Madikeri / Mercara

is Situated to about 260 Kms from Bangalore at an height of 1525 Mts above the sea level. Madikeri is the discrict headquarters if coorg now known as Kodagu. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is home to the colourful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas.

Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian Army. The women are known for their beauty But what the Kodavas are really famous for is their hospitality

Places to visit Near Madikeri :
Abbey Falls: located Just to about 8 Kms outside Madikeri, these falls cascade down in steps to flow as a small river. A great place for picnics.

Irupu Falls: Another beautiful picnic spot, the Irupu Falls are on the way to Kutta from Gonikoppal.

Harangi Dam: A reservoir near Kushalnagar is about 36 Kms from Madikeri.

Madikeri Fort: In the centre of Madikeri, this 19th century fort was once the scene of many a fierce battle. The Veerabhadra Temple inside was removed by the British and replaced an Anglian Church, which is now converted to Museum. The Madikeri palace is located inside the fort and was built by the Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. The British renovated the structure twice and in 1933 added a clock tower and a portico.

Raja's Seat: According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. Enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the top of a hill. It offers breathtaking view of towering hills, green valleys, studded with paddy fields. The most fascinating view is the road to Mangalore like a curved ribbon lying in the valley.

Omkareshwara Temple: This temple was built by the Lingarajendra II in 1820 & is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Cauvery Nisargadhama : Known for its calm, serene beauty, this place is an ideal picnic spot visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.

Bhagamandala (39 kms)
It is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.

Talacauvery (44 kms)
This is a sacred pilgrim center among the Kodavas. It is from here that the river Cauvery takes its birth.

How to Reach Madikeri:
By Air : Mangalore is the nearest domestic airport, which is 112  kms away and Bangalore is the nearest international airport, which is 260 kms away.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Hassan, which is 82  km.
By Road : Madikeri is well connected by KSRTC & Private bus services. It is connected to all major cities nearby.

For reservations contact:
Conservator of Forests
Kodagu Circle,
Madikeri.
08272-26308

Tourist Information
Tourist Bureau
PWD Travelers Bungalow,
Madikeri-571 201.
Ph: 0872-6580.

:. Hills Stations .:

Agumbe Hill Station Biligiri Rangana Hills (B R Hills) Kemmangundi Hill Station Kudremukh Hill Station Kodachadri Hill Station Madikeri Nandi Hills Yana Hill Station