Madikeri

Madikeri, the capital of Coorg in Karnataka is a popular hill station that is fondly called the Scotland of India for its salubrious surroundings. With a climate most preferred by tourists, Madikeri is blessed with all the frills of a tourist destination including lush green valleys, orange groves and coffee plantations apart from an enviable list of outdoor leisure activities.

Formerly known as Mercara, Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that extends from Mysore to Mangalore. It is home to many ethnic tribes like the Kodavas who still follow the traditional life style. Located at an altitude of 1525 m., Madikeri still retains an old world charm where nothing has changed in the last many years. Apart from wonderful sightseeing options round the year, Madikeri is a haven for outdoor lovers as it has some of the best trekking trails in Karnataka.

October to April

Madikeri has many outdoor leisure options and places of tourist interest. To get tourist information about Madikeri, it is best to get in touch with the hotel staff or hire a tourist guide. Here are some must visit places in Madikeri.

Madikeri is well known for its pork delicacies and there are many restaurants where you can relish the signature dishes of Madikeri. Kanika International is a good vegetarian restaurant. In case you are in a mood to taste a few Tibetan cuisines, Shanthi Bites would make a good stopover.

Madikeri is a small town with not many shopping options. However there are a few outlets where you can buy pork dishes, nuts, freshly roasted coffee beans and good quality liquor, which Madikeri is famous for.

Madikeri can be reached by road. The nearest airport is at Mysore, though there is lack of regular flights and a good alternative is Mangalore Airport at 140 km. Hassan railway station (106 km.) and junctions at Kasaragod and Mysore are the closest railheads. Madikeri is a small town where most of the tourist attractions are in a distance of just 25 to 30 km., which can easily be explored in a taxi. There are not many car rental service providers here, so it is best to hire a taxi from some nearby tourist location. Local buses and auto rickshaws are not easily available.

There is a bevy of options for sightseeing around Madikeri and some of the tourist places include the following: Chettalli: A pretty village dotted with pristine natural spectacles and waterfalls, Chettali lies on the Madikeri-Siddapur road. Chettali is an excellent holiday spot for those who seek a laid back and quiet holiday far away from the crowd of the cities. Talacauvery: It is the origin of the Kaveri River in the Brahmagiri hills and is one of the most sacred places for Hindus in Karnataka. A flight of steps from Talakaveri leads up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7 great sages of the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. Talakaveri offers wonderful views of the Brahmagiri hills. Scores of pilgrims reach this place to take a dip on the first day of Tula month in the Hindu calendar. Dubbare Elephant Camp: Located in Kushal Nagar, the elephant camp can be reached by crossing the river Cauvery. There are many activities on offer including boat rides and rafting in the River Cauvery. Kushal Nagar : It is famous for being the largest Tibetan Settlement in Southern India. There are two monasteries. You can shop Tibetan handicrafts and religious items here. Foreigners are required to have a special permit to visit the settlement. Madikeri has many trekking routes like Igguthappa Kundu, Brahmagiri and Nishanimotte, among others which are well known for its scenic beauty

Hotels in Madikeri range from budget hotels, star hotels, cottages and home stays among others. For the budget conscious travellers silent valley cottages set amidst coffee plantations would be a perfect choice where they one get comfortable accommodation, good food and trekking options nearby.