Raja's Seat

Raja's Seat (Seat of the King) is a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains. It is one of the most important tourist spots in Madikeri of Coorg district. It is 270 km away from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. There is also a Toy Train for children.

The place along with a wonderful park has a Gandhi Mantap to its left. The Gandhi Mantap is the place where remains of Mahatma Gandhi have been kept. It is the garden that surrounds the Raja’s Seat. Simply strolling through the garden gives a sort of relaxation and drives one away from all the stress. There is area for children’s amusement as well making it is a perfect place for family outing. The toy train which goes around raja seat attracts not just children but adults as well. Inside the train, along with having a look at the beauty around, one can also enjoy delicious snacks. To enter the park, tourists are charged with a minimum entry fee of Rs. 5/- per person. One can witness the magical fountain dance to the musical tune at Gandhi Mantap. Colourful water gushes out from the central core of this magical fountain. Also there are myriad of seasonal flowers that bloom at Raja’s Seat.

The place is called as Raja’s Seat because it was the place where Coorg’s kings used to visit and enjoy the beautiful scenic beauty around. This place was used by the Kings and the Queens of Kodagu who were the rulers of Karnataka for over 200 years from 1600 to 1834 CE. The seat served as a perfect location for a breath taking view of the valley and the rolling mountain ranges far ahead. A spectacle of layers of greenery, chain of high and low-rise-mountains attired with fresh misty air of Coorg, the Raja Garden was a one-time favourite of the kings of Kodagu who used to watch the setting sun and spend time with their queens here. It is shaped like a small square in brick and mortar, with four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. This spot was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high-level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising in the east, the mist shrouded valley below offers a rare sight.

It is perfect setting to relax and admire the breath taking view of the surrounding areas. Lush greenery with calm environment and golden streams of sunlight makes for a picture perfect setting. Having an early morning with the loved ones and enjoying the scenic beauty is something very simple but for a sure a moment worth remembering. The delightful garden here is adorned with a multitude of flowers and is a treat to nature lovers, and the proximity of the location also makes it a preferred picnic spot for the locals. Visiting Raja's Seat is an excellent way to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of royal indulgence in Coorg.

The ideal time to visit Raja’s Seat is during sunrise and sunset. The view of the garden is simply mind-blowing with the rays of the sun creating a halo around the misty mountains. One must try to reach well in advance to get a better place to view the sunset and musical fountains. One can spend few hours in morning or evening. A chilled morning and a calming sunrise are rejuvenating. Before you begin your trip, make sure that you check the bus route and timetable to get a fair idea of the bus schedule and frequency.

By Road: Raja’s Seat is situated within Madikeri which is well-connected by road network. You can catch a direct bus from either Karnataka or Kerala to reach Madikeri. Also, there are buses connecting Madikeri with Bangalore, Virajpet, and Mysore. The place is well-connected to other cities by bus routes. Hired cabs is the second best alternative if roadways are your preferred travel route. Once you reach Madikeri’s KSRTC bus stand, Raja’s Seat is at a five minute walkable distance. The rate of buses is also quite low here.