If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, Srirangapatnam and Mysore are ideal destinations. The Bengaluru Mysore expressway offers a smooth ride; however, traffic, especially on weekends, slows you down a little bit. A number of dhabas offering a variety of cuisines dot the expressway, so one can start very early from Bengaluru and not worry about breakfast. Lush greenery greets you as soon as you leave Bengaluru. The fresh whiff of early morning air refreshes the early morning traveler.
Paddy Fields on the Way to Mysore
The first attraction on the way to Mysore is the town of Channapatna, which is famous for wooden toys. A number of toy shops are located just beside the highway, which makes it easy for the time-crunched traveler. The next stop is Maddur, which is famous for the lip-smacking Maddur vada. This town is a must stop for foodies. Mandya is the next major town on this route. It is the home town of Ambarish, a veteran Kannada hero. Mandya also ranks amongst the top 15 cleanest cities in India.
Srirangapatnam
The historical town of Srirangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan's empire, is magnificent. The town derives its name from the famous Ranganatha Swamy temple. This ancient temple is awe-inspiring. The architecture and carvings on the main Gopuram makes one stand back and admire the skill of those ancient masons. Ranganatha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the presiding deity of the temple. The Lord presents Himself lying on Adisesha, the great serpent God.
Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Death Place of Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan was killed by the British at Srirangapatnam. The place where he was found killed is marked by an epitaph.
Tipu Sultan's Museum
On the outskirts of Srirangapatnam is the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, which currently is a museum, showcasing the achievements of the great warrior. The museum is located amidst a sprawling garden, which is a wonder in itself.
Several artifacts, including Tipu Sultan's guns, swords, dresses, cutlery etc. are displayed in the museum. The numerous wars waged by Tipu Sultan are depicted in the form of wall paintings. A 3D painting of a young Tipu Sultan is a major attraction in the museum.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Mysore city. This beautiful bird sanctuary refreshes one's soul. Unfortunately, I could not see many birds though I could hear chirping of birds from the tree branches above. The cool environment and the greenery of the sanctuary made up for the lack of bird sightings.
Mysore
Mysore palace, the former home of the Wodeyar clan, is a grand spectacle. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by canons, which take one back to the time of the Rajahs and Ranis. The central hall of the palace is spectacular with a number of beautifully designed pillars. Paintings by Raja Ravi Verma adorn the walls of the palace. One of the major attractions in the palace is the 750 kilo golden howdah, which is used to carry the idol of Chamundeshwari Devi on an elephant during Dusshera festivities. One cannot describe in words about the grandeur of the Mysore palace.
Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is located on top of the Chamundi hills. The presiding deity of the temple is Chamundeshwari or Goddess Chamundi. The Gopuram of the temple stands tall adorned with beautifully sculpted images of Gods, Goddesses and characters in the Hindu mythology. One can have spectacular views of Mysore town atop Chamundi hills.
Brindavan gardens is another major attraction in Mysore. Unfortunately, I could not make it there as I had to head back to Bengaluru the same night.
Paddy Fields on the Way to Mysore
The first attraction on the way to Mysore is the town of Channapatna, which is famous for wooden toys. A number of toy shops are located just beside the highway, which makes it easy for the time-crunched traveler. The next stop is Maddur, which is famous for the lip-smacking Maddur vada. This town is a must stop for foodies. Mandya is the next major town on this route. It is the home town of Ambarish, a veteran Kannada hero. Mandya also ranks amongst the top 15 cleanest cities in India.
Srirangapatnam
The historical town of Srirangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan's empire, is magnificent. The town derives its name from the famous Ranganatha Swamy temple. This ancient temple is awe-inspiring. The architecture and carvings on the main Gopuram makes one stand back and admire the skill of those ancient masons. Ranganatha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the presiding deity of the temple. The Lord presents Himself lying on Adisesha, the great serpent God.
Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Death Place of Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan was killed by the British at Srirangapatnam. The place where he was found killed is marked by an epitaph.
Tipu Sultan's Museum
On the outskirts of Srirangapatnam is the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, which currently is a museum, showcasing the achievements of the great warrior. The museum is located amidst a sprawling garden, which is a wonder in itself.
Several artifacts, including Tipu Sultan's guns, swords, dresses, cutlery etc. are displayed in the museum. The numerous wars waged by Tipu Sultan are depicted in the form of wall paintings. A 3D painting of a young Tipu Sultan is a major attraction in the museum.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Mysore city. This beautiful bird sanctuary refreshes one's soul. Unfortunately, I could not see many birds though I could hear chirping of birds from the tree branches above. The cool environment and the greenery of the sanctuary made up for the lack of bird sightings.
Mysore
Mysore palace, the former home of the Wodeyar clan, is a grand spectacle. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by canons, which take one back to the time of the Rajahs and Ranis. The central hall of the palace is spectacular with a number of beautifully designed pillars. Paintings by Raja Ravi Verma adorn the walls of the palace. One of the major attractions in the palace is the 750 kilo golden howdah, which is used to carry the idol of Chamundeshwari Devi on an elephant during Dusshera festivities. One cannot describe in words about the grandeur of the Mysore palace.
Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is located on top of the Chamundi hills. The presiding deity of the temple is Chamundeshwari or Goddess Chamundi. The Gopuram of the temple stands tall adorned with beautifully sculpted images of Gods, Goddesses and characters in the Hindu mythology. One can have spectacular views of Mysore town atop Chamundi hills.
Brindavan gardens is another major attraction in Mysore. Unfortunately, I could not make it there as I had to head back to Bengaluru the same night.
