Madikeri (also called Mercara, Kannada:ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ) is a beautiful hill station and capital of Kodagu region of Karnataka State, between Mangalore and Mysore. Madikeri was formerly known as Muddurajakeri. Muddurajakeri which means Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687. The form of the name often used in English, Mercara, is derived from Madikeri by a standard transformation of the retroflex 'd' to an 'r' consonant.

Attractions in & around Madikeri: Raja's Seat: Legend says that the local rajas used to watch the sun set from here. There is a nice garden and a beautiful panoramic view to the valley. In the middle of Madikeri, ask for directions from the point you are in and walk (or take a rickshaw).

Abbey Falls: Beautiful falls 7-9 km. from Madikeri (depends where you are). Abbey means "falls" in Kannda. The falls are inside a coffee plant. A rickshaw to the falls and back with half an hour stop is 150 Rs., but if you would like to take a swim at the pool, then a longer stay is advised (bargain for the price before, you can get about 200 Rs. for a 2 hours stay).

Talakaveri: The source of the Cauvery river. The river is famous for annually over flowing the banks here on October 17 or 18. It is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. 42 Km. from Madikeri. Can be reached by bus.

Kushal Nagar: Visit the only Tibetan monastery in Southern India

Getting there:

By Road: Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. It is 120 km from Mysore and 136 km from Mangalore. From Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, one can take the State Highway 17 (Bangalore - Mysore Highway) and take a deviation just after the town of Srirangapatna to join State Highway 88 towards Madikeri. From Bangalore, Madikeri is at a distance of 252 km. Nearby towns are Hassan (115 km) in Karnataka state and Cannanore and Tellicherry in the Kerala state (each around 115 km. away).

By Rail: Madikeri does not have a railway station. Nearest railheads are Hassan, Kasaragod, Cannanore and Tellicherry (each of which are almost equidistant 115 km away). Mysore and Mangalore have railway stations with very good rail connectivity and are good alternatives to reach Madikeri.

By Air: Madikeri does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Mangalore (136 km. away) and Calicut (180 km). Bangalore airport is an alternative. However, with the upgradation of the existing Mysore airport, that would be the nearest airport to Madikeri.