The city houses the historic Madikeri Fort, the Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and some beautiful viewpoints such as Raja's Seat. Around Madikeri, there are many recreational and pilgrimages such as Abbey and Irupu Falls.
Madikeri
Cool, beautiful-with lovely walks, wonderful views of the sea, and old buildings such as a historic fort and a palace-the small hill station of Madikeri, 125 km west of Mysore at an elevation of 1,525 metres, is set in the heart of the exotic coffee-growing country. Also known as Mercara, this little hill township is considered as the capital of the Coorg region. The town, which is perched on a series of ridges that command breathtaking views, was a miniscule state in its own right till a few decades ago. Around Madikeri roll the coffee estates. Karnataka leads in coffee production and Coorg accounts for almost half of the total coffee production in the state. The estates attract a large variety of birds, wild elephants and an occasional boar. The elephants search around for tender coconut shoots, jackfruits and papayas and it is not uncommon to come across them while motoring around in Coorg.
Madikeri Fort
The fort was initially constructed of mud, only to be replaced later by a stronger one in stone by Tipu Sultan, who ruled for a brief period over this region in the 18th century. Tipu's fort is an essential feature of the town even today.
Inside the fort wall stands the palace of the Lingayat rulers. It is a simple double-storey structure, quite unlike the grand palaces one sees elsewhere in India. Two elephants, built of cement and mortar, stand in the compound. The elephants have an interesting story behind them. The king use to be woken up every morning by two of his favourite elephants trumpeting under his window. One day he sent word to the mahout that he wanted to sleep late. The order never reached the man and he brought the elephants at the usual time and woke up the king. The king was furious. He had the elephants and the mahout killed. Later he regretted his action and got images of the elephants constructed. They are not much to look at, but then one shouldn't be looking for sculptural excellence in Coorg.
Raja's Seat
If you have come away to enjoy the natural beauty in Coorg, come to Raja's Seat, a favourite spot of the kings from where one can see the sweep of the mist-covered blue hills and valleys with green fields. The kings used to sit here every evening enjoying the sunset and beauty of Coorg. Today, the area around Raja's Seat has been developed into a public garden.
Omkareshwara Temple
The Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu, is almost 200 years old and is a surprising blend of Islamic and Gothic styles.
Abbey Falls
The picturesque Abbey Falls, which is 8 km from Madikeri, is a good place for picnics. However, no regular transport is available to this place and private arrangements need to be made for a trip to the falls.
Iruppu Falls
Iruppu, 91 km from Madikeri, is a well-known pilgrim centre, associated with Rama, hero of the Ramayana. A Shiva Temple stands on the bank of the River Ramathiratha. On Mahashivratri day, thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the river.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
It would take at least a week to explore the entire Coorg area. However, there are other places nearby too which should not be missed on a trip to Coorg. Talcauvery is the place where the River Cauvery originates. Nagarhole National Park is one of the better-managed Indian wildlife sanctuaries. Coorg being the major producer of coffee and oranges in India, it is but imperative that main centre of research in the production of coffee and oranges, the Horticulture Research Centre is located in this district. Harangi, situated 36 km from Madikeri, is a popular picnic spot famous for its treehouses.
Talacauvery
Talacauvery is 47 km from Madikeri and 9 km from Bhagamandala. Located 145.7 metres above sea level, it is the source of the River Cauvery. It is believed that on Tula Sankaramana day usually on October 17, the spring gushes forth with extra velocity. Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park (93 km) provides excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, one can see the swift-footed spotted deer, bison, elephant, wild boar and jackal, different species of monkey, and with luck even the mighty tiger. Nagarhole, the game sanctuary, covers an area of 284 sq km with tropical and deciduous forests. The state transport corporation provides transport inside the sanctuary.
Harangi
Situated near the Kushalnagar in North Coorg, Harangi Reservoir is a popular picnic spot. The reservoir is located at a distance of around 36 km from Madikeri and famous for its treehouses.
Horticulture Research Centre
The Horticulture Research Centre, 24 km from Madikeri, is on the Madikeri-Siddapur-Virajpet road and is run by the government. The best months for a visit to this centre are March and April as it is coffee blossom time in Coorg. One can see the coffee bushes sheltered from the sun's direct rays by tall sentinel-like trees over which dark green pepper vines trail. Stretches of these white flowers exude a heady fragrance and their collective magnificence is an unforgettable sight. When the blossoms give way to berries, the bushes are cropped. The cherry red fruit is then pulped, the separated coffee seeds dried and sent to the curing works.
Events and Festivals
Mahashivratri
Iruppu, 91 km from Madikeri, is a well-known pilgrim centre, associated with Rama, hero of the Ramayana. A Shiva Temple stands on the bank of the River Ramathiratha. On Mahashivratri day, thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the river.
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