History:The cool bracing wind whips the hair about your faces as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully. Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms. You are in Madikeri (previously known as Mercara). A picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level.Traditional Coorgi Dance Madikeri is the district headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colorful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas, Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan neither the British. And so to this day all kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a license.Typical Kodava Residential Architecture Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian army. The woman are known for their beauty. But what kodavas are famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri is a great place to walk, winding lanes meander off the main street, Mountain trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.
Places of Interest:Raja's Seat,According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. Enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the top of a hill.Raja' Seat,Omkareshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple, built in 1820, is a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.Omkareshwara Temple
Madikeri Fort:In the center of Madikeri, this 19th century fort was once the scene of many a fierce battle. Today, it houses a temple, a chapel, the prison, and a small museum. The fort also offers a panoramic view of Madikeri from its walls.
Madikeri Fort:Rajas' Tomb Situated at the Northern extremity of Mahadevpet at Madikeri. Four Tombs, Veeraraja, 1811; Lingarajendra, 1820 along with Biddanda Bopu - the Worrier of Veeraraja and Biddanda Somaiah - Bopu's son, are seen. Rajas' Tomb,Coffee Plantation,Kodagu is a Coffee Country. The Coffee Estates here produce some of the world's best coffee.
Surrounding Places of Interest:Abbi Falls Just 5 kilometers outside Madikeri, Abbi falls situated in a private coffee estate is a great place for picnic.Abbi Falls,Irpu Falls,48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarahole. There is a temple on the banks of river Lakshmana Theertha. Irpu falls would be a trekker's point.Irpu Falls Bhagamandala Temple 36 Kms from Madikeri. Built in the Kerala style at the confluence of three rivers(the Cauvery, the Kannika and the Sujyothi), this temple houses a variety of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
