Madikeri town falls in the Kodagu district, and is well connected by road. As one approaches Madikeri one is greeted by a wide vista of shimmering green fields, trees, and the majestic mountains. Coffee is the cash crop, which is grown here. Most of the coffee crop growers mix their crops with pepper, figs and oranges to make an extra buck. The coffee plantations have an abundance of shade-giving trees like the "Red Cedar" and "White Cedar". "Arabica" is the best variety of coffee for percolators and "Robusta" is best for instant coffee. Madikeri derives its name from Madhu-Raja I, the third in line of the Haleri Dynasty. This dynasty was one of the first to have ruled over the whole of Kodagu region from 1600-1834 AD. "Dadda Vira" (1780-1809 A.D.) went mad during his last years as a ruler, and executed many of his relatives. He left his 10 year old daughter in charge of his kingdom as he had no son. In 1811, her uncle usurped the throne and his son, Vira Raja II like Dadda Vira, killed many of his relatives. Thus came the advent of the British and the downfall of this dynasty.

PLACE CHART: One can take a bus or taxi from Mysore to Madikeri, which is in the Kodagu district (the British called it Coorg). Within 1/2 an hour drive from Mysore, one starts ascending the hills of Kodagu to reach "Huttagalli". Some other interesting places one sees on this drive to Madikeri are - Hudikeri, Ponnampet, Gonikopal and Virajpet. This 100-km journey from Mysore takes 3 hrs.

Climate: The climate is cool and pleasant in summer and cold in winters.

Clothing: Light woolens for the night in summer is needed if it rains. Proper woolen clothes for the winter.

Seasons :Summer, Spring, Monsoon season and the Winter season.

Languages : Kannada is the main language spoken by the people here. People understand a spattering of English and a bit of Hindi also.

The "Om Kareshwara Temple" dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was commissioned by Linga Rajendra in 1820, is worth a visit. It is a hub of activity during the Mahashivratri Festival (Festival in honor of Lord Shiva).

Palace of Linga Rajendra Wadiyar (1812), which is protected by three sturdy gates is also worth visiting. On the other side of Madikeri is a Mausoleum with its gilded dome of Linga Rajendra Wadiyar and that of Dodda Vira Rajendra and their queens. The above named, were amongst the most famous rulers of Haleri Dynasty, who were the first family to govern the whole of Kodagu (1600-1834).

St Marks Church, which is now a Government Museum (timings 9 AM to 5 PM. Mondays closed) is also a great place to visit.

Two massive dark grey elephants stand by the wall of the second gateway of the District Prison. This was a monument set up by Vira Raja II, who used to be serenaded at dawn by his favorite trumpeting elephants. One day his message of not being woken by the trumpeting elephants at dawn did not reach the Mahout. At this, his fury knew no bound and he ordered the elephants to be put to death. Later on feeling remorse, he ordered the statues to be erected in memory of the elephants.

Another place to visit is the North Coorg Club, which is now open to women also. The Cosmopolitan Club in Madikeri, is still an all men's domain.

Valley View Hotel in Madikeri, which offers a panoramic view of the valley on one side and the town on the other provides the necessary accommodation.