Kutta
Kutta is a village in the Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district in Karnataka, India. Located at an elevation of 914 metres (2,999 ft) near the Kabini River, it serves as a primary entry point to Nagarhole National Park and is surrounded by coffee plantations, paddy fields, and the Brahmagiri Mountain Range.[1] As of the 2011 census, Kutta had a population of 5,291.[2] The village is known for its natural attractions, including Iruppu Falls and opportunities for wildlife tourism and adventure activities.[3]Location and Geography
Location
Kutta is situated in the Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district, Karnataka, India, with a location code of 618078.[4] The village lies at the southern tip of Kodagu district, near the border with Kerala.[5] Geographically, Kutta is positioned at coordinates 11.9683°N 76.0522°E, at an elevation of 914 meters above sea level, contributing to its position within the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats.[6] This elevation places it amid the undulating landscapes of the region, including proximity to the Brahmagiri Range.[7] In terms of accessibility, Kutta is approximately 76 km from Madikeri, the district headquarters, 32 km from Ponnampet, the taluk headquarters, and 260 km from Bengaluru, the state capital.[8][9][10] Its location underscores its border proximity, being about 28 km from Mananthavady in Kerala, facilitating cross-state connectivity.[11]Physical Geography
Kutta encompasses a geographical area of 25.58 km², characteristic of a compact border village in the Western Ghats region.[12] Positioned at the southern tip of Kodagu district in Karnataka, it lies adjacent to Wayanad district in Kerala, serving as a transitional zone between the states' diverse landscapes.[13] The village is situated at an elevation of 914 m above mean sea level, contributing to its undulating topography. The terrain of Kutta is predominantly hilly and forested, bounded by expansive coffee plantations and paddy fields to the north, the Brahmagiri Mountain Range to the west, Nagarhole National Park to the east, and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to the south.[14][15][16] These natural boundaries underscore Kutta's role as a gateway to protected ecosystems and agricultural heartlands, with the Brahmagiri Range forming a prominent western escarpment that influences local drainage patterns toward the Kabini River.[17] Land use in Kutta is dominated by agriculture and forestry, with coffee estates covering significant portions of the landscape alongside patches of paddy cultivation in lower valleys. The predominant lateritic soils, reddish and well-drained due to high iron oxide content, support robust coffee cultivation and forested hill slopes, fostering a mosaic of agroforestry and natural vegetation typical of the Coorg highlands.[18][19] This soil profile, formed from weathered basaltic rocks under humid conditions, enables the growth of shade-tolerant coffee varieties interspersed with native tree species on the hills.[20]Climate
Kutta experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by the Western Ghats. The region receives the majority of its precipitation from the southwest monsoon, with intense rainfall occurring primarily between June and September.[21] Annual rainfall in Kutta averages approximately 2,000 mm, though this can vary based on local topography, with denser forested areas nearby receiving up to 3,000 mm. The wet season contributes over 80% of the total precipitation, often leading to heavy downpours that enhance the lush greenery but can cause landslides and flooding, impacting road accessibility.[21][22] Temperatures remain moderate year-round, ranging from 15°C to 30°C, with an average around 15–22°C depending on elevation and season. Winters (December to February) are cooler, dipping to 11–15°C at night, while summers (March to May) are humid and warmer, reaching up to 28–30°C during the day. High humidity levels, often exceeding 70%, prevail throughout the year, contributing to a misty atmosphere.[21][23] The dry season from December to March features clear skies and lower humidity, making it the ideal period for tourism and outdoor activities due to comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. In contrast, the wet season from June to November brings persistent cloud cover and frequent showers, which support local agriculture such as coffee plantations but occasionally disrupt travel and infrastructure.[21][24]Demographics and Economy
Population and Census Data
According to the 2011 Census of India, Kutta village had a total population of 5,291, consisting of 2,582 males and 2,709 females.[25] The village comprised approximately 1,379 households and covered an area of 25.58 km², resulting in a population density of 207 persons per km².[25] The literacy rate stood at 70.69%, with male literacy at 76.63% and female literacy at 64.94%, slightly below the Kodagu district average of 82.61%.[25][26] The demographic composition of Kutta is predominantly Kodava, alongside other South Indian ethnic groups, with Scheduled Castes accounting for 12.53% (663 individuals) and Scheduled Tribes for 32.56% (1,723 individuals) of the population.[25] As a rural village, Kutta has exhibited stable population growth, reflecting broader trends in Kodagu district, which recorded a decadal growth rate of 12.31% from 2001 to 2011.[27] Note: India's 2021 census was delayed; as of 2025, no new data is available. Based on district-level projections, Kutta's population is estimated to have increased by approximately 12% since 2011, reaching about 5,922 by 2025.[28]| Demographic Indicator (2011 Census) | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,291 |
| Males | 2,582 |
| Females | 2,709 |
| Households | 1,379 |
| Population Density (per km²) | 207 |
| Literacy Rate (Total) | 70.69% |
| Literacy Rate (Male) | 76.63% |
| Literacy Rate (Female) | 64.94% |
| Scheduled Castes (%) | 12.53% |
| Scheduled Tribes (%) | 32.56% |