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Best Places to Visit Near Madikeri

A unique eco-tourism destination along river Kaveri, Dubare Elephant Camp is a centre for the study of elephant behaviour, run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, and is one of the prominent tourist places to visit near Madikeri. Dubare was once the training camp for Mysore Dasara elephants.

Trained naturalists explain various aspects of elephant history, ecology, and biology. This is an amazing place to watch the lives of elephants and participate in their routine in close proximity. You may end up spending 3-4 hours easily and return back with an added sense of responsibility towards protecting these enchanting creatures.

Activities: Wildlife Safari, Nature walk, Elephant Ride, Rafting, Boating, Jungle Camps

Time: 9 am- 11 am. 4:30 pm- 5:30 pm (Open all days). July to March.

Entry Fee: INR 20

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 30 km via Chettali & Kadagadal. Accessible by bus/cab.

At 5400 ft, Kote Betta (Fort Hill) is the 3rd highest peak in Kodagu Distt about 15 km from Madikeri located at Hattihole, the other peaks being Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri. Legend says the Pandavas had spent part of their exile here, and also built quite a number of stone dwellings in this area.

This legendary significance from the Mahabharata makes it one of the popular places to visit near Madikeri. It is an interesting weekend trek passing through coffee plantations on one side and lush green hills on the other. The rocky outcrops and the temple makes for an interesting excursion and picnic opportunity as well as a chance encounter with tuskers.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: Appx 32 km. Accessible by bus/cab.10246

Source to river Cauvery, Talacauvery is one of the significant places to visit near Madikeri located amongst the Brahmagiri Hill ranges. On Tula Sankramana day in the middle of October, thousands of pilgrims flock to the river’s birthplace to witness a sudden upsurge of water in a small pond, at a predetermined time.

The gushing of water from the small pond at an auspicious moment is considered a miracle. A small shrine with a beautifully decorated silver Shivalinga marks the spot where the mighty river originates. Near the temple stands Brahmagiri peak which offers panoramic views of the mountains.

Time: 6 am to 6 pm. Open all days.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 44 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

The Brahmagiri Hill is a 9km trek that takes you to one of the highest peaks of Karnataka at above 5200 ft ASL. Literally meaning ‘Abode of Lord Brahma’, the enchanting view from the top is mesmerizing with plenty of camping and picnic opportunities.

Situated on the border between Kodagu district in Karnataka state in the north and Wayanad district of Kerala state on the south, Brahmagiri Hill is well forested with abundant wildlife. For the trek to Brahmagiri from Irupu Falls, trekkers need to seek permission of Range Forest Officer at Srimangala.

Time: Monsoons

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 45 km.

Established in 1987, and a proposed World Heritage Site, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare and endangered birdlife with the Kadamakkal reserve forest as part of the sanctuary. Pushpagiri (Kumara Parvatha) is the highest peak with a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

One can spot varieties of animal species that include Indian Hare, Spotted Deer, Giant Flying Squirrel, Otter Species, Indian Wild Dog, Travancore Flying, Brown Palm Civet, Wild Pig, Indian Giant Squirrel, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Sambar, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Indian Muntjac, and mouse deer. Primates include common langur, lion-tailed macaque, and bonnet macaque.

Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (all days of the week)

Entry Fee: INR 10

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand:  65 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Mandalpatti, situated at an altitude of around 4050 feet is a part of Pushpagiri reserve forest. Of all the places to visit near Madikeri, this is a Four Wheel Drive enthusiast’s dream trail.

Replete with dense forest, hills, mist, clouds, and bone-chilling climate, it makes for a perfect adventure drive and last of 3 km trail can either be done by a 4x4 jeep or hike in case trekking is your choice.

It is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure in road trips, through lush green coffee plantation & dense forest cover.

Jeep Cost: INR 1000 (5-6 person) from Mandalpatti Base, INR 4000 from Madikeri to Maldalpatti, INR 1500 from Abbi Falls to Mandalpatti (5-6 person). Prices are negotiable.

Time: 6 am-6 pm.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 22 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

A short drive to the north of Madikeri will take you to one of the important places to visit near Madikeri, the Abbey Falls earlier named Jessy Falls after an English chaplain’s daughter.

The river Kaveri (Cauvery) with its origins in this district rolls down the rockface located amongst private coffee plantations and spice estates. The monsoons are the best time to enjoy the energetic fervour of Abbey waterfall and best viewed from the hanging bridge opposite the falls.

Best time to visit is July to October (rain makes the road slippery, so caution must be taken at all times).

Time: Open from 9 am-5 pm all days.

Entry Fee: INR 15. Parking INR 30.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: Appx 9 km. Access by hired cabs/ autos.

Of all places to visit near Madikeri, the unique setting of this location justifies its name from which kings used to look upon picturesque landscape and sunsets from a vantage point.

Surrounded by lush greenery, fountains and flora on Stuart Hill, this was the location erstwhile Rajas of Kodagu used to hang out with their queens.

The toy train and musical fountain there are interesting attractions for children. Best Time to visit is between 6- 8 pm when you can get a splendid view of the sun setting over the beautiful landscape.

Time: Open on all seven days.

Entry Fee: INR 5/person. Toy Train INR 20/person

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 1.5 km (Stuart Hill).

Built-in 1820 by Linga Rajendra II, Omkareshwara Temple is one of the unique places to visit near Madikeri for its mix of Gothic and Islamic styles.

The Shivaling in the temple is believed to be brought from Kashi worshipped as Omkareshwara, a form of Lord Shiva installed near the entrance door and its history inscribed on a copper plate fixed on the entrance door frame.

The construction of the temple itself is believed to appease the spirit of a brahmin who was unjustly put to death by the king. The water tank full of fish in it is a pleasant attraction.

Time: 6:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Entry Fee: Free.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 2 km.

Within an hour’s drive close to Hattihole is another tourist place to visit near Madikeri that oozes adventure and charisma. Relaxing in cool waters of Kote Abbey waterfalls can be a real dose of peace & comfort.

In all the waterfalls in and around Coorg, this is the least crowded, clean, scenic & one of the few falls where we can take a dip in the water safely. Make sure to carry extra clothes if you are visiting this place because after seeing it you will most probably take a plunge in the water.

Note: Don't enter into the water below the falls, as the locals' advice against it.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 24 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Chelavara Falls originates from a small stream, a tributary of river Kaveri near Cheyandane village. Also known as Embepare locally meaning tortoise (water falls from a height of 150 feet on a rock shaped like a tortoise), they can be best visited during monsoon or just after the monsoon when the water level is at its peak and forests are at their best green.

This cheerful fall with its unperturbed beauty is a perfect site away from urban cacophony among the tourist places to visit near Madikeri. Taxis are available from Madikeri. Autos and buses can also be hired at Cheyandane bus stop in Virajpet (23 km away). After a point, a 15-minute walk takes you to the enchanting Chelavara Falls.

Time: Open 24 hours. Best visited before 9 am.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 42 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Namdroling in Bylakuppe the second largest Tibetan settlement in India, and Namdroling (Golden Temple) is its most famous Buddhist monastery. Namdroling was established by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche shortly after he came to India from Tibet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bequeathed the name "Namdroling Monastery." Home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns, this monastery is one of the amazing places to visit near Madikeri for its sheer grandeur and historical significance. Namdroling Monastery hosts several ceremonies yearly including the Tibetan New Year (Losar).

Time: 9 am to 6 pm.

Entry Fee: Free (Donations are accepted).

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 34 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Amid dense forests, Cauvery Nisargadhama is one of the most popular of places to visit near Madikeri close to Kushalnagar spread over 64 acres where visitors can wake up with soft rays of sun amid chirping of birds, with River Cauvery flowing gloriously and sleep under a star-studded clear sky at night.

Visitors can see Deer and Rabbit park after taking an elephant ride alongside the banks of Cauvery. Guides on hire are easily available to take you through the forest. Riverside houses and treetop cottages are available for easy night stay. Bookings can be made from the Office of Conservator of Forests, Kodagu circle or Office of Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri.

Time: Open Monday to Sunday, 9 am-5 pm. Best Time: October-May

Entry Fee: INR 10/person for adults, INR 5/person for children, INR 25 for Elephant Ride, INR 100 for boating, INR 700-1000/night for forest resort accommodation.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 30 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Gaddige Tombs, a relic of the past, just about 1.5 km North-East from Madikeri Bus Stand, is one of the interesting places to visit near Madikeri.

Built in Indo-Saracenic style, they are tombs of Veerasandra, Linga Rajendra and their wives visible prominently over the Madikeri skyline with their Islamic style architecture replete with domes and minarets but at the same time topped with bulls (basavas).

Lord Shiva is placed and worshipped inside the tomb since the king was Hindu. The bars of windows made of brass have fine engravings.

Time: 9 am-5 pm, Open All days.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 1.5 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

One of the bigger waterfalls in the Virajpet side of Coorg, Chingara waterfall is tucked between coffee estates and tropical forests is an ideal place for a tropical trek and that too especially in monsoons.

The ambience makes it one of the peaceful places to visit near Madikeri. But, for those who are not in the mood for a trek can still enjoy this waterfall by taking the small concrete road that turns left from Kabbinakad junction on the Virajpet – Madikeri road. 

One side of the journey is a steep descent, while the return one is an ascent that will send your heart racing. The trek is fairly straightforward except for a knee-deep stream.

Time: Open all days.

Entry Fee: Free.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand:  35 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Bhagamandala is situated along river Kaveri in its upstream stretches where it is joined by two tributaries, the Kannike, and the mythical Sujyothi river.

The sacred river confluence (Triveni Sangam in Sanskrit) has an average elevation of 898m and is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri. Bhagandeshwara Temple has a large courtyard and is built in Kerala style, with red- tiled roofs.

Bhagamandala is also famous for honey and its apiaries.

Time: 6 am to 7 pm. Open all days.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 36 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Basaveshwara Temple is dedicated to an eminent Hindu religious teacher and philosopher, Shri Sharana Basaveshwara, a Lingayat saint of the 18th century. People from across the country and abroad cutting across communal lines converge on the sprawling temple complex to witness the historic car festival.

On the occasion, the people also have a glimpse of the silver plate (Prasada Battala) used by the saint. People, particularly farmers from the region, continue the practice of donating a portion of their harvest to the temple for providing free food to pilgrims visiting the temple.

Time: 6 am to 6 pm.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand:  3 km. Accessible by bus/cab.

Iruppu Falls (or Lakshmana Tirtha Falls) derived from the name of the Cauvery tributary which starts from these falls, the Lakshmana Tirtha River, is located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district bordering Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a freshwater cascade situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarhole.

The trail from Iruppu falls also leads to Brahmagiri peak. A large number of pilgrims flock to the Shiva Temple known as Rameshwara Temple during Shivaratri festivities. A visit to the falls is best made during monsoons when water is at its full flow. Best way to reach this place is to hire a jeep or a taxi.

Time: Monsoons.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 80 km.

Also known as God’s Pool, Devaragundi Falls, located near Sri Mallikarjuna temple in Thodikana (1. 5 km), is a destination for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and the devout who want a slice of the Western Ghats.

It is one of the places to visit near Madikeri that exudes piety and is away from human activity. Vehicles can fly up to Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, followed by a walk uphill to be greeted by the sight and sound of the waterfalls that join the Matsya Tirtha River which joins the Payaswini near Aranthod. The river is called Chandragiri in Kasaragod, where it joins the Arabian Sea.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: 45 km. Accessible by bus/cab.