Madikeri

India

The Rajas Seat viewpoint Gaddige Tomb, Madikeri Madikeri Fort Madikeri (also Mercara) is a beautiful hill station and capital of Kodagu region of Karnataka State, between Mangalore and Mysore.

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. Kodagu became the part of British India after 1834 A.D.

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century. After their fall, the local chieftains (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. These were defeated by the Haleri kings who ruled Kodagu from 1600-1834 A.D. Haleri kings made the place Haleri, near Madikeri as their capital. Mudduraja, the third king among the Haleri kings started leveling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. This place was named as Muddurajakeri which later became Madikeri. Kodagu became the part of British India after 1834 A.D.

The traditional Saree is worn here in reverse, and you can still see older women wearing it in the traditional Kodagu's style.

  • Abbey Falls. Beautiful falls 7-9 km from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plantation. Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. A rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop is ₹150, but if you would like to take a swim at the pool, then a longer stay is advised. Negotiat the price beforehand, aim for around ₹200 for a 2 hr stay.
  • Bhagamandala Temple. This temple is built at the confluence of three rivers; Cauvery, Kannika and Sujyothi. The temple is built in the Kerala style.
  • Dubbare Elephant camp. The road in passes through scenic rice fields and coffee estates. Activities include boat rides, rafting and the cauvery. Crossing the river to take you to the camp is quite adventurous.
  • Kushal Nagar. The largest Tibetan Settlement in Southern India and monastery locally called "Golden Temple", in Bylakuppe, near Kushal Nagar. There are 2 monasteries now nearby, one old and the other is new. Don't miss the new, on the way, while going towards old one. You can shop for Tibetan and Chinese handicrafts, decorative and religious items.
  • Madikeri Fort. This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner.
  • Nisargadhama. a beautiful picnic spot called Nisargadhama. Park is not too great, has some bamboo "machans" on trees, but the best part of it is the river is on the back-side. If you want to go for elephant ride at Nisarga Dhama, please remember to buy ride-tickets along with your entry-ticket before you get in. They do not sell ride-tickets inside; it is a 0.5 km walk back to ticket counter if you forget.
  • Omkareshwara Temple. In the middle of Medikeri, built in a Mohammedan style.
  • Raja's Seat. Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw). It's a fantastic scene during sun rise or sunset.
  • Talakaveri. The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on 17 or 18 October. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu people. Cauvery river starts here. You can see a very beautiful view of western ghats by climbing the Brahmagiri Hill. Can be reached by bus.

Abbey Falls. Beautiful falls 7-9 km from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plantation. Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. A rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop is ₹150, but if you would like to take a swim at the pool, then a longer stay is advised. Negotiat the price beforehand, aim for around ₹200 for a 2 hr stay.

Bhagamandala Temple. This temple is built at the confluence of three rivers; Cauvery, Kannika and Sujyothi. The temple is built in the Kerala style.

Dubbare Elephant camp. The road in passes through scenic rice fields and coffee estates. Activities include boat rides, rafting and the cauvery. Crossing the river to take you to the camp is quite adventurous.

Kushal Nagar. The largest Tibetan Settlement in Southern India and monastery locally called "Golden Temple", in Bylakuppe, near Kushal Nagar. There are 2 monasteries now nearby, one old and the other is new. Don't miss the new, on the way, while going towards old one. You can shop for Tibetan and Chinese handicrafts, decorative and religious items.

Madikeri Fort. This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner.

Nisargadhama. a beautiful picnic spot called Nisargadhama. Park is not too great, has some bamboo "machans" on trees, but the best part of it is the river is on the back-side. If you want to go for elephant ride at Nisarga Dhama, please remember to buy ride-tickets along with your entry-ticket before you get in. They do not sell ride-tickets inside; it is a 0.5 km walk back to ticket counter if you forget.

Omkareshwara Temple. In the middle of Medikeri, built in a Mohammedan style.

Raja's Seat. Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw). It's a fantastic scene during sun rise or sunset.

Talakaveri. The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on 17 or 18 October. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu people. Cauvery river starts here. You can see a very beautiful view of western ghats by climbing the Brahmagiri Hill. Can be reached by bus.

  • Brahmagiri. Wild life sanctuary near Nagarahole National Park. Trekking distance 24 km to and from (80 km from Madikeri).
  • Igguthappa Kundu. Trekking distance 12 km to and from (40 km from Madikeri).
  • KoteBetta, (5400 ft). Trekking distance 14 km to and from (22 km from Madikeri).
  • Nishanimotte. Trekking distance 12 km to and from (6 km from Madikeri).
  • Pushpagiri, (5626 ft). Trekkers can cross to Subramanya, in Dakshina Kannada district from Pushpagiri Range.
  • Thadiyandamole, (5729 ft). Micro hotspot of bio-diversity in South India, the Trekkers paradise. Breathtaking views of Arabian sea and Kerala coast.

Brahmagiri. Wild life sanctuary near Nagarahole National Park. Trekking distance 24 km to and from (80 km from Madikeri).

Igguthappa Kundu. Trekking distance 12 km to and from (40 km from Madikeri).

KoteBetta, (5400 ft). Trekking distance 14 km to and from (22 km from Madikeri).

Nishanimotte. Trekking distance 12 km to and from (6 km from Madikeri).

Pushpagiri, (5626 ft). Trekkers can cross to Subramanya, in Dakshina Kannada district from Pushpagiri Range.

Thadiyandamole, (5729 ft). Micro hotspot of bio-diversity in South India, the Trekkers paradise. Breathtaking views of Arabian sea and Kerala coast.

Toy Train for Children, Near Rajadarshan Hotel (2 km.

Valley Watch, Raja Seat Mandap (2 km.

Madikeri is famous for coffee and pork, you can also try for good quality liquor which suites the local condition

Family Bakery, Near Telephone Exchange (1 km.

Mahesha Bakery, Near Private Bus stand (1 km.

Idli and Pork are popular in Madikeri

Madikeri is famous for pork. It is one of the few places in India where pork is a delicacy.

Vegetarians may like Kanika International in Kushal Nagar. However it is at the foothills of Madikeri & one may not like it as there is no good view of the hills there.

Athithi Pure Vegetarian, Near Police Station (1 km.

Coorg Cuisine, Near Post Office (1 km.

Popular Woodlands Vegetarian, Near KSRTC (0 km.

Pranam Restaurant, Junior College Road (1 km.

Raintree Restaurants, 13/41, Pension Ln (Behind Town hall, +91 9741047001. Multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant.

Red Fern Restaurant, Near Omkareshwara Temple (1 km, +91 82722 29192.

Shanthi Bites, Opp Nisargadam, B.M.Road Kushal Nagar, Coorg (26 km, +91 9480674674. 10AM to 10AM. A variety of tasty dishes of south-north Indian, European, Chinese and Tibetan styles are available.

Neel Sagar Restaurant, Madikeri Junction. Quality vegetarian food.

Chinnamma Restaurant, Near Police Station. Vegetarian options.

Most Hotels come with attached bars. There are several liquor shops attached throughout the city.

Church side bar, Near Police station (1 km.

West End Bar, Near KSRTC (0 km.