Madikeri

Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg and has several interesting tourist spots. Some of the prominent tourist spots include the Fort, the former Palace, Omkareshwara Temple, the Gaddige (Rajas' tombs) and the Raja Seat. The town, situated at an elevation of 1525 meters, is located on a plateau on the Western Ghats. Madikeri was founded in 1681by Muddu Raja, a prince of the Haleri dynasty and was named Muddu Rajakeri which later became Madikeri. The British who ruled over Madikeri, called it Mercara. Now, the original name of Madikeri has been restored.

Omkareshwara Temple

The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and the spirit of the priest began tormenting the Raja. On the advice of his Dewan, Ponnappa, the Raja built the temple to appease the Brahmin’s spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance.

Madikeri Fort:

The fort is atop an elevated ground, crowning Madikeri with its imposing structure. The original mud fort was rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan. Two life-size elephants made of mortar, catch the eye of the visitor on entering the Fort. In the inner Fort, a temple of Virabhadra was removed by the British in 1855 and in its place built an Anglican Church. The Church, in Gothic style, with colour stained glasses has now been converted into a museum. The museum, run by the state archaeology department, is a repository of many antiques of Coorg. Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, who settled down in the town after his retirement, has donated the various awards and gifts bestowed on him. The other buildings inside the fort include the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison.

Madikeri Palace:

The Palace of the erstwhile kings located inside the Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner. The brick and mortar Palace was built in 1814 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. The two-storied lofty and spacious structure is 110 feet long. The British renovated the structure twice and in 1933, a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner's car were added.

Gaddige (Rajas' tombs): Gaddige or the tombs of Virarajendra and Lingarajendra at Madikeri is one of the important monuments of Coorg. The royal tombs on a hillock to the north of Madikeri provides a commanding view of the town. Lingarajendra's tomb was built in 1820. There are also the tombs of a Raja's priest and that of two army commanders. A commemorative plaque, eulogizing the bravery of General Biddanda Bopu who fought Tipu Sultan has been recorded by Dodda Veerarajendra in an inscription. The tombs are in the style of Muhammadan edifices with domes in the center and turrets at the angles. The bars of windows made of brass have fine engravings. The grounds surrounding the tombs have been encroached.

Gaddige

Gaddige, Rajas’ tombs or the tombs of Dodda Virarjendra & Lingarajendra II is a significant historical monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu, the Commander-In-Chief of the 18th Century Coorg Army who defeated the Mysorean Army. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings.

Raja's Seat

The Raja's Seat in Madikeri town, the spot from where kings of yore watched sunsets with their consorts, could be considered as one of the most scenic spots in south India. The spot offers a breathtaking view of towering hills, green valleys, studded with paddy fields. It is fascinating to watch the road to Mangalore like a curved ribbon lying in the valley. The Raja's Seat, which means the "Seat of Kings", is a brick and mortar structure with four pillars, was a spot from where the kings of Coorg watched glorious sunsets. The Karnataka government has developed a garden around the Raja's Seat. The spot attracts lot of tourists and morning walkers. For the nature lover, the ideal time to visit the spot is in the morning when the first rays of the sun pierces through the mist covered valley. The district administration has put up a toy train near the Raja's Seat which attracts children. Interestingly, the land-locked Coorg does not have an inch of railways! Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India’s most scenic locations. The view from Raja’s Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja’s Seat.

Abbey Waterfalls

Abbey Falls, sometimes refered to as Abby Falls, is situated just 7 kilometers from Madikeri town. Reaching the place is a jolly ride in itself as the road that you drive on is very narrow with lots of turns and twists, ups and downs. A smiling mother nature welcomes you at every turn. This famous falls, situated on a private property, attracts a large number of tourists around the globe. The water level swells during monsoon. It is highly advised neither to swim nor to go close to the waterfalls. The falls is more enjoyable within the fenced area wherefrom you get its friendly pose for your camera! The best place to have a better view of the falls is by standing on the hanging bridge opposite to the falls itself.

Nehru Mantap

This place is an ideal escape from the crowd and to spend some lonely time. Situated in the vicinity of Raja's seat it is normally unnoticed by majority of tourists. The isolated mantap is situated on a moll-hill behind the Madikeri radio station. From the mantap a panaromic view of distant mountains, a part of the city and sunset are best seen. Nature lovers, Poets and artists might find this place worthwhile. There are around 25-30 steps to reach the mantap.

Golf Ground

Whether you’re planning to make golf the focus of your holiday, or simply want to keep your hand in with a quick half-day on the greens, you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty and public accessibility of Coorg’s golfing landscapes. Golf ground/course of Coorg are very much picturesque. Hence it is a known location for film shooting, mainly dance sequences. Two best golf coarses are located in Mercara and Polibetta. Both Madikeri and Polibetta has a 9-hole golf course residing amidst calm serene and a splendid surrounding.

Talakaveri

Talacauvery, the birthplace of the sacred river Cauvery, is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. On Tula Sankaramana day in the middle of October, thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness a sudden upsurge of water in a small pond, at a predetermined time. Devout Coorgs take a holy dip in a nearby pond and take home the holy water from the small pond to perform worship on the day of Cauvery Sankramana, the holiest national day for the Coorgs. Pilgrims from neighbouring districts and Tamil Nadu visit Talcauvery for a month after Tula Sankramana. The gushing of water from the small pond at an auspicious moment is considered a miracle. After the holy dip, the pilgrims take a flight of steps leading up to the summit of the Brahmagiri Hill, which offers a feast for nature lovers. Bus service is available to Talacauvery from Madikeri.

Bhagamandala

Bhagamandala is on the foothills of Talcauvery and is 39 km from Madikeri. Bhagamandala is the confluence of the sacred rivers of Cauvery and Kannike and legend has it that a third river Sujyothi, a subterranean stream, joins the two rivers. The Bhagandeshwara temple is located on the banks of the two rivers and is one of the important pilgrimage centers in Coorg. Pilgrims proceed to Talcauvery only after offering worship at Bhagamandala. It is customary for the Coorg men to shave their head at Bhagamandala in the event of a bereavement in the family. Bhagamandala is also famous for honey and its apiaries. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.

Dargah sharief of Yemmemadu

Dargah Sharief, the Holy Tomb, of Yemmemadu is one of the most sacred shrines for Muslims in Kodagu district. It is the 'Dargah' or the tomb of Hazrath Sufi Shaeed and Sayyed Hassan Sakaf Halramir who came from Persia and devoted their life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. Sufi Shaeed came to Yemmemadu around 366 years ago to give religious discourses and to help the poor. He soon attracted people of all faiths due to his views and practices. People belonging to various faiths visited the place ever since. Every year 'Urus' or 'Urs' is held here for eight days in their remembrance where devotees gather in large numbers. About three to four lakh devotees cutting across caste, creed, and religion visit this sacred shrine. The number of people visiting Yemmemadu Darga Sharief, mostly from Karnataka and kerala State, has increased of late. On the last day of the 'Urs' food is served to all the visitors.
Females are denied entry into the 'Darga' or the tomb for historic reasons. Separate arrangements has been made to enable them to offer prayers. The Yemmemadu Tajul Islam Muslim Jamaat and the management committee of the Sahidiya Orphanage supervised the Urus and the Darga. The orphanage was constructed in 1997 through public donations.
Note: Muslims do not worship 'Dargah' or the Holy Tomb of Saint/s rather they worship God Almighty through the holy man laid in the tomb; For their blessings are considered most healing as saints or 'Sufis' (Soofi) are considered to be very close to God with their persona, devotion, purity and worships. Sufism is a mystical dimension of Islam.

Nalknad Aramane (Palace)

After escaping from Tippu sultan's troops Doddavirarajendra, a Haleri ruler built this palace at Yavakapadi in Nalknad area. This simple palace is famous for its paintings and carvings. Doddaverarajendra married Mahadevammaji here in 1796. While British army entered Kodagu, the last emperor of Halari family Chikaverarajendra took shelter here. It is located near a village named Yavakapadi and was built between the years 1792 and 1794 A.D. Now this palace belongs to Archaeology department.
The highest peak of Kodagu, Thadiyandamole is situated nearby.

Padi Igguthappa Temple

Padi Iggutappa Temple recembling most of the ancient Keralite temples, in style, is situated in Igguthappadevara betta located in Aiyengeri forest near Kakkabe. It is the supreme diety of worship for the Puthari festival (Harvesting Festival of Coorg).
Iguthappa is another name for Lord Subramanya. The Annual festival is held in the month of March during which time people from all over gather here to offer special prayers. “Tulabhara”, the art of weighing oneself against fruits, sugar, coconuts, rice etc, is an important offering here. This temple is also an important part of Kodava Culture and tradition. Timings: Open 5.30 am - 2 pm, 6 - 7 pm by.

Nagarahole

Nagarhole National Park is also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The word 'Nagarahole(y)' means 'Cobra-river' (Nagara=Cobra snake; Holey=River) in Kannada. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Nagarahole river flows through the park and gradually joins the Kabini river which also is a boundary between Nagarahole and Bandipur. The exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. Variety of Birds, animals and reptiles can be found here. It streches over 640 km², protecting the wildlife of Karnataka. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park (870 km²) and Mudumalai National Park (320 km²), it forms the largest protected area in southern India. Several streams in the Park, are tributaries of the two major rivers in the State, namely, Lakshmanathirtha and Kabini which in turn join the river Cauvery. Forest department vehicles are available for wildlife viewing. The ideal time to visit the park is between September and May. The Forest Department, have their rest houses at Nagarahole. Wild animals found here include the Tiger, Leopard, Indian elephant, Indian bison or gaur, Wild dog, Sloth bear, Indian giant squirrel, Palm civet, Common otter, Four horned antelope, Mouse deer, Indian python, Indian cobra and many more. Variety of The bird life includes the Peacock, Grey jungle fowl, Alexandrine parakeet being some of them.
The Nagarahole Game Sanctuary is one of the most well-maintained game parks in India. The Nagarahole (meaning snake stream in Kannada) sanctuary derives its name from a serpentine river which flows through the park.
Spread over an area of 571 square km in the districts of Coorg and Mysore, the Nagarahole sanctuary is 68 km from Virajpet and 94 km from Mysore via Hunsur and Murkal and 236 km from Bangalore.The Rajiv Gandhi National Park is flanked by Karnataka' s Bandipur National Park and Kerala' s Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary. These three parks, together with Tamil Nadu' s Mudumalai forest and Kerala' s Silent Valley National Park, constitute the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve.
Visitors to the park can spot majestic Asiatic elephants and graceful spotted deer moving in their natural surroundings. The lucky ones can even spot tigers and panthers. Most of the south Indian species of animals could be found in the park. They include besides elephants and tigers, leopard, wild dog, sambar, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, bison, mouse deer, slender loris, jackal, langur, porcupine, Malabar squirrel, striped hyena and the four-horned antelope.
Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests, the park is a store house of 250 species of birds like herons, storks, egrets, ducks, kites, eagles, falcons, patridges, peafowl, lapwings, wagtails, sandpipers, woodpeckers, sunbirds, warblers, babblers, owls, etc. The reptiles in the park include, marsh crocodile, star tortoise, rat snake, Russell' s Viper and Indian python. For a better view of the animals, it is convenient to go on an elephant ride. Visitors are taken around the park in early mornings and in the evenings. The park also has its own safari vehicles for visitors. Private vehicles are allowed, but they should be accompanied by forest guides. Within the park, there are good motorable roads.

Irpu falls

Irpu falls (Irupu Falls) runs down through the Bhramagiri hills located in Kutta village of Coorg. It is a stream of Lakshmana-Theertha river and also a sacred place. The water jets from about 60m high and finally joins river Cauvery. The famous temple of Lord Shiva, known as the Rameshwara Temple, is situated nearby. Wandering beyond the falls is restricted as the whole place is termed as wildlife sanctuary. This narrow water falls is extremely beautiful and soothing. The lush green mountains around the falls makes it look more eligant and picturesque. You can also relax at a refreshing pond halfway up the falls
Irupu Falls, located 48 km from Virajpet on the way to Kutta from Gonikopppal, is both a picnic spot and pilgrimage center. The Falls is located in Kurchi village, not far away from the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole).
A stream flowing flowing down the Brahmagiri hill range, plunges down 170 feet in two stages with a resounding roar into a rocky valley surrounded by dense forest. The Irpu Falls can be approached through a climbing path of one km from the Rameshwara Temple, located near the Lakshmana Theertha river. The temple with Kerala style architecture, attracts a large number of pilgrims during Shivarathri.
Irpu is also ideal for trekking. A forest trail from Irupu Falls leads to the Brahmagiri peak (5700 feet). Ideal time for trekking is between November and February.

Chelavara Waterfalls

This ambushed but majestic stream-falls is an ideal place for budding trekkers and nature lovers. Reaching this place is full of fun and adventurous as one has to cruse through the countryside crossroads all along. You will have to walk for about a kilometer from the parking area to reach the falls. It is fairly easy to climb to the falls, but the incline and trail difficulty increases dramatically in the next few miles if you choose to continue beyond. Two kilometers from the falls is another enigmatic Hill, an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. This falls is often miss-spelled as Chalvera Falls, which is incorrect.

Mallalli Waterfalls

Nestled within the thick Forrest, the Mallalli falls (Mallali Falls) is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Coorg where river Kumaradhara, drops down from over 200 feet. Scattered along the stream you’ll find incredibly misty waterfalls. The Mallalli waterfall looks like a thick veil, flowing from 61 meters above to the waters below. A shimmering falls flowing through both rocks and outlined by brilliant green flora creates a calming atmosphere like no other. Mallalli falls is situated on the foothills of Pushpagiri hill-ranges. Be prepared for a truly magical experience.

Cauvery Nisargadhama

Nisargadhama is a breathtakingingly beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Established in 1989, the picturesque picnic spot with lush foliage of thick bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees has lovely river-side cottages. A deluxe cottage on stilts with the Cauvery flowing around it, can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort. Medicinal plants are also grown. Tourists are allowed to get into water at a few shallow and safe points along the river. The tariff for the cottages range from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000. For reservations, contact the office of the conservator of forests, Kodagu circle, Madikeri. The telephone numbers are 08272-225708 and telefax: 08272-228439. Or contact for reservation, the office of the deputy conservator of forests, Madikeri division, telephone number 08272-228305 and telefax: 08272-228439.
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children’s park and orchidarium in the resort.