Understand

Madikeri, once named Muddurajakeri after the powerful Haleri king Mudduraja, who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687, is a town with a rich history. The name "Madikeri" itself evolved from the transformation of the retroflex 'd' to an 'r', resulting in the English name "Mercara." The roots of Madikeri's history are intertwined with the history of Kodagu. The northern part of Kodagu was ruled by the Kadambas from the 2nd to 6th century AD, while the southern part was under the rule of the Gangas from the 4th to 11th century. The Cholas took control of the entire Kodagu region in the 11th century but eventually lost it to the Hoysalas in the 12th century. In the 14th century, Kodagu fell into the hands of the Vijayanagar kings. After their downfall, local chieftains known as Palegars ruled their respective areas directly. However, they were eventually defeated by the Haleri kings, who reigned over Kodagu from 1600-1834 AD. The Haleri kings chose the vicinity of Madikeri as their capital, and in 1681, the third Haleri king, Mudduraja, started transforming the land and constructed a fort, giving birth to the town known as Muddurajakeri, later renamed Madikeri. In 1834 AD, Kodagu became a part of British India. One unique aspect of Madikeri is its traditional Saree style, which is worn in reverse. Even today, you can witness older women adorning this traditional Kodagu's fashion with pride.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Butter chicken is a rich and creamy curry made with marinated chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The dish originated in the Indian subcontinent and gained popularity in Canada due to the large population of Indian immigrants. It's typically served with basmati rice and naan bread. Butter chicken contains meat – chicken.

Dish: BiryaniBiryani is a popular rice dish made by cooking Basmati rice with meat (usually chicken, goat, or fish), vegetables, yogurt, and a blend of spices. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and is often considered the national dish of Pakistan. It's known for its flavorful layers and distinct aroma. Biryani contains meat – primarily chicken, goat, or fish.

Dish: SamosasSamosas are deep-fried or baked pastry snacks filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat. They originate from South Asia and have become a popular street food across India. Often served as an appetizer or a quick snack, samosas can be found at roadside stalls, train stations, and even weddings. Samosas can contain meat – typically potatoes, onions, and peas, but some varieties may include meat such as chicken or lamb.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing