Madikeri is a popular hill station in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Madikeri is famous for the Raja’s Seat, a popular monument. Madikeri is guarded by the majestic mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It is a popular holiday spot located at an elevation of 1,150 meters. It was previously known as Muddu Raja Keri. Muddu Raja Keri means Mudduraja’s town.
It was named after prominent Haleri king Mudduraja who ruled the district of Kodagu from 1633 to 1687. The place underwent several named changes. During British rule, it was named Mercara and later renamed Madikeri by the Government of Mysore. Madikeri has had a very glorious history, and it holds a significant place in India’s history.
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Madikeri, the capital of Coorg, is gifted with an abundance of natural beauty. The beautiful hill has scenic landscapes, majestic mountain ranges, cascading falls, dense forest cover, breathtaking tea and coffee plantations. The beauty of the hill town earns it the title of the “Scotland of India.” It is also known as “Kashmir of South.” Madikeri has a lot to offer to tourists.
Top Madikeri tourist places you Must not miss…
Chiklihole Reservoir:
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Chiklihole Reservoir is a popular place to visit. Away from the crowd, Chiklihole is one of the most popular places to visit in the hill town. Located between Madikeri and Kushalnagar, Chiklihole is located close to the town of Nanjarayapattana. The dense forest is home to rich flora and fauna and has a very charming vibe. It is a secluded place where you can enjoy a relaxing stay amid nature. However, you’ll have to carry basic amenities as the place has no shops.
Abbey Falls:
One of the top places to visit near Madikeri, Abbey Falls, is just 1 km from the hill town. It is a popular picnic spot that was previously also known as Jesse Falls. Surrounded by a dense green cover, the cascading waterfall is famous for its natural beauty. The waterfall is located between majestic coffee plantations and spice estates. Gifted with jaw-dropping sceneries, the breathtaking waterfall makes its way through rocks to form a pool. The waterfalls also have a hanging bridge close to the waterfall that offers glorious views of the region.
Honnamana Kere Lake:
Honnamana Kele Lake is a very popular tourist spot in Coorg. Located in Daddamalthe, Honnamana Kere is the largest lake in the region. A heaven for a nature lover, the lake also holds great religious significance. There’s a temple dedicated to the goddess Honnaman near the lake. Surrounded by vast green fields, the lake is famous for its scenic beauty. It is an ideal picnic spot for nature lovers to spend quality time with their loved ones. You can indulge in sightseeing or some other outdoor activities such as boating, fishing.
Also Read, Coorg: The Scotland of India
Dubare Elephant Camp:
A special place for wildlife enthusiasts, Dubare Elephant Camp, attracts tourists from all across the world. Situated on the banks of River Kaveri, the elephant camp is located in Karnataka’s Coorg. The forest department takes care of the camp and houses a significant population of elephants- the gentle giants. Tourists get to enjoy quality time amid lush greenery upon visiting the camp. Elephants are trained here under naturalists. The special thing about the camp is that tourists can participate in several activities with elephants.
Madikeri Fort:
As told earlier, Madikeri also holds a great historical significance, and Madikeri Fort is an integral part of the hill town’s history. It is one of the must-visit places in Coorg. The fort was first built by Mudduraja in the late 17th century, and it was later renovated by Tipu Sultan. The fort has been witness to several battles and successions. The fort has two life-sized elephants made of mortar at the entrance of the fort. The church’s architecture is a combination of traditional Indian and Gothic styles. The fort is now used as the office of the Deputy Commissioner.
Mandalpatti Trek:
A heaven for adventure junkies, Mandalpatti is one of the best trekking routes in Coorg. It is another must-visit place in the region. Mandalpatti is located just 4 km from Abbey falls and 25 to 30 km from Mandalpatti town. Known for majestic sceneries, the trekking route passes through vast green fields and helps you closer to nature. You’ll have to take entrance tickets to go for the trek. It is advisable to carry some basic amenities while going for the trek.
Raja’s Seat:
Raja Seat is one of the most important spots in Madikeri from a historical point of view. It is a majestic viewpoint and was a favorite spot for the kings of Coorg. Raja’s seat is also known as the “Seat of the Kings.” Raja’s Seat offers a majestic view of the vast green cover of Coorg from the platform situated at a significant height. The view of the sunset from Raja’s Seat is simply amazing.
