Madikeri

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.

By road

Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. It is 120 km from Mysore and 136 km from Mangalore. From Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, take the State Highway 17 (Bangalore-Mysore highway) and take a deviation just after the town of Srirangapatna to join State Highway 88 towards Madikeri. From Bangalore, Madikeri is at a distance of 252 km. Nearby towns are Hassan (115 km) in Karnataka state and Cannanore and Tellicherry in the Kerala state (each around 115 km away).

By rail

Madikeri does not have a railway station. Nearest railheads are Hassan, Kasaragod, Cannanore and Tellicherry (each of which are almost equidistant 115 km away). Mysore and Mangalore have railway stations with very good rail connectivity and are good alternatives to reach Madikeri.

By air

Madikeri does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Mangalore (136 km away) and Calicut (180 km). Bangalore airport is an alternative. However, with the upgradation of the existing Mysore airport, that would be the nearest airport to Madikeri.Kannur International Airport which has recently started services is now the closest Airport to Madikeri.

Taxis and Autorikshaws are available at reasonable rates. Local buses are not available in plenty. Walking may look tedious inside the town but once you are one km away from the main road it is a very pleasant experience with the smell of coffee piercing your nose.

• Abbey FallsBeautiful 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 TempleThis temple is built at the confluence of three rivers; Cauvery, Kannika and Sujyothi. The temple is built in the Kerala style.

• Dubbare Elephant campThe 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 NagarThe 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 FortThis 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.

• Nisargadhamaa 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 TempleIn the middle of Medikeri, built in a Mohammedan style.

• Raja's SeatLegend 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.

• TalakaveriThe 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.

• Toy Train for Children

  address: Near Rajadarshan Hotel

• Valley Watch

  address: Raja Seat Mandap

Trekking

• 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.

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

• Family Bakery

  address: Near Telephone Exchange

• Mahesha Bakery

  address: Near Private Bus stand

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

  address: Near Police Station

• Coorg Cuisine

  address: Near Post Office

• Popular Woodlands Vegetarian

  address: Near KSRTC

• Pranam Restaurant

  address: Junior College Road

• Raintree Restaurants

  phone: +91 9741047001
  address: 13/41, Pension Ln
  Multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant.

• Red Fern Restaurant

  phone: +91 82722 29192
  address: Near Omkareshwara Temple

• Shanthi Bites

  phone: +91 9480674674
  address: Opp Nisargadam, B.M.Road Kushal Nagar, Coorg
  A variety of tasty dishes of south-north Indian, European, Chinese and Tibetan styles are available.

• Neel Sagar Restaurant

  address: Madikeri Junction
  Quality vegetarian food.

• Chinnamma Restaurant

  address: Near Police Station
  Vegetarian options.

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

• Church side bar

  address: Near Police station

• West End Bar

  address: Near KSRTC

Budget

• Hotel Fort View

  phone: +91 8272 225266
  address: Kohinoor Rd
  Double deluxe room (with TV and non-attached bathroom/toilet) ₹300-₹500.

• Home Stay-Alath CadA homestay with a small stream within its compound and an impressive coffee and pepper plantation.

• Kaveri Lodge

  address: Near Private Bus Stand

• Madikeri Heritage

  address: Near Bus Station

• Popular Lodge

  phone: +91 221644
  address: Opp. KSRTC. .

• Tourist Lodge

  phone: +91 8272 28782 22062
  address: Mangalore Road

• Vinayaka Lodge

  address: Near Bus Stand

Mid-range

• Cauvery Nisarga DhamaBuilt upon an island with the river flowing around it. Peaceful ambience. Food not so great. You may need to shell out ₹200 extra as a sign of goodwill.

• Kedakal Estate

  phone: +91 89 71112410, +91 94 48284341
  address: Kedakal Post, North Coorguntikoppa
  A boutique homestay in a 1880s bungalow and nestled amongst a coffee plantation. A 4 bedroom bungalow of which 3 are dedicated to guests. Large pool, jacuzzi and quad bikes.

• Kushal Home Stay

  phone: +91 9341838605
  Double room with TV approx ₹1,500-₹2,500 (Prices vary with season).

• Mercara Inn

  phone: +91 120 4666422
  Double room with TV approx ₹700

• Raja Darshan

  address: Near Raja Seat

Splurge

• Windflower Resorts and Spa

  phone: +91 8276 - 262500
  address: Survey No. 201/P1, Kedakal Village

• Chikmagalur
• Honnamana Kere - A religious site and tourist destination
• Mangalore
• Mysore.