About
Raja’s Seat is a garden viewpoint in Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka. It is a small brick-and-mortar pavilion of four pillars bridged by arches, built on high ground with a view over cliffs and valleys to the west. The Kodagu district website describes it as a place where the Kodava kings and their consorts are said to have spent their evenings, and the view of the sun setting behind the mountains is the reason most visitors come. The garden around it also has a toy train for children and a musical fountain that runs in the evening.
History and significance
The Kodagu district page says popular lore links the spot with the Kodava kings. Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller place the royal association in the period of the Haleri dynasty, who ruled Kodagu from 1600 to 1834 CE, and say the garden was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and so stayed permanently associated with them. Wikipedia dates the structure to the 17th–18th century and lists the Government of Karnataka as owner. The royal use is local tradition rather than a documented event, so treat the stories of specific kings as lore.
What to see
- The pavilion and viewpoint: the four-pillared structure looks west over green mountains and valleys. The district page notes the silver thread of distant roads and rivers in the view.
- Sunset and early morning: the Kodagu page highlights the sun dipping behind the western mountains in the evening. This page’s earlier text also noted mist-filled valleys at sunrise; mist depends on season and weather, so it is not guaranteed.
- Toy train: a small train for children runs in the garden (Outlook Traveller lists it with the musical fountain).
- Musical fountain: an evening fountain show is listed by Outlook Traveller. Show times in the table below come from the earlier version of this page.
Sarvodaya Diwas at Raja’s Seat
According to Wikipedia, on 30 January each year (Sarvodaya Diwas or Martyrs’ Day) a procession carries an urn with Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes to Raja’s Seat, followed by readings from the Bhagavad Gita, Quran and Bible, bhajans and a few minutes of silence. Confirm arrangements locally if you plan to attend.
Timings to visit
Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
Musical Fountain: Monday – Friday 7:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday 6:45 AM – 7:20 PM.
Entry Charges: Children – Free, Adults – Rs.10/- Per Head
Toy Train: Rs.20/- Per Head
Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hrs.
Best Time to Visit: November – May.
Timings are not confirmed on an official website; check with the temple before travelling.
Entry and toy-train charges and show timings were carried over from the earlier version of this page and have not been confirmed on an official page. Outlook Traveller lists an adult park entry of Rs 5, opening from 5:30 am to 8 pm, and a toy train fare of Rs 20, which differ from the figures above, so expect the details to change and check at the gate.
How to reach
By Air: There is no airport in Kodagu district. The Kodagu district website lists Mangalore International Airport (about 137 km), Mysore (about 121 km) and Kannur International Airport (about 120 km) as the nearest.
By Train: Kodagu district has no railway station. The Kodagu district website names Mysore, Hassan and Mangalore in Karnataka, and Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala, as the nearest railway stations to Madikeri.
By Road: Raja’s Seat is on the western side of Madikeri town. The district website gives about 2 km from Madikeri bus stand in its travel section (its description says about 1 km west), so allow a short auto or taxi ride from the bus stand and confirm the route locally.
Address
Raja’s Seat Coorg, Near Rajdarshan Hotel, Raja Seat Road, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka, 571201, India.
Also Read Places to Visit in Karnataka
Official site for Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat Map
