A Story and Glory In Granite: Madikeri Fort, Coorg

The Madikeri Fort is a well-known historical site that is found in Coorg, Karnataka, in the southern portion of India. The impressive fort, which is located in the heart of Madikeri, is still standing today and is still magnificent. It will provide you with historical insights and information about the past and, in fact, witnesses to Coorg’s history and everything the town has been through.

The fort’s elevated structures also offer you panoramic views over the town, which are unquestionably magnificent. The Madikeri Fort is, without a doubt, the most well-known and adored tourist spot in Coorg. You should visit there once in your life, so why wait? Book your trip with Mysore car rental.

The unforgettable history

Madikeri fort

Madikeri fort has made its place in history so beautifully when it comes to the story behind it.

Muddu Raja, the king at the time, decided to make Madikeri the new capital of Coorg; he built this historic fort for the first time in the second part of the seventeenth century. After being taken by Tipu Sultan, this fort changed ownership several times. As a result, the fort’s structure and design underwent extensive adjustments, the majority of which were undertaken by the British. The Madikeri Fort currently houses the deputy commissioner’s office as well as other tourist-attractive items. These include a museum, significant artefacts, and life-size elephants at the entryway.

When Madikeri was declared the new capital of Coorg in the second part of the 17th century, the then-king of Coorg, Muddu Raja, built the Madikeri Fort. He also built a palace inside the main structure, and the fort was created as a mud structure. After taking control of the fort, Tipu Sultan had it completely reconstructed in granite and gave the location the name Jaffarabad.

Dodda Vira Rajendra assumed charge of the Madikeri Fort in 1790. In the years 1812 and 1814, Linga Rajendra Wodeyar II carried out more renovations to the building. The British were finally in charge of it and recommended certain modifications to the basic design. An Anglican Church was afterwards built in the place where the stately fort’s original Virabhadra temple had existed. Built in 1855 in the Gothic architectural style with stained glass windows, this church was known as St. Marks Church.

Madikeri fort construction style inspiration

You will be amazed by how beautifully it has been constructed. It has a highly European appearance because of its granite stone construction, and it is surrounded by coffee plantations and huge green slopes. You will experience the impression that you are in Scotland.

The two life-size elephant statues that are just outside the entryway give you the impression otherwise. It is the best of both worlds, or better yet, the finest of both nations. Tipu Sultan cannot be solely credited for this spectacular construction. In actuality, the Kodagu kingdom’s monarchs, King Dorra Rajendra and Lingarajendra Woddeyar, recaptured the Madikeri fort from Jaffarabad in 1812 and immediately began several constructions.

For the erstwhile kings’ leisurely enjoyment while they savoured the cool breeze and the view of the verdant surroundings, a square Mantapa was constructed and placed on a height.

Madikeri fort and Marshall K.M.

Madikeri fort

Do you know about Marshall K.M and his contribution towards this magnificent fort? If not, then it will be worth reading ahead.

A Section is devoted to Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, a prominent figure in Coorg, as well as the honours he has earned. The fort is also home to an elaborate Kote Maha Ganpathitemple and a public library bearing the name of the country’s founding father.

The Madikeri Fort is not only a unique synthesis of various religions and traditions but also of various eras and social classes. It contains everything from weapons to books, churches to temples, palaces to prisons, elephants to tortoises, and nature.

Bottom line

When it comes to visiting Madikeri Fort for the first time, now is the best time to load up your bags. Board on cabs from Mysore to Coorg, so nothing can beat your sightseeing.