Mercara

Madikeri (), earlier called as Mercara is city and headquarters of Kodagu district in the Karnataka state of India. It is recognised as one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is ranked 1st in India for having cleanest air and best AQI in 2024.

Language

Kodava Takk is the traditional language of the indigenous Kodava people in Madikeri and the broader Kodagu region. While it is not an official language, it holds significant cultural value and is spoken primarily within the Kodava community. Scholars and cultural groups have raised concerns over its declining use, and various efforts have been made to preserve and promote the language.

Kannada, the official language of Karnataka, is used in education, government, and public communication. Other minority languages spoken in the region include Are Bhashe, Tulu, Sankethi, Malayalam, and Beary, reflecting the area's linguistic diversity.

Etymology

Madikeri was known as ''Muddu Raja Keri'', which meant Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 to 1687. From 1834, during the British Raj, it was called ''Mercara''. It was later renamed to Madikeri by the Government of Mysore.

History

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to the 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from the 4th to the 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, the Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century.

After their fall, the local chieftains from kodava community (''Palegars'') started ruling their areas directly. They appointed Haleri Dynasty founder Veeraraju, (Nephew of Ikkeri Sadashiva Nayaka who were descendants of Talakadu Ganga Dynasty) as ruler. In the year 1700 AD Ikkeri Somashekara Nayaka gifted Puttur and Amara Sullia Magnes of Tulunadu to Haleri Kings.

Descendants of Veeraraju who are known as " Haleri Dynasty" ruled Kodagu from 1600 to 1834 AD. Haleri king Mudduraja built the Fort in Madikeri and made it as their capital. Mudduraja, the third Haleri king started levelling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. Madikeri Fort which was original built of mud and was replaced by Tipu Sultan. Kodagu became a part of British India after 1834 AD.

Demographics

As of the 2011 India census, Madikeri had a population of 33,381. Males constitute 57.2% of the population and females 42.8%. Madikeri had an average literacy rate of 85%, higher than the national average of 69.3: male literacy was 83%, and female literacy 80%. 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.

Geography and climate

Madikeri features a tropical highland climate as it has an elevation of . Madikeri is located at . Madikeri lies in the Western Ghats and is a popular hill station. Nearest major cities are Hassan () to the north, Mangalore () to the north-west, Mysore () to the east and Kannur of Kerala to the west (). The nearest international airport is Kannur International Airport which is away.

The mean daily minimum temperature is lowest in January at about . Maximum temperature in summer is around . With the onset of the south-west monsoon, the temperature decreases in June and the weather becomes chilly. In winters, frost and snow are a common occurrence. The lowest temperature recorded is .

In 2022, Madikeri hobli received an annual rainfall of .

Transportation

The town has only one mode of transport; The Roadways.
Public transport is maintained by buses of KSRTC and other private buses. It also houses a KSRTC Bus Depot under Puttur division. Inter-district and interstate buses are handled by KSRTC, providing connectivity to cities like Mangalore, Mysore, Bengaluru, Hubli, Madurai, Coimbatore and many more other minor cities. Nearest international airports are Kannur International Airport and Mangalore International Airport at 90 km and 140 km, respectively.

Highways

The SH-88 was upgraded to NH-275 (subsidiary of NH-75) making it the only National Highway passing through the district of Kodagu. NH-275 connects Madikeri to Mysore and Bengaluru due east and to Mangalore due west. Other state highways passing through Madikeri are SH-27 (Virajpet-Byndoor) and SH-89 (Madikeri-Kutta).

Tourist attractions

* Raja's Seat
* Sri Omkareshwara Temple
* Madikeri Fort
* Gaddide ( Raja's Tomb)
* General Thimmaiah War Museum
* Abbey Falls
* Mandalpatti view point
* Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

See also

* Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences
* Sakleshpur
* Kodava
* Talakaveri

References

External links

*

Madikeri.org: Portal on Madikeri and Coorg
*

{{Authority control

Kodava people
Kodava Takk
Cities and towns in Kodagu district
Populated places in the Western Ghats
Tourism in Karnataka
Hill stations in Karnataka
Hills of Karnataka
Former capital cities in India
Geography of Kodagu district
Tourist attractions in Kodagu district