Madikeri Fort

Mudduraja, the then-king of Coorg, constructed Madikeri Fort in the final part of the 17th century AD. The king had also built a mud palace within the fort's walls. Tipu Sultan reconstructed the fort in stone after it was erected in mud in 1781 AD and called it Jaffarabad. Dodda Veerarajendra assumed charge of the fort around 1790 AD. When Lingarajendra Wodeyar II ruled from 1812 to 1814 AD, the fort underwent more alterations and repairs. The British conquered the fort in 1834 AD.

The fort's architecture is distinctive, combining mediaeval and contemporary architectural elements. The fort was first constructed with mud and afterwards with granite. The fort was constructed in European style, with magnificent pillars and expansive design. The fort features a museum that depicts Coorg's history and culture. The fort also provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and Madikeri. The Madikeri Fort features stunning architectural architecture. The two-story palace in the fort complex is enormous and expansive, measuring around 110 feet in length. In 1933 AD, the British refurbished it and installed a great clock tower. 

The British demolished a Virabhadra temple in the inner fort in 1855 and replaced it with a chapel. The Archaeological Department has transformed the Gothic-style church with colour stained glass into a museum. This museum houses various historical artefacts, primarily from the British era, as well as a large painting of Kodagu's prominent figure, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. The fort also houses the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, the Kote Maha Ganapathi shrine, and the district jail. The Madikeri Deputy Commissioner's Office now occupies the fort grounds. 

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays

Entrance is free.