Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
&promo_pic=/one-page/coolest.jpg)
Posts
Madikeri Fort – A Weathered Sentinel of Kodagu’s Royal Past Situated in the heart of Madikeri town in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, Madikeri Fort is a timeworn monument that bears silent witness to the region’s layered history. Originally constructed in the late 17th century by the local chieftain Mudduraja, the fort was later reconstructed in granite by Tipu Sultan, who renamed it Jaffarabad. Over centuries, it passed through the hands of various rulers, including the British, each of whom left behind architectural and cultural imprints. Today, the fort complex houses several relics of historical significance: a palace that now functions as a government office, a modest but informative museum curated by the Archaeological Survey of India, a clock tower, and two imposing elephant statues that flank the entrance. While the fort once served as a strategic stronghold, it now stands as a symbol of Kodagu’s regal legacy and architectural endurance. Currently, large sections of the fort are undergoing renovation and are cordoned off to the public, including the central building most often featured in photographs. Entry to the main structure is restricted, and many of the surrounding historical and administrative buildings lie in a state of disrepair, their crumbling facades revealing a lack of consistent upkeep. Aesthetic alterations—such as the recent whitewashing of the walls—have stripped away some of the fort’s aged charm, erasing the rich blue patina that once reflected its antiquity. Despite these limitations, the Madikeri Fort Museum, accessible for a nominal fee of ₹10–20, remains the highlight of the visit. It houses an intriguing collection of ancient coins, granite sculptures, antique weaponry, and faded yet compelling paintings. The museum is fairly well maintained and provides visitors with a tangible link to the region's martial and artistic traditions. The fort also offers a panoramic view of Madikeri town, making it an excellent vantage point for photography and quiet reflection. Its location in the town center, coupled with the convenience of on-site parking, makes it easily accessible. Entry to the larger compound is free, making this historical landmark an affordable and enriching experience for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Visitor Tip: Bring a water bottle and sun protection—a hat or umbrella is advisable—as the sun can be intense, and shaded areas within the complex are limited. In Summary: While Madikeri Fort may have lost some of its visual antiquity due to modern alterations and neglect in parts, it remains a poignant and worthwhile destination. It offers a rare glimpse into the fortifications, art, and legacy of Kodagu’s storied past. For those with an appreciation of history, architecture, and the silent gravitas of old stones, Madikeri Fort is a compelling stop.
Joydip Ghosh
00
I had been to Madikeri Fort on 28-11-2020. When you enter Fort, first you will see Museum. The entry fee for this museum is 10 Rs per head. Photography is restricted inside the museum. You can see weaponry used during the era of Tipu Sultan. On display are various artifacts that could give you an insight into what elapsed during the time of Muddu Raja and Tipu Sultan. It will take roughly 15-20 minutes in this museum to watch these things. Once you step out of museum, there will be watchman's they take your name and address and also contact number. Once you give those information, you can go around the Fort and enjoy the history! Madikeri Fort also called Mercara Fort was first founded by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt and restructured in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. Mercara Fort is among the many forts, build or rebuild by Tipu Sultan. In 1790, Dodda Vira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Linga Rajendra II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. The museum displays weaponry used during the era of Tipu Sultan. On display are various artifacts that could give you an insight into what elapsed during the time of Muddu Raja and Tipu Sultan. Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office is located inside the Madikeri Fort premises. The church building houses a museum, which contains several items related to history - mainly the British rule era, and also has a huge portrait of Coorg's eminent personality Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa. This museum is managed by the Karnataka State Archaeological Department. Note : While I was going around the Fort, all I have noticed is - Writings on the Fort walls. Please do not do this. A humble request. This our history and pride. We need to take this and maintain to upcoming generations. Also, do not throw plastics and wrappers everywhere around. Maintain the Fort clean. Behave professionally. I have noticed there are 3-4 watchman's/security guard's who simply sitting at one place rather than roaming around and watch what people are doing. It takes 15-20 mins to write such things on the Fort wall. If you guy's are watching strictly what tourists are doing around, you can easily catch such culprits. The securities should beat such culprits and they should be fined. Government should take strict action against such people.
Pranam Bhat
00
Madikeri Fort is one of the most important historical landmarks in Coorg, Karnataka. Situated in the heart of Madikeri town, this centuries-old fort has witnessed the region's rich history and changing rule, making it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. Location and Accessibility: Located right in the center of Madikeri, the fort is easily accessible by foot, auto-rickshaw, or car from anywhere in town. Its proximity to other attractions like Raja's Seat and Omkareshwara Temple makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing around Madikeri. Historical Significance: Madikeri Fort was originally built by Mudduraja in the 17th century, and over time, it was captured and modified by several rulers, including Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort has a blend of historical influences, reflecting the region’s dynamic past. Tipu Sultan is said to have reconstructed the fort in granite, giving it the form we see today, and later, the British made further modifications. The fort is unique because it still houses government offices, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, giving it a functional role even today. Despite this, much of the fort is open to the public. Architecture and Layout: The architecture of the fort is relatively simple but robust. The thick walls and bastions offer a glimpse into the fortifications that once protected the town. Inside, you’ll find two life-size stone statues of elephants at the entrance, adding a dramatic touch to the structure. One of the key highlights within the fort is the St. Mark’s Church, built by the British in 1859. Though the church is no longer operational as a place of worship, it has been converted into a museum. The museum houses several artifacts from the region’s history, including weaponry, historical documents, and paintings that tell the story of Coorg’s past. Best Time to Visit: The fort can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit Madikeri is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the mid-day heat and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the fort. Things to See: St. Mark's Church Museum: A highlight of the visit, offering insight into the British colonial period and Coorg’s history. Views from the Fort: From the walls of the fort, you can get panoramic views of Madikeri town and the surrounding hills, providing great photo opportunities. Elephant Statues: At the entrance, these statues add a touch of grandeur and are a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
Aslam Shahul
00
Madikeri Fort is a historic fort located in the town of Madikeri, in the state of Karnataka, India. The fort was originally built in the late 17th century by Mudduraja, the then ruler of the Kodagu kingdom. The fort has undergone several renovations and additions over the years, with the most significant changes made by Tipu Sultan during his reign in the late 18th century. The main palace building is under the construction. The Madikeri Fort is situated on an elevated land, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area. The fort is constructed using mud and stone, and has several bastions and towers. The fortification walls are high and thick, and there are two entrances to the fort - the main entrance is through a large wooden door, while the second entrance is through a smaller gate that leads to the palace. The fort is divided into two parts - the first part contains the palace and the administrative buildings, while the second part contains a temple and a museum. The palace was used as the residence of the Kodagu kings, and has several halls and chambers, each with its own unique architecture and design. The administrative buildings housed the various government offices and departments. The temple inside the fort is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and is one of the oldest temples in the town. The temple has a unique architecture, with intricate carvings and decorations on the walls and pillars. The museum inside the fort houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Kodagu kingdom. Today, the Madikeri Fort is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the rich history and heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the various structures and exhibits inside the fort, and also enjoy the scenic views from the fortification walls. The fort is also a venue for various cultural and artistic events, including music and dance performances, and exhibitions.
Artemis p
00
Madikeri Fort, located in the heart of Madikeri town in Coorg, is a really cool historical site with a super interesting past. It was originally built way back in the late 17th century by this guy named Mudduraja, and then later on, Tipu Sultan rebuilt it. The fort is a mix of different architectural styles from different time periods. When you visit the fort, you'll get to see all sorts of awesome historical structures. Right at the entrance, there are these huge stone elephant statues that look totally lifelike. And then there's this really important church called St. Mark's Church, which has actually been turned into a museum now. Inside, you'll find all kinds of cool stuff like weapons and portraits that tell the story of the region's history, especially during the British era. Oh, and there's also this clock tower that the British put up in 1933, which is a pretty neat addition. The layout of the fort is really interesting too. It has a palace that used to be the commissioner's office, a public library, and even this super old temple called Kote Maha Ganapathi. This temple is actually one of the oldest parts of the fort, which is pretty amazing. And let's not forget about the breathtaking views you get from the fort. It's surrounded by such beautiful scenery that it makes visiting the fort even more exciting. Now, I gotta be honest with you. Some people say that the fort doesn't have as many exhibits as other historical sites, so if you're really short on time, you might want to skip it. But let me tell you, even though it might not have as much stuff to see, the fort is still totally worth a visit if you're a history buff. Its historical significance and unique architectural features make it a must-see spot. So, go check it out and soak up all that amazing history!
Vamsi Chowdary
00
Super place.Madikeri Fort is one of the interesting place . It was first built in the last quarter of the 17th century by Mudduraja. There was a palace built inside the fort as well. It was rebuilt into a fort of stone and bricks by Tipu Sultan, who gave it the name of Jaffarabad.In 1814, the fort was built with mortar and bricks by the Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. There have been battles which the fort has seen and thus represents a rich historical and cultural background. In 1790, it came under the control of Doddavira Rajendra. Later it was renovated by Tipu Sultan. This reconstruction was followed by the renovation by the King Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. British also renovated the fort twice. In the year of 1933, a clock tower and a portico to park the commissioner's car were added in the complex. And now it serves as the office of the Deputy Commissioner. As you enter the fort, you will see two life-sized elephants made of mortar. Inside the inner fort, there was a temple dedicated to Virabhadra which was removed by the British in the year of 1855 so as to build an Anglican Church in its place. The Church presents beautiful architecture with Gothic style. Now it has been converted into a museum and offers tourists with varied kinds of antiques related to the land of Coorg. The museum is now maintained by the state archaeology department. There are other buildings as well inside the fort. These are Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the district prison. Kote Maha Ganapathi temple is one of the temples which compete for the Madikeri Dasara festival.
Adventure Traveler
00
Nearby Attractions Of Madikeri Fort
Raja's Seat, Coorg
General Thimmaiah Memorial Madikeri
Government Museum Madikeri
Shri Omkareshwara Swamy Temple, Madikeri
Omkareshwar Temple Park
Raja Seat Musical Fountain NOT IN SERVICE OR CLOSED
Kunduru Motte Sri Chowtti Maramma Tayi Temple
Gandhi Mantapa
Raja's Seat, Coorg
4.4
(3.5K)
Click for details
General Thimmaiah Memorial Madikeri
4.6
(908)
Click for details
Government Museum Madikeri
3.6
(1.1K)
Click for details
Shri Omkareshwara Swamy Temple, Madikeri
4.6
(723)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Madikeri Fort
Coorg Cuisine
Ambika Upahar Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant
Hotel Green Land
Kailash Parbat- Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Domino's Pizza | Stuart Hill, Madikeri
Raintree Restaurants
UDUPI GARDEN
Paakashala Madikeri
East End Hotel
BELLI’S restaurant
Coorg Cuisine
4.0
(2.8K)
Click for details
Ambika Upahar Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant
4.0
(2.7K)
Click for details
Hotel Green Land
3.8
(2.7K)
Click for details
Kailash Parbat- Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
4.7
(2.2K)
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
CPCQ+FF8, Fort Rd, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
Map
Phone
+91 80 2235 2828
Call
Website
karnatakatourism.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
3.6
(6.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
Madikeri Fort, also called Mercara Fort, is a fort in Madikeri, in the Kodagu district of the Indian state of Karnataka, first built by Mudduraja in the second half of the 17th century. Mudduraja also built the palace within the fort.
attractions: Raja's Seat, Coorg, General Thimmaiah Memorial Madikeri, Government Museum Madikeri, Shri Omkareshwara Swamy Temple, Madikeri, Omkareshwar Temple Park, Raja Seat Musical Fountain NOT IN SERVICE OR CLOSED, Kunduru Motte Sri Chowtti Maramma Tayi Temple, Gandhi Mantapa, restaurants: Coorg Cuisine, Ambika Upahar Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant, Hotel Green Land, Kailash Parbat- Pure Vegetarian Restaurant, Domino's Pizza | Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Raintree Restaurants, UDUPI GARDEN, Paakashala Madikeri, East End Hotel, BELLI’S restaurant
- Please manually select your location for better experience