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Mercara Fort
02 kms from the Hotel bulit by the British rulers, it Houses a nice museum. The strong fort of Mercara explains the tale of bravery and battle. Original fort built by mud was replaced by "The Sword of Mysore", Tippu Sultan. Two life-size Elephants made of mortar attract every visitor entering the fort. This spellbinding fort was the pride of the mysterious mountain community, the Coorgis. One can spot the puzzling patch-work of legend, lore and chronicles here.
Mercara Palace
The palace, built in the year 1814 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II, now houses the offices of Deputy Commissioner, the museum [earlier a Church built by the British] run by the State Archaeology Department, The Mahatma Gandhi Public library, next to the museum, offers a great choice for reader of any discipline. There are also a district prison and Mahaganapathy temple within the fort.
Gadduge / Gaddige
Gaddige or Gadduge, the tombs of King Virarajendra, Lingarajendra and one of their court priests built in the 18th century rest in the northern corner of the town. Two smaller tombs are also located in the same area belonging to their brave and loyal soldiers. The three main tombs, with a dome in the center and turrets at each end, built separately from one another on a hillock resemble a Muslim pilgrim center. The bars of windows made of brass have fine engravings. A colorful view of the town, mostly residential areas and the flora, can be seen from a different angel.
Nalknad Aramane (Palace)
After escaping from Tippu sultan's troops Doddavirarajendra, a Haleri ruler built this palace at Yavakapadi in Nalknad area. Built in 1772, this simple palace famous for its paintings and carvings. Doddaverarajendra married Mahadevammaji here in 1796. While British army entered Kodagu, the last emperor of Halari family Chikaverarajendra took shelter here. Now this palace belongs to Archaeology department. The highest peak of Kodagu, Thadiyandamole is situated nearby.
Tibetan Colony / Buddhist Temple
The moment you enter this tiny colony the whole world changes!! You feel as if you are in Tibet! ByleKuppe or Byle Kuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, around 16000 refugees and nearly 6000 monks and nuns. Set up in 1960, Bylakuppe is a small town situated 6 kms from Kushalnagar or 42 Kms from Mercara, the place has several monastries and the famous among them are the Great Gompa of Sera Je, Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Buddhist refugee camps at Bylakuppe have prayer halls which houses beautiful 40 ft idols of Buddha and Padmasambhava. The Tibetan SOS Children's Village is located here. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera village. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are impressive. Dalai Lama often visits the place. The friendly people never come out without wearing a heavenly smile. Visitors are wholeheartedly greeted by the decorated shops where you get some genuine Tibetan/Chinese products. The delicious food in a Chinese Restaurant will add to your unforgettable memory list.
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