Madikeri Experience: Madikeri or Marcara is a small historical town in Kodugu (Coorg) valley of Karnataka. It is 130 Km from Mangalore and 135Km from city of Mysore. Lush green forests, crystal clear flowing rivers makes Madikeri a dream destination for a nature lover. Dubare elephant camp and river Kauveri excursions adds extra pleasure for children and adults alike. Raja's seat, Madikeri fort and nature park are the other destinations one must visit. Do not miss to visit Khushal nagar near Madikeri for Tibetan camp which has one of the best Buddhist pagoda in the country.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Dubare elephant camp and river Kaveri excursions adds extra pleasure for children and adults alike. One can watch elephants being bathe in river kauveri, while baby elephants playing the the shallow waters. One must take a boat to cross the river to visit Dubare elephant camp, which is the on other side of river bank. The restaurant at your arrival serves excellent Dosas and famous Coorg coffee. Raja's seat, a sunset point is at just a walkable distance from the town. View from this point is breath taking, looking down at the vast jungles and mountain ranges. Madikeri fort and nature park are the other destinations one must visit. In Madikeri town do not miss many wholesale shops which sales aromatic Coorg spices at throwaway prices. You get best black pepper, Coorg honey, cardamom at its best. Local bazaar is full of handicrafts and other local souvenir stuff.
Activities & things to do: One can take two to three days excursions while in Madikeri. Planning each day activities as places of interests are in different directions. Visit Elephant Camp, Monastery, River Kauveri origin, jungle safari, water fall on each day.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: One can reach Madikeri from Mysore, which is well connected by road. Road is recent developed, and its 135Km drive. State transport KSRTC & other private carriers play bus service to Madikeri from Mysore and Mangalore. However Mangalore rout was under repair and needs to be checked. avoid travelling in rainy season as Madikeri records heavy downpours in monsoon. Most jungle trails are flooded and its difficult to drive. But Madikeri is at its best post Monsoon with its lush green jungles, waterfalls at full blast and rivers with rapids.
