.MYSORE: July 2009

Kokkrebellur Bird Sanctuary / MELKOTE / NAGAMANGALA / HOSAHOLALU

This is a photo of the Shatabdi Express, stand...

AROUND MYSORE

Kokkrebellur Bird Sanctuary: The Bird Sanctuary is situated about 10 kms from Maddur on the Bangalore-Mysore Road. Painted stork and pelicans come here during the breeding season commencing in January till the end of June.

MELKOTE

Situated in the rocky hills of Yadugiri, Melkote is well known as the birthplace of Great Visistadvith Philosopher Ramanuja. It is located 50kms North from Mysore in Mandya Dist. This very quite and serene place draws pilgrims to the Chellapillai Temple present in the vicinity. The idols her are Krishna and Narasimha and are constructed on the topmost peak. Vairamudi is celebrated in the month of Phalguna, the month in the Hindu calendar under the Pushya Nakshatra, The Vairamudi,which will be kept in the Mandya district treasury, will be brought under heavy security to the temple for the festivities, The festivities begins from April 1^st with the ceremonial flag-hoisting or dhwajarohana, followed by various alankaras everyday. On the seventh day is the rathotsava, followed by teppotsava and the avagrutha on the ninth day.

NAGAMANGALA

The principle attraction of this town north of Melkote is the Saumyakeshava Temple built in the 12^th century and later added to by the Vijayanagar kings. The sanctum is kept locked expect at prayer times.

HOSAHOLALU

Home of the Lakshminarayana Temple the village of Hosholalu is 20kms west of Melkote. This temple is a superb example of 13^th century Hoysala architecture.

SRIRANGAPATANA (AROUND MYSORE)

Portrait of Tipu Sultan once owned by Richard ...

Image via Wikipedia

1) Located 12 kms north east of Mysore, this island town is embraced by two branches of the Cauvery River. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple originally built in the 9^th century is located within the fort. Dedicated to an avatar of Lord Vishnu after whom the town is named, the inner hall of this wonderful temple is the most impressive. Supported by massive pillars, it offers a clear view of the reclining deity in the sanctum. The deity is a magnificent figure, reclining on a seven headed serpent. Fortress in the River Kaveri was in the 18^th century, the capital of the warrior kings Haider Ali and Tippu Sultan. Though an important pilgrim place for Hindus, Srirangapatana is basically a cosmopolitan tourist town known for temples, mosques, churches and Jain basadis. Ranganatha temple is the centre of attraction in Srirangapatna. Built by Ganga Chieftain Tirumalaiah,Sri Ranganatha temple was in charge of the various dynastic rulers in history. Hence the temple design is a mix of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architectural styles. Near Tipu palace is the European style church, built by the French ascetic missionary Abbe Dubois.

2) SANGAM

3 kms form Srirangapatna bus stop is the Sangam, where the tributaries of River Cauvery converge. While returning from the Sangam, you can take a little deviation to visit the scenic Goshai Ghat. Goddess Nimishamba Devi’s shrine is nearby the Location. People throng to get her blessing Every Tuesday and Friday.

3) DARIA DOULATH

This was built in the year1784 is an Indo Saracenic structure and is also known as Tippu’s summer palace. Presently Daria Doulath Bagh is converted into a Museum With items that were used by Tippu Sultan and the objects used by him during his losing battle against the British.

4) RANGANATHITTU BIRDS SANCTUARY

This Bird Sanctuary is located about 5 kms from Srirangapattna 16kms from Mysore. This sanctuary comprises a group of six islets on River Cauvery and is a heaven for birds owing to its abundance of insects and fish. Great interest to all bird lovers and is a nesting and breeding centre for birds. Though the number of species of birds listed here exceeds 110 few are more common and easily identifiable. As a leading Heronry, this sanctuary is well visited by birds of the Heron family, viz, the Grey Heron and Purple Heron which are slender birds of about 3ft with pointed bills and bear the colors of their name. The Spoonbill is also a white bird and its clear identity is the long black bill with flat rounded tip shaped like spoon. The most colorful bird is the Painted stork. The season to visit the Sanctuary is from June to October. Boating facilities are available on payment.

BRINDAVAN GARDENS (K R S) / BALMURI FALLS / VENUGOPAL SWAMY TEMPLE

SOME OF THE INTERESTING PLACES AROUND MYSORE

BRINDAVAN GARDENS (K R S)

These tranquil ornamental gardens are located about 19kms away from Mysore below the magnificent Krishnaraja Sagar dam. The dam owes its origins to Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar who built it to provide continuous water supply for the sivasamudaram power station. It is one of the biggest dams in the country and forms a 130sq km lake. The dam built by

Late Dr.Sir M.Vishweshwaraiah across the River Cauvery is capable of holding 44000 million cft.Just below the dam are the Brindavan Garden. The lush green lawns, concealed lighting, dancing and musical fountains are the main attractions here. There is a small boating lake, bathing pool and plenty of food and drinks stands. There are buses every thirty minutes from Mysore to K R S including Volvo buses. There are also a couple of places to stay here including Royal Orchids, Hotel MMK.

BALMURI FALLS

It’s the most visited spot to laze around and relax but make sure you carry your own picnic hamper. This place is frequented by the film troupes as it provides a great backdrop. Swim with extreme caution as there are lots of whirlpools. From KRS is about 3 kms.

VENUGOPAL SWAMY TEMPLE

This is one of the Oldest Temple; it was below the water of River Cauvery at KRS. It has exquisite carvings and beautiful architecture. The Temple was visible only when there is no water but now this temple has been shifted to Hosa Kannambadi near the River Cauvery. About 7 kms from KRS with the same design and architect.

DEVARAJA MARKET

DEVARAJA MARKET

Stretching along the Sayaji Rao Road is one of the most colorful bazaars in India this is Heritage market. It has a vast space where fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and other products are sold. It is indeed well worth a visit and it provides an excellent subject material for photographs.

LALITHA MAHAL PALACE / FOLKLORE MUSEUM / KUKKARAHALLI /KARANGE LAKES

LALITHA MAHAL PALACE

Built at the foot of the Chamundi hills, Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV has built this palace in the year1921; it was designed after the St.Paul’s Cathedral in London. Several ornamentation’s in the building are reminiscent of British palaces. The palace has pleasant surrounding and is presently converted into a star hotel maintained by ITDC.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM

Mysore University (Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion) at Manasa Gangothri is converted in to folklore museum and is renowned for its folklore objects. The Museum is open from 10.30am to 5.00pm expect Sunday and Government holidays.

KUKKARAHALLI / karange LAKES

These lakes are the most prominent lakes in Mysore City. They have always inspired poets, Litterateurs, bird’s watchers, nature lovers and also health freak. Seasonally these lakes attract migratory birds from all over the world. Karanji Lake has one of the best walk in aviary built similar to the Jurong bird sanctuary in Singapore and it also houses one of the first Butterfly parks in India. Boating facility is available too. Kukkarahalli Lake is the most visited place for morning and evening walks.

ST.PHILOMENA’S CHURCH / RAIL MUSEUM

ST.PHILOMENA’S CHURCH

Built in the Gothic style with twin spires 175ft in height “between”1933 – 1941, designed by French architects. The stained glass windows, made in France, overlooking the apse, showing the Birth of Christ, the Last Supper and The crucifixion of Christ are works of art. It is one of the largest churches in India.

Visiting hours from 5.00am to 6.00pm all the days entrance free.

RAIL MUSEUM

Situated close to Mysore Railway Station, Mysore City, Opposite to CFTRI

The museum exhibits the luxury coach used by the Mysore Royal Family and locomotive steam engines dating back to the 19^th century. This museum is first of its kind in India and was built in the year 1979. The Maharani’s Saloon carriage that boasts of a kitchen, dining car unit and a royal toilet dating back to 1899 is indeed worth watching. There is also a battery operated mini-train providing a ride.

This museum is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm and has a nominal entry fees. Monday Holiday.

MYSORE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS/ SRI JAYACHAMRAJENDRA ART GALLERY

MYSORE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

‘Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens’ well known as the Mysore Zoo was established in 1892 by the royal patronage. It houses some of the rare & exotic species in lust green surroundings close to natural habitat for animals and birds. The zoo is also famous for breeding rare animals in captivity. It is situated on the way to Chamundi Hills and is open for public from 8.30am to 5.30pm expect on Tuesday. The authorities at the zoo also invite general public to adopt animals for a period of one year and have also started a club exclusively for youth, in order to create awareness about animals. The area has been declared as a ‘Plastic Free Zone’.

SRI JAYACHAMRAJENDRA ART GALLERY

The building was built in 1861 and was converted into an art gallery during the reign of Krishnaraja wodeyar IV.It used to serve as a royal auditorium and is now used as a art gallery for the public. It has paintings of the members of the royal family. One can witness some exclusive traditional Mysore style leaf and oil paintings from the contemporary artists like Raja Ravivarma and Svetoslav Roerich. Display of furniture, glass and chinaware, oriental and western decorative arts sculpture and musicals instruments. Entrance fee is nominal and visiting hours are between 9.00am to 5.00pm on all days.