Kodagu is also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, home to three wildlife sanctuaries—Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri—as well as Nagarahole National Park. In addition to its rich biodiversity, the district is adorned with numerous tourist attractions.
Located in Madikeri, this elevated garden offers breathtaking views of the western valleys, making it a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. Once a retreat for Kodagu kings and their queens, Raja’s Seat is now a beloved picnic destination featuring vibrant flower beds, artistic fountains, a toy train, and a musical fountain. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds historical significance.
# Abbey Falls
Nestled amidst lush coffee plantations and spice estates, Abbey Falls is a stunning waterfall, once known as Jesse Falls. The cascading waters create a mesmerizing spectacle, with the sound of the falls echoing through the surroundings. A hanging bridge offers a spectacular vantage point to admire the waterfall. The monsoon season enhances its grandeur, while early winter is considered the best time to visit.
# Nagarahole National Park
Formerly known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this wildlife sanctuary lies between Karnataka’s Mysuru Plateau and Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Mountain Ranges. A vital part of India’s Tiger Project, it has played a crucial role in increasing the Bengal tiger population. The park’s main attraction is the bus safari, which allows visitors to explore deep into the forest. Local communities also benefit from eco-tourism, helping to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promote conservation.
Once a training ground for elephants participating in Mysore’s Dasara procession, Dubare Elephant Camp now offers visitors an immersive experience with these majestic creatures. Tourists can interact with trained elephants under the guidance of experienced mahouts and naturalists. The camp is also home to a variety of bird species such as peacocks, kingfishers, and woodpeckers, along with wildlife including spotted deer, wild dogs, tigers, and bears, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
# Madikeri Fort
A historical landmark, Madikeri Fort was originally built by Mudduraja in the late 17th century and later renovated by Tipu Sultan, who renamed it Jaffarabad. Over the years, it has seen multiple rulers, including Doddavira Rajendra and Lingarajendra Wodeyar II. The British later added a clock tower and a portico in 1933, converting it into the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The fort’s entrance is marked by two life-sized mortar elephants, while the complex houses a former Virabhadra temple, which was later converted into an Anglican church and is now a museum. Other notable structures include the Mahatma Gandhi Library, the district prison, and the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple, which plays a key role in the Madikeri Dasara festival.