Madikeri Fort is a well-known place to visit in Coorg, Karnataka. Located in the middle of Madikeri town, the magnificent Fort gives a visitor a glimpse of Coorg's past. Panoramic views of the town are also to be had by the high buildings of the Fort.
Muddu Raja constructed this ancient Fort in the late 1600s when he declared Madikeri as the new capital of Coorg. After Tipu Sultan captured the Fort, it was exchanged several times. As a result, the British made important changes to the construction and architectural design of the Fort.
At present, Madikeri Fort has come to house the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Madikeri with other attractions around it. Life-size elephants are at the door and the museum contains all important artifacts and pictures.
What is special about Madikeri Fort Coorg?
Interestingly, Madikeri Fort holds some historical significance with its idiosyncratic structure and breathtaking views. Mudduraja began building Madikeri Fort in the 17th century and later made further construction during Tipu Sultan's reign. It has stone walls, massive domes, and a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
There is also a museum, a chapel, and two lifelike elephant figures. Madikeri Fort is very attractive from the historical point of view, paints splendid views of Madikeri town, and makes itself a thing one centipede simply cannot afford to miss. This is one of the must-see places found in various Coorg tour packages that help introduce many aspects of the region's rich past.
History of Madikeri Fort Coorg
King Muddu Raja of Coorg built the Madikeri Fort in the late 17th century when the town became the new capital of Coorg. He built a castle within the main building, and the Fort was made of mud. Tipu Sultan took over the Fort, rebuilt it with granite, and called it Jaffarabad.
In 1790, Dodda Vira Rajendra seized control of the Fort. Linga Rajendra Wodeyar II restored the building between 1812 and 1814. The British took over the Fort and proposed changes to the main structure. They took down the Grand Fort's temple dedicated to Virabhadra to build an Anglican Church. They built St. Marks Church 1855 in the Gothic style, featuring painted glass windows. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg.
Museum at Madikeri Fort Coorg
Madikeri Fort offers various attractions to visitors. A rather fascinating aspect of it is the church-now-turned-museum in the fort complex. St. Marks Church was built by the personnel of the East India Company and patronized by the Madras government. After independence, in 1971, the church was closed down and seized by the Madras government. Later, it became a museum.
The Karnataka State Archaeological Department manages the Fort Museum. The museum has various British-era artefacts, including Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa's picture. It also maintains fort-related antiques.
How to Reach Madikeri Fort Coorg
The closest train stop to Coorg is Kannur, about 113 km away. One can opt for a cab or bus to reach the Fort. Several buses go from close towns like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. If you want to explore nearby places, you can choose a private cab from popular car rental companies in Coorg for a comfortable trip.
