The cool bracing wind whips the hair about your faces as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully. Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms. You are in Madikeri (previously known as Mercara). A picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level. 

Madikeri is the district headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colorful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas, Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan neither 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 woman are known for their beauty. But what kodavas are famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri is a great place to walk, winding lanes meander off the main street, Mountain trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.

Abbi Falls 
Just 5 kilometers outside Madikeri, Abbi falls situated in a private coffee estate is a great place for picnic. 

Irpu Falls 
48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarahole. There is a temple on the banks of river Lakshmana Theertha. Irpu falls would be a trekker's point.

Bhagamandala Temple 
36 Kms from Madikeri. Built in the Kerala style at the confluence of three rivers(the Cauvery, the Kannika and the Sujyothi), this temple houses a variety of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods. 

Nisargadhama 
Forest Resort - 2 Kms from Kushalnagar (30 kms from Madikeri) on the State Highway. There are a few islets in the river Cauvery. The cluster of wooden huts, Nisargadhama is built to blend with the sandalwood forest around. Apart from the lodging, a small canteen, a deer park, children's playing area are added attractions.

Nisargadhama is a forest Department run rest house. As mentioned in the previous page, it has a small canteen, a deer park, boating and elephant ride and children's play area. If you wish to have a relaxed time in a quite and peaceful environment, Nisargadhama is the place. Do not be bothered about a wide variety of cusines. If you still wish, Kannika International in Kushalnagar which is just 3 kms from here can serve you with South Indian, North Indian and some chinese dishes too.

Talacauvery 
(Origin of river Cauvery) - 45 Kms from Madikeri. 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. 

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, is a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. 

Madikeri Fort 
In the center 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. 

Rajas' Tomb
Situated at the Northern extremity of Mahadevpet at Madikeri. Four Tombs, Veeraraja, 1811; Lingarajendra, 1820 along with Biddanda Bopu - the Worrier of Veeraraja and Biddanda Somaiah - Bopu's son, are seen. 

Coffee Plantation
Kodagu is a Coffee Country. The Coffee Estates here produce some of the world's best coffee. 

Air: The nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Mysore which is 114 Kms.

Road: Regular buses operate between Madikeri and Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan, Arasikere, Belur, Chikmagalur, Cannanore and Tellicherry. You could take a taxi. The drive to Madikeri is a memorable experience.