Weekend Trip Sorted: The Ultimate Guide To Madikeri

Madikeri has been around since at least second century BCE. While there aren't too many remnants of that around these days, there are a few touristy spots in and around town that have historical and cultural significance to the region. 

The Madikeri Fort and palace within were built in the seventeenth century with mud. It was fortified with granite by Tipu Sultan and now the palace houses the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office. It’s a peaceful place to walk around, and you can also check out the Hero Stones and Masonry Elephants. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

Inside the Madikeri Fort is a small church (St. Mark’s Church) that is now the Government Museum. It’s tiny, but is historically significant as the building was constructed in 1855 by the East India Company. Spend around half an hour here learning about the history of Kodagu, and looking at sculptures, currency, arms and other locally significant artefacts. 

Another popular location is Raja’s Seat on Stuart Hill. Back in the day, the king along with his entourage would make their way here to survey the kingdom. Today, the seat is in a park with flowers and plants and a few animal statues (they’re not accurate at the least but will definitely keep you entertained). If you’re lucky and manage to get there on time you can also hop on to the toy train for a round — yes adults are allowed too! 

Price: INR 5 for entry, INR 20 for the toy train, INR 40 for parking

There are multiple tombs in this complex, which now house the mortal remains of Veerajendra, Lingarajendra, their wives, Biddanda Bopu, Biddanda Somaiah and  the royal priest Rudrappa. All built in the nineteenth century, these Indo-Islamic tombs are the only ones built for Hindu rulers with plenty of Hindu architectural elements and motifs. Its lush gardens and hilltop position make it a beautiful spot but it can be a bit desolate, so be sure to leave by 5.30 PM. 

Price: INR 2 for entry

River Kumaradhara dramatically cascades over rocks at Mallalli Falls. It’s a popular tourist destination if you’re in Coorg and around 53 km from Madikeri. But the falls really make you work for it because you need to climb down (and eventually up) 250-odd steps through vegetation and rocks to enjoy it. You can’t get into the water, because of how powerful the water is—probably for the best. 

The Talakaveri temple is around an hour away from Madikeri town. Known to be the birthplace of the Kaveri River, it holds a lot of religious significance to local communities. The hill temple is built over a tank, which is fed by a spring that eventually becomes the Kaveri some distance away. The Bhrahmagiri Hill is nearby if you’re looking for a hike and so is the wildlife sanctuary. Do note that this is one of the wettest regions in the country, so prepare accordingly. 

Built by king Lingarajendra back in the 1800s, this is a Shiva temple in Madikeri town. Apart from the large pond in the complex, this temple is known for its Islamic and Gothic elements which makes it different from most Hindu temples in the country. People from all faiths are welcome, and you are welcome to just sit by the water too. The temple is open through the week from 6.30 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM. We recommend heading there first thing in the morning for the view. 

Adventure sports lovers, don’t think twice before booking activities at Quarry Adventures. Off-roading, rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining and more are offered here. For the faint of heart, there are lovely nature trails, and tree and rope climbing experiences too. For the really faint of heart — guided coffee estate walks, picnics and outdoor barbecues! Feel free to ask them for specifically curated experiences because they’re super accommodating. 

Price: INR 750 upwards

One of the most popular waterfalls within a 10 km radius of Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a sight to behold. The good news is that there’s parking, but the bad news is that you’ll have to walk a bit to get to the viewpoint(s). We promise it's worth it—there’s a hanging bridge where you can witness the full glory of the falls, even if you might have to fight the crowd for a shot without other humans in it. That being said, when it’s not monsoon, you can get into the water as well. The falls are open from 7 AM to 6 PM. 

Price: INR 15

Between 24 km to 27 km from Madikeri, depending on the route you take, the Chiklihole Reservoir and Dam is a great place to drive to, and a spot you can chill at with your picnic basket. The dam itself is in an interesting shape, and the reservoir when full is picture perfect. This is essentially a great photo spot near Madikeri if you don’t enjoy crowds, especially during the monsoon. The reservoir is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.

There are plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints near Madikeri with fabulous views of the Western Ghats, valleys, rivers and lakes. While many adventure camps and tour groups have their offices in Madikeri, if you’re someone who likes a plan made well in advance, hit up Pearl Valley Adventures or Coorg Camping Jollyboys. If you’d rather go up yourself, there are hikes like the Tadiandamol Trek, the hike to Iruppu falls, the hike on Nishani Motte Hill and the Brahmagiri trek. We highly recommend you get a guide or someone who knows the area at the very least, as the rainy climate changes the landscape during the monsoon. 

There are plenty of small, local joints that whip up Kodagu’s famed pandi curry, bamboo shoot curry, pork fry, sannas and appams among others. That being said, they have Domino’s and most resorts in and around the area (Taj Madikeri, Club Mahindra, The Windflower Resorts, Evolveback) are options if you’re up for a drive. For those who want to explore the town, here are some options in Madikeri to stop at for a bite.

Vegetarians, head to Hotel Udupi Garden (or Ambika Upahar Udupi right next door) without worrying about mixed food or options you’re unsure of. They have the usual darshini/upahar fare plus juice and chaats. Their bathrooms are clean if that’s all you want to stop for. 

A multi-cuisine restaurant, Raintree is a good spot to stop at for meals, coffee, or just chilling. Earthy interiors and a relaxed atmosphere are what you’ll get here despite being in the city. Some of the food you can enjoy, includes cheese balls, french fries, ghee roast, chicken sukka, mutton pepper fry, soups, tandoor options and more. They also sell their own range of coffee powder blends, so sample some and buy a bag. 

Coorg Cuisine is a no-frills local joint. Loved by locals and travellers alike, it’s on the main road, seats about 20 people and is always packed. They don’t have much as starters and offer around five curries that have similar bases for chicken, pork and mutton (and a few seasonal fish options) as well as vegetarian curries (bamboo shoot, mixed veg, mushroom, pumpkin and lentil options), with akki rotti, noolputtu, neer dosa or rice. Wash that down with jaggery coffee or juice. If the pork or bamboo shoot pickle impresses you, pick up their 250 g or 500 g pack when you’re leaving. 

This isn’t a restaurant per se, but the OG Ainmane (of which there is a branch in Indiranagar, Bangalore), is a great place to pick up condiments, spices and snacks directly from the farmers and producers of Kodagu. And while you’re browsing, enjoy a freshly brewed hot (or cold) cuppa with snacks. Their range of chocolates (and hot chocolate by extension) is also great!

Located on the highway around 3 km from the town centre, you’ll spot the eponymous big cup when you get close. Even the snootiest of coffee aficionados will be impressed with their variety and range of coffee blends and methods. The roastery cafe is happy to explain their processes, and if you’re lucky, will be roasting a fresh batch of beans. As for food, regular cafe fare like sandwiches, fries and a few sizzlers are available as are teas and tisanes. 

There's really no dearth of places to stay in any part of Coorg. If you're looking for a luxurious stay, here are our picks of resorts. Those of you who want simpler accommodation, check out these homestays.