MADIKERI
Situated At : 5,000 Ft. Above Sea Level
Attractions : Abbey Falls, Irupu Falls, Harangi
Best Season : October To April
Madikeri is a picturesque, charming town
situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level. The
cool bracing wind whips the hair about your face as you ramble along
streets that dip and rise delightfully.
Breathtaking views surprise you unexpectedly. Beautiful women smile at
you from pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance
of coffee blossoms.
Madikeri is the headquarters of Kodagu
(formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is home to the
colourful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas. Said to be the descendents
of the Greeks, the Kodavas are fiercely independent.
They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan or the British. And so to
this day, all Kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a
license. Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian
Army. The women are known for their beauty.
But what the Kodavas are really famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri
is a great place to walk as winding lanes meander off the main street.
Mountain trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyendamol, the tallest
peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Madikeri Fort:
In the centre of Madikeri, this 19th century fort was once the scene of
many a fierce battle. Today, it houses a temple, a chapel, the prison, and
a small museum. The fort also offers a panoramic view of Madikeri from its
walls.
Raja's Seat:
According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here,
enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the top of a hill.
Omkareshwara Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple built in 1820 AD is a mix of Islamic
and Gothic styles of architecture.
EXCURSIONS
Bhagamandala Temple (36 kms):
Built in the Kerala style at the confluence of three rivers (Cauvery,
Kanika and Sujyothi), this temple houses a variety of smaller shrines
dedicated to various gods.
Talacauvery (44 kms):
This is the source of the holy river Cauvery, captured in a small well
less than a meter square.
In October on Sankaramana day, thousands gather to see a miracle - the
sudden bubbling and frothing of the small well, symbolising the appearance
of the Goddess Cauvery.
Abbey Falls:
Just a few kilometres outside Madikeri, these falls cascade down in steps
to flow as a small river. It is a great place for picnics.
Iruppu Falls:
Another beautiful picnic spot, the Irupu Falls are on the way to Kutta
from Gonikoppal.
Harangi:
A reservoir near Kushalnagar, this is a picturesque spot.
Horticulture Research Centre (24 kms):
Situated in Chettahalli, the reseach centre specialises in improving the
local flora like pepper, mango, pears, peaches, guavas, oranges, bananas
and pineapples. It also has a nursery and sells plants.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport Mangalore
is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with major cities in
India.
Rail: The nearest railheads Mysore and Mangalore are well
connected by rail with major cities and towns in India.
Road: Regular buses operate between Madikeri and
Bangalore, Mysore,
Mangalore, Hassan, Arsikere,
Belur, Chikmagalur,
Cannanore and Tellicherry.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Mayura Valley View.
Hotel Cauvery.
Hotel Coorg International.
Cauvery Nisargadhama, Near Kushalnagar, Kodagu District.
Shopping
Kodagu is a coffee country. The coffee estates here produce some of the
world's best coffee. So don't forget to take some home. You could also buy
honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges (in season).
Other Useful Information
Tourist Information Centre: Tourist Bureau, PWD Travellers
Bungalow, Madikeri.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: 31,200
Languages: Kannada, Kodava dialect, Hindi, English.
STD Code: 08272
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
New Delhi - 110 049 (INDIA)
Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
Email : info@indiainfoweb.com


