Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka, replete with expansive coffee plantations, lush greenery, and misty mountains. Often considered to be one of the best places to see in Coorg, Madikeri is also considered the ‘Coffee Capital of Karnataka, and with the breathtaking views it has on offer, along with the many amazing places to see in Madikeri, the town is a perfect summer retreat, ideal for a relaxing, serene escape!
Things to See in Madikeri
The small hill station town of Mercara or Madikeri in Coorg has numerous places to see that will leave you speechless. The destination is perfect for a relaxing vacation, away from the crowds. Full of the most amazing landscapes, steep hills, gorges, valleys, and babbling streams that gush through the lands, the many things to see in Madikeri have for years attracted trekkers, hikers, and tourists to this sleepy little hamlet nestled amidst the hills in Karnataka. If you too are planning a visit to this town on your next vacation, here are some of the top places to see in Madikeri, Coorg:
- Coffee Plantations
- Abbey Falls
- Chingara Falls
- Talacauvery
- Cauvery Nisargadhama
- Namdroling Monastery
- Raja’s Seat
- Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
- Madikeri Fort
- Chettali
Coffee Plantations
Known for the resplendent coffee plantations and meadows that span acres of land, some of the best places to visit in Madikeri, Coorg, are the many coffee plantations that dot the town. The region is well-known all over for its premium coffee beans and taking a long walk through the coffee plantations is a popular activity in Madikeri. Depending on the season when you travel to the town, you can also opt for an individual tour of the plantations, where you will be able to observe the sowing or harvesting processes of the coffee beans, taste freshly brewed coffee, or even buy some to take back home.
Chingara Falls
Tucked between tropical forests and coffee plantations, the Chingara Falls are one of the top places to see in Madikeri for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts alike. Pristine in their natural beauty, seemingly untouched, the falls appear like a milky dam of water and is the perfect place to relax after a long trek. The falls are counted among the places to see in Madikeri where you can unwind in the lap of nature, witnessing the lush greenery and verdant foliage that surrounds you.
Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls are among the top places to see around Madikeri, located about 10 kilometres away from the town’s centre and are an extremely popular destination among tourists visiting the area. Situated amidst fragrant coffee and cardamom and other spice plantations in the Western Ghats, the Abbey Falls are formed by the river Cauvery cascading from a height of around 70 feet, creating a visual paradise that is something else to behold. This is one of the best places to add to your list of Places to see in Madikeri.
Talacauvery
Another of the places to see in Madikeri that you cannot miss out on is Talacauvery, which is the source of the Cauvery River. Located on Brahmagiri Hill, Talacauvery is a sacred site that is visited by numerous tourists and devotees throughout the year. It is believed that the river starts here as a spring that feeds a tank and flows underground, surfacing some distance away, as the might Cauvery River. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma, next to which is a tank, bathing in which on special occasions is considered to be holy.
Cauvery Nisargadhama
One of the top places to visit in Madikeri, Coorg, for a picnic, Cauvery Nisargadhama is one of the best spots for couples, solo travellers, and families alike. What makes this one of Madikeri’s best places to see is the many activities you can partake in here. The picnic spot has a deer park, rabbit park, peacock park, and a river running right through the heart of the island, where you can try some boating or swim in the river.
Namdroling Monastery
Another one of the great places to see around Madikeri is the Namdroling Monastery, home to a spectacular golden temple that is known for housing an 18-metre-tall gold-plated statue of Buddha. The place is filled with serenity and peace and is perfect for those who wish to practice meditation. One of the top must-visit places to see in Madikeri, Coorg, this monastery is also the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapa, the school of Tibetan Buddhism and showcases some excellent examples of the Tibetan style of architecture and art.
Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is without question one of the most popular places to see in Madikeri. It is a garden that has been built on elevated ground, offering panoramic views of the valleys that lie to the west. Raja’s Seat is an extremely popular viewpoint to watch mesmerising sunsets and sunrises. Once upon a time, this was one of the most preferred places to visit in Madikeri, Coorg, for the Kings of Kodagu to rejuvenate. The garden also has a toy train for the kids and musical fountains and a pavilion that offers the best views of the valleys, especially during sunset or sunrise.
Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
Another one of the best places to see in Madikeri is the beautiful Gaddige Raja’s Tomb, which houses the mortal remains of the Kodavad Royal Family. The history of these tombs can be traced back to 1820. The structure has three tombs, where the one in the centre is for Doddaveerarajendra, the Kodava King, and his wife, Mahadeviamma. The other two tombs house the remains of Chikkaveerarajendra’s father and Rudrappa, who was his guru. The Muttapa Temple, located nearby, is another spot you can check out on your visit to the tombs.
Madikeri Fort
The Madikeri Fort is another one of the most popular places to see in Madikeri and is located smack in the centre of the town. The fort is a majestic structure where tourists can peak into the rich history of Coorg while enjoying amazing panoramic views of the town from the elevated structures of the fort. The Madikeri Fort was constructed towards the end of the 17th century when Madikeri was declared as the capital of Coorg. The fort passed through many hands throughout history, including Tipu Sultan and the British, and today houses several artefacts of interest, portraits, and a museum.
Chettali
Among the places to see in Madikeri that you should not miss is the small village of Chettali, which houses the Cherala Bhagvathy Temple. The village boasts of lush green environs and is surrounded by misty hills, which make it a mystically beautiful destination to explore. The small village is perfect for a scenic pitstop on your way to or from Madikeri. If you want, you could also plan a visit to the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, which is located in the village of Chettali.
Madikeri in Coorg is a popular addition is most Karnataka tour packages, and if you haven’t already, you should definitely consider visiting this small hill town in the Western Ghats. Make sure to put in some research, because there are so many awe-inspiring things to see and places to visit in the town of Madikeri that you will want to plan your trip carefully so as to not miss any of the attractions!
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