Best Tourist Places in Madikeri

Madikeri, a beautiful hill station situated 1525 meters above sea level, is also known as Mercara and is the capital of Coorg, Karnataka. It is located amidst the mighty Western Ghats and is surrounded by picturesque landscape all around. 

Lush green forests, gushing waterfalls, and mountains that kiss the sky are just a few of the views that Madikeri offers. There are many places to visit in Madikeri that boasts pristine natural beauty and rich history. Let us look at the six best tourist spots you must visit.

• Abbey Falls

Earlier known as Jessie Falls during the colonial era, Abbey Falls is a cascading waterfall with a height of 70 feet that joins the Kaveri River. It is situated between coffee plantations and spice estates and provides a picturesque view. You can hear the dramatic gush of the waterfall from the main road. A hanging bridge has been built to make the most of this incredible view and is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Madikeri.

• Madikeri Fort

Constructed in the second half of the 17th century by Mudduraja, Madikeri Fort also housed a palace. It was then built with bricks and stones by Tipu Sultan and renamed 'Jaffarabad'. The fort has seen many battles. In 1933, the British added a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner's car. The fort now houses the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office and has a church, museum, library, and temple on its premises. It is a must-visit spot during Madikeri sightseeing.

• Bylakuppe Golden Temple 

Bylakuppe is a residing place for thousands of Tibetan refugees living in exile for decades. The temple was built over 80 sq. ft. with the aid of The government of India. The major attraction of the temple is the 40 ft high golden statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus. Additionally, you can see many other things that highlight the modern Tibetan culture, and it is one of the top places to visit near Madikeri.

• Raja Seat

Raja's Seat, which in the local dialect means 'Seat of the Kings', is considered one of the most scenic locations in Madikeri. The spot got its name because kings used to love visiting and watching the mesmerising views of sunrise and sunset from up here. It is now a popular tourist destination where tourists can stand and take in the entirety of the lush green valleys, misty mountains, and colourful flower gardens. This is another one of the best places to visit in Madikeri.

• Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is located at the edge of the Dubare, one of the protected forests in Coorg. This is an initiative taken by the forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. Wildlife lovers can spend hours observing elephants trained by naturalists. They can also participate in activities like bathing and feeding them. Alongside, there are several activities like horse and elephant rides, boating, fishing, trekking, etc., that tourists can enjoy. This is one of the most visited tourist places near Madikeri.

• Omkareshwara Temple

Known for its intriguing history and beautiful architecture, Omkareshwara Temple is visited by tourists and believers alike. One of Madikeri's famous places, the temple is dedicated to Shiva and was built in the 19th century with a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles. It has a dome in the centre and four minarets in the corners. There is a pool in front of the temple with lots of fresh fish. The Shivalinga installed in the temple was named Omkareshwara, and eventually, the temple got its name from there.

Madikeri, Coorg is blessed with beautiful weather all around the year. The best time to visit Madikeri is between June and August, especially if you want to enjoy the rain. However, most tourists visit from October to May as it is safer.

You can plan your stay at Coorg Resort hosted by Club Mahindra Madikeri, and enjoy exploring the town famously known as the 'Scotland of India.' With your Club Mahindra membership, you can explore some of the most stunning places in India and abroad.