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Madikeri,
Karnataka
Madikeri
is 252 km from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level. It is a popular
hill station in Karnataka. It is the district headquarter of Kodagu.
It has been Dubbed as the Scotland of India due to its misty hills,
lush forests, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations, undulating
streets and breathtaking views. Local food specialities include
Pandhi Curry(Pork Curry), Kadumbuttu (Rice Dumplings), Koli Curry
(Chicken Curry), Nool Puttu ( Rice Noodles), Bembla Curry (Bamboo
Shoot Curry) and Votti (Rice Roti).
It
is a great place to walk. Winding lanes meander off the main street.
Mountain trails promise visual delights. Tadiyendamol is the
tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.
Languages
Spoken: The languages of Madikeri is Kannada,
Kodava dialect, Hindi and English.
Best
time to visit: Madikeri is at its best between
October and april when it's clear, cool and crisp.
Climate:
Climate is pleasant all the year round. The monsoon
is from June to September.
Accomodations:
- Hotel
Mayura Valley View,
tel: 08272-26387.
- Hotel
Cauvery,
tel: 08272-26292.
- Hotel
Coorg International,
tel: 08272-27390.
- Cauvery
Nisargadhama, Near Kushalnagar,
Kodagu District.
For reservations contact : Conservator of Forests,
Kodagu Circle, Madikeri.
Tel: 08272-26308.
How
to reach:
Regular
buses ply between Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hassan, Arsikere,
Belur, Chikmagalur, Cannanore and Tellicherry to Madikeri.
What
to see:
Madikeri
Fort: is
a 19th century fort. It houses a temple, a chapel, the prison and
a small museum. The fort also offers a beautiful view of Madikeri
since it is located on a high ground. It has a small museum
in St Mark's church as well as the town prison, a temple and a chapel
while the palace houses govt offices.
Raja's
Seat:
offers a spectacular view of sunset that one can enjoy. According
to the legends, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here.
The
Raja's Tombs:
was built in 1820 and the memorials fo Virarajendra and his wife
and of Lingarajendra. Although the kings were Hindu, their
commemorative monuments are Muslim in style.
Omkareshwara
Temple:
is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was builty in 1820,
is a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.
What
to shop:
Kodagu is coffee country. The coffee estates
here produce some of the world's best coffee. So don't forget to
take some home.Honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges are a good buy.
Tourists
Info:
Tourist Bureau, PWD Traveller's
Bungalow, Madikeri - 571201. Phone : 0872-6580.
Around
the city:
Abbey
Falls:
is only 8 km from Madikeri. These falls cascade down in steps
to flow as a small river. It is a great place for picnics.
Iruppu Falls:
is a beautiful picnic spot on the way to Kutta from Gonikoppal.
Bhagamandala Temple:
is 39 km from Madikeri and is situated at the confluence of three
rivers, the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi. The temple
here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various
gods.
Talacauvery:
is 44 km from Madikeri. This is a sacred pilgrim centre among
the kodavas. It is from here that the river Cauvery takes
its birth. Steps lead up from the spring which is the Kaveri's
source to the summit of the hill, commanding a superb view. In October
on Sankaramana day, thousand gather to see a miracle - the sudden
bubbling and frothing of the small well, symbolising the appearance
of the Goddess Cauvery.
Nisargadhama:
is known for its calm, serene beauty. It is a ideal picnic
spot visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.
Harangi Dam:
is a great picnic spot 36 km for Medikeri.
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