The 19th century Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts now houses the prison, a temple, a chapel, a small museum, and assorted government offices. It was originally built as a mud fort by the Haleri Kings. Later, it was demolished and rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. In 1834, the British seized the fort and also had it renovated.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Madikeri Fort is the Omkareshwara Temple, built in 1820 and featuring a blend of red tile-roofed Kerala architecture and Islamic-style domes. The Linga of this Shiva Temple is believed to have been brought from Kashi.
The Raja’s Seat is perched atop a hill. This is where the kings of yore spent many pleasant evenings watching the golden sunset. This vantage point offers a spectacular view of the distant mountain ranges. Another attraction here is the Baba Saheb Express, which is a toy train.
Also visit the tombs of Veerarajendra, his wife and their son Lingaraja, which are oddly Islamic in architecture with its domes and minarets embellished in trellis work. However, the entrance to each tomb has carvings of Hindu deities.
| Around Madikeri : Abbey Falls (9km) |
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Nestling beside the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) and 48km from Virajpet, Iruppu Falls presents a stunning sight during the monsoon. From its humble origins in the Brahmagiri Range, the falls plunge down 170 feet in two distinct stages. The never-ending music of the falls and the hush of the surrounding densely-wooded forest make this a great picnic spot. The Rameshwara Temple, located close to the Lakshmana Theertha River, attracts a large number of pilgrims during the Shivaratri festival. A forest trail leads from these falls to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu.
| Cauvery Nisargadhama (25km) |
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Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri hills is the source of the Cauvery River, with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. On Tula Sankramana day (October 17th) thousands of pilgrims flock to the river’s birthplace to witness the miraculous rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. Steps lead from the spring to the summit of the hill, commanding superb views en route.
This is the confluence of three rivers: Cauvery, Kanika, and Sujyothi. Among many small shrines dedicated to various gods, the Bhagandeshwara Temple, standing in a large courtyard surrounded by Kerala-style temples, is the most impressive. Bhagamandala region is known for its apiaries and Kodagu honey.
Virajpet is a small town, reputed to be the largest producer of honey in Asia. Iruppu Falls is 48km from here on the Nagarahole road. Close to the Lakshmana Theertha River, the Sri Rameshwara Temple, believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva by Lord Rama himself, is a place of pilgrimage. It is a favourite haunt of picnickers and pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival.
One of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India, it is known for its monasteries, handicrafts, carpet factories, and incense factory. The landscape is dotted with several monasteries; the main ones amongst these are the Great Gompa of Sera Jey and Sera Mey. The Mahayana Buddhist University is located here. It also has an enormous prayer hall. The other important monastery in the neighbouring settlement of Bylekuppe is Tashi Lhumpo, renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama.
| Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) |
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15km from Kushal Nagar, this reserve forest is famed for its amazing variety of avian fauna, an elephant training camp and angling possibilities on the Cauvery River.
Situated in North Kodagu, this dam is a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a weekend holiday.
For those who have a head for heights, Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, is a paradise. On a clear day you can view the distant Arabian Sea and the enchanting beauty of the whole of Kodagu from here. Situated in the heart of the Tadiyendamol range, in the village of Yavakapadi, is the Nalknad Palace which was constructed by Dodda Raja Veerendra, the king of Kodagu, in 1792. The palace, with its 12 magnificent pillars and walls adorned with beautiful carvings, tell many a tale of yore. It is now being used as a camping site for trekkers. Kakkabe, a small town 35km from Madikeri, gives access to the highest peak in Kodagu. The nearby Padi Iggutappa temple is the most important temple in Kodagu.
Two of the best golf courses in Coorg can be found in Polibetta and Madikeri. Madikeri has a 9-hole golf course spread amidst quiet and pastoral surroundings. Polibetta in South Coorg also has a 9-hole golf course.
Located near Kushal Nagar on the banks of the River Cauvery is the Valnur Fishing Camp, where avid fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling for Mahseer. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a haven for birdwatchers, with innumerable avian species to be spotted and identified.
