Zip-lining in Coorg

Madikeri Fort has been a popular tourist attraction to witness the lives, rise and fall of several glorious rulers and dynasty. Founded by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century and constructed in mud, it finally took shape in granite and has stood testimony to several incidents. It is a coming together of several religions and an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions.A Fort with a temple, Church, prison, Museum and library is pretty intriguing, especially to history lovers. Different rulers from majestic dynasties have constructed and reconstructed the Fort time and again and used it in a way they felt was justified. Located amidst rolling mountains and lush greenery, one can spend hours inside the Fort looking for artefacts mentioned in the pages of history.Currently, the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office is located inside the Fort premises. St. Mark’s Church built during the British regime houses a museum, which contains several interesting items related to history. It showcases a huge portrait of Coorg's eminent personality Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, weapons and tools used by the different rulers and the British along with several other interesting objects.It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and the beauty and culture of Coorg have been defined in a historical monument, The Madikeri Fort. The two-storied heritage property built by the erstwhile ruler of Kodagu has undergone several changes both structurally and functionally. A Fort built-in mud housing a beautiful Palace, that too made in mud to a Church adorned with stained glass and done up in Gothic style built by the British.Tipu Sultan further fortified the monument in granite and used it for official and leisurely activities. While the British made a museum adjoining the Church, made further changes and showcased various objects and artefacts used during the different transactions amongst the rulers.History of Madikeri Fort The history of Madikeri Fort dates back to the 17th century when the erstwhile king of Coorg, Mudduraja had made Madikeri the capital city of Kodagu. Initially, the fort was built with mud with along with a palace too made with mud inside the fort premises.The fort has born the brunt of several rulers thus undergoing demolitions and reconstruction time and again over a few centuries. It was also rebuilt by Tipusultan in granite and named the site as Jaffarabad and renamed the fort as Meraca Fort. In 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra added to the architectural beauty of the Fort and then again by the Britishers in 1834. St. Mark’s Church built in 1859 is housed inside the Fort and has a museum built inhouse.The Architecture of Madikeri FortThe colossal Fort built against the backdrop of verdant mountains and an open sky reminisces one of an era bygone. The Fort, constructed in granite has been built in European style with elaborate pillars and checkered floor patterns. The two life-size statues of elephants at the entrance must have stod testimony to several rivalry and wars.St. Mark’s Church, in glass stained Gothic style replaced the old Vidarbha temple inside the fort also under the British rule. A grand clock tower was strategically placed to the exuberance of the fort in 1933. A sculpture of tortoise, with the name of King Vijayendra, engraved on it sits adorned upon to welcome the history aficionados.The grand architecture of the fort is not only the pride of the Kodagu region but has also attracted visitors from several parts of the world. The secret labyrinth of alleys and passes inside the fort gives way to mysterious stories associated with them which too must have seen gory and secret stories hidden within the walls.

One of the famous attractions near Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a great way to have a fun-filled day with your loved ones. Amidst the lush green surroundings of Western Ghats, Abbey Falls is a delightful place to visit when you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle. A must visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Abbey Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in South India and also one of the best places in Coorg. Falling down from a height of 70 feet in the middle of a panoramic landscape, the tourists are sure to be charmed by the spectacle.Joining river Kaveri, Abbey Falls is set amidst the verdant coffee plantations and known for its serene ambience. For the adventure lovers, it is a paradise for trekking and for those seeking solitude it is a great getaway to soak in peace in the realm of nature. Offering a great view from the hanging bridge, Abbey Falls is a place that you must not miss visiting while you are in Coorg and looking for a place to picnic or just relax and unwind. The waterfall is a tranquil spot to make the most of your holiday, especially during the monsoons with a number of thrilling activities to do.

Raja’s Seat or the Seat of the Kings is a popular tourist destination of Madikeri. It is named so as in the past, the place has been visited by the kings of Coorg. Raja’s seat offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region consisting of green valleys, towering hills and paddy fields. The atmosphere of the place is quite refreshing and it is one of the best Coorg attractions.The actual Raja’s seat is a statue resembling a brick mortar and pestle structure surrounded by four equidistantly placed pillars. All four pillars are bridged with the aid of arches. In ancient days, this spot was an important point for tourists to capture some delightful sunset moments. Encircling the Raja’s seat is a splendid garden consisting of a musical fountain and seasonal flowers. When the flowers are in their wholly bloomed phase, the garden offers a beautiful sight. As long as the rhythmic music keeps playing in the background, the fountain here dances to its tune and gushes out colourful water. Raja’s Seat overlooks a mind-boggling valley with numerous mist-laden mountain ranges. It is good to plan your visit to the Raja’s seat either early morning or during the sunset hours. Capturing golden moments of the sun rising from the background of mist-laden valleys have always been adored by photographers visiting here. Similar scenery is created during the evening when the sun is about to sign off with its golden smile. Toy train safari here will surely keep you and your little ones engaged. To witness the magic of this toy train ride, you need to head in the direction of the entrance of Raja’s Seat. It will drive you around the garden that surrounds the Raja’s Seat. Throughout your garden ride, you can simply capture some beautiful pictures of the seasonal blooms or take a panoramic view of the valley that stretches apart