Madikeri,
Short Descr
It is a popular hill station in Karnataka. It is the district headquarter of Kodagu. It has been Dubbed as the Scotland of India due to its misty hills, lush forests, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations, undulating streets and breathtaking views. Local food specialities include Pandhi Curry(Pork Curry), Kadumbuttu (Rice Dumplings), Koli Curry (Chicken Curry), Nool Puttu ( Rice Noodles), Bembla Curry (Bamboo Shoot Curry) and Votti (Rice Roti).
Long Descr
It is a great place to walk. Winding lanes meander off the main street. Mountain trails promise visual delights. Tadiyendamol is the tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.
Languages Spoken
The languages of Madikeri is Kannada, Kodava dialect, Hindi and English.
shopping
Kodagu is coffee country. The coffee estates here produce some of the world's best coffee. So don't forget to take some home.Honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges are a good buy.
Tourists Info
Tourist Bureau, PWD Traveller's Bungalow, Madikeri - 571201. Phone : 0872-6580.
Elevation
Madikeri - 1525 m.
Location Details
Madikeri is 252 km from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level.
How to Reach There and Distances
Regular buses ply between Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan, Arsikere, Belur, Chikmagalur, Cannanore and Tellicherry to Madikeri.
Best Season to Visit/Weather
Best time to visit
Madikeri is at its best between October and april when it's clear, cool and crisp.
Climate
Climate is pleasant all the year round. The monsoon is from June to September.
To visit Nearby Places
Madikeri Fort is a 19th century fort. It houses a temple, a chapel, the prison and a small museum. The fort also offers a beautiful view of Madikeri since it is located on a high ground. It has a small museum in St Mark's church as well as the town prison, a temple and a chapel while the palace houses govt offices.
Raja's Seat offers a spectacular view of sunset that one can enjoy. According to the legends, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here.
The Raja's Tombs was built in 1820 and the memorials fo Virarajendra and his wife and of Lingarajendra. Although the kings were Hindu, their commemorative monuments are Muslim in style.
Omkareshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was builty in 1820, is a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.
Around the city
Abbey Falls is only 8 km from Madikeri. These falls cascade down in steps to flow as a small river. It is a great place for picnics.
Iruppu Falls is a beautiful picnic spot on the way to Kutta from Gonikoppal.
Bhagamandala Temple: is 39 km from Madikeri and is situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi. The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Talacauvery is 44 km from Madikeri. This is a sacred pilgrim centre among the kodavas. It is from here that the river Cauvery takes its birth. Steps lead up from the spring which is the Kaveri's source to the summit of the hill, commanding a superb view. In October on Sankaramana day, thousand gather to see a miracle - the sudden bubbling and frothing of the small well, symbolising the appearance of the Goddess Cauvery.
Nisargadhama is known for its calm, serene beauty. It is a ideal picnic spot visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.
Harangi Dam is a great picnic spot 36 km for Medikeri.