Madikeri is a picturesque hill station in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. This place offers a variety of attractions for tourists, ranging from historical monuments, natural wonders, and wildlife sanctuaries.
It also provides a stunning view of the hills, clouds, and the woods. The place is also known as the ‘Kashmir of South’ for its scenic attractions and pleasant climate.
ADVERTISEMENT
In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Madikeri,
- Namdroling Monastery
- Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
- Abbey Falls
- Madikeri Fort
- Talacauvery
- Chingara Falls
- Coffee Plantations
- Raja’s Seat
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Namdroling Monastery
The Namdroling Monastery is a majestic Buddhist temple, a few kilometers away from Coorg, Karnataka. It belongs to the Nyingma lineage, the oldest of the four primary schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was founded in 1963 by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan master. It is now the largest Nyingma teaching center in the world.
Also known as the Golden Temple, the monastery covers an area of 7.4 sq. meters and houses a magnificent golden statue of Lord Buddha, along with statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Amitayus.
ADVERTISEMENT
The temple showcases exquisite Tibetan art and architecture, with intricate carvings, paintings, and murals. The spiritual site has a stunning temple tower along with decorated outer walls.
The monastery is truly a spiritual oasis for thousands of visitors and devotees. You can come here to learn more about the place’s religious significance, meditate, and experience peace. The serene atmosphere and the lush green surroundings make the monastery a must-visit destination.
2. Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
The Gaddige Raja’s Tomb is a historical monument in Madikeri, Coorg. It was built in 1820 in the Indo-Saracenic style, which blends Indian and Islamic elements. The monument consists of three tombs that belong to the royal family of the Kodava clan, who ruled Coorg from the 17th to the 19th century.
The central tomb is the largest and belongs to Doddaveerarajendra, the last Kodava king who fought against the British. The left tomb belongs to Lingarajendra and was built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra.
You will find carvings of elephants, tigers, and other animals at the entrance of each tomb. Inside the tombs, there are figures of Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Lord Shiva, who was worshipped by the Kodavas.
The monument is located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the town and the valley. The monument is surrounded by greenery and flowers, creating a contrast with the stone structures. You can explore the place and to know more about the clan.
3. Abbey Falls
Located in the Western Ghats, the waterfall is a spectacular destination in the state. It is situated about 10 kilometers away from Madikeri town and can be reached by a short trek through a plantation trail. The waterfall plunges from a height of 70 feet into a pool that joins the Kaveri River.
ADVERTISEMENT
The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and plantations of cardamom, coffee, and pepper. The aroma of spices and coffee fills the air as you walk down the trail about 200 steps from the entrance. The sound of water gushing over rocks creates a soothing effect on your senses.
The waterfall can be viewed from a hanging bridge that spans across the pool. You cannot swim in the water as it is deep and dangerous, but you can enjoy the sight and the spray of water on your face.
4. Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort is a historic fort in Coorg that has witnessed many changes and battles over the centuries.
It was originally built by Mudduraja, the king of Coorg, in the late 17th century, and had a palace inside it. Later, it was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, who named it Jaffarabad. After Tipu Sultan’s death, the fort was taken over by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II, the king of Mysore, who renovated it again.
The fort has a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. As you enter the fort, you will see two life-size elephants made of mortar that guards the entrance. Inside the fort, there is a temple dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II but was later replaced by an Anglican Church by the British.
The church is now a museum that displays weapons, paintings, and other artifacts from the past. The fort also has a clock tower, a prison, and a public library.
Here you can witness variations in the form of architecture along with the essence of different eras. The fort also offers a panoramic view of the town and the hills from its ramparts.
5. Talacauvery
Talacauvery is a sacred place in Coorg where the Kaveri River originates. It is located on the Brahmagiri Hills at an altitude of 1276 meters. According to legend, the river goddess Kaveriamma appeared here as a spring on a day called Tula Sankramana. Every year, on this day, thousands of pilgrims visit Talacauvery to witness the holy spring gushing out of the ground.
ADVERTISEMENT
There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma and Lord Agastheeswara (who is believed to be the sage who brought the river to earth). The temple is situated next to a tank that collects the water from the spring. You can take a dip in the tank or offer prayers at the temple.
You can also climb up 407 steps to reach the top of the hill, where you will find a small shrine and a breathtaking view of the green forest and the mystical hills wrapping the place. When you stand at the top of the hill, you will be able to hear the ringing of the temple bell and from there the peace hit differently. Visit during the monsoons to experience the real beauty of the flowing water.
6. Chingara Falls
This delightful waterfall is impeccably placed amidst the dense tropical forest and the rampant coffee estates. It cascades down from a height of about 60 feet into a pool that reflects the blue sky and the green trees. The waterfall creates a misty spray that cools and refreshes you.
Chingara Falls is a perfect place for nature lovers and trekkers. You can reach the waterfall by trekking through the Honey Valley estate, which is one of the largest coffee plantations in India. The trek takes you through aromatic coffee bushes, spice plants, and exotic flowers.
You can also spot various birds and animals along the way. The trek ends at the waterfall, where you can swim in the pool or rejuvenate under the pouring water.
Chingara Falls is a hidden gem that will surely enchant you with its beauty and tranquility.
7. Coffee Plantations
Coorg is famous for its lush green coffee plantations that cover the hills and valleys. They are a delight for coffee lovers and nature enthusiasts.
These plantations are considered some of the most famous coffee plantations in India.
You can take a walk among the coffee bushes, pick a few berries, and enjoy the aroma of the fresh beans. You can also join a guided tour that will show you the different stages of coffee production, from picking to roasting.
ADVERTISEMENT
You will learn about the two varieties of coffee grown in Coorg: Arabica and Robusta. You will also get a chance to taste the local brew and buy some coffee products.
The coffee plantations are not only a source of income for the locals, but also a habitat for various birds and animals. You can spot colorful butterflies, peacocks, monkeys, and even elephants as you explore the plantations.
You can also admire the scenic views of the Western Ghats from the plantations. The coffee plantations in Madikeri are a must-visit for anyone who loves coffee and nature.
8. Raja’s Seat
This is another famed tourist destination situated in a lovely setting. Raja’s Seat is a beautiful garden in Madikeri that offers a panoramic view of the mountains. The name means “Seat of the King” and it was once a favorite spot of the Coorg kings who used to watch the sunset and sunrise from there.
The garden is filled with flowers and fountains that create a charming atmosphere. There is also a semi-circular pavilion that has a glass roof and windows that allow you to see the horizon and the changing colors of the sky. If you are a morning person the sunrise is a must-watch.
Raja’s Seat is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who come to relax and enjoy the view. You can also take a ride on the toy train that runs around the garden and see the musical fountains that dance to the tunes of songs.
The garden is a perfect place for picnics, photography, and romance. Here you can feel the royal legacy and the natural beauty of Coorg.
So, there you go. This is a list of some of the places in Madikeri where you can drop by and explore. All these attractions make it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. They will truly enchant you with their charm and diversity.
Tons of other things are there to admire and experience, such as temples, waterfalls, forts, museums, and parks. You can also indulge in trekking, rafting, and camping if you wish.
So, pack your camera and other essentials, hit the road, and travel to Madikeri to experience the magic of this hill station.
Some more articles you can check out:
- How to Check (Track) Passport Status Online In India 2024
- 6 Best Places To Try Paragliding In India 2024
- How To Add Money To IRCTC e-Wallet Online 2023
- IRCTC e-Wallet Registration Process Online 2023
- 6 Must Visit Beaches Near Santa Ana (California)
- 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Odisha
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article are affiliate links. This means when you buy or book anything using those links, you help support this website at no extra cost.
The images used in the article are for representation purposes only.
