Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Madikeri Dasara is only second to Mysore Dasara in terms of its grandeur. Madikeri is a major hill station in Coorg district of Karnataka. With scenic spots and cold weather, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South. The ten day navratri celebrations especially pull huge crowd here.
With over a hundred years of history, Madikeri Dasara involves Shakti worship. Four guardian Mother Goddesses - Kundurumotte Chauti Mariyamma, Dandina Mariyamma, Kote Mariyamma and Kanchi Kamalakshi are taken on procession. The Karaga festival takes place during these ten days. Four karagas and 10 mantapas (dashamantapa) depicting the victory of good over evil, are a standard each year in Madikeri.
Madikeri Dasara has minimal interference from the Government officials. It is a celebration purely by the people and hence called Janotsava. Concerts and performances are never ending at this place. Artists from all over the country takes pride in performing here. The festivities go on throughout the nine nights and on the tenth day, the procession comes to an end with the cutting of banni tree.
Apart from the celebrations itself, Madikeri has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. The famous Raja's Seat, Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple are a must visit. Taste a bite of royalty at Raja's Seat. The green view of Madikeri from Raja's seat is worth everything in the world. There are also well-maintained gardens and musical fountain to keep the children engaged.
Madikeri Fort, originally a mud fort, is said to have been rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan with secret underground passages. A stone turtle inside the fort is a curiosity builder. It is said that Virabhadra temple in the premises of the fort gave way to the gothic architecture of St. Marks Church. The Fort also holds historical artifacts making it a museum for tourists.
Located in the heart of Madikeri, the Omkareshwara Temple reflects the Islamic influence in the region. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has evident traces of Islamic architecture. The Shiva linga here is said to have been brought from Kashi itself.
Madikeri, although does not have a railway station of its own, is well-connected by road. Mysore-Mangalore State Highway 88 drives through Madikeri. It is only 120 kms from Mysore and 136 kms from Mangalore. The nearest railways stations are at Hassan, Kasargod, Kanhandgad and Thalassery - each at a rough distance of 115 kms.
