Madikeri

Madikeri is a hill station town in Karnataka state, India. Also known as Mercara, it is the headquarters of the district of Kodagu(also called Coorg). It is a popular tourist destination.

Places to visit:

Raja’s Seat (Seat of the King) is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains. It is one of the most important tourist spots in madikeriof Coorg District. It is 270 km away from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka.

A pleasant spectacle of refreshing layers of greenery, chain of high and low-rise-mountains attired with mist, the Raja Garden is one-time-favorites of Kings of Kodagu who used to watch the setting sun, and spend time with their queens here.[1] The structure is small square in brick and mortar of four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. This lovely spot was a favorite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising in the east, the mist shrouded valley below offers a rare sight. The golden light of the setting sun is a splendor to watch. There is also an attraction of the Toy Train for children.

This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Zafarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Linga Rajendra II between 1812 and 1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants, and a church is present in the south-east corner. There is a famous Lord Ganesha temple known as “Kote ganapathi” just at the main entrance of the fort.

Located at the heart of the Town, Omkareshwara temple was built by king Linga Rajendra II in 1820. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture, built around a central pool. It is said Linga Rajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. That Brahmin became a “Brahmarakshasa” and started troubling the king. In order to purify himself for the killing of a Brahmin, he was advised to construct a temple to Lord Shiva. He brought a Shivalinga from Kashi, and the temple was built and named “Omkareshwara”.

This dis-used church is located within the Mercara Fort, Coorg, India and was raised in 1859, by the officers and men of the East India Company and funded by the Government of Madras, under the Church of England in India, Diocese of Madras. The Church was closed after Indian independence, and taken over by the Government of Karnataka in 1971. The building now houses the Madikeri Fort Museum, managed by the Karnataka State Archaeological Department.

Located amidst the sandal groves a few hours from Bangalore and Mysore, in Karnataka state, South India, Namdroling was established by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche shortly after he came to India from Tibet. With only 300 rupees in his hand and with just a handful of monks, he laid the foundation stone of the three-storied main temple that then covered an area of 80 square feet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bequeathed the name “Namdroling Monastery.” Today the monastery is home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns, renowned as a center for the pure upholding of the teachings of the Buddha.

Nestled near Madikeri, Abbey falls is one of the most amazing attractions in the Coorg. . The picturesque view of the fall will surely take your breath away and also provide you with quite a few Kodak moments. The waterfall comes down from a height of 70 feet and provides a superb vista. You will also find a hanging bridge across the gorge from which an exceptional view of this waterfall is a sight to remember.

Nisargadhama is a forest resort in Coorg just 3kms from Kushalnagar towards Madikeri off the state highway. Nisargadhama is a 25 acre island formed by river Kaveri with bamboos, teak, sandalwood trees streams and wild life covering it.

At Nisargadhama one can find deer, elephants, peacocks and some other usual wild animals if lucky. One can take a ride on the elephant around the resort for an unforgettable ride of the life time.

Nisargadhama is also famous for its hanging bridge which connects the island and helps travelers to cross the Cauvery river. A new bridge has been constructed now just beside the old and shaky hanging bridge.

Visitors can enjoy boating, Elephant rides and swimming apart from just watching Nisargadhama’s natural beauty.

Iruppu falls (also spelled Irpu falls or Irupu falls or Irrupu falls) is one of the most popular waterfalls of Coorg. Located near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), Iruppu falls is very popular tourist spot because of its beauty and easy accessability. Tarred roads lead you right till the base of the hill, from where concrete steps lead you right into the waterfall. The Forest department has arranged seating areas from where visitors can relax and admire the view of the falls. The entire path to the waterfall is densely wooded