Madikeri

Lush green forests, misty hills, and acres and acres of coffee plantations. Cool bracing wind whipping the hair about your face as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully.


Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cozy cottages with sloping, tiled roofs while you're rounding hairpin bends. You sniff appreciatively the fragrance of coffee blossoms.... Get the picture?


That is Madikeri, an unforgettable holiday destination not surprisingly dubbed as the Scotland of India! This charming town, capital of Kodugu (erstwhile Coorg), is situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft(1,525 m) above sea level. And for those of you who want to exert yourself take on the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area that stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.


Check out these while you are there:

• Madikeri Fort - it houses a temple, a chapel, a prison and a small museum all dating back to the 19th century.
• Raja's Seat - The Kings of Kodagu whiled away idyllic evenings here. Would'nt be a bad idea for you to do the same!
• Abbey Falls - (8 kms). The walk to view the falls is through a mini tropical forest. The sound of the insects and birds is at its deafenning best!
• Iruppu Fall - (75 kms). A beautiful picnic spot where the sound of the falls provides a pleasant background music.
• Nisargadhama (25 kms) is on the way to Madikeri from Bangalore. It is another picnic spot with houses on stilts and a rope bridge across the Kaveri river.

Here's an interesting bit of info... the Kodavas are said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers)! We've all kinds here!

Languages Spoken

Coorgy, Kannada and English.

Ideal Time to Visit

October to May. Avoid the Monsoons (June to September) if you dislike being trapped inside your rooms!

How to go

By Road
Madikeri is 252 kms from Bangalore.
Regular buses ply from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan & Mangalore.
You can motor out of Bangalore, taking the State Highway via Mysore, Hunsur, Piriyapatna and Nisargadhama to reach Madikeri.

By Rail
Nearest railway stations are Mysore and Mangalore.

By Air
Nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore