When visiting Madikeri, locals commonly speak Kannada. It's helpful to learn basic phrases such as 'Namaskara' for hello, 'Dhanyavadagalu' for thank you, and 'Nanna hesaru ...' for my name is.... You can easily pick up these phrases by using language apps like Duolingo or Memrise, or by checking out travel phrasebooks available at local bookstores and libraries.
When visiting Madikeri, it's important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites and temples. It is customary to remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious places. Tipping is not a common practice in India, however, rounding up the bill in restaurants and for taxis is appreciated. It is also important to use your right hand when passing money or receiving items as the left hand is considered unclean. Lastly, when interacting with locals, it's polite to greet them with a 'Namaste' and be mindful of personal space and conservative behaviour.