’t even go to the market in peace.”

Another local from Virajpet, Priyanka Cariappa,said, “Tourism is important for our economy, but many tourists lack civic sense. They litter, they play loud music, and some don’t even respect our local culture or environment. More importantly, the traffic issue we face at this time is horrible. ”

It is important to note that while tourism does bring revenue to the district, Kodagu's economy is not solely dependent on it. Agriculture, especially coffee, pepper, and paddy cultivation, remains the backbone of the region. Thousands of families rely on farming as their primary livelihood, and disruptions caused by tourist traffic can impact daily agricultural routines as well.

Locals also point out that such surges are not limited to Easter weekends alone. Kodagu sees similar overcrowding during year-end holidays, New Year, other major festivals and long weekends. Apart from traffic snarls, there have been repeated complaints of tourists discarding garbage in forested areas, damaging flora, and disregarding eco-tourism norms.

While tourism remains a vital part of Kodagu's economy, residents are urging visitors to be more mindful and respectful of the region’s fragile environment and quiet charm.

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