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STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA

KARNATAKA
Places of interest around Mysore

Srirangapatnam

In this island town of the Cauvery, 16 kms from Mysore on the Bangalore road are the Fort, Ranganathaswamy temple, dungeons, museum, Daria Daulat and the Gumbaz.

This was once the capital of Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan (The Tiger of Mysore). Tippu sultan, in alliance with the French fought against the British here. There is an obelisk in the fort which marks the place where he fell, betrayed by his own men. There is a mosque within the fort with twin minarets.

The Ranganathaswamy temple built by the Chieftain Thirumalaiah in 894 AD is also situated within the fort.

The dungeons where the British officers were imprisoned in also situated in this fortress. Nearby is the Chapel of Abbe Dubois (19th century French traveler).

Daria Daulat Bagh was Tippu Sultan's favourite summer retreat built in 1784 in the Indo-Saracenic style.

Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tippu Sultan, his mother and his father Hyder Ali.


Bylakuppe is about 85km from Mysore, on the way to Madikeri in Coorg.
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Ranganthitoo Bird Sanctuary

The bird sanctuary is located 16 kms from Mysore, 4 kms from Srirangapatna, on one of the three islets of the river Cauvery. It spreads over an area of 675 hectares. Migrant birds like the darters, egrets, spoonbills, white ibis, open bill storks, night herons, pond herons as well as the Siberian cranes and birds from the Middle East roost here. The best time for bird watching is between June and September.
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Somnathapura

is situated about 40 kms to the east of Mysore. The Kesava Temple built in the Hoysala style of architecture, was constructed in the 13th century by the Hoysala king Narasimha III. Though a small structure, this temple is a typical example of the fully evolved Hoysala style.

The temple, like a typical Hoysala temple is raised on a low platform. The base of the temple is in the shape of a star. There are 3 cells (thrikutachala) attached to a central hall. All three shrines have their own tower. Scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabaratha and the life of the Hoysala kings are depicted on the walls.

The ceiling of the pillared hall are wonderfully created in the form of a banana flower hanging from the center. The pattern is formed by concentric circles diminishing as they rise, connected by radiating ribs.


Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is situated on the Mysore-Ooty road, about 80 kms from Mysore. It adjoins the Mudumalai Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu and the Periyar sanctuary of Kerala. This is one of the tiger reserves set up in the country under the Project Tiger Scheme. Bisons, spotted deers, elephants, sambars, leopards are other animals in this sanctuary. Jeep, truck and elephant rides are organised by the Forest Department. Boating facility is also available. The best season to visit is from October to May.


Biligirirangan Hills
This range of hills, 80 kms from Mysore (5,091 ft above sea level) is situated between the Cauvery and the Kapila rivers, stretching from north to south for about 16 kms. The Biligirirangana Betta Wildlife camp is located here. The region is full of deciduous trees. Several birds and wild animals such as tigers, panthers, gaur, chital, sambar, elephants, and bears are found in these hills.

The hill derives it's name from the Biligirirangaswamy Temple, situated on the highest peak. The Lord in this temple is Ranganathar. The Ratha Festival is held during 'Vaishakha' (April) by the local tribes.


Cauvery Fishing Camp
This fishing spot is located at Bhimeswari, about 82 kms from Mysore.


Nagarhole National Park
This park is located at about 94 kms from Mysore with its comfortable Kabini River Lodge and is a marvelous place to see a variety of wild life - leopards, tigers, gaur, chital, sambhar and about 250 species of birds.


Places of interest in Mysore