Madikeri

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. Kodagu became the part of British India after 1834.

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century. After their fall, the local chieftains (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. These were defeated by the Haleri kings who ruled Kodagu from 1600-1834 AD. Haleri kings made the place Haleri, near Madikeri as their capital. Mudduraja, the third king among the Haleri kings started levelling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. This place was named as Muddurajakeri which later became Madikeri. Kodagu became part of British India after 1834.

The traditional sari is worn here in reverse, and you can still see older women wearing it in the traditional Kodagu style.

Taxis and autorickshaws are available at reasonable rates. Local buses are not available in plenty. Walking may look tedious inside the town but once you are one km away from the main road it is a very pleasant experience with the smell of coffee piercing your nose.

• 🌍 Abbey Falls. Beautiful falls 7-9 km from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plantation. Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. A rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop is ₹150, but if you would like to take a swim at the pool, then a longer stay is advised. Negotiate the price beforehand, aim for around ₹200 for a 2-hr stay. 
• 🌍 Dubbare Elephant camp (accessed from the road connecting Madikeri and Kushalnaga, turn off 3 km from Kushal Nagar and then travel 10 km on that deviation). The road in passes through scenic rice fields and coffee estates. Activities include boat rides, rafting and the cauvery. Crossing the river to take you to the camp is quite adventurous. 
• Kushal Nagar. The largest Tibetan settlement in Southern India and monastery locally called "Golden Temple", in Bylakuppe, near Kushal Nagar. There are 2 monasteries nearby, one old and the other is new. Don't miss the new, on the way, while going towards old one. You can shop for Tibetan and Chinese handicrafts, decorative and religious items. 
• 🌍 Nisargadhama (3 km from Kushalnagar). A beautiful picnic spot called Nisargadhama. Park is not too great, has some bamboo "machans" on trees, but the best part of it is the river is on the back-side. If you want to go for elephant ride at Nisarga Dhama, please remember to buy ride-tickets along with your entry-ticket before you get in. They do not sell ride-tickets inside; it is a 0.5-km walk back to ticket counter if you forget. 
• 🌍 Omkareshwara Temple. A complex of two temples and a stunning pond in the middle of Medikeri. 
• Raja's Seat. Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw). It's a fantastic scene during sun rise or sunset. 
• 🌍 Talakaveri (Tala Kaveri) (42 km from Madikeri). The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on 17 or 18 October. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu people. Cauvery river starts here. You can see a very beautiful view of western ghats by climbing the Brahmagiri Hill. Can be reached by bus. 
• General Thimmayya Museum, Madikeri town (1 km.). 10AM-1:30PM and 3-6PM. One of the best war museums in India inaugurated by the President himself. Huge cement shoe and other attractions. Very good place for seeing a traditional Kodagu House with stunning interiors. Regular TV show. ₹15. (updated Feb 2021)

• Toy Train for Children, Near Rajadarshan Hotel (2 km). (updated May 2015)
• Valley Watch, Raja Seat Mandap (2 km). (updated May 2015)
• Massage at Ayurjeevan Ayurveda Hospital, Ayurjeevan, Kohinoor Road, Behind SBI, ☏ +91 82720224466, ayurjeevan@ayurjeevanayurvedahospital.com. 

Madikeri is famous for coffee and pork, you can also try for good quality liquor which suites the local condition

• Family Bakery, Near Telephone Exchange (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• Mahesha Bakery, Near Private Bus stand (1 km). (updated May 2015)

Madikeri is famous for pork. It is one of the few places in India where pork is a delicacy.

Vegetarians may like Kanika International in Kushal Nagar. However it is at the foothills of Madikeri & one may not like it as there is no good view of the hills there.

• Athithi Pure Vegetarian, Near Police Station (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• Coorg Cuisine, Near Post Office (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• Popular Woodlands Vegetarian, Near KSRTC (0 km). (updated May 2015)
• Pranam Restaurant, Junior College Road (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• Raintree Restaurants, 13/41, Pension Ln (Behind Town hall), ☏ +91 9741047001. Multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant. 
• Red Fern Restaurant, Near Omkareshwara Temple (1 km), ☏ +91 82722 29192. (updated May 2015)
• Shanthi Bites, Opp Nisargadam, B.M. Road Kushal Nagar, Coorg (26 km), ☏ +91 9480674674. 10AM to 10AM. A variety of tasty dishes of south-north Indian, European, Chinese and Tibetan styles are available. 
• Neel Sagar Restaurant, Madikeri Junction. Quality vegetarian food. (updated Nov 2016)
• Chinnamma Restaurant, Near Police Station. Vegetarian options. (updated Jul 2017)
• Fish Curry Rice, Kushalnagar, opp Government Engineering college, ☏ +91 9930002300. Daily 11AM-10PM. serves excellent Mangalorean cuisine, alongside north Indian and Chinese dishes. Must-try dishes are prawns ghee roast with neer dosa, tandoori chicken, schezwan fried rice, mushroom masala and paneer butter masala with naan. (updated Oct 2021)
• Khadeeja Cafe, Near Private Bus Station. Parottas, Pathiris, Fish fry, Biriyani and other Kerala items. (updated Jan 2022)
• Shanthi Sagar Restaurant, near Police Station. Opp. Fort. A/c family hall with views
  Spice shop at entrance. (updated Feb 2022)

Most hotels come with attached bars. There are several liquor shops attached throughout the city.

• Church side bar, Near Police station (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• West End Bar, Near KSRTC (0 km). (updated May 2015)

• Heritage Resort: It is 11 km from Madikeri. It is set on a slope. About 10 cottages. No room service. One has to trek to the top to the restaurant. Food is just okay. Hospitality is excellent. Breakfast is not ready before 8:30AM. Always have a vehicle when you travel to Coorg as every place is so far off.

• Chikmagalur
• Honnamana Kere - A religious site and tourist destination
• Mangalore
• Mysore.