Kodagu , the picturesque sleepy hills surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, has overtaken Munnar in Kerala as a must-see place. 

According to the figures available with Karnataka and Kerala tourism departments in 2010, Kodagu had 5,94,467 tourists (5,87,216 domestic and 7,251 foreign tourists ), double that of Munnar which saw 2,45,438 tourists (of them, 19,690 foreign tourists). Up to November 2011, Kodagu saw a quantitative leap with over 15 lakh visitors.

"It is a huge number considering Kodagu is yet to be exploited commercially. Tourists to Karnataka ensure they accommodate a trip to Kodagu," said K Viswanatha Reddy, director, department of tourism, Karnataka. Its popularity is largely attributed to the quality homestays that have come up in recent times.