Madikeri Fort Museum St. Mark's Church - white and red concrete building
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Madikeri Fort Museum St. Mark's Church

3.6
·17k reviews·Madikeri, India

Explore the historic Madikeri Fort, featuring unique elephant sculptures and a church-turned-museum showcasing ancient artifacts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Madikeri Fort Museum St. Mark's Church - white and red concrete building

Madikeri Fort Museum St. Mark's Church

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic Madikeri Fort, featuring unique elephant sculptures and a church-turned-museum showcasing ancient artifacts.

3.6
(17k reviews)

"A historic spot with unique elephant sculptures and a museum, worth a quick visit for history lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Carry Cash for Museum

Museum entry fee is Rs. 20. They don't accept UPI or cards. :moneybag:

Check Fort Renovation Status

The main fort palace might be closed for maintenance. Confirm access before visiting. :construction:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whimsical Elephant Sculptures

Whimsical Elephant Sculptures

Madikeri Fort

Two life-size elephant sculptures offer a unique and stunning visual at the fort entrance.

St. Mark's Church (Museum)

St. Mark's Church (Museum)

Madikeri Fort

A historic church, now a museum, housing ancient idols, artifacts, and inscriptions.

Fort Walls & City Views

Fort Walls & City Views

Madikeri Fort

Explore the old stone walls of the 17th-century fort and enjoy panoramic views of Madikeri city.

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Planning Your Visit

Fort Renovation & Museum Access

The main fort palace may be closed for renovations, but the museum is usually accessible. Be prepared for potential maintenance work and check current access status before your visit. Cash is recommended for museum entry fees.

Historical Significance & Maintenance

Madikeri Fort is a historic site with a church converted into a museum, showcasing ancient artifacts and sculptures. While unique, some visitors note that maintenance could be improved to better preserve its historical value.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
June (Monsoon)
Why
Misty atmosphere enhances charm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Mark's Church ⛪ #madikeri . . . . . . . . #stmarkschurch #coorg #church #churchphotography #photography #psychedelic #psychedelicart #acidart #lsdart #prespective #samsung #karnataka #karnataka_focus
glassofwhiskeyyy_
382 likes • 0 views

Carry Cash for Museum

Museum entry fee is Rs. 20. They don't accept UPI or cards. :moneybag:

Check Fort Renovation Status

The main fort palace might be closed for maintenance. Confirm access before visiting. :construction:

The St. Mark's Church... Back to the architectural work of 1859, by the officers and men of the East India Company... . . . #nikon #nikonphotography #nikond5300 #nikonindiaofficial #dslrofficial #shutterhubindia #gallery_of_india #photographersteam #travelrealindia #yourshot_india #placestovisitinindia #indianphotographyclub #photographers_of_india #sobangalore #bangaloreblogger #bangalore360 #ige...
prismi_photography
185 likes • 0 views
Visited st mark's church in madikeri coorg
tmshahidthekkil
66 likes • 0 views

Combine with Other Sights

Great for a quick visit, best combined with other nearby attractions in Coorg. :map:

Capture Unique Sculptures

Don't miss the two life-size elephant sculptures at the fort entrance! :elephant:

Mercara Fort Museum, Coorg, (Madikeri Fort) @coorg_the_scotland_of_india . . . . . . . . #madikerifort #museum #mercarafort #fort #travel #coorg #coorgdiaries #madikeri #madikericoorg #karnataka #india #nostalgia #nature #hillstation #photography #karnatakatourism #holiday #stmarkschurch
me_reni_k_j
34 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Carry Cash for Museum

Museum entry fee is Rs. 20. They don't accept UPI or cards. :moneybag:

Check Fort Renovation Status

The main fort palace might be closed for maintenance. Confirm access before visiting. :construction:

Combine with Other Sights

Great for a quick visit, best combined with other nearby attractions in Coorg. :map:

Capture Unique Sculptures

Don't miss the two life-size elephant sculptures at the fort entrance! :elephant:

What Travellers Say

3.6
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Madikeri Fort offers a glimpse into history with its unique elephant sculptures and a church-turned-museum. While many appreciate its historical significance and city views, some visitors note that the maintenance of the fort and museum could be improved, with artifacts sometimes appearing poorly preserved.

"When we went, the fort was undergoing maintainance. But, we visited the museum and got to see few ancient sculptures, idols and artifacts. However, I feel like all these things were poorly maintained and government should take some strong action to protect the history. Also, in the fort there were sculptures of 2 elephants. Which made it quite unique."

sunita yadav

"It's worth visiting
Fort palace is closed due to renovation
Also, a small museum can be provided for a fee. Fort entry is free
While you enter the museum, make sure you have change in cash, they'll not accept any UPI or card payments"

Ansar Koduvally

"Madikeri Fort is a historic spot in the heart of Madikeri. It has an old-world charm with stone walls, a small museum, and a church inside. Nice for a quick visit and to learn some local history, but not very well maintained and can feel underwhelming. Good to combine with other attractions nearby.

Full of mist ,that time its good to see
Otherwise nothing is there
For the small museum they charged 20 rupees"

Hari Priya

What People Like

Unique elephant sculptures
Historical fort walls
City views

What People Dislike

Maintenance issues
Museum upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Madikeri Fort is centrally located in Madikeri town and is easily accessible by two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cars. It's a popular spot for tourists visiting Coorg. Reddit

Yes, there is usually parking available for vehicles near the fort entrance, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car or bike. Reddit

The nearest major transportation hub is Mysore, which has a railway station and bus services. From Mysore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Madikeri. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Madikeri Fort itself is generally free. However, there is a small fee for the museum inside, typically around Rs. 20 per person. Reddit

No, the museum at Madikeri Fort typically only accepts cash payments. It's advisable to carry sufficient change with you. Reddit

The fort and museum are usually open during daylight hours, typically from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check locally for the most current timings as they can vary. Reddit

The main fort palace area might be closed for renovation at times. However, the museum and parts of the fort walls are usually accessible. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum houses ancient idols, artifacts, historical inscriptions, and valuable stone statues, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Reddit

Yes, the fort is known for its two life-size elephant sculptures at the entrance, which are quite unique and photogenic. Instagram

While historically significant, some visitors have noted that the fort and museum could benefit from better maintenance and upkeep. Reddit

Yes, the fort offers good views of Madikeri town, especially from its elevated walls. Reddit

Absolutely! If you appreciate history and architecture, Madikeri Fort is a must-visit place to learn about local history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The elephant sculptures, the historic church-turned-museum, and the fort walls offering city views are excellent for photography. Instagram+1

Photography rules inside the museum can vary. It's best to check on-site or be mindful of any restrictions to avoid issues. Instagram

St. Mark's Church, now the museum, is popular for architectural photography, capturing its historical facade and interior details. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Madikeri Fort offers a unique experience for families, especially with the whimsical elephant sculptures that are sure to capture children's imagination. Instagram The museum inside the old church provides a glimpse into history with ancient artifacts, which can be educational for older children. While the fort's maintenance might not be perfect, the open spaces allow kids to explore a bit. Remember to carry cash for the museum entry fee and keep an eye on children, especially near the fort walls. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, Madikeri Fort is a compelling destination. You can explore the 17th-century fort walls, learn about its various rulers, and visit the St. Mark's Church museum to see ancient idols and inscriptions. InstagramReddit While some visitors express disappointment with the upkeep, the sheer historical significance and the unique architectural elements, like the church's conversion, make it a valuable visit. The city views from the fort also add to the experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort, originally built by the Haleri kings in the 17th century, has a rich and varied past. It was later expanded and modified by Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British East India Company. The fort complex houses several structures, including a palace, barracks, and a church. The church, built by the officers and men of the East India Company in 1859, has been converted into a museum showcasing ancient artifacts, idols, and inscriptions, offering a tangible connection to the region's heritage. InstagramReddit

Despite its historical significance, many visitors note that the fort and its museum are not as well-maintained as they could be. Reports mention moss-covered walls, collapsed structures, and artifacts exposed to the elements. However, the unique two life-size elephant sculptures at the entrance remain a distinctive feature that draws visitors. InstagramReddit The fort also provides panoramic views of Madikeri town, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in history and local vistas. Reddit

St. Mark's Church: From Worship to Museum

St. Mark's Church, located within the Madikeri Fort complex, stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture. Constructed in 1859 by the officers and men of the East India Company, it served as a place of worship for the British residents. Today, this historic building has been repurposed into a museum, preserving a collection of ancient sculptures, idols, and historical inscriptions that narrate the story of Coorg's past. InstagramReddit

The transformation of the church into a museum highlights the adaptive reuse of historical structures. While the artifacts within are of significant historical value, the condition of their display and preservation has been a point of concern for some visitors. Despite these concerns, the church-turned-museum remains a key attraction within the fort, offering insights into the region's cultural and historical evolution. Reddit Photography inside the museum might have restrictions, so it's advisable to check on-site. Instagram

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