Madikeri is considered to be Scotland of India. It is a hill station popular with trekkers.

Languishing lifestyles are the norm in this resort, a tour destination with perpetually pleasant mist and cool chilly air. Crispy fresh air turns refreshingly earthy when walking through the various trek trails in this breathtaking district headquarters of the Land of Kodavas- Coorg, also known as Kodagu. It is hard to miss the various scenic spots in this quaint town.

History of Madikeri

Madikeri was formally known as Muddurajakeri which is translated as the Mudduraja’s town. The town was called such after the illustrious Haleri King Mudduraja who had ruled Kodagu from the early 1630s and had built the Madikeri Fort.

Madikeri’s history is entwined with the Kodagu’s. Through the reigns of Kadambas from the 2nd century to 6th century AD and subsequent rule by the Gangas in south of the main city, Cholas, Hoysalsa and Vijayanagar in the 1300s, Madikeri has passed through time.

The local cheiftain Palegars ruled their respective areas until the Haleris took over early 17th century and made their capital near Madikeri.

Much later records, from the early 1800s, show that Madikeri had become nearly oblivious as a very small town with few inhabitants. The town’s expansion came about after the British annexation of Kodagu in 1830s. Thereafter, Madikeri became a municipality by 1870 AD.

Tourism in Madikeri

Madikeri is part of the Western Ghats- the mountain range with breathtaking views and rich foliage and reputed to be home for some of the world’s renowned biodiversity hotspots. The nature treasure chest is evident in the lush landscape of Madikeri, in many ways unique to this region of India. 

Madikeri Fort, a fortress palace built during the reign of Mudduraja in the 19th century. A stoic   structure to be admired for the past victory tales faced by the silent walls, it is now home to government offices, an archaeological museum within the chapel building, prison and temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Two life-sized cement elephants can be seen at one of the entrances.  Originally built as a mud fortress, Mudduraja also included a palace within the fort, and the palace is still visited by the tourists of today. The fortress had a granite facelift during the Tipu reign and subsequently the palace was renovated in early 1800s. Madikeri Fort is popular for its cultural and historical significance as well as offering a magnificent view of Madikeri town.

Nearby is the Omkareswara Sivan Temple with its unusual design and architecture. While it is part of most tourists’ travel plans to Madikeri, it is still a serene place to enjoy and be immersed in the religious surroundings without the crowds. There are Buddist temples and Tibetan monasteries nearby which show case the cultural diversity in this region of India. Gaddige or the Kings’ Tombs in Madikeri is another worthwhile tour spot. Housing tombs of a number of past kings, the grand looking masouleum have simple interior.

The trek trails are integral part of any tour as they bring visitors up close to wonders of nature- awesome green landscapes, aromatic plantations, fascinating flora and fauna. There are many trekking routes to suit the various levels of trekking, from beginners to the seasoned trekker. One of the most remarkable trails is the path leading to the highest point at 5729 feet- Thadiyandamole. The undulating path may be tiring and challenging even for the experienced traveller but is still manageable with reasonable pace and adequate preparations. Enthralling visuals of green and earth eventually give way to spectacular scenery of expanse blue skies veiled by floating clouds. On certain days, it is literally a walk in the clouds.

There are panoramic views of the nearby peaks, outlying lush slopes, the Kerala border and even the distant Arabian Sea on a clear day. Its a surreal experience to surely delight nature lovers and avid photographers. Other trek trails include the nearest to Madikeri, Nishanimotte, and other trek excursions to Pushpagiri, Kote Betta and Brahmagiri among others.