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 ChellapillaiTemple 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 1st 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 SaumyakeshavaTemple built in the 12th century and later added to by the Vijayanagar kings. The sanctum is kept locked expect at prayer times.
HOSAHOLALU
Home of the LakshminarayanaTemple the village of Hosholalu is 20kms west of Melkote. This temple is a superb example of 13th century Hoysala architecture.
1) Located 12 kms north east of Mysore, this island town is embraced by two branches of the CauveryRiver. SriRanganathaSwamyTemple originally built in the 9th 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 18th 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.
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 BrindavanGarden. 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.
BALMURIFALLS
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.
VENUGOPALSWAMYTEMPLE
This is one of the OldestTemple; 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.
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 otherproducts are sold. It is indeed well worth a visit and it provides an excellent subject material for photographs.
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.
FOLKLOREMUSEUM
MysoreUniversity (JayalakshmiVilasMansion) 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 MysoreCity. 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. KaranjiLake 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. KukkarahalliLake is the most visited place for morning and evening walks.
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.
RAILMUSEUM
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 19th 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.
‘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’.
SRIJAYACHAMRAJENDRAARTGALLERY
The building was built in 1861 and was converted into an art gallery during the reign ofKrishnaraja 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.
MYSOREPALACE Designed by the English architect, Henry Irwin the then consulting architect of the colonial government of madras. The MysorePalace dominates the skyline of Mysore. A three storied in the Indo-Saracenic style built “between” 1897 – 1912, the palace has beautifully designed squire towers at cardinal points, covered with domes. The Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the kalyanamantapa (Marriage Pavilion) with its glazed tiled flooring and stained glass, Domed ceiling are worth noting intricately carded doors, the golden howdah (elephant scat) paintings as well as the fabulous, jewel encrusted golden throne (displayed during Dasara) are amongst the palace’s other treasures. The walled palace complex houses the ResidentialMuseum (incorporating some of the palace living quarters), temples and shrines including the ShewethaVarahaswamyTemple. The palace is illuminated on Sunday, Public Holidays as well as during the Dasara Celebrations when 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate it.
Admission to the palace is by tickets; from10.00am to5.30pm. Visitors to the palace can witness and enjoy the ‘Sound & Light’ programme very shortly.
Image via Wikipedia
