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| Madikeri Fort, One of the entrances |
The Madikeri Fort (Mercara Fort) was first built in the 17th century by Mudduraja and subsequently developed by Tipu Sultan, Doddavira Rajendra, The British and finally Linga Rajendra from the Wadiyar(Wodeyer or Odeyer) dynasty. The Fort wall runs all along the fort and there are many view point to track enemy and also shoot at them from many vantage point
The entry to place is free and one can visit it between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
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| Palace, currently housing the Deputy Commissioner's office |
The fort has a palace which was built using European style of architecture and at the entrance there are two horses sculptures holding the balcony. We couldn't enter this building as it is now the office of the Deputy Commissioner's and am sure access is restricted. The complex also has the Ganapathy temple.
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| Two large elephant structures |
In one corner there are two large elephant masonry structures. Not sure the origins of this or the purpose. These are majestic and eye catching.
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| St Marks' Church |
Finally it also has the St Mark's Church which was built in 1834 and now open as a small museum maintained by ASI. There are quite a few artefacts in this museum mostly weapons, idols and one special section dedicated to Field Marshall K M Cariappa.
Overall a short trip and it gave some insights into the history of Kodagu.
(Contributed by Sandip Mishra)
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