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City in Karnataka, India
Photo: Devaiahpa, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Madikeri (also Mercara) is a beautiful hill station and capital of Kodagu region of Karnataka State, between Mangalore and Mysore. It has a population of over 33,000 people (2011).
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Beautiful falls 7-9 km from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plantation. Abbey Falls is a breathtaking waterfall where the Kaveri river cascades down a rockface. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. You can take a rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop. Negotiate the price beforehand. Bathing in the falls is not allowed as the water pours into the rocky steep valley. There are no toilets at the site.
The road in passes through scenic rice fields and coffee estates. Activities include boat rides, rafting and the cauvery. Crossing the river to take you to the camp is quite adventurous.
The largest Tibetan settlement in Southern India and monastery locally called "Golden Temple", in Bylakuppe, near Kushal Nagar. There are 2 monasteries nearby, one old and the other is new. Don't miss the new, on the way, while going towards old one. You can shop for Tibetan and Chinese handicrafts, decorative and religious items.
A beautiful picnic spot called Nisargadhama. Park is not too great, has some bamboo "machans" on trees, but the best part of it is the river is on the back-side. If you want to go for elephant ride at Nisarga Dhama, please remember to buy ride-tickets along with your entry-ticket before you get in. They do not sell ride-tickets inside; it is a 0.5-km walk back to ticket counter if you forget.
A complex of two temples and a stunning pond in the middle of Medikeri.
Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw). It's a fantastic scene during sun rise or sunset.
Tala Kaveri
The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on 17 or 18 October. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu people. Cauvery river starts here. You can see a very beautiful view of western ghats by climbing the Brahmagiri Hill. Can be reached by bus.
One of the best war museums in India inaugurated by the President himself. Huge cement shoe and other attractions. Very good place for seeing a traditional Kodagu House with stunning interiors. Regular TV show.
Multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant.
A variety of tasty dishes of south-north Indian, European, Chinese and Tibetan styles are available.
Quality vegetarian food.
Vegetarian options.
serves excellent Mangalorean cuisine, alongside north Indian and Chinese dishes. Must-try dishes are prawns ghee roast with neer dosa, tandoori chicken, schezwan fried rice, mushroom masala and paneer butter masala with naan.
Parottas, Pathiris, Fish fry, Biriyani and other Kerala items.
A/c family hall with views
Spice shop at entrance.
Double deluxe room (with TV and non-attached bathroom/toilet) ₹300-500.
A homestay with a small stream within its compound and an impressive coffee and pepper plantation.
Clean rooms on the first floor with balcony, bath and TV.
Pleasant stay. Clean rooms. 24 hours hot water. Centrally located. Nice dining area. Can be pre-booked via the net, through outstation booking agencies. Offers family deluxe, honeymoon deluxe, double deluxe and single as well as double rooms.
Built upon an island with the river flowing around it. Peaceful ambience. Food not so great. You may need to shell out ₹200 extra as a sign of goodwill.
A boutique homestay in a 1880s bungalow and nestled amongst a coffee plantation. A 4-bedroom bungalow of which 3 are dedicated to guests. Large pool, jacuzzi and quad bikes.
Double room with TV approx ₹1,500-2,500 (prices vary with season).
Double room with TV approx ₹700.
It is nestled amidst vast coffee plantations of with a perennial stream flowing through it. Pepper corn vines embrace the stately silver oak trees and fruit and flowering trees grow in abundance, making the estate a haven for birds and butterflies.
Surrounded by a plantation. Eco-tourism. Nine-hole golf course. Coorg traditional and continental food. Can arrange tour guides, vehicle, trekking, plantation walk, birdwatching.
By rail
Madikeri does not have a railway station. The nearest railheads are in Hassan, Kasaragod, Cannanore and Tellicherry (each of which are almost equidistant 115 km away).
By air
Madikeri does not have an airport. The nearest airports are in Mangalore (136 km away) and Kozhikode (180 km). Bangalore Airport is an alternative.
Taxis and autorickshaws are available at reasonable rates. Local buses are not available in plenty.
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