Madikeri boasts an abundance of natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities. To fully enjoy your vacation in Karnataka, it is highly recommended to engage in the following activities: capture stunning images at Abbey Falls, unwind amidst nature with camping, discover the wild side through Jeep Safari, explore the heritage tour at Madikeri Fort, try river rafting at Barapole, have fun fishing at Kaveri River, indulge in local delicacies with a food tour, interact with adorable creatures at the Elephant Camp, explore serene trails with trekking, witness the lush green surroundings through hiking, and shop to your heart’s content at the local markets.
1. Abbey Falls: Capture images
Madikeri is abundant with nature’s beauty, and taking photographs is a top activity to do in Madikeri. The white-water Abbey Falls, located in a stunning coffee and spice plantation, offers a perfect backdrop for a picture-perfect Instagram post. There’s no need to worry about what to do in Madikeri; simply visit Abbey Falls with your loved ones and enjoy the scenery. By capturing some unforgettable photos here, you can preserve life’s precious moments.
Distance: 8 kilometers away from Madikeri
Average Price: INR 15 per individual
Suitable For: Couples, friends, and families
2. Camping: Unwind in the midst of nature
Camping has gained popularity as an activity in Madikeri in recent years, with numerous campsites to choose from. A camping trip eliminates the need to worry about what to do in Madikeri. To avoid last-minute hassle, it is recommended to select and book your campsite in advance. Once you arrive, you can relax in your tent with a cup of coffee during the day and count the stars at night. Stargazing is a delightful activity to do in Madikeri at night with loved ones, and it is highly recommended to try it out and appreciate its beauty.
Location: Madikeri
Average Price: Starting from INR 2000/- per individual
Suitable For: Couples and friends
3. Jeep Safari: Discover the wilderness
If you enjoy admiring nature’s beauty, then one of the must-do activities in Madikeri is embarking on a Jeep Safari. There are several Jeep Safari tours to choose from that cater to different preferences. Some of the best Jeep Safari options in Madikeri include Nishani Hills, which is an off-road Jeep drive, Kabbe Hills that offer breathtaking views of the landscape, and Mallalli Waterfalls, which takes you to the cascading waterfalls in Madikeri.
Location: Madikeri
Average Price: Differs based on the location
Suitable For: Friends and family
Timings: 7:00 AM to 01:00 PM
4. Madikeri Fort: Embark on a heritage tour
Madikeri Fort is a fascinating historical structure situated in Madikeri, which dates back to the latter part of the 17th century. The fort contains a magnificent palace built by Mudduraja, which has been renovated and reconstructed by Tipu Sultan and the Bruisers. Today, the fort boasts a museum, a clock tower, and a park within its premises, making it one of the top tourist spots in Madikeri. If you are planning a trip to Karnataka with your family or friends, then a tour of this fort should be on your list of things to do in Madikeri.
Location: Madikeri
Suitable For: Friends and family
Admission fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
5. Barapole: Experience the thrill of river rafting
River rafting is an exciting and lesser-known activity to do in Madikeri. The Barapole River offers a thrilling whitewater rafting experience, especially during the monsoon season when the river is at its best. With rapids ranging from I to V, it provides a unique adventure experience for visitors. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, make sure to include river rafting in Madikeri on your list of must-do activities, especially during the month of August.
Location: Located in Virajpet Taluk
Average Cost: Approximately INR 1200 per person
Ideal For: Suitable for solo travellers, families, and groups of friends
Best Time to Visit: The monsoon season, particularly in August
6. Kaveri River: Have Fun While Fishing
Madikeri, known for its picturesque landscapes, boasts of several lakes and rivers, including the Kaveri River. The Kaveri River originates at Talacauvery near Madikeri and is abundant in marine life, making it an excellent spot for fishing. Fishing and spinning are some of the popular activities in Madikeri, and the river is particularly abundant during the monsoon season, making it one of the best times to visit and enjoy fishing, especially in the month of June.
Location: Kaveri river
Average Cost: Starting at INR 1500 per
Person Ideal For: Solo travelers, friends, and families
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season, particularly in June
Description: Fishing is one of the popular things to do in Madikeri, and the Kaveri river is a perfect place for fishing as it is rich in marine life. The monsoon season, particularly in June, is the best time to visit for fishing as the river is plentiful with food for the fish. Fishing tours are available at an average cost of INR 1500 onwards. It’s a great activity for solo travelers, friends, and families.
7. Food Tour: Relish Local Delicacies
Madikeri offers a unique and varied cuisine distinct from the rest of Karnataka, with a focus on non-vegetarian dishes that use locally sourced ingredients such as forest meat, rice, and rice-based products. Trying the pork or pandi curry is a must-do for many visitors and is one of the top things to do in Madikeri for foodies. Vegetarian options like nool puttu, akki rotti, and koovaleputtu are also available and make for a great dinner during your trip.
Location: Madikeri
Price Range: Around INR 1000 for two people
Suitable For: Groups of friends, families, solo travelers, and couples.
8. Elephant Camp: Bathe These Adorable Creatures
The Dubare elephant camp in Madikeri is a popular tourist spot where visitors can interact with and take care of elephants. It’s one of the exciting things to do in Madikeri, especially if you haven’t seen elephants before. The camp is situated on the river bank and has a large herd of elephants that you can feed, bathe, and even ride. It’s a great way to cool off during the summer months, particularly in May.
Location: Kushalnagar, Nanjarayapatna
Cost: INR 670 per person
Suitable for: Solo, Friends, and Family Recommended
Time to visit: Summer season, particularly in May
9. Trekking: Explore The Serene Trails
The lush Western Ghats provides abundant chances for hiking and trekking. There are a large number of treks available in the area so that you can choose the one for you as per your suitability. Some of these treks comprise Kodachadri, Tadiandamol, Mullayanagiri, Kumara Parvatha, and Brahmagiri. Trekking is ideal during winters because the lush green forests are dry, which is why it features among the adventurous things to do in Madikeri in December.
Location: Western Ghats
Average Cost: Varies for different treks
Ideal For: Solo and Friends
Best Time to Visit: During winters especially in the month of December
10. Hiking: Witness The Lush Green Surroundings
Hiking is another one of the cool things to do in Madikeri for those who love the outdoors and want to indulge in some adventurous activities. Plan a hike to Raja’s seat on a trip to Madikeri and spend some great time with your loved ones watching the panoramic views around. The spot is famous for the dazzling sunset views but one can head here during the morning hours too.
Location: Madikeri
Average Cost: INR 5/-
Ideal For: Solo, Friends, and Family
11. Local Markets: Shop Till You Drop
Madikeri has a lot of local markets and the two most important ones are Kushal Nagar Market and Friday Market. If you are interested in Shopping in Market then you must stop by these markets. At Kushal Nagar Market you can buy Tibetan artifacts, timber carvings, Sandalwood oil, and silk saris. At Friday Market you can shop for all kinds of traditional spices like cinnamon, Cumin Seeds and more. All in all, shopping is one of the top things to do in Madikeri to make the most out of your vacation.
