Madikeri Fort is a fort located in the town of Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka. It lies in the state’s Kodagu district and is also known as Mercara Fort. It was built in the second half of the 17th century by Muddu Raja, a popular ruler of the Kingdom of Coorg (1633 – 1687). After about 100 years, Tipu Sultan of Mysore rebuilt it in granite. Later on, the place was renamed Jaffarabad. Two colossal statues of stone elephants reside in the site’s northeast corner. It is under the Karnataka State Archaeological Department and they have made sure to make the place both a learning and a fun experience for all visitors.
The Historic Madikeri Fort To Your Travel Bucket List
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Anyone visiting Coorg knows Madikeri is a town that must be visited. South India is esteemed for its historical legacy, and its magnificent pieces of evidence are found in the temples and forts. One of them is the Madikeri Fort in the district of Kodagu in Karnataka. The Museum in the fort displays exhibits of artefacts, paintings, weapons, etc., during the functioning of the fort and British rule. Here’s everything you need to know about the Madikeri Fort in Coorg for an amazing trip.
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Madikeri Fort History And Origin
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Madikeri Fort stands tall in glory as a historical landmark in the town of Madikeri. It is well preserved and one of the major historically significant places tourists visit. It has a really interesting history of more than 200 years.
1633 – 1687 – Muddu Raja, ruler of Kodagu, constructed the fort during the second half of the 17th century.
1782 to 1799 – Tipu Sultan’s power rose in Karnataka, and he restructured the fort in Granite. He also renamed the place Jaffarabad.
1790 – Dodda Vira Rajendra took control of the fort.
1812 to 1814- Linga Rajendra II made many changes to the site and erected a palace at the centre of the fort.
1834 – British Rulers usurped the fort and modified it.
1855 – Britishers built the St. Marks Church and removed the Veerabhadra temple from the premises.
1933 – Britishers added a clock tower inside the fort premises.
Post 1947 – The Fort was made the seat of government administration.
Madikeri Fort Location And Timings
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The fort is located in the town of Madikeri in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Since most forts were built on high elevations in olden times, Madikeri Fort too is based on a hillock. Madikeri is a very popular hill town in South India, lining parallel with the Western Ghats. It is mainly known for its greenery, supple weather, and Coffee and Spice plantations. The fort is open on all days but closed on Mondays. The timings are 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Madikeri Fort Activities
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Palace – Inside the fort, there is an old palace of the earlier kings. It was made of brick and mortar by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The ground floor has a series of arches, while the upper story has several rows of windows covered with glass and Venetian blinds. The main projecting balcony is held up by two ornamented horses.
Museum – Government Museum Madikeri was established in 1971 and has been under the Archaeological Survey of India since. The museum currency holds a collection of 300+ ancient coins, 200+ sculptures and several significant archaeological remains. It is open between 10 am to 5:30 in all seasons, daily except Mondays. There is easy local transport like taxis and rickshaws to reach there.
Kote Maha Ganapati temple – Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this temple is the fort’s oldest and most frequently visited part. Mahatma Gandhi Public Library and District Prison inside the Madikeri Fort also welcome visitors.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Madikeri
Madikeri Fort Travel Routes
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By Air—Neither Coorg nor Kodagu District has an airport. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, which is about 137 km away from Kodagu.
By Road – Madikeri bus station is 500 m from the fort. The roadways in Coorg are quite well-developed. There is a strong connectivity network for private cars, jeeps, bikes and taxis.
By Train – Kodagu doesn’t have a railway station but the nearest ones are Mysore Hassan and Mangalore (Karnataka), Thalassery and Kannur (Kerala).
Tourist Spots Near Madikeri Fort
Now you know this famous historical landmark to visit on your next vacation. Besides the Madikeri Fort, there are some top tourist spots you don’t forget to explore. Here are the complete details about this.
1. Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Swami Temple
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An exquisite Hindu temple situated in Subramaniya village in the Dakshin Kannada district. Subramanya is the name given to Lord Kartikeya who is worshipped here and is the god of serpents. According to legend, Vasuki, the divine serpent found refuge under the lord during danger from Garuda. Pilgrims cross the Kumaradhara River to take a holy dip in the river as a purifying ritual before entering the temple for darshan.
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2. Abbey Falls (Kote Abbe Falls)
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The waterfall is about 25 km from Madikeri and 8 km from Mandalpatti. It lies at the start of the Kaveri River, surrounded by coffee and spice plantations. The waterfall provides a cooling atmosphere to sit, revel in the breeze, and rejuvenate. You can also explore the coffee and spice plantations nearby. The waterfall is at full capacity during monsoon season. Earlier, the falls were named after a British official’s wife, Jessi Falls, and they were much more secluded than they are now. Kote Abbe Falls sums up to be the perfect nature getaway from your hectic schedule.
3. Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple
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Popularly known as ‘The Golden Temple’, this monastery is one of the largest Tibetan sites in India. It is located in Bylakuppe in Karnataka. The complex is home to about 16000 refugees and 600 monks. On both sides, you can find the statues of Lord Buddha, as well as those of Lord Amitayus and Lord Padmasambhava. Visitors come here to meditate, pray, and offer their offerings. You can also rotate the mani prayer drums that are believed to be akin to chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum”, a Buddhist prayer.
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4. Raja’s Seat, Coorg
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Raja’s Seat, or the King’s Seat, is a culturally popular site in Madikeri, Karnataka. It is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Gandhi Mantap. It is made of brick and mortar and has four pillars, surrounded by arches. Kings and the Queens of Kodagu, the rulers of Karnataka for over 200 years from 1600 to 1834 CE made significant use of this place. It is a great place to stroll and sit quietly around various flowers and trees. There’s a toy train for children as well.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Coorg
Madikeri Fort stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Its imposing structure and storied past offer visitors a glimpse into bygone eras. At the same time, its scenic surroundings and architectural marvels continue to captivate the imagination of all who wander its grounds. As a cherished landmark, Madikeri Fort remains a symbol of community pride and a destination for travellers seeking a trip to Karnataka on their next vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madikeri Fort
What is the climate in Coorg like?
The district of Kodagu mostly has a pleasant climate, with the average temperature being 15˚C throughout the year. The temperatures are usually between 19 - 25°C. Monsoons are harsh and the waterfall is at its full capacity.
Are there good facilities inside the fort?
Yes! Parking and restrooms are available for visitors and there are no restrictions on photography as well. Food and beverages are not sold inside the fort premises.
How much time does it take to cover the fort?
It takes approximately 2 hours to cover the entire fort including the palace, temple, museum, public library and more.
Is there accommodation near the fort and other tourist places in Madikeri?
There are several good and budget-friendly hotels in Madikeri to lodge in. From luxury stays to budget hotels, lodges and homestays, Madikeri has a lot to offer.
What to wear in Coorg?
Since Coorg has a pleasant climate throughout the year, it is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing.
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