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Madikeri!

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Population

35,000

schedule

Best Time

September to May

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Karnataka map South India ⛰️ Mountains 🏔️ Hill Stations Madikeri Coorg Karnataka Coffee Hill Station South India Raja's Seat Abbey Falls

Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg, is a charming hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Known as the "Coffee Capital of India", it's famous for its lush coffee plantations, picturesque landscapes, and cool climate.

Madikeri offers a refreshing escape from city life with its natural beauty and historical sites. However, the winding roads can be challenging for some, and the pace of life is slow. If you're looking for adventure activities, other locations might be preferable.

Plan for at least 2-3 days to explore Madikeri's major attractions and enjoy its serene atmosphere. Getting around is best done by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw, as public transport is limited.

When To Visit

Best Time

September to May

15-25 degrees C

Pleasant and cool with clear skies. This period avoids the heavy monsoon rains.

Why Visit:

Ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring coffee plantations. The weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and the landscapes are at their greenest after the monsoon. It's also a good time for cultural festivals.

Tip: This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. Book accommodations and tours in advance.

Shoulder Season

June

20-30 degrees C

The onset of monsoon brings occasional showers and humidity.

Why Visit:

The landscape is lush and green. You can experience the beauty of the region with fewer crowds, but some outdoor activities may be restricted due to rain.

Tip: Carry rain gear and check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities.

Avoid

July to August

18-28 degrees C

Heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor activities.

Why Avoid:

The heavy rainfall can lead to landslides and make it difficult to explore the region. Many outdoor activities are not possible during this time.

Note: Some accommodations and restaurants may be closed. Travel is generally not recommended due to safety concerns.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Raja's Seat

⏱ 1-2 hours ₹5

Raja's Seat is a popular viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It was a favorite spot for the kings of Coo...

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Abbey Falls

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹15

Abbey Falls is a scenic waterfall cascading down from a height of 70 feet. It is surrounded by lush coffee plantations and spice estates....

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Madikeri Fort

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners)

Madikeri Fort is a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the region's past. The fort has witnessed several battles and rulers, including Tipu...

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Omkareshwara Temple

⏱ 1 hour Free

Omkareshwara Temple is a unique blend of Islamic and Gothic architectural styles. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva....

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Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)

⏱ 1 hour Free

Gaddige, also known as Raja's Tomb, is a historical site that houses the tombs of the Kodava royal family. The tombs are built in Indo-Saracenic style...

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Dubare Elephant Camp

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹900 (Indians), ₹1800 (foreigners)

Dubare Elephant Camp is a popular tourist destination where visitors can interact with elephants. The camp is located on the banks of the Kaveri River...

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Mandalpatti View Point

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹25 per person, ₹3000 for Jeep Hire

Mandalpatti is a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The road to Mandalpatti is a bumpy jeep ride....

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Things To Do

attractions

Coffee Plantation Tour

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person

Take a guided tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee-making process. You'll see how coffee beans are grow...

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attractions

Trekking

⏱ 3-6 hours 💰 ₹500-1500 per person

Explore the lush green hills and valleys of Coorg on a trekking adventure. There are several trekking trails available, ...

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attractions

River Rafting

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹1000-2000 per person

Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Barapole River. The river offers grade II and III rapids, suitable for bot...

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attractions

Bird Watching

⏱ 2-4 hours 💰 ₹300-800 per person

Coorg is a paradise for bird watchers, with a wide variety of avian species. Explore the forests and coffee plantations ...

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Kodava Wedding Ceremony

4-6 hours | ₹5000-10000

Witness a traditional Kodava wedding ceremony, known for its unique rituals and customs. Kodava wedd...

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celebration

Local Market Visit

1-2 hours | Free

Visit the local market in Madikeri to experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture. The marke...

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celebration

Kodava Cuisine Cooking Class

3-4 hours | ₹1500-3000

Learn how to prepare traditional Kodava dishes in a hands-on cooking class. Kodava cuisine is known ...

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celebration

Folk Dance Performance

1-2 hours | ₹500-1000

Attend a traditional Kodava folk dance performance to experience the region's rich cultural heritage...

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celebration

Visiting a Coffee Estate Home Stay

1 day/1 night | ₹2500-5000 per night

Stay in a traditional Kodava home within a working coffee estate. Experience the daily life of a cof...

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celebration

Ayurvedic Massage

1-2 hours | ₹1000-3000

Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Ayurvedic massage is an ancient Indian he...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Pandi Curry (Pork Curry)
Pandi Curry (Pork Curry)

A must-try Kodava delicacy, best enjoyed at Coorg Cuisine.

Kadambuttu (Rice Dumplings)
Kadambuttu (Rice Dumplings)

Steamed rice balls, often served with Pandi Curry.

Bamboo Shoot Curry
Bamboo Shoot Curry

A seasonal delicacy made with tender bamboo shoots.

Coffee
Coffee

Sample locally grown coffee at coffee shops throughout Madikeri.

Where to Eat

Coorg Cuisine

Coorg Cuisine

₹₹₹

Kodava

📍 Madikeri Town

Authentic Kodava cuisine in a traditional setting. Expect flavorful dishes and friendly service. Located in Madikeri Town.

Pandi CurryKadambuttu

₹800-1200 for two

Raintree Restaurant

Raintree Restaurant

₹₹

Multi-cuisine

📍 Madikeri Town

A popular restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and good food. Offers a variety of dishes to suit different tastes. Located in Madikeri Town.

SeafoodIndian dishes

₹600-1000 for two

Street Food Spots

Madikeri Town Market

Madikeri Town Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Try the local sweets and snacks. Be mindful of hygiene and choose vendors with clean stalls.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Madikeri

More restaurants & dishes from Madikeri

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Madikeri Town

Good for first-time visitors who want to be close to the main attractions and restaurants. Can be crowded during peak season.

Best For: Sightseeing, convenience

Near Abbey Falls

Ideal for nature lovers who want a peaceful and scenic stay. Requires transportation to reach the town center.

Best For: Nature, tranquility

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1500/night

Coorg Jungle Kids

📍 Near Raja's Seat

Basic but clean rooms with a central location. Good for budget travelers.

₹800-1500/night

Hotel East End

📍 Madikeri Town

Simple rooms with essential amenities. Offers value for money.

₹900-1600/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2500-4000/night

Hotel Coorg International

📍 Madikeri Town

Comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant. Centrally located and a good base for exploring.

₹2500-4000/night

The Alaka Resort

📍 Near Abbey Falls

Resort with well-appointed rooms and scenic views. Offers a relaxing stay amidst nature.

₹3000-5000/night

Luxury

₹15000+/night

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa

📍 Galibeedu Road

Luxurious resort with stunning views and world-class amenities. Offers a pampering experience in the lap of nature.

₹15000+/night

The Tamara Coorg

📍 Yavakapadi Village

Exclusive resort nestled in a coffee plantation. Offers private villas and personalized service.

₹20000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE), 135km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Mysore Junction (MYS)

Nearest major railway station, located 120 km from Madikeri. Several trains connect Mysore to major cities in India.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 30 hours (₹1500-3000)
  • From Mumbai: 24 hours (₹1200-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Madikeri Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Bangalore: 6-7 hours (₹600-1200)
  • From Mysore: 3-4 hours (₹400-800)

Note: Trains more comfortable, buses more frequent.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-200

Best for: Short distances within Madikeri town

Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Ensure the auto-rickshaw has a working meter.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹1500-3000 per day

Best for: Visiting attractions outside Madikeri town

Hire a taxi for the entire day for convenience. Negotiate the price beforehand.

directions

Scooter

💰 ₹300-500 per day

Best for: Independent exploration of the surrounding areas

Wear a helmet and drive carefully on the winding roads. Check the scooter's condition before renting.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Pack light cotton clothing for warm weather and a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Available in Madikeri town

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, cards accepted at larger establishments.

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls.

Common Issues: Altitude sickness (if trekking), insect bites. Bring necessary medications.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. Available at the airport or in Madikeri town.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and restaurants.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English proficiency is moderate. Learning a few basic Kannada phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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