Madikeri Fort and the Palace, at present, is situated at a topmost point built with stones. Tipu Sultan after building a stone fort called this as "Jafrabad".

In the year 1790 Virarajendra took back this fort into his custody. From then onwards it was in the hands of Haleri kings till 1834. Afterwards British captured it.

There was a Veerabhadra temple to the south of the fort, which was later on occupied by the British, who converted it into a prayer hall. Lingaraja, who ruled Kodagu (Coorg) after Virarajendra rebuilt a palace between 1812 and 1814 with brick and mortar.

During British rule, the palace was renovated twice. In 1933, a portico to park the commissioner's car and a clock tower was also built. At present different offices of the district administration are lodged here.

It houses a museum which has paintings and artifacts about Coorg's history. This place is generally less crowded and worth a visit.

Adjoining this place is the Coorg Jail. You can get a view of the Jail and its inmates from a vantage point in the Fort.

It can be reached by local transport/auto or you can take a short walk till here. 

• Go back to tourist attractions in Madikeri
• or Learn more about Coorg
• or See Coorg Holiday Guide