Madikeri Fort - A Historic Landmark in Coorg

Coorg, KarnatakaFORT

Historic 17th-century fort in the heart of Madikeri, housing a palace, a museum in a former church, and offering panoramic town views.

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FORT

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Madikeri Fort stands on elevated ground in the center of Madikeri town, offering commanding views of the surrounding area. Originally built with mud by Mudduraja in the 17th century, the fort has been rebuilt and modified over centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles. As you enter, you are greeted by two life-sized mortar elephants. Inside the complex, you will find the former palace of the Kodava kings, which now houses government offices, including the Deputy Commissioner's office. A prominent structure within the walls is St. Mark's Church, an Anglican church built by the British, which has been converted into a government museum showcasing historical artifacts, weapons, and portraits related to Coorg's history.

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Location & Address

Madikeri Fort, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, Stuart Hill, Coorg, Karnataka, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather in Coorg is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. The post-monsoon period offers lush green landscapes. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans and make walking around the fort difficult. The summer months of April and May can be warm but are still a popular time for tourists.
Peak Crowd: October-December and April-May, especially on weekends and during school holidays, due to pleasant weather and vacation season.
Moderate Crowd: January-March and on weekdays throughout the tourist season.
Low Crowd: June-September, during the heavy monsoon season, as rainfall deters many visitors.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (CNN) in Kerala, about 90 km away (2.5-3 hours by road). Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is 140 km away, and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) is about 290 km away.

Train

The nearest major railway stations are in Mysore (120 km), Kannur (115 km), and Mangalore (140 km). From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a government or private bus to Madikeri.

Road

Madikeri is very well-connected by road. KSRTC and private buses run frequently from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, and other cities in Karnataka and Kerala. The drive from Bangalore takes about 5-6 hours.

Local Transport

Within Madikeri, auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport for short distances. Taxis are also available for hire. The fort is centrally located and can be reached on foot from most parts of the main town.