Madikeri, also known as Mercara, is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It is the headquarters of Kodagu district and is situated at an altitude of 1525 meters above sea level. Madikeri is a popular tourist destination known for its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, rich culture and historical significance.
History of Madikeri:
Madikeri has a rich historical background and has been ruled by various kingdoms like Gangas, Kadambas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire. In the 17th century, the city became the capital of the Kodagu kingdom, which was ruled by the Haleri kings. In the 18th century, Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, conquered Madikeri, and at the beginning of the 19th century, Madikeri became the capital of the kingdom.
Tourist attractions in Madikeri:
Raja's Seat: The Raja's Seat is a beautiful garden in the heart of Madikeri city. It is a popular place for tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the city and surrounding hills. Raja's Seat offers a panoramic view of the valley and is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Omkareshwara Temple: Omkareshwara Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the center of Madikeri. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra II. The temple features a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with a dome-shaped structure and four minarets.
Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls is a stunning waterfall located about 8 km from Madikeri. It is surrounded by lush greenery and coffee plantations, and the falls plunge from a height of 70 feet. Visitors can take a dip in the pool below the waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Madikeri Fort: Madikeri Fort is an ancient fort built in the 17th century by Mudduraja. It was built in the 17th century by Mudduraja. In the 18th century the fort was occupied by Tipu Sultan and later by the British in the 19th century. Today it is a popular tourist destination and houses a museum, a temple and a prison.
Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp is a unique wildlife experience located about 28 km from Madikeri. Visitors can watch the elephants being bathed, fed and trained by the mahouts. The camp also offers activities such as barge rides, bird watching and trekking.
Talacauvery: Talacauvery is a sacred place located about 48 km from Madikeri. It is the source of the river Cauvery and a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Visitors can take a bath in the holy water and pray in the temple of Goddess Cauvery.
Nisargadhama: Nisargadhama is a beautiful island located about 28 km from Madikeri. It is surrounded by the Cauvery River and is known for its lush greenery, bamboo groves and wildlife park. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as boat rides, elephant excursions and ziplining.
Mandalpatti: Mandalpatti is a beautiful hill station, about 20 km from Madikeri. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a popular place for trekking and camping.
Culture and cuisine of Madikeri:
Madikeri has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional art forms such as Kodava dance, music and martial arts. The Kodava community is the most important ethnic group in Madikeri.
