A Century on the Greens: Discovering Somwarpet’s Historic Golf Course

Nestled amid the misty hills and coffee estates of Kodagu, the Somwarpet golf course stands as a quiet reminder of the region’s colonial past and enduring charm. Over a hundred years old, this scenic course is not just a sporting venue but a cultural landmark that reflects the leisurely traditions once embraced by plantation communities. Surrounded by rolling greenery and cool mountain air, the space offers visitors a glimpse into a slower, more elegant era of recreation.

Walking across the course today, one can sense how nature and sport have blended over time. The open stretches of manicured grass contrast beautifully with the wild Western Ghats landscape that frames the horizon, making the location appealing even to those who have never held a golf club. Locals and visitors alike often treat it as a peaceful retreat — a place to stroll, photograph, or simply soak in the calm that Somwarpet is known for.

Beyond its visual appeal, the course carries historical value that enriches Kodagu’s tourism narrative. It represents one of the lesser-known recreational legacies of the district, showing how outdoor sport evolved alongside coffee cultivation and settlement patterns in the hills. Highlighting such heritage destinations allows travelers to experience Kodagu beyond its waterfalls and viewpoints, revealing stories rooted in community and tradition.

For modern explorers and travel writers, the Somwarpet golf course offers an unusual yet meaningful stop on a Kodagu itinerary. Whether visited as part of a countryside drive or explored during a quiet afternoon, it delivers a blend of history, scenery, and local character that feels both authentic and refreshing. As interest grows in offbeat destinations, this century-old green continues to hold its place — not as a crowded attraction, but as a timeless landscape worth rediscovering.