Madikeri Fort

Madikeri, Karnataka, India

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Madikeri Fort in Karnataka’s Kodagu district was originally built as a mud fort in the late 17th century by King Mudduraja.

It was later rebuilt with sturdy granite stone by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century and renamed Jaffarabad. The fort reflects a blend of Kodava, Islamic, and European architectural styles, with notable features including two life-sized stone elephant statues at the entrance, a large palace inside, secret underground passages, and a clock tower added by the British in 1933.

The fort complex houses St. Mark's Church, built by the British in 1855, which has now been converted into a museum that exhibits historical artifacts, including weaponry and paintings from different periods. It served various roles over the centuries, from a royal residence and military base to an administrative center, and today it functions as the office of Madikeri’s Deputy Commissioner.

The fort also offers panoramic views of the surrounding lush landscapes of Coorg, blending historical significance with the natural beauty of the Western Ghats region.