Madikeri Fort, Coorg

Madikeri Fort is a historical landmark of Coorg. The fort stands in the center of the Madikeri town, still preserving the remnants of a bygone era within its proud walls.

The Madikeri Fort was constructed in the later part of the 17th century by Muddu Raja, the then king of Coorg. Since then the fort has seen many changes.

However, this imposing structure has stood the test of time and has become a standing witness of Coorg’s history.

History of the Madikeri Fort

The long history of the Madikeri Fort can be traced back to the 17th century when Muddu Raja had made Madikeri the capital of Coorg.

The fort was built as a mud structure. The king had also constructed a mud palace inside the fort premises.

when Tipu Sultan captured the fort, he ordered to reconstruct the structure in granite and named the site Jaffarabad. The rule of Tipu Sultan over the fort was cut short by Dodda Virarajendra who captured the fort in 1790.

The fort faced further changes and renovations during the period 1812 – 1814 when it came under the rule of Lingarajendra Wodeyar II.

The uniqueness of Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort is a unique fort that houses among other structures a temple, an Anglican Church, a prison and a museum. The fact that a Church stands within the walls of the fort signifies the dominance of the British people over the fort.

The fort is believed to have a few secret passageways and that adds to the mystery of the fort.

Madikeri Fort: A linking between the past and the present

The Madikeri Fort exists as a unique link between the present and the past. The St. Marks Church has been converted into a museum under the management of the State Archaeological Department.

This museum preserves several historical artefacts and antique items related to the fort and the surrounding areas. The artefacts are mainly from the British rule era.

How to reach the Madikeri Fort

Madikeri is a small town of Karnataka but it is well connected to other cities and towns in the state and beyond by the road network. As such, reaching Madikeri is a simple matter.

By Road

Madikeri is situated near the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. So, it is well connected by the road network.

There are several public buses that connect Madikeri to a number of places in Karnataka and Kerala.

There are frequent KSRTC buses that connect Madikeri to Bangalore, Mysore, Virajpet, etc. Visitors can also reach Madikeri by private cars and hired cabs.

By Rail

Madikeri does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railheads are located at Hassan, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Kannur and Thalassery (each of which is situated around 115 km away from Madikeri).

Mysore and Mangalore are at a distance of 140 km but are good alternatives to reach Madikeri through the train route.

By Air

The airport at Mysore is the nearest one as the small town of Madikeri has no airport. Mysore is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hubli, and Dubai via Bangalore.

The Mangalore International Airport at Mangalore can also be assessed to reach the town of Madikeri.

Entry

 Camera and Parking Fee: Free

Timing: 

10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Open on all days of the week except Monday)