Raja's Seat

Raja's Seat is a landscaped garden and viewpoint in Madikeri, Kodagu district, Karnataka. Located on a hilltop in the town centre, it overlooks valleys, paddy fields and forested hills of the Western Ghats. Developed as a leisure spot for the former kings of Kodagu, it is now a managed public garden known for panoramic sunset views, seasonal flowering plants and a musical fountain.

Visitors can expect a well-maintained terraced garden with flower beds, paved walkways, lawns and seating pavilions set on a hilltop. The main attraction is the elevated viewpoint with railings overlooking deep valleys and distant hills. There is a musical fountain and a small toy train for children, open lawns for leisure walks, and stalls for snacks. The site is compact and explored on foot.

Raja's Seat is associated with the kings of Kodagu who ruled from Madikeri. It is traditionally described as the favourite evening retreat of the Kodava kings, including Dodda Virarajendra, who spent time here with their queens watching sunsets over the valley. The brick and mortar pavilion structure reflects its royal leisure use.

The site is a well-known cultural and recreational landmark of Kodagu (Coorg) and a symbol of Madikeri town. It is featured in Karnataka tourism promotion and is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors to view the landscape that characterizes the hill station culture of Coorg.