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Tourist places around Mysore

Shivasamudram falls

The river Cauvery branches into two streams, each descending to a depth of 200 ft in a succession of waerfall. It is 95 km from Mysore near Kollegal.

Belur

The Channakeshava temple was built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in 117 AD to commemorate his conversion to Vaishnava from Jainism. The temple is famous for the highly worked 38 bracket figures (Madanikais) in dancing, playing, dressing or exhibiting the many facets of feminine beauty. The temple has 46 pillars of different style and the ceiling is highly ornamented. The high pillar in the courtyard shows marvellous filigree work. It is 157 km from Mysore well connected by road via Hassan.

Halebid

The Hoysaleswara and Kedareaswara temples are the master piece of Hindu art. There is a small museum exhibiting the stone statues. It is 17 km from Belur.

Sravanabelagola

The Indragiri hill is a major Centre of pilgrimmage for Jains. The summit has the 57 ft high monolithic statue of Gomateswara. The statue was built in 10th century by Gen. Chamnudaraya under the Ganga king Rachamalla. On the neighbouring Chandragiri hill (small) there is a beautiful Chamundaraya Kattale Basadi temple. Once in 12 years the head annoying ceremony is celebrated with great pomp. It is 53 km south of Hassan and 99 km from Mysore.

Bandipur National Park

The best season is October to May, preferrable in the early morning. Cottages and rooms are available for night stay. Gundulpet and Gudallur provides budget accommodation (20 km away). The 689 sq km wildlife sanctuary is 80 km from Mysore on the Ooty highway. Trekking in the forest to Gopalswamy betta (peak) to watch elephant herds at close quarters can be arranged. The region gets its supply of water from the Moyar River.

Wildlife : Indian porcupine, Gaur, mouse deer, black naped hare, four horned antelope, sambar, chital, bisons, spotted deers, langoors, leopards and of course the Asian elephant. Common birds are the Peafowl, Cormorants, barbets, herons, hawk eagle, parakeets, drongos, hornbills, warblers and minivets.

Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary

The sanctuary is at 780 m with an area of 180 sq km. Wildlife includes elephants, bisons, tigers, panthers etc. Watch tower gives a close up view of the animals. Forest lodges are for stay. Jeeps are available from Manathawady, Kerala via Tholpetty, Kutta. The best season is October to May, preferable in the early morning. It is 90 km from Mysore.