WEAVER'S WORLD / MYSORE / PLACES TO VISIT -8

WEAVER'S WORLD / MYSORE / PLACES TO VISIT -8

There are some old locomotives and wagons. It is a nice place to visit with kids who can learn the rail history of South India. The highlight of the museum is Mysore king's saloon coach. This takes you back to the British era. You get to see old steam engine you can touch feel and climb into it. It is worth the time for the real-time experience. Situated on Brindavan gardens road, it is adjacent to the railway station. ( back entrance to railway station). It has stupendous railway coaches and all instruments related to Indian railways, vintage items, miniature models, maharani saloon coach. Also there are galleries showcasing the rare photographs of Indian railways. It is a well-maintained museum. There is a toy train for kids.

If there is a place to visit close to Mysore it is the Somnathpur Temple, on the way to Bangalore from Mysore. It is worth visiting for the architechtural beauty, the calm environment, the scenic route, the beautiful trees outside the temple and within the complex and the magnificent temple structure, around a 1000 years old. There are carvings on the ceiling that are breathtaking. This is one of the best pieces of architecture next to Halebid and Belur in Karnataka. Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpur temples were built in the times of the Hoysala Dynasty rule and they are unique in their style of fine art, minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. Somnathpur temple is situated 35 kms from Mysore city.

Clean, green, pristine with an amazing variety in the fauna collection, one can see variety of birds, reptiles, butterflies. Gorilla, Zebra & Giraffe also. It is maintained well. You can complete a full tour of the zoo on a van which takes you around for about an hour. If you don't plan to use the zoo's van, bring your walking shoes as it's a long walk! One could rate this place as number one in Mysore. The Zoo has all kind of animals including Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and otters, rarely found even in other Zoos in India. Also there are many species of birds and reptiles. The place is clean and neat and very well maintained with direction marks and Maps at regular distances. Entry fee is very nominal.

The place most Hindu devotees of Goddess Durga would not fail to visit, it is at the top of the Chamundi Hills. The statue of Nandi the Bull is close to the foot of the hills on the way down. There is a Brahmakumari Museum at the top. The temple is visited for good fortune in one’s life, the architecture is quite good and the Goddess appears resplendent always which people believe to be a good omen.

Like the visit to any place at a height, the climb offers breathtaking views. At night, with the lights on in an array, it is a pleasing view. The Temple is located at nearly 3500 feet above mean sea level.

Srikanteshwara temple is an ancient one, as old as the Vijayanagara Empire and is one of the most revered temples in South India. Located in Nanjangud, a small town south of the city of Mysore, the town itself derives its name from the word Nanjundeshwara (other name of Lord Srikanteshwara).

The first thing that catches your attention when you look at the temple is the huge structure completely built with stone slabs and pillars. The 'gopura' or the main entrance to the temple is an imposing structure rising 60+ feet from the ground and has an enormous 18 feet door made of solid wood. The basic design of the complex is similar to other ancient temples of the south. But the main attraction in the temple is the stone carvings made on pillars, the intricate details sunk into rocks, the passion of the sculptors visible in the smooth finish of the sculptures of the deities placed around the main Sanctum.

Located at the banks of the river Kapila the temple is located in a serene atmosphere. Visit early in the morning to avoid huge crowds. Apart from Srikanteshwara temple also visit Sringeri Sharadamba mutt & Sri Raghavendraswamy mutt which has 5 brundavanas.