Pop: 32,000 Area Code: 08272

Madikeri is located in a hilly area in the Kodagu (Coorg) regions in southwest Karnataka. There are some scenic treks that one can make in the area.

Information and Treks
The Tourist Office (28580) is in the PWD Bungalow (open daily except Sun).

This is a great area in which to trek. There are several treks that can last from two or three days, or longer treks up to ten days. Accommodation during treks is usually in local homes or at basic places. An interesting place to go is to the tops of Pushpagiri and Tadiyendamol (1700m). The best time to trek is between December and March. Mr Raja Shekar at Friends Tours & Travels (29974, 29102) can arrange a trek.

You can change money at the State Bank of India, College Rd; at Canara Bank, Main Rd; and at Indian Overseas Bank. Banks do not change all travelers cheques.

What to See
There is an excellent view from Raja’s Seat, near the KSTDC hotel.

The Omkareswara Siva Temple (1820) is 1km from the center of town.

There is a Fort, within which is the old Kodava kings’ palace. St Mark’s Church has a small museum containing Hindu and Jain sculptures and some weapons.

A half-hour from town is the beautiful Abbi Falls. It is a pleasant trip getting to the falls.
At Talacauvery, 45km from Madikeri, is the source of the Kaveri River. There is a good view from the source.

Bhagamandala, 35 km from Madikeri, is where there is located Triveni Bathing Ghat, where three rivers meet. Tri mean “three.”

Where to Stay
Vinayaka Lodge (29830), near the bus stand, has clean rooms with bath for Rs 125/250. Recommended.

Coorg Side (26789), Daswal Rd, is a quiet place with clean rooms and hot water. It has a vegetarian restaurant and is a good choice for those on a budget.

Hotel Chitra (25191; fax 25191), on the main street near the bus stand, has good, clean rooms with bath and hot water for Rs 250/350. It has a restaurant. Recommended. Note that this is different from the Chitra Lodge across the street.

Hotel Cauvery (25492; fax 25735), School Rd, near the private bus stand next to the cinema, has clean rooms with bath for Rs 200/300. It has hot water in the morning. The owner can arrange treks around the area, which should be arranged at least a week in advance.

Capital Village (25929; fax 26335), 6km from town, off the road to Mysore, has comfortable cottages with bath for Rs 750. It has a good location among some fields. An auto-rickshaw to here is Rs 45. It should be booked in advance.

K STDC Mayura Valley View (28387; fax 29343) has rooms with bath for Rs 400/500. There is a good view from here, a good restaurant, and a pleasant atmosphere. Reservations can be made through Karnataka Tourism in Bangalore. It is a little run-down. Discounts during the off-season.

Coorg International (28071; fax 28073; Chennai 827-3824), Covent Rd, is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms for Rs 1500/1700. They change money and it has a good bookshop and a restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is a helpful, well-managed place.

Where to Eat
Hotel Veglands is a good, popular, cheap vegetarian restaurant.
Mayura Valley View Hotel has a good view and middle priced food.
Hotel Choice is a good place with Western breakfasts and a good menu.

Travel
There are buses to Mysore (2½ hr, every 30 min), Bangalore (6 hr, every hour), Hassan (3½ hr, 5 daily), and Mangalore (4 hr, every hour). Deluxe buses depart from the private bus stand. Purnima Travels books deluxe buses.

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