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Cover Image Credit: Wikipedia

Rolling green hills with bright blue skies throughout the year, no wonder Madikeri is foreshadowed as the ‘Scotland of India’! The scenic region is known for its high-quality coffee, but there are so many things to do in Madikeri.

 No matter if you’re a nature lover, photographer, food connoisseur, adventure enthusiast, and or a culture vulture, this place has something for every type of traveller in this area. Visiting Abbey Falls, shopping in local markets, trekking and camping are few of the highlights of the Madikeri experience. 

11 Amazing Things To Do In Madikeri

Madikeri is blessed with nature’s abundance and numerous outdoor activities. Some of the best things to do in Madikeri have been listed below! Make sure you take part in most of these to make the most of your holiday in Karnataka!

  • Abbey Falls: Click Pictures
  • Camping: Relax Amidst Nature
  • Jeep Safari: Explore The Wildside
  • Madikeri Fort: Go For A Heritage Tour
  • Barapole: Try River Rafting
  • Kaveri River: Have Fun While Fishing
  • Food Tour: Relish Local Delicacies
  • Elephant Camp: Bathe These Adorable Creatures
  • Trekking: Explore The Serene Trails
  • Hiking: Witness The Lush Green Surroundings
  • Local Markets: Shop Till You Drop

1. Abbey Falls: Click Pictures 

waterfalls

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Madikeri is blessed with nature’s abundance and photographing it is one of the best things to do in Madikeri. It is the milky waterfall situated in a picturesque coffee and zing plantation provides an amazing view for that flawless Instagram photo. So don’t trouble thinking what to do in Madikeri, just head to Abbey falls and enjoy the place with your loved ones! By clicking some memorable pictures here, you are capturing the momentous moments of life.

Location: 8 kilometres from Madikeri
Average Cost: INR 15 per person
Ideal For: Couples, Friends, and Family

Must Read: 6 Magnificent Waterfalls In Mangalore Which Are The Hidden Treasures Of South!


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2. Camping: Relax Amidst Nature

camping in lush greenery

Image Courtesy: pxhere.com

Camping in Madikeri has become a famous activity to enjoy over the past few years. There are numerous campsites available from which you can choose the one for you. In fact, with a camping trip, you don’t have to worry about what to do in Madikeri. It is recommended to pick, book, and relax your campsite earlier to avoid any type of hassle at the last minute. Reaching the place, you can enjoy in your tent with a cup of coffee during the day and also count the stars at night! Stargazing is one of the best things to do in Madikeri at night with your loved ones. Just give it a try and feel its ascent.

Location: Madikeri
Average Cost: Starting at INR 2000/- per person
Ideal For: Couple and Friends.

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3. Jeep Safari: Explore The Wildside

jeep safari

Image Credit: Ron Porter for Pixabay

Do you love to explore the beauty of nature? Then, one of the top things to do in Madikeri is to adore the Jeep Safari. There are numerous jeep safari tours available in the area so that you can choose the one that suits best to you as the preferable options. Some of the best jeep safari options available in Madikeri include Nishani Hills which is an off-road jeep drive, Kabbe Hills which provides you the breathtaking views of the landscape, and Mallalli Waterfalls which take one to the dropping falls in Madikeri.

Location: Madikeri
Average Cost: Varies for different locations.
Ideal For: Friends and Family
Timings: 7:00 AM to 01:00 PM

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4. Madikeri Fort: Go For A Heritage Tour 

Madikeri fort

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Madikeri Fort is a stimulating heritage building located in Madikeri which dates back to the latter half of the 17th century. There is a great palace inside the walls of the fort which was formerly built by Mudduraja, the fort has been reconstructed and refurbished by Tipu Sultan and the Bruisers. Today the fort claims of a museum, a clock tower, and a park in its premises and is one of the best places to visit in Madikeri. If you are wondering to plan a trip with your family or friends to Karnataka, then taking a tour of this fort is one of the best things to do in Madikeri with family.

Location: Madikeri
Ideal For: Friends and Family
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Timings: 9.00 AM to 6:30 PM

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5. Barapole: Try River Rafting

water rafting

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River rafting is among the most unrecognized things to do in Madikeri. In fact, it is an interesting place for whitewater rafting, especially during the monsoon season. The Barapole River has marks ranging from I to V providing the definitive adventure experience to travellers who are planning to visit the place. To experience something adventurous in your life, add it to your list of exciting activities in Madikeri in the month of August!

Location: Virajpet Taluk
Average Cost: INR 1200 per person
Ideal For: Friends, Family, Solo
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season especially in the month of August

Suggested Read: Mangalore In July : A Pocket Guide To Know More About This Hidden Beauty

6. Kaveri River: Have Fun While Fishing

Fishing In Salt Lake's view

Madikeri is famous for its scenic beauty but it has many lakes and rivers in the area. In fact, the river Kaveri initiates at Talacauvery near Madikeri and is rich in marine life and perfect for fishing. Spinning and fishing are some of the most popular things to do in Madikeri Karnataka. The rivers plentiful with food for these fish during monsoons turn fishing into one of the best activities in Madikeri to do in the month of June.

Location: Kaveri
Average Cost: INR 1500 onwards
Ideal For: Friends, Family, Solo
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season especially in the month of June

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7. Food Tour: Relish Local Delicacies

food on table

Image Credit: Pixabay

Madikeri cuisine is exclusive and diverse from the rest of the state of Karnataka. It’s primarily non-vegetarian and uses local ingredients like forest meat, produce, rice, and rice-based products. Eating pork or pandi curry is one of the must things to do in Madikeri Karnataka for a large number of visitors. There are several options available for vegetarians and there is enough scope for nool puttu, akki rotti, and koovaleputtu. These are the best dishes for dinner that you can enjoy during your trip.

Location: Madikeri
Average Cost: INR 1000 for 2
Ideal For: Friends, Family, Solo, and Couples

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8. Elephant Camp: Bathe These Adorable Creatures

man bathing elephants

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Have you seen elephants in your life earlier? If no, then you can get the chance of playing and taking care of elephants at this place. It is one of the fun things to do in Madikeri. The elephant camp in Dubare is the most well-known tourist attractions in Madikeri and has a large herd of elephants that you can bathe, feed, and ride. It is situated on the river bank and it is considered the perfect place to cool off in summer months especially in the month of May.

Location: Kushalnagar, Nanjarayapatna
Average Cost: INR 670 per person
Ideal For: Solo, Friends, and Family
Best Time to Visit: Summer season especially in the month of May

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9. Trekking: Explore The Serene Trails

Trekking At Laitlum Canyon

The lush Western Ghats provides abundant chances for hiking and trekking. There are a large number of treks available in the area so that you can choose the one for you as per your suitability. Some of these treks comprise Kodachadri, Tadiandamol, Mullayanagiri, Kumara Parvatha, and Brahmagiri. Trekking is ideal during winters because the lush green forests are dry, which is why it features among the adventurous things to do in Madikeri in December.

Location: Western Ghats
Average Cost: Varies for different treks
Ideal For: Solo and Friends
Best Time to Visit: During winters especially in the month of December

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10. Hiking: Witness The Lush Green Surroundings

Go For Hiking

Hiking is another one of the cool things to do in Madikeri for those who love the outdoors and want to indulge in some adventurous activities. Plan a hike to Raja’s seat on a trip to Madikeri and spend some great time with your loved ones watching the panoramic views around. The spot is famous for the dazzling sunset views but one can head here during the morning hours too.

Location: Madikeri
Average Cost: INR 5/-
Ideal For: Solo, Friends, and Family

Suggested Read: 25 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Mangalore For A Peaceful Sojourn

11. Local Markets: Shop Till You Drop

Kushal Nagar Market Silk

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Madikeri has a lot of local markets and the two most important ones are Kushal Nagar Market and Friday Market. If you are interested in shopping in Madikeri then you must stop by these markets. At Kushal Nagar Market you can buy Tibetan artifacts, timber carvings, Sandalwood oil, and silk saris. At Friday Market you can shop for all kinds of traditional spices like cinnamon, Cumin Seeds and more. All in all, shopping is one of the top things to do in Madikeri to make the most out of your vacation.

Further Read: 5 Amusement Parks In Mangalore And Near The City For A Fun Vacay In Karnataka

These are some of the best choices in things to do in Madikeri. So, don’t wait! Pack your bags and head out for a fun-filled and memorable holiday with your loved ones and don’t forget to add the above-listed activities in your itinerary! Your Karnataka trip will definitely be an experience worth having if you try out most of the things to do in the city of Madikeri.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Things To Do In Madikeri

Is Madikeri and Coorg same?

Madikeri is a popular hill station town that is located in Coorg district of Karnataka state. It is a lush green escape that lies within the region of Coorg. .

Can we visit Madikeri now?

Yes, you can plan a visit to Madikeri throughout the year. However, your best time depends upon your purpose of visit.

Is it safe to visit Madikeri during Covid times?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit these places as the place has a relatively low number of cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. Make sure that you have completed both the doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.

What is Madikeri famous for?

Madikeri is the serene, little town of Karnataka, which is located in the Western Ghats among the lush greens. This picturesque town is well-known for its diverse glamorous wildlife, trekking trails, camping sites, outstanding coffee plantations, austere sights, the Kodavas, and the ethnic warrior locals of Madikeri.

What is the best time to visit Madikeri?

The best time to visit Madikeri is during the monsoon, especially from July to September. Winters are usually cold as the temperature can fall to a minimum of 14°C and a maximum of 29°C. Best time to visit Madikeri is in winters especially from December to February as the weather remains enjoyable across the area.

What can you do in Madikeri?

Some of the best things to do in Madikeri include -
1. Bathe elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp
2. Take a walk in a coffee plantation
3. Experience Tibetan culture at the Golden Temple
4. Photograph the Abbey Falls
5. Camp under the stars
6. Trek through the hills and jungles
7. Relish ‘pandi curry’ and ‘akki rotti’
8. Go fishing in the rivers and lakes of Madikeri.

How can I reach Madikeri?

The best way to reach Madikeri is via train but it has no direct connectivity in railways. The nearest railway station is in Subrahmanya Road, from where you can take a taxi once you step down to the city of Madikeri which is around 86 kilometers away.

What is the distance between Bangalore and Madikeri?

The distance between Bangalore and Madikeri is 250 kilometers and can be covered in almost 7 hours and 10 minutes via NH275. The main bus stops are situated in Mandya, Channapatna, Mysore, and Kushalnagar areas.


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