History

Madikeri, the district headquarters of Coorg, is situated at an elevation of 1525m. The town is dotted with red-tiled bungalows and has an old charm about it. The people of Coorg are Hindus belonging to the Kshatriya community and are known for their patriotism.


Madikeri or Mercara the Scotland of India was founded in 1681 by Muddu Raja, the prince of the Haleri dynasty and was hence named as Muddurajakeri, which later became Madikeri.


The origin of the Coorgs is shrouded in mystery. Some theories range from Coorgs being the descendants of Alexander the Great who invaded India to a band of kurds who fled from Iraq to escape conversion to Islam. There is no scientific theory to establish the origin of this martial race.