Gaddige (Raja's Tomb) Coorg (Entry Fee, Timings, Entry Ticket Cost, Price, Map & Distance)

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Gaddige also known as Raja’s Tombs is a popular 19th-century monument located in Mahadevpet near Madikeri. Dedicated to the royal members of the Kodava clan, this complex is a major tourist attraction in Coorg.

Built over a hilltop, the monument has an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Decorated with central domes and minarets, the tombs are inspired by Muslim architecture but are dedicated to Hindu rulers.

Set amidst verdant gardens, the Raja’s Tombs offer a serene spot to spend the day in the lap of nature. You can also enjoy breathtakingly stunning views of the Madikeri Town from the monument and unwind in the charming weather of Coorg.

History of Gaddige

The complex houses three tombs out of which the central one is the largest. The mausoleum was commissioned in 1809 by Haleri King Doddaveerarajendra to honor his beloved consort Mahadeviamma, who was his second wife.

He had named the area Mahadevpet and planned a grand tomb for his deceased wife. The concept was inspired by the renowned Taj Mahal of Agra built by Shah Jahan.

Doddaveerarajendra had mentioned in his will the wish to be rested beside his most adored wife and in the same year of construction of the tomb, he lost the battle against life due to ill health. He was rested in the largest tomb alongside his wife Mahadeviamma and construction work was completed by his brother Lingarajendra.

The dome on the right was built for Lingarajendra, where he is laid to rest with his wife. It was built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra in 1820. The simplest tomb on the left side belongs to Veerarajendra’s guru, the royal priest Rudrappa, built in the year 1834 A.D. He was one of the most revered Gurus of the Lingayat rulers.

Architecture of Gaddige

The beautiful Raja’s Tomb is built in the Indo-Saracenic (Islamic) style of architecture. It has central domes housing the tombs and the corners are decorated with turrets. Gaddige is the only Indian monument housing a Shiva Linga alongside tombs as it was built for Hindu kings.

Being a Hindu monument, its entrance, passages, and minarets are intricately carved with motifs including figurines of Hindu gods, sages, the revered bull Nandi and other mythical creatures.

The symmetrical tombs belong to Lingarajendra and Veerarajendra along with their wives. The imposing structure is decorated with wrought bronze bar windows and the domes are capped with brass Kalashas.

There are two tiny structures on the right side of the tombs, with inscriptions dedicating them to Biddanda Bopu and his son Biddanda Somaiah. These two valiant Royal officials fought bravely against Tipu Sultan in 1808.

The tombs are well preserved and have been recently refurbished. The surrounding landscape has also been repopulated to improvise the idyllic setup.

Image Gallery of Gaddige Coorg

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Things to do at Gaddige

Gaddige is a great place for history lovers as it takes you back to the regal era. You can witness the exquisitely blended Muhammadan architecture of those times. These are the only tombs across India dedicated to Hindu rulers. Ironically, Veerarajendra’s tomb had a stern similarity to his greatest sworn enemy, Tipu Sultan.

The quaint set up on the hilltop surrounded by lush gardens is soul-soothing. The ravishing view of the nearby terrain and Madikeri town is awe-inspiring. You can climb up to the airy balcony of the mausoleum to catch the most stunning scenery of Coorg and the distant hills. It is a great spot for photographers to capture the bewitching sunset.

You can even hike around the area to explore its natural abundance.

Entry Fee and Timings of Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)

There is a minimal entry fee of INR 2 per person to visit Raja’s Tomb.

Gaddige is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week. It will take you around 1 to 2 hours to look around the place.

It is advisable to visit the tomb during winters i.e., from November to February.

Interesting facts about Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)

• It is the only tomb in India housing a Shiva Linga.
• The spot isn’t too crowded and ideal for enjoying a peaceful day away from the cacophony of city life.
• Gaddige is a protected monument under the Archaeological Sites Act, but the site needs more attention from the authorities.
• Chikkavirarajendra, the last Rajah of Coorg was denied the right to be buried with his ancestors at the Gaddige, by the British.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)

• The location is mostly unmanned so you must take care of your belongings and leave before it gets dark as assistance in case of emergency may not be available.
• Carry enough water and eatables as due to limited visitors there aren’t any vendors around the spot.
• The tombs are located on a hilltop and it will be very hot if you are visiting the location during summer. Carry sunscreen lotion, hat, and umbrella to guard yourself against the scorching summer sun.

How to reach Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)

Gaddige is only 2 kilometers from the Madikeri bus stand and can be conveniently reached via SH27. You can reach Coorg through Government and private buses and hire a taxi, an auto rickshaw or rent a bike to reach Gaddige.

Mysore, Mangalore, and Bengaluru are the nearest airports from where you can reach Coorg by bus or rent a car. Similarly, Mysore, Hassan, and Mangalore are the nearest railway stations to reach Coorg.

The best way to reach Gaddige is to hire a private cab from top car rental companies in Coorg and visit all the popular places to visit in Coorg during your holiday.

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Location Map for Gaddige (Raja's Tomb)