RAJA'S SEAT
Raja's Seat is a scenic viewpoint in Madikeri, known for its breathtaking sunset views. It was a favorite spot of the Kodagu kings to watch the sunset and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Distance: 1 km from town centre
Timings: 5.30 AM to 8:00 PM
Musical Fountain Timings: 7:00 PM on weekdays, 6.45 PM to 7.20 PM on weekends
Entry fee: Rs. 5.00 for adults (prices may vary)
MADIKERI FORT
Madikeri Fort, located in the heart of Madikeri town, is a fascinating historic landmark in Coorg, Karnataka. The fort was initially constructed in the last quarter of the 17th century by Mudduraja. Later, Tipu Sultan rebuilt it using stone and bricks, naming it Jaffarabad.
In 1814, Lingarajendra Wodeyar II reconstructed the fort with mortar and bricks. The British also contributed to its renovation. Notable features include a clock tower, a portico for the commissioner’s car, and life-sized elephant sculptures made of mortar. Inside the fort, there was once a temple dedicated to Virabhadra, which was replaced by an Anglican Church in 1855. The church, now converted into a museum, houses various antiques related to Coorg’s history.
- Other Buildings Inside the Fort:
- Mahatma Gandhi Public Library
- Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple (participates in the Madikeri Dasara festival)
- District Prison
Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; closed on Mondays
Entry fee: Free entry
ABBI FALLS
Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls, is a captivating waterfall that cascades down from a 70-foot-high cliff, surrounded by lush greenery. The walk to the falls from the main entrance involves descending around 200 steps through exotic coffee, cardamom, pepper, and other spice plantations.
Distance: 10 km from town centre
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 15; vehicle parking fee applicable
GADDIGE, RAJA’S TOMB
Located approximately 1.5 km away from the Madikeri bus stand, the tombs of Veerajendra and their spouses are positioned side by side, boasting identical structures. Lingarajendra's tomb was constructed in 1809, while Veerarajendra's was completed in 1821. These tombs showcase central gilded domes in the Islamic architectural style, along with corner minaret-like turrets adorned with images of basavas (bulls), which prominently grace the skyline of Madikeri. Additionally, the windows are adorned with finely crafted bronze bars set within sculpted stone frames.
Distance: 1.5 km from town centre
Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Entry fee: 2/-
GEN THIMMAIAH WAR MUSEUM
General Thimmaiah Memorial Museum in Madikeri, Karnataka, is a tribute to the valor of Indian soldiers. Let’s delve into the details:
- General Kodendera Subayya Thimmaiah: A distinguished soldier of the Indian Army, General Thimmaiah served from 1926 to 1961. His notable achievements include commanding the 19th Infantry Division in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1948 conflict, where he led a surprise attack and drove the Pakistani army out of Kashmir. He also served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 until his retirement in 1961.
- Sunny Side Mansion: After years of restoration work, General Thimmaiah’s mansion, known as ‘Sunny Side’, has been transformed into this beautiful war museum. The museum is spread across 2.6 acres on G T Road in Madikeri, Kodagu district.
- Antique Weaponry and War Relics: The museum showcases a variety of artifacts, including:
- Battle Tank ‘Himath’: Strategically placed at the entrance, this tank was used by the Indian Army during the India-Pakistan war in 1971.
- Art and Books: Stunning pieces of art depict the bravery of Indian infantry on the battlefield. The museum also houses books related to the Indian armed forces.
- Arms and Ammunition: Over 50 to 60 years old, the collection includes light and medium machine guns, self-loading rifles, rocket launchers, and various rifles previously used by Indian army soldiers. Notably, the famous Bofors gun, a huge cannon, stands out among the exhibits.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 20
GLASS BRIDGE, MADIKERI
The Glass Bridge, situated 6 km away from Madikeri Bus Stand, is a skywalk bridge positioned on Pappy's Coorg's Coffee Island, Udoth Motte, in Coorg. Found along the Madikeri-Bhagamandala Road, it stands as one of the many renowned tourist destinations in Coorg, drawing visitors from various places year-round.
Distance: 6 km from town centre
Timings: 8.30 AM - 6.30 PM
Entry fee: 200/-
MANDALPATTI VIEWPOINT
Mandalpatti is a picturesque hilltop viewpoint near Madikeri, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. It is a popular trekking destination and is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views.
The cost to visit Mandalpatti, a picturesque viewpoint in Coorg, Karnataka, depends on various factors. Here are the details:
Distance: 18 km from Madikeri; jeep ride is preferred as the road condition is poor and is difficult to access with regular cars.
Entry Fee: Visitors are required to pay an entry fee of ₹25 per person.
Jeep Ride: If you prefer a more convenient way to reach Mandalpatti, you can take a jeep ride. The cost for a group of 6 people is ₹1500.
Parking Fee and Viewpoint Charges: Additionally, there’s a nominal fee for parking, and you’ll also need to pay for access to the viewpoint. The total amount for these charges is ₹45
TOURIST PLACES NEAR MADIKERI
HARANGI TREE PARK AND ELEPHANT CAMP
The new elephant camp was inaugurated on August 8 .2022 at Harangi in Kushalanagar taluk of Kodagu district. The new elephant camp was built in the backwater area on 40 acres of forest department on the right side of Harangi reservoir, adjacent to the tree park. 15 elephant have been shifted from Dubare to Harangi.
Distance: 36 km from Madikeri
Timings: 9:00 am – 11:00 am; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 50.00 for adults (prices may vary)
Activity fees are variable based on the activities chosen
DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP
Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, Dubare Elephant Camp is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can participate in various activities like elephant bathing, feeding, and elephant rides.
Distance: 48 km from Madikeri
Timings: 9:00 am – 11:00 am; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Entry fee: The entry fees for visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg vary based on the activities you choose:
Day Visit for Elephant Camp Activities (inclusive of camp activities, lunch, tea/coffee):
Indians: ₹690 - ₹1,330
Foreigners: ₹1,467 - ₹2,270
Entry Fee for Boat to Main Camp: ₹20 per person
CHIKLIHOLE RESERVOIR
Chiklihole Reservoir is a hidden gem nestled between the scenic locales of Madikeri and Kushalnagar in Coorg, Karnataka. Here are some key details about this serene spot:
Location: Chiklihole Reservoir is approximately 15 km away from both Kushalnagar and Madikeri.
Formation: The reservoir is formed on one of the tributaries of the River Cauvery.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by captivating landscapes, Chiklihole Reservoir offers lush greenery, rich flora, and abundant fauna. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking seclusion away from bustling tourist areas.
Picnic Spot: Besides being a haven for nature enthusiasts, it’s also a perfect picnic spot. Families can enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from the reservoir.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Chiklihole Reservoir is from June to March, covering the monsoon and winter seasons. During this period, the climate is pleasant, and the water level in the dam is higher.
Distinctive Dam Shape: Visitors are drawn to the dam’s unique round shape, which has no crest gates. The water overflows like foam on the curved structure due to increased intake, creating an amazing sight.
Distance: 15 km from Madikeri
Entry Fee and Timings: There is no entry fee to visit Chiklihole Reservoir. The reservoir is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
NAMDROLING MONASTERY, GOLDEN TEMPLE
Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is a remarkable Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the town of Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Here are some key details about this sacred place:
Founder and History:
The monastery was founded by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche in 1963. His Holiness the 3rd Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche laid the foundation stone on July 31, 1963. The Dalai Lama consecrated the monastery and bestowed the name Namdroling. Other names given to the monastery include Thegchog, Shedrub, and Dargyeling. The complete name of the monastery is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling (Land of Increasing Practice and Teaching of the Utmost Yana that achieves spontaneous Liberation).
Architecture and Artwork:
Admire the stunning traditional Tibetan architecture of the Golden Temple, including intricate designs, colorful decorations, and beautiful paintings. The exquisite temple tower and decorative outside walls are artistically covered with beautiful murals.
Monastic Community:
Namdroling Monastery is home to more than 5,000 monks and nuns, making it one of the largest Tibetan settlements outside Tibet. Food, clothing, accommodations, and teachings are provided free of cost to the monastic community.
Timings and Entry:
The monastery is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Free entry for all visitors. Donations are appreciated to support the monastery and its activities.
Spiritual Experience:
Witness the daily prayer rituals of the monks, which are a unique and mesmerizing experience. Take guided tours, learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and participate in meditation and prayer sessions with the monks and nuns.
Location:
Namdroling Monastery is located in Bylakuppe, approximately 30 km from Madikeri.
KAVERI NISARGADHAMA
Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest Park is a delightful island formed by the majestic River Kaveri in Coorg, Karnataka. Here are the key details you need to know for your visit:
Location and Access:
Kaveri Nisargadhama is situated approximately 3 km from Kushalnagar and is easily accessible from Madikeri. The island spans over a lush 64 acres and is surrounded by dense forest, making it a serene getaway.
Natural Beauty:
As you step onto the island, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery, including sandalwood, teak trees, and bamboo groves. The park offers a picturesque setting with riverside cottages and a tranquil ambiance.
Activities and Attractions:
Boating: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the River Kaveri, taking in the scenic beauty around you.
Camping in Tree Houses: For an adventurous experience, consider staying in cozy tree houses within the forest.
Bird Park, Deer Park and Rabbit Park: Explore these areas and observe the wildlife.
River Kaveri View: Don’t miss capturing the sight of the majestic Kaveri river flowing through the dense forest.
Timings and Entry Fee:
The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Entry fee:
₹10 per person for adults
₹5 per person for children
₹100 for Boating
Accommodation in the Forest Resort ranges from ₹700 to ₹1,000 per night.
HARANGI DAM
Harangi Dam is a captivating destination located near Kushalnagar in Coorg, Karnataka. Here are the essential details for your visit:
Location and Scenic Setting:
Harangi Dam is situated in the Hudgur village, approximately 36 km from Madikeri. The dam is built across a tributary of the River Cauvery. With a height of 47 meters and a length of 846 meters, it offers a mesmerizing natural setting and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Harangi Dam is during the months of August to September. During this period, the reservoir is completely filled with water, creating a picture-perfect setting.
Entry Fee and Timings:
The entry fee for adults is ₹10, and for children, it’s ₹5.
Additionally, there’s a parking fee of ₹10.
The dam is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
