Sight Seeing Places In and Around Madikeri

THADIYANDAMOLU MOUNTAIN
'Tadiyandamolu' is the highest mountain of Kodagu.

 

 

 

 

 

NALKNAD PALACE
At the feet of 'Tadiyandamol" the highest mountain of Kodagu, stands proudly the Nalknad Palace recalling the memories of history. Built in 1792 by Dodda Viraraja, the two storeyed palace enthrals any one with its attractive paintings and architecture. In Kakkabe there is also the "Paadi Igguthappa' temple built by Lingarajendra during 1810. The inscriptions of the King can be found here.

FORT, PALACE
In Architecture, Madikeri is unusual. Built on high grounds, the Madikeri Fort looms large over the town. This was rebuilt between 1812-1817. At the entrance stands the majestic sculpture of horses erected on the entrance wall.
Within the fort is the palace which now houses government offices. The palace is built in European style with secret underground routes. Now a stone structure of tortoise stands as a witness to it. There are initials of Virarajendra marked 'V' here and there. As a mark of regret for the brutal killing of the royal elephant by King Vira raja stone replicas of two mighty elephants stand nearby.
There is also a unique museum with memorable of ancient antiques like weapons, idols, canon etc. adds more attraction to this place. A Ganesha temple also adds attention.

GADDUGE

Dominating the skyline are the Gadduge or three tombs with their Islamic style building domes and minarets with gold coating built in Indo Sarsenic style, The entrance to each tomb has Carvings of Hindu Deities. The Central largest tomb more ornate than the other two, contains the graves of Virarajenda and his wife Mahadevi Amma. The medium sized tomb is of Lingarajendra and the simplest tomb contains the grave of Rudrappa Virarajendra's Guru. A bird's eye view of Madikeri can be had from here.

TALACAUVERY

The worshipping Goddess of Kodagu is Mother Cauvery. The birth place of Sacred River, Cauvery, Talacauvery is one of the main pilgrim centres of Karnataka. stands Talacauvery at the foot of "Brahmagiri Hills". Here emerges river Cauvery and gushes her way through Karnataka and Tamilnadu, sanctifying lakhs of hectares of land around her, ending her 760 km journey at Poompuhar in Tamilnadu to join Bay of Bengal.
The Auspicious day 'Tula Sankrama' falls on October 17th every year, where the holy cauvery appears by a sudden upsurge of water in the 'Kundike' - the pond, while the pilgrims take a holy dip. There is no separate worshiping idol for Goddess Cauvery. The pooja is performed for the holy water in the holy 'Kundike". In Talacauvery stands the "Shiva Linga" installed by Sage Agasthaya. About 300 steps leads to the top of Brahmagiri Hill where the exquisite view of mother nature can be experienced.
Kumkum, holy Threetha Prasadam etc. are available for the devotees here. Visitors are not allowed after 6. Night stopover is prohibited. There are quite a few buses plying from Madikeri - Bhagamandala- Talacauvery. The winding curves of the roads prompts one for cautious driving.

OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE
This was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra the then ruling King to ward off the evil caused by "Brahma Rakshasas". The Shiva Linga is said to be brought from the holy place "Kaashi". This temple has an unusual architectural combination of 'Indo-Sarsenic' Style.
Nearby is the holy tank. Regular poojas are performed in the temple for the different deities like Lord Subrahmanya and Ganesha.

RAJA'S SEAT

Overlooking a deep valley is the delightful garden, the main spot of attraction. The Raja's seat is so called because the Raja's of Kodagu spent their evenings at this vintage point watching spectacular sunsets. The lovely flowers in full bloom and the fascinating view of the winding roads makes the visit a memorable one.
An added attraction is the toy train "Baba Saheb Express" near by with a park for the kids. Very next to Raja's seat stands the ancient Temple "Chouti Mariyamma". A furlong away stands the "Gandhi Mantap" with the statue of Mahatma Gandhi built in memory of the Father of Nation.

ABBI FALLS

A thrilling 29 kilometre drive through forests and coffee plantations leads to the most popular attraction and picnic spot - the Abbi Falls. The gushing sound and the beauty of the falls can be experienced from the hanging bridge. Engagingly beautiful in summer, an awesome sight is seen during monsoon. Bathing in deep water, and swimming is not very safe.
Private vehicles has to be hired to get here. Driving of heavy vehicles in this narrow road is prohibited at present.

BHAGAMANDALA

Also known as 'Dakshina Kaashi', Since Bhaganda Maharshi Installed Shivalinga here the place is known thus. Talacauvery is 8 kms from here. Near by are the temples of Maha Vishnu, Subrahmanya and Ganapathi.
The "Triveni Sangama" of the sacred rivers, the Cauvery, the Kannike and the Sujyothi a Subterranean stream is found here . An important Pilgrimage centre called 'Bhagandeshwara Kshetra', where the pilgrims first take a bath, and then ascend the hills for a holy dip at Talacauvery.
The only "Apiculture training centre" "Madhuvan" is in progress here. Honey by the brand name "Coorg Honey" is produced in Bhagamandala. Quite a few buses ply from in and around Madikeri. Hotels including one from Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation "Hotel Mayura Kaveri Yatrinivas" is opened. (Ph : 08272 - 2473143) 2 kms away from Bhagamandala enroute Madikeri there is a petrol bunk.

NAGARAHOLE

A game sanctuary also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park" is 90 kms from Mysore and 46 kms from Gonikoppa, extend to 647 Sq. Kilometres. An excellent opportunity to witness wild animals of different kinds, from the majestic elephant to the Deer, Tiger, Cheetha, jackal etc. The forest comprises of valuable wealth like the teak, rosewood, sandal wood trees etc.
Though plying of private vehicles is not allowed inside, the departmental vehicle takes the tourists inside the sanctuary.