A prince Mudduraja of Haleri dynasty in 1681 AD founded Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu district. It was named Muddurajanakeri - which with the passage of time and usage became "Muddukayray" and Madikeri by local people and Mercara by the British. This fort was later re-built in granite masonry. After it was captured by Tipu Sultan who named it Jaffarabad. In 1790 Doddaveer Rajendra took possesion of the fort and in April 1834 Bristish took control of it. 
Built on an elevated area, the fort is an irregular hexagon on plan, almost confirming to the shape of the hilltop. There are six circular bastions at the angles. The entrance to the east is intricate and circuitious and guarded by three successive gates. Majestically looking 2 life size elephants made of mortar in the NE corner at the entrance. An imposing church built in 1855 presently housing an archaeological museum and a palace renovated by LingaRajendra Wodeyar-II in 1812-1814, presently accomodating government offices are the other interesting edifices in the fort complex.
Omkareshwar temple legend has it that Lingarajendra II in 1820 put to death a pious brahmin who dared to protest against the misdeeds of the king.
The spirit of the dead man began to plague the king day and night. On a wise mans advice, the king built the temple and a shiva linga procured from kashi helped free himself from the curse. 
The tank in front of the temple houses the common crap friendly fish (catla catla) to keep the water free of organic matter and pollution. :-)
Raja's seat : A small square mantapa, with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west, is an attractive spot for lovers of Nature. One can sit and enjoy the glorious scene of sunrise and sunset, as the Raja and his consorts did in the past.
Ummathat, the lively dance of Kodagu, is set to the beat of cymbals which resemble the exuberant Ummat flower from which the dance gets its name. Ummat (Datura metel) flowers and seeds are both medicinal and poisonous depending on the parts used and the quantity administered.
Royal Tombs ( Gaddige's) : Built in the Indo-Sarcenic style, these monuments with domes and minarets, hold the mortal remains of Kodava royalty and court dignitaries. The central tomb is of Doddabeerarajendra and his queen. 
A picture of a broken 2ft circumference massive grinder near the tombs. The tombs are still worshipped to this day. The floor is very cool even with the sun blazing outside. I guess its the materials used. To the right is the tomb of Lingarajendra, built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra in 1820. To the left is the tomb of royal priest Rudrappa built by Dewan Chepadira Ponappa in 1834. Nearby are buried 2 royal officials, Biddanda Bopu wo died fighting Tipu Sultan and his son Biddanda Somayya (The Chief Commandant of the Army). There is a kannada inscription on Bopu's tomb inscribed by the orders of doddavirarajendra, paying tribute to his service to the Raja, in latters war against Tippusultan and in his hunting expeditions. The kings and nobles of Kodagu were worshippers of Shiva. Hence their tombs are watched over by his vehicle, the bull Nandi. 
Abbi falls : The madikeri stream also called Muttaramuttu falls 21 metres between huge boulders to a deep rocky valley to form this picturesque waterfall called Abi Falls (abbi means waterfall in Kodavatak). Caution here : Every year a few unwary people meet an unfortunate end over the slippery rocks here. Abundant in this region, Madduthoppu (justicia wayanadensis) is attributed medicinal value to peak on the 18th of kakkada (July-August), when it is used as an ingredient in various delicacies.
Official government website and grievances: http://www.madikericity.gov.in/tourism.html
If you are interested in medicinal plants visit - The College of Forestry, Ponnampet. The Forest Department has raised a nursery of medicinal plants in over five hectares at Chowdikatte in Thithimathi in Virajpet taluk. You can buy these medicinal plants which can provide cures to urinary or menstruation problems & many other forms of ailments such as herpes, allergy, kidney stones, jaundice, asthma, ulcer, and skin diseases too. Works on the 'have the faith model', which is growing raidly.
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