Madikeri

Madikeri is a charming hillside town located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is surrounded by the picturesque western ghats mountain range. The town offers a variety of appealing tourist destinations, ensuring a delightful way to spend your free time. Despite being a hill station, the optimal period to explore Madikeri is between July and September. During this timeframe, the weather is comfortably mild, making it an ideal and enjoyable time for visitors.

How to Reach Madikeri

• By Air: Kannur Airport (60 km), Mangalore Airport (110.5 km)
• By Train: Mysore Hassan Railway Station (105.6 km)
• By Road: Mangalore (139 km), Bangalore (267 km), Coimbatore (307 km), Kochi (389 km)

6 Best Madikeri Tourist Destinations

1. Namdroling Monastery

An ancient monastery that houses a community of five thousand lamas is available for individuals to engage in meditation and find peace. It serves as an excellent location for meditation. Among the locals, it is referred to as the “Golden Monastery” due to the prominent 18-meter-tall gold-coated statue of Lord Buddha within its premises. This monastery stands as a tribute to the rich heritage and cultural values of Buddhism, providing a glimpse into its traditions. You can visit this place between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and there is no admission fee.

2. Mandalpatti

Mandalpatti stands out as a timeless gem among the top tourist attractions in Madikeri. It offers one of the most enchanting treks in the area, positioned at an elevation of approximately 4050 feet above sea level. Nestled within the lush Pushpagiri Reserve Forest, this location boasts expansive stretches of verdant hillsides culminating in breathtaking vistas of Coorg’s beauty. The visiting hours extend from 6 AM to 6 PM. For entry, there’s a fee of 25 per person, while a jeep ride can be enjoyed for 1500.

3. Dubare Reserve Forest & Elephant Camp

The Dubare Camp, historically utilized for training elephants for the renowned Mysore Dasara festival, offers an opportunity to connect with these captivating beings. Exploring this camp provides a unique experience, bringing immense delight to children and creating unforgettable memories for both visitors and elephants. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, guests are guided through the complexities of elephant history, ecology, and biology. The camp welcomes visitors from 8 AM to 3 PM, with an entry fee of 800 for Indians and 1437 for foreigners.

4. Abbey Falls

One of the famous attractions near Madikeri, Abbey falls is a 70ft natural waterfall joining river kaveri surroundings of western ghats. This place is a must visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The suitable time to visit Abbey waterfalls is from July to October. Visiting time is from 9 AM to 5 PM and the entry fee includes 15 per person.

5. Madikeri Fort

The Madikeri Fort stands as a renowned tourist destination, offering insights into the stories of various illustrious rulers and dynasties that have shaped its history. Initiated by Mudduraja in the mid-17th century, the fort was constructed using mud as its primary material. This attraction ranks high among the favored sightseeing spots in Madikeri. Combining a fort, temple, church, prison, museum, and library, it presents a captivating allure, particularly for those passionate about history. The fort welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Mondays. Notably, there is no admission fee.

6. Omkareshwara Temple

Omkareshwara Temple is devoted to the shrine of Lord Shiva and showcases a harmonious fusion of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles, intricately designed to resemble a mosque. The temple welcomes visitors throughout the year, without any entrance fee.