Spotlight on: Madikeri Tourist Places

This quaint, picturesque hill station in Karnataka often leaves one wondering as to how a place can be so abundantly blessed with natural beauty. Here are some of the top Madikeri tourist places that will make you admire this place even more.

Abbey Falls

Situated about 8 km from Madikeri town is the beautiful Abbey Falls that cascades 70 feet down through rugged mountains to flow into a small river. You park at a distance and trek down a flight of stairs. Elders may find it a tad tedious but the walk in itself is an experience, where the silence of the greenery accompanied by gentle whispers of the breeze soothes you even while sunlight tries to penetrate through the tall trees and coffee plantations on either side. While you get to enjoy the fall from a distance, it is completely worth the visit. No wonder it is one of the best tourist places in Madikeri.  

Can easily spend: 1 to 2 hours

Timing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Namdroling Monastery

Namdroling Monastery was established by His Holiness Prema Norbu Rinpoche in 1963 at Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar, which is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. You come across many monks and Tibetans going about with their daily chores, giving you a feeling that you have entered Tibet. The monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is covered with beautiful Tibetan mythology paintings, and is supposed to be the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapa – a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. What stands out are the three golden Buddha idols rising 18 meters in height at a prayer hall that can accommodate around thousands of monks at a time. You can walk around the monastery and soak in the chants, and chimes of the bells. Post that, do take a tour of Kushalnagar to savour authentic Tibetan dishes.  

Can easily spend: 2 to 3 hours

Timing: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Want to bathe elephants? Head for Dubare, an elephant camp run by the forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Plenty of elephants trained under naturalists await to greet you here, and you will be explained about the history, nature and behaviour of these adorable pachyderms. It is best advised to make reservations beforehand through its official website (dubareelephantcamp.com), so that you can take part in the various interactive activities with the elephants.  

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Can easily spend: 2 hours

Timings: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Sri Omkareshwara Temple

Constructed by King Lingarajendra II in the 18th century to repent the killing of a Brahmin, Sri Omkareshwara stands out for its unique architecture, combining Gothic and Islamic styles. While the main temple holds the Shiv lingam, opposite to it is a pond with a small shrine, where numerous fish can be seen. The puja conducted here is supposed to simple yet very powerful, post which people simply bask in the peace and tranquillity surrounding the temple, which most swear is hard to find anywhere else.  

Can easily spend: 1 hour

Timing: 6.30 a.m. to 12 noon; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Raja’s Seat

Raja’s Seat or King’s Seat, located right in the middle of an attractive garden, is a concrete pavilion held up by four beautifully-arched pillars. This used to be the favourite haunt of several Kings of Kodagu who came and sat here with their queens to watch some glorious sunrises and sunsets. Though you cannot enter the pavilion now, the location still continues to be one of the most scenic spots in South India with its green valleys, high and low mountains dotted with paddy fields, and occasional roads looking like thin white ribbons. Sit in their open amphitheatre and witness the mega event of the sun rising or setting. What bowls you over is the changing colours of the sky, and of course the beautiful wild flowers that you are surrounded with.

Can easily spend: 2 to 3 hours

Timing: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Talacauvery

Located 1,276 metre above sea level on the Brahmagiri hill, Talacauvery is considered the birthplace of River Cauvery. It originates as a spring, filling a tank that has been erected to mark the place. Pujas are continuously performed here, even as people take holy dips in the adjoining pond. During Tula Sankaramana Day, falling in the middle of October, there is a sudden upsurge of water at a predetermined time, attracting thousands of pilgrims. People also climb the 400 steps to the top of a hill that gives you astounding views of the mountain ranges. You can actually see the mountains in different shades of greens and blues and feel the clouds are just within reach. The climb is tedious but one simply has to do it, for the view is worth every step climbed. 

Can easily spend: 2 to 3 hours

Timings: 6 am to 8.30 pm

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