Kan: ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ maḍikēri
‘Mudduraja’s City’ [Muddurajanakeri, Mercara] Town/Hill Station, Karnataka
King Mudduraja was the ruler of Kodogau/Coorg from 1633 to 1687.
His original seat of power was at Haleri (the dynasty is named after this town), but he later moved to Mercara and built a fort here in 1681. The Haleri Dynasty ruled Kodagu from 1600 to 1834.
Madikeri is the capital of Kodagu and is famous for its coffee and spice plantations.
On account of its misty mountains, waterfalls and lush forests, Madikeri has been nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’.
Raja’s Seat in Madikeri is a simple four arch-four pillar structure in the centre of the Gandhi Mantap garden. It was a favourite haunt of the Rajas and their families who enjoyed the views over the mountains, forests, valleys and rice fields 1,170m below.
Today Raja’s Seat is a popular tourist site with a viewing platform.
