Make your way inside the high walls of Madikeri Fort and come face to face with two exquisite, life-size stone elephants. Stroll along paths that weave past pretty shrubs and flowers towards the 19th-century church that houses an enthralling museum.
Madikeri Fort measures 110 feet (34 metres) in length and was originally built from mud at the end of the 17th century. The two story stone walls and flowing arches that you see today where constructed as a replacement around 100 years later.
Enter the fort at the northeast corner and admire the black stone elephants that stand side by side. Positioned at the end of a short walkway, these towering figures make for imposing guards that provide protection for the buildings inside the fort.
Continue past trimmed hedgerows and look for the carved stone tortoise that appears to amble across the brick floor. The initials on the animal’s back are those of King Vijayarajendra. Be sure to have a look around the colourful Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple and eerie cells of the old district prison that can be found nearby.
Probably the most recognizable feature inside the fort is the Anglican Church. Erected by the British in 1855 this grey-white building has Gothic styling. View the intricate stained-glass window that depicts Christ and the tall clock tower that was added in 1933. Step inside to find a museum that displays a selection of colonial relics. See swords, cannons and guns along with an exhibit of awards that were bestowed upon famous Field Marshal K.M Cariappa.
Madikeri Fort is located in the centre of town. Today it is used as a municipal headquarters however, you can visit throughout the day except on Monday when the fort is closed. There is no admission fee.
