Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs.

The town can be found 1525 meters above sea level on the plateau of the Western Ghats. A prince from the Haleri dynasty, Muddu Raja founded Madikeri in 1681 under the original name Muddu Rajakeri, which became Madikeri. Madikeri is officially know as Mercara.

RAJA'S SEAT

One can have a panaromic view of the hills from Raja's seat. Sunsets at Raja's seat are an enchanting experience.

Raja's Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India's most scenic locations. The view from Raja's Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja's Seat. This is the ideal place to go for a morning stroll.

OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE

Omkareshwara Temple

The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and built the temple to appease the Brahmin's spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple is like a Muslim dargah and has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance.

MADIKERI FORT

Mercara Fort

Mercara Fort can be found on elevated ground atop Madikeri. The fort was originally made out of mud and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan with stone, only to be wrested back by the Coorg King in 1791.There are two mortar elephants, built life-size to catch the visitors' eyes as they enter the fort. Inside the fort, the British took out the temple of Virabhadra in 1855 and replaced it with the gothic-style Anglican Church, which has since been converted to a museum.

The Madikeri Palace is inside of the Madikeri Fort and is home to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The Palace was established by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The two-story structure was renovated by the British two times and a clock tower and portico for the commissioner's car was added in 1933.

ABBI FALLS

Abbi Falls

Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 8 km drive from the main town.

GADDIGE
Gaddige, also know as Rajas' tombs or the tombs of Virarjendra is a significant monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings.

TALACAUVERY

Talacauvery

Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.

CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMA
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort.

BYLEKUPPE

Tibetan cultural dances being peformed at the monastery premises in Bylekuppe

Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans.

VALNUR FISHING CAMP
Valnur fishing camp is located near Kushalanagar on the banks of the Cauvery. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling for the majestic Mahseer after obtaining fishing permits from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a bird-watchers' paradise.

DUBARE RESERVE FOREST & DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP

Elephants and their mahouts at Dubare elephant camp

This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalanagar famous for its elephant training camp. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery.

HARANGI DAM
The Harangi dam near Kushalanagar has a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a week-end stay.

No matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will find something to suit your fancy in the district of Coorg..