About

Madikeri is a hill station town in Karnataka state, India. Also known as Mercara, it is the headquarters of the district of Kodagu (also called Coorg). It is a popular tourist destination. Coorg in Karnataka in South India is a beautiful hill's. 252 km from Bangalore and 115.0 KM from Mysore situated 1525 m above sea level Coorg, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. It is a beautiful hill country most of which is between 3000 and 4000 feet high. The tallest mountain peak is around 6000 feet high. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is famous for coffee plantations. The coffee estates here produce some of the world's best coffee.

Coorg (Kodagu) is a mountainous district located in the south of India, known for its beautiful scenery and hospitable people. Glorious sounds, sights, and scents welcome you as you enter Coorg. Wildfowl dash from your path, snakes slither across the way in a flash and the elephant has his eye on you. All of a sudden, the forests open up to acres upon acres of lush, green coffee plants and carefully manicured hedges. The road continues to wind up the hills, providing you with brief glances at the paddy fields nestled in the valleys that are abundant with trees. Vibrantly colored roses, bougainvilleas, and marigolds surround the clusters of red-tiled and whitewashed houses. Those travelers who love nature and the unspoiled charm of villages should get off the beaten track and visit Coorg, a wild and rugged region located in the state of Karnataka. The wooded slopes, quaint villages, colorful scenery, and undulating landscape has fascinated tourists until today. Endless mountain ranges, ridge after ridge of grassy and forest-clad slopes raising to the sky, give Coorg its unique and irreplaceable character. Apart from the lure of the woods, mountains, and wildlife, Coorg is home to an indigenous and strikingly different culture of interested, friendly and outgoing natives, the Coorgs(Kodavas).

Kodagu has three taluks - Madikeri, Virajpet, and Somwarpet. Steep hills, valleys, and gorges with countless streams that gurgle through them beckon intrepid trekkers and rock climbers. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets, and breathtaking views make Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination. The main language of Madikeri is Kodava Takk while most of the people of Madikeri are bilingual in Kannada, Hindi, English & Malayalam also very widely spoken languages in Madikeri.

History

Madikeri was formerly known as Muddurajakeri. 'Muddurajakeri' which literally means the town of Mudduraja, It was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 - 1687. The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. The northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadamba rulers between 2nd and 6th century AD and the southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. The Cholas fought against Gangas in the 11th century and captured the Kodagu after defeating Gangas. Then Kodagu was ruled by Hoysalas in the 12th century and by Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century.

Madikeri was formerly known as Muddurajakeri. 'Muddurajakeri' which literally means the town of Mudduraja, It was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 - 1687. The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. The northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadamba rulers between 2nd and 6th century AD and the southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. The Cholas fought against Gangas in the 11th century and captured the Kodagu after defeating Gangas. Then Kodagu was ruled by Hoysalas in the 12th century and by Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century.

After their fall, the Palegars (local chieftain) started ruling their areas directly. These Palegars were defeated by the Haleri kings and ruled Kodagu from 1600 - 1834 AD. Haleri kings made the place Haleri as their capital, near Madikeri.

Culture of Madikeri 

The word Kodagu has come from the word "Kudu" -"Hilly place". Madikeri is one of the most picturesque hill stations of South India with wonderful and lovely natural scenery. It is the birthplace of river Cauvery. The Kodavas worship the Cauvery River and call themselves the children of Cauvery. Besides their fame as agriculturists, the Kodavas are renowned for their hospitality. You can enjoy the hospitality if you visit Madikeri. From the earliest period of recorded history to the end of the 16th century, the history of Kodagu has to be traced chiefly from inscriptions. Kodagu was not ruled entirely by anyone dynasty till the beginning of the 17th century. Several dynasties ruled only a part of Kodagu at different times. The chieftains and local princes till about the end of the 17th century ruled different parts of Kodagu, and they owed allegiance to some bigger ruler outside Kodagu.

The various inscriptions over stone and copper plates found in Kodagu point to a plethora of rulers dating back from 888 AD by the Ganga dynasty to 1633 AD by the Haleri dynasty. The Gangas, Kadambas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas, and Nayakas have ruled Kodagu. Kodagu Nayakas were the rulers for the first time, and they were overthrown and eliminated by the succeeding Haleri rulers. Sometime before the Kodagu Nayakas came to power the mighty Vijayanagar kingdom also had its share of dominance over Kodagu.

Getting Around

In Madikeri car is the best mode for transportation for sightseeing, would give you a lot more flexibility to explore and do your own thing.

In Madikeri car is the best mode for transportation for sightseeing, would give you a lot more flexibility to explore and do your own thing.

Taxis: The best way to explore the Coorg is to hire a taxi for the day or even you can choose any suitable package plan. One could hire a taxi either on his own or through the hotel also in which they are staying. typically 4 seaters non-A/C Taxi cost you about 1500 INR for a day and 7 Seater SUV cost about 3000 INR  depends on season and demand of the vehicles. 

Local Jeeps: local jeeps are not only affordable if you compare to Taxi, but it is more adventure and fun. you can take jeeps to reach tourist attraction from one place to another place or you can rent for the whole day. Jeeps are the safest mode at Coorg. 6 seater jeeps will cost you about INR 2000 per day. 

Auto Rickshaw or tuk-tuk: Auto rickshaws are the cheapest means of transport in Coorg and are readily available. Almost all the bus stands in Coorg are accompanied by a rickshaw stand as well. It is advisable to check the price before you take one.

Rentals

Coorg is also adorned with dozens of places to see.  It is a popular tourist destination for both travelers from India and abroad. It is a hill station and the temperature throughout the year is mostly cold, though not chilly. This makes Coorg a destination that is loved by tourists from abroad. The best way to go Explore Coorg is by self-driven cars or bikes. renting Bike is less Expensive compared to Hiring Taxi also you will be having a lot of freedom. 

Coorg is also adorned with dozens of places to see.  It is a popular tourist destination for both travelers from India and abroad. It is a hill station and the temperature throughout the year is mostly cold, though not chilly. This makes Coorg a destination that is loved by tourists from abroad. The best way to go Explore Coorg is by self-driven cars or bikes. renting Bike is less Expensive compared to Hiring Taxi also you will be having a lot of freedom. 

Renting Bike: Coorg has winding roads and hairpin bends, You can look out of your car window and enjoy the view, but when you ride a motorbike, you become one with the view. riding Bike in Coorg is adventures pls note Some of the roads there are uneven and very narrow. There are many bike rental companies from where you can get self-driven bikes for as low as 25 INR/ hour. or 300 INR/ full day and it will go up to 700 INR  (morning 9 to evening 8) depends on the model you choose. They have a fleet of different bikes starts from Honda Activa to Royal Enfield Classic 350. 

Renting Car: There don't seem to be any chain operating out of Coorg. However, self-drive cars can be rented from Bangalore or Mysore Or Mangalore. There are many Companies in Bangalore from whom you can choose based on your requirements. it will take you about 6-7 Hrs drive to Reach Coorg from Bangalore and 3 Hrs from Mysore and Mangalore.

Things to Pack/Carry

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• Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.
• jacket or sweater: Since Coorg gets a bit chilly in the morning or later in the evening, take a jacket or sweater along.
  
• Moisturizer and hair oil: when the beach water will make your skin and hair dry and rough and these will come handy carry the travel size of these.
• Insect repellent cream: Do not forget to carry an insect repellent cream. because you are going to be mostly outdoors after sunset. It is highly recommended to pack insect repellent for your Goa holiday.
• Camera and Camera accessories: To capture all special moments you need this bad boy and you'll regret it forever. Goa is a photography paradise don forget to catch the sunrise, the water is clearer in the mornings as well. If u don't have a camera can pack Mobile with a selfie stick.
• Adapters: Don’t forget the adapters If you do need them, save on the crazy airport prices by buying them ahead of your trip.
• Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. Travel Water Bottle is lightweight and maintains the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold Pepsi, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. 
  
• First Aid: In case of any emergencies, you should always carry a first aid box. From hangover pills to headache medicines, it’s safe to carry medical aid when you’re traveling.
  
• MEDICINES: Any medication that you'll need during your travels is perhaps the most important item to pack here. For any prescribed medicines or a tablet, you take daily, set an alarm on your phone so that you remember to take it. It's so easy to forget when you're backpacking.
  
• Google map: All right you might say its there in your smartphone, but wait a minute. We recommend you to download the Map of the Hampi where you are going, it will work even in offline mode. It's very handy when there are no signals. - Trust us its a lifesaver.
• Copies of your Documents: Make copies of your passport, visas, and tickets before departing, make an electronic copy and a physical one. Provide an extra copy to your family members.
  
• BODY WASH, TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, Shampoo, and conditioner: Small, portable bottles are better for traveling and a lot lighter than the big plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles. It would be useful to fill up smaller sized bottles with your hair products if you find you're running out of space in your backpack.
• HAIRBRUSH, COMB, HAIR GEL, SPRAY, DEODORANT: The essential hair products that will come in handy when getting ready for the hostel bar crawl.
  
• PHONE CHARGER/PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER: We all know the feeling when our phone runs out of battery on the road. So bring a portable phone charger.
• Don’t predict the weather: weather forecasts are either your holiday’s best friend or biggest foe. Come rain or shine, meteorologists will always give you the best idea of what weather to expect on your holiday. Check the day before you fly and pack accordingly, and save room for that trusty umbrella you hope you’ll never have to use.
• Towels: Towels! Yet another pesky space-filler you need to think long and hard about whether you actually need it. Check ahead of time to see if your holiday accommodation will be providing them (they probably will) and pack accordingly.
• Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
  
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Not just in Goa, you need these hygienic products every time you’re packing for traveling somewhere. Apart from keeping you fresh, the wipes and sanitizer will keep you miles away from germs.
• Powerbank: Your checklist for Goa is incomplete without a power bank. Vacations become all the more exciting when you’re able to upload pictures to your social media channels. Therefore, don’t let the battery drain out and keep a power bank with you at all times.
• Backpack: Talking of the bags that you need to carry to a place like Goa, the large comfy totes or backpacks are the best bet. These bags can be of canvas or of any other light material which can be easily carried for the day out.
• Headtorch: Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with a red light.
  
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Carry your own snacks: Once you are out for sightseeing, you will find very few places that offer decent food. Coconuts are, however, easily available in many places. You can carry some snacks of your choice to beat sudden hunger pangs.

Weather

Coorg, being the loveliest hill station of Karnataka, is blessed with great pleasant, amiable and lovely weather conditions throughout the year. This lovely hill station provides year-round the destination that attracts different kinds of people in different seasons. Its average temperature is around 15 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius. This pleasant climatic condition is one of the main reason that most of the people visit Coorg and refresh themselves. Coorg also undergoes through winters, summers and monsoons chapters of weather. Although Coorg is a year-round destination, the best time to visit this place is the span from October to April. March and April are the months when travelers will enjoy the beauty of the place with shrouded valleys. It is recommended to avoid the span from June to September because of heavy rainfall over there.

Coorg, being the loveliest hill station of Karnataka, is blessed with great pleasant, amiable and lovely weather conditions throughout the year. This lovely hill station provides year-round the destination that attracts different kinds of people in different seasons. Its average temperature is around 15 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius. This pleasant climatic condition is one of the main reason that most of the people visit Coorg and refresh themselves. Coorg also undergoes through winters, summers and monsoons chapters of weather. Although Coorg is a year-round destination, the best time to visit this place is the span from October to April. March and April are the months when travelers will enjoy the beauty of the place with shrouded valleys. It is recommended to avoid the span from June to September because of heavy rainfall over there.

Summer (March to May): The summer season in Coorg begins in the month of March and lasts through May. During this time, the temperature turns warm, making it ideal for daytime travels. If you are an adventurous person and interested in outdoor activities then you have to visit Coorg during summer. During Summer all other places become hotter and that makes you exotic. But in Coorg, summer is pleasant and with chilled nights. Best time to visit Coorg is also known to be during the summer months, as during this time the weather is clear and ideal for outdoor explorations.

Monsoon (June to September): Coorg receives medium rainfall in the early monsoon and the intensity increases towards mid-August and early September. Outdoor activities are mainly restricted, as the rainfall creates flood and mud clogs. Western ghats are so very beautiful in monsoon. If you do not like getting wet in the rain, then avoid monsoon and winter is your time to visit Coorg.  If you are a person who just wants to sit down, enjoy the rain and watch the scenery from your stay then monsoon is your time to visit Coorg.

Winter (October to February): The wintertime in Coorg is crisp, however very wonderful. The average high temperature amid the winter in Coorg is around 20°C with lows averaging in the area of 15°C. The backdrop will be filled with fully bloomed flowers. Its an ideal time for couples. Even in winter you can perform recreational activities and enjoy Coorg. The best time to visit Coorg is through the months of December to February. This is also the best time to visit Coorg for honeymoon.

Must Try Food/Restaurants

Try Coorg Cusine in Madikeri for authentic veg and non-veg Kodava dishes which includes

Try Coorg Cusine in Madikeri for authentic veg and non-veg Kodava dishes which includes

• Kadambuttu (Rice Dumplings)
• Pandi Curry (Pork Curry)
• Noolputtu (Rice Noodles)
• Koli Curry (Chicken Curry)
• Votti (Rice Rotti)
• Bambale Curry (Bamboo Shoot Curry)
• Cafés and coffeehouses
  

Tips

Coorg is not only known as Kodagu but also Known as Scotland of India. Being an exquisite location it is situated on the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka at an altitude in the range of 3500 ft above sea level. Coorg is famous for its eye feasting austere sights, varied wildlife, breathtaking world-class coffee plantations, Dense teak wooded forests, spices and also for the culture and hospitality of native Kodagu people. these tips may help you to plan and explore Coorg better.

Coorg is not only known as Kodagu but also Known as Scotland of India. Being an exquisite location it is situated on the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka at an altitude in the range of 3500 ft above sea level. Coorg is famous for its eye feasting austere sights, varied wildlife, breathtaking world-class coffee plantations, Dense teak wooded forests, spices and also for the culture and hospitality of native Kodagu people. these tips may help you to plan and explore Coorg better.

• Make sure you plan at least a three or four day trip to Coorg to explore the best of nature and to avoid a jam-packed itinerary.
• if you are in Coorg During monsoons, carry rainproof gears – an umbrella and a raincoat, during your trip it will be really useful. 
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you are planning for either a walking trip or trek.
  
• Beware of mosquitoes that thrive in the damp areas of Madikeri. Carry repellents with you or request for a mosquito net at the Madikeri hotel.
• Public transport in and around Madikeri is not that great, Local buses are not available in plenty.  if you want to explore Madikeri better Hire Taxi or Rent A car or Bike. 
• The bargain is the Mantra while Hiring Taxi or Auto or Jeep Bargain as Hard as you can and save some money.
• Shop for local authentic spices like cumin, cardamom and bay leave to dry fruits like cashews and raisins in the local markets. Chocolates are a must buy and of course, there’s the famous coffee.
• If you are adventure Trek Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri and Tadiyendamol are the mountains around Coorg that are perfect for day treks. Challenging forest trails and meandering lanes will leave you refreshed.
• Since Coorg gets a bit chilly in the morning or later in the evening, take a jacket along.
• ATM's available only in City Centers, it may difficult to locate ATM so, carry enough cash INR 2000 is ideal cash.
• There are a few Internet cafes in Coorg, Connections are usually slow but manageable for a couple of quick emails.
• As Madikeri situated in western Ghats Most of the sightseeing places, you may not Find network in your mobile so be prepared for that.
• Don't forget to visit Tea plantation and explore.
• If you want to participate in local festivals then here are the popular ones. Kailpodhu in September, Kaveri Sankramana in October or Puttari in November. Most of the festivals have their root in agriculture and witness participation of both men and women.
• Walking may look tedious inside the town but once you are one km away from the main road it is a very pleasant experience with the smell of coffee piercing your nose.
• Roads are Very Narrow and have Lots of hairpin Curves if you are not experienced driver you may feel very uncomfortable to drive, in such case better to hire Taxi or Jeep. 
• Luxury resorts like Orange Country, Windflower Resorts & Spa, The Tamara, etc. are perfect romantic retreats for honeymoon couples.
• Although there are no official rules for the Hampi temples. But while on a visit to the temple which is a place of worship, you are advised to come decently dressed as a mark of respect. So please cover your shoulders and knees out of respect, this counts for men and women. men will be allowed to wear trousers, dhoti, kurta, shirts, and women may not be allowed to wear sleeveless clothes. Only full-length pants will be allowed. so consider this as a vital Hampi travel tip to not upset pilgrims.