Places near MYSORE KARNATAKA for summer tour

Mysore Zoo :

Home of rare species of fauna The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.

Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery :

A treasure house of masterpieces The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich.

Mysore is known the world over for its exotic silks. At the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, you can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense sticks. At the Government Silk Factory you can see the master weavers at work. Buy shimmering silks straight off the looms.

Srirangapatna :

The Tiger's Lair Take yourself back to another spot, another, time. 16 kms away from Mysore is the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stone walls and moats enclose palaces, temples and a great mosque. Tipu's summer Palace, with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, Royal Mosque, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its chequered past.

Ranganathittu :

A haven for winged visitors 5 kms from Srirangapatna, lush green islands on the river Cauvery, are home for an astonishing variety of migratory birds from as far away as Siberia - Spoon bills, Open Bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret Darter, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Wild Duck, Peafowl. A little boat takes you close to the islands where the trees are covered with birds of different species. The only sounds are the cries of birds, swoosh of wing and the ripple of water. Ideal for picnicking and bird watching.
Season: Between June and October.

Brindavan Gardens :

What dreams are made of 19.2 kms north-west of Mysore City are the famous Brindavan Gardens with the musical fountain. They stretch below the Krishnarajasagara Dam on the river Cauvery, and present a breathtaking harmony of water, colour, light and music! Illumination

Melkote :

And the Yairamudi Festival 48 kms from Mysore, on rocky hills is the Cheluva Narayana Temple at Melkote. Ramanujacharya, the Shrivaishnava saint - philosopher, took shelter here from his persecutors. In March - April the Vairamudi festival draws thousands of pilgrims.

Somanathapur :

A 13th century wonder in stone 35 kms from Mysore, in the small village of Somanathapur, is another temple of great architectural beauty built in the 13th century A.D. The star-shaped temple with three shrines named after Prasanna Chennakeshava is the latest and best preserved example of Hoysala architecture.

Talkad :

"Deep asleep, deep asleep, deep asleep it lies…" 45 kms from Mysore is a strange phenomenon - an ancient town buried under centuries of sand. Only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible above the ground. Once in twelve years, during the Panchalinga Darshana, the sleeping town awakes to festivities and fairs.

Shivasamudram :

The Cauvery takes a leap ! 85 kms to the south-east of Mysore are the picturesque waterfalls, Ganganchukki and Bharachukki, at Shivasamudram. Asia's first Hydro-Electric Power Station ws set up here in 1902. The falls are at their best in July/August.

Kabini River Lodge :

Holiday resort for the adventurous Situated 80 kms from Mysore in The Karapur forests is the old hunting lodge of the Maharajas and Viceroys. The lodge on the banks of the river Kabini arranges jeep rides into the jungle and coracle rides on the Kabini for bird watching. A naturalist guide helps you identify the many varieties of birds and wild beasts.