Madekeri was formerly known as Muddu Raja Keri, which meant Mudduraja's town and was named after the popular Haleri king Mudduraja, who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687. The history of this region is very mysterious and it is believed that the people of this area are descendants of Alexander the Great who invaded Indian to a group of Kurds who fled from Iraq to avoid being converted to Islam.
The word Kodagu has come from the word "Kudu" which means "Hilly Place" and is one of the most scenic places in South India, also being the birth place of the Cauvery River. The Kodavas hold the Cauvery River sacred and consider themselves to be the children of the Cauvery. Aprt from their acclaim as gifted farmers, people from this region are also popular for their hospitality.
Madikeri Fort: This fort and the palace within it were built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. The fort was later rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named it Jaffarabad. The Madikeri fort has been through many renovations and changes by the British and the Wodeyar Empire. There is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh just at the entrance of the temple.
Omkareshwara Temple: Located in the center of Madikeri this temple was built by king Lingarajendra in 1820. The temple has a rare combination of Islamic and Gothic style architecture and is built around a central pond in the complex.
Last Updated on : 17 January 2012
