'''Madikeri''' (also Mercara) is a beautiful hill station and capital of Kodagu region of Karnataka State, between Mangalore and Mysore.
Understand
Madikeri was formerly known as Muddurajakeri. Muddurajakeri which means Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687.
The form of the name often used in English, Mercara, is derived from Madikeri by a standard transformation of the retroflex 'd' to an 'r' consonant.
The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century. After their fall, the local chieftains (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. These were defeated by the Haleri kings who ruled Kodagu from 1600-1834 A.D. Haleri kings made the place Haleri, near Madikeri as their capital. Mudduraja, the third king among the Haleri kings started leveling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. This place was named as Muddurajakeri which later became Madikeri. Kodagu became the part of British India after 1834 A.D.
The traditional Saree is worn here in reverse, and you can still see older women wearing it in the traditional Kodagu's style.
Other destinations
Honnamana Kere - A Holy & Adventure spot
Get in
'''By Road:'''
Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. It is 120 km from Mysore and 136 km from Mangalore. From Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, one can take the State Highway 17 (Bangalore - Mysore Highway) and take a deviation just after the town of Srirangapatna to join State Highway 88 towards Madikeri. From Bangalore, Madikeri is at a distance of 252 km. Nearby towns are Hassan (115 km) in Karnataka state and Cannanore and Tellicherry in the Kerala state (each around 115 km away).
'''By Rail:'''
Madikeri does not have a railway station. Nearest railheads are Hassan, Kasaragod, Cannanore and Tellicherry (each of which are almost equidistant 115 km away). Mysore and Mangalore have railway stations with very good rail connectivity and are good alternatives to reach Madikeri.
'''By Air:'''
Madikeri does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Mangalore (136 km away) and Calicut (180 km). Bangalore airport is an alternative. However, with the upgradation of the existing Mysore airport, that would be the nearest airport to Madikeri.
Get around
Since most of the tourist spots around Madikeri are over distances averaging 25-30 km, the best mode of travel is to engage a Taxi service.
Local transportation like bus is not available.
See
'''Raja's Seat''': Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw). It's a fantastic scene during sun rise or sunset.
'''Madikeri Fort''': 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 Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner.
'''Omkareshwara Temple''': In the middle of Medikeri, built in a Mohammedan style.
'''Abbey Falls''': Beautiful falls 7-9 km from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plant. Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. A rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop is 150 Rs., but if you would like to take a swim at the pool, then a longer stay is advised (bargain for the price before, you can get about 200 Rs. for a 2 hours stay).
'''Talakaveri''': The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on October 17 or 18. It is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. 42 km from Madikeri. Cauvery river starts here. You can see a very beautiful view of western ghats by climbing the Brahmagiri Hill. Can be reached by bus.
'''Bhagamandala Temple''': 36 km from Madikeri. This temple is built at the confluence of three rivers(Cauvery, Kannika and Sujyothi). The temple is built in Kerla style.
'''Nisargadhama''': 3 km from Kushalnagar, there's a beautiful picnic spot called Nisargadhama.
'''Dubbare Elephant camp''': Do visit this place for a boat ride, some rafting and playing endlessly in the Kaveri river. And of course the beautiful cauvery. Crossing the river to take you to the side of the camp is quite adventurous.Located perpendicular to the main road connecting Madikeri and Kushalnagar (3 km from Kushal nagar on the main road) and at a deviation of 10 km from the main road, the stretch is beautiful passing through rice fields and coffee estates, too.
'''Kushal Nagar''': Visit the only Tibetan monastery in Southern India.
Do
Trekking Destination
'''Thadiyandamole(5729 ft)'''. Micro hotspot of bio-diversity in South India, the Trekkers paradise. Breathtaking views of Arabian sea and Kerala coast.
'''Pushpagiri(5626 ft)'''. Trekkers can cross to Subramanya, in Dakshina Kannada district from Pushpagiri Range.
'''KoteBetta(5400 ft)'''. Trekking distance 14 km to and fro; 22 km from Madikeri.
'''Igguthappa Kundu'''. Trekking distance 12 km to and fro; 40 km from Madikeri.
'''Brahmagiri'''. Wild life sanctuary near Nagarahole National Park. Trekking distance 24 km to and fro; 80 km from Madikeri.
''' Nishanimotte '''. Trekking distance 12 km to and fro; 6 km from Madikeri.
Buy
Madikeri is famous for coffee and fork, you can also try for good quality liquer which suites the local condition
Eat
Madikeri is famous for pork. It is one of the few places in India where pork is a delicacy.
Drink
Most Hotels come with attached bars. There are several liquor shops attached throughout the city.
Sleep
Most places at Madikeri are at the middle price ranges.
'''Hotel Fort View''', Kohinoor Rd. ''opposite State Bank of India'', Tel: 08272-225266. Double Delux room (with TV and Non-Attached Bathroom/Toilet) Rs 500(Negotiable up to 300)
Home stay- Alath Cad, [http://www.alathcadcoorg.com/]. A beautiful homestay with a rivulet within its compound and impressive coffee and pepper plantation.
Mercara Inn -- Near to Madikeri bus stand. Call +91-120-4666422. Double Room with TV approx Rs.700
Home Stay - Kushal Home Stay, Near to Madikeri bus stand. Call +91 9341838605, Double Room with TV approx Rs 1500 - 2500 (Depends on Season)
Cauvery Nisarga Dhama. 8 Km from madikeri and 3 km from Kushalnagar. 2. 1. 50. Beautiful place to stay. Its an island with the river flowing around it. Peaceful ambience. Food not so great.
note that you may need to shell out Rs 200 extra as a sign of goodwill.</sleep>
Get out