HAMPI KARNATAKA

Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India located near Hospet town in the Karnataka state. Hampi continues to be an important religious centre Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique. Dotted around the hills and valleys are 500 plus monuments. Among them are beautiful temples, ruins of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings... the list is practically endless. 

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BANGALORE CITY MAP | BANGALORE TOURISM MAP | BENGALURU TOURIST MAP

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SHIMOGA TOURISM MAP / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SHIMOGA / TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SHIMOGA / TOURIST PLACES IN SHIMOGA / TRAVEL MAP OF SHIMOGA / TOURIST SPOTS IN SHIMOGA

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KARNATAKA TOURISM MAP / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KARNATAKA / TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN KARNATAKA / TOURIST PLACES IN KARNATAKA / TRAVEL MAP OF KARNATAKA / TOURIST SPOTS IN KARNATAKA

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KARNATAKA CLICK HERE

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KOLLUR SREE MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE -KARNATAKA

History Of Kollur Mookambika Temple, Karnataka

      The history of Kollur Mookambika temple states that there lived a demon named Kaumasura who was unleashing a reign of terror upon all the gods with his special power given by Lord Shiva. When all the gods were trying their best to stay away from his vicinity, Guru Shukracharya brings good news to the gods that this demon would face death by a woman, that is Parvathi Devi. Knowing this Kaumasura undertakes severe penance, Lord Shiva asks this demon to ask for the boon, sensing grave danger if he his offered the boon, this goddess of speech makes this demon dumb.

Hence this Kaumasura came to be known as Mookasura (mooka means to be dumb). Thereafter Devi mobilised all the powers of the gods and then this demon was killed by Kollur Devi Parvathi. She was hence forth called Mookambikai. This place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.

The Kollur Devi thereafter became the deity of this place offering her blessings to all who sought her. She poses with all her radiance along with the shank and chakra in both her hands sitting in the padmahasana posture. 

Suyambulingam at Mookambika temple

        The Suyambulingam at Sri Mookambika temple is said to have come into existence when Parameshwara drew the chakra with his toe. This chakra is believed to be the Udhbava linga which has drawn its strength due its proximity to all divine beings. It is also very sacred since Kollur Devi is supposed to be merged with this Suyambulinga and that has made her acquire great power.

Here she is said to have formed part of Lingam along with Lakshmi and Saraswathi on one side and Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Parameshwara on the other side. Apart from this there is also an carved image of Shiva said to be injured by during the clash with Arjuna known as Kiratharjuna and this is on the right side of this Suyambulinga.

Adhi Shankaracharya is believed to be instrumental in Devi Mookambika taking this place Kollur as her abode. It is this place near the bank of Souparnika river that Adhi Shankarar stopped to fix the Chakram and on above it placed the Devi and this forms the central idol behind the Linga. This temple has been patronized by many ancient kings who donated many precious jewels to Sri Kollur Devi and they are still adorned by her. Many other hindu kings have also donated to this temple since it was believed to be the state temple in those days.

Sanctum of Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple

       The history of idol installation at Kollur Mookambika temple is nearly 1200 years old. King Halugallu Veera Sangayya is said to have laid the valuable stone to cover the inside premises and this was done by him under the instructions of Rani Chennamaji. The temple comprises of the sanctorum, a hall and the Lakshmi Mantapa at the rear. This Lakshmi Mandapam has four pillars and it is about 135 feet long. These four pillars are adorned with splendidly carved images of Indian deities.

The beautiful sculptures are figurines of various Gods and Goddesses such as Vinayaka or Ganesh, Subrahmanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini and the mother goddess or Devi in various forms. The Garbagriha at this Kollur temple is contemporary and artisitic in value. A huge deepasthambam stands tall with its base like a tortoise’s head. This Deepasthambam has 21 beautiful concentric circles which appear very divine and similar to that of Makara jothi when all the lamps are lit and viewed from distance.

The Navrathri festival begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesha who is on this pillar. As we move inside the corridor beyond the Garbhagriha there are four types of idols of Ganapathi. Among them are Dasa bhuja Ganapathi and Balamuri Ganapathi which is beautifully sculpted using white marble.

Then there is an image of a serpent that is worshipped by all Devi’s devotees in order to wade off the evil effects of Sarpodosa and other doshas. And it is believed that when touched while offeringprayers, the devotees are said to be blessed with good fortune.

The outer side of the pradikshana we see the idol of Lord Muruga followed by the idol of Saraswathi, Pranalingeswara, Prartheshwar and Mukya Prana. This Mukya Prana is placed just opposite to Veerabadrasamy shrine to strike a balance for its dangerous appearance. This Veerabadrasamy is said to be the presiding deity here.

Pooja timings and practices at Sri Mookambika temple

       At this temple prayers are offered following two traditions. - one as per the sacrificial ritual and the other as per Vijay Yagna Shastra. The poojas are performed at the temple everyday and it is performed in the morning, afternoon and evening and in the night. Among the many important rituals that are performed and celebrated, Navarathri is considered very important and the other is Brahmotsava and both are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. This Navarathri is also is known as Sharannavarathri that falls during October month. The Goddess is said to grant boons to many an ardent devotee during these days.

Devi Mookambika’s exquisite jewellery

      Kollur Devi adorns some exquisite ornaments that has been donated to her by her ardent devotees among them are Shri Gundu Rao the ex Chief Minister of Karnataka who has donated to Devi a silver sword. The legendary Rani Chennamma offered precious emerald which is still adorned by her till date. Late M.G. Ramachandran, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu also has gifted a golden sword to Sri Mookambika as a token of gratitude and as an ardent devotee. The Vijayanagaram king Krishnadevaraya presented Kollur Devi with a gold mask which is now considered very valuable. Chennamaji of Keladi gifted a gold face for Lingam that is also said to be of great value.

The River Souparnika’s origin

        The source of this river Souparnika is from the Kodachadri hills lying near the temple as a backdrop. The mythology about this temple and river says that a Garuda named Suparna performed penance on this river bank in order to save his mother from the continuous misfortunes and sorrows. Then the Kollur Devi appeared before him to grant her good wishes and at this juncture this garuda requested Devi that this river be named after him hence forth and thus this river came to be known as river Souparnika.

The place where the Suparna garuda sat is popularly known as Garuda caves. This river is joined by two more rivers at the down stream. They are known as Bhrungisha and Pippalada that falls now under the Oluru region. There after it flows west ward to end at the sea near the Maharajaswamy temple.

This river is said to be not only holy but also to contain rich extracts of valuable herbs as it passes through many mountains that has abundant herbs and rare plants.

Festivals In Mookambika Temple - Kollur, Karnataka

Nithyothsavam – Every day ritual Nithyotsava ritual is performed everyday at Devi Mookambika temple. Janmastami announces the birth of Lord Krishna. From then on till Navrathri every year, various rituals are followed at the ancient Mandapam. Sri Mookambikai is taken on the palanquin around the temple and thereafter ashtavadhana seva is conducted at Saraswathi mandapam that which is located inside the temple. Varothsavam - Weekly ritual Every Friday, at around six p.m. between Janmashtami and Navrathri, varothsavam celebrations are held. Before the Pradoshakala pooja the Devi Mookambika’s idol is carried to the olaga mandapam in the north. Here the ashtavadhana seva is offered to the goddess Mookambika.

Pakshotsavam – Fortnightly ritual

This fortnightly ritual involves carrying the deity on all new moon days and full moon days. After the night bali pooja the Devi’s idol is carried to the Saraswathi Mandapam located on the west. This street procession is rigorously followed and there after the idol goes back and the Kashaya Thirtha is given to the devotees.

Varshika Uthsavam – Annual ritual

Every Year in the month of March, the annual ritual is observed at this glorious temple and it is celebrated for ten full days. On the moola nakshatra day the Brahma Rathothsava is undertaken for Kollur Devi.

Kollur Mookambikai temple celebrations

On the first day the flag is hoisted soon after the Punya kala rites.

The second day at about five in the evening the Kollur goddess is taken around the village known as Grama pradhakshina in Kannada. Followed with night bali and after the ashtavadhana seva the procession is taken to the Saraswathi mandapam on the peocock chariot.

The third day program is the taking Devi to the Saraswathi mandapam in the north known as Toppalu Katte, night ritual Dolarohan, then pooja is performed for Mookambika and taken to the west side of the Sarawathi mandapam and ashtavadhana seva is performed.

Fourth day celebrations commences with the Katte pooja held at Sri GopalaKrishna temple. There after the night ritual follows with the Sri Mookambika being taken on the chariot Pushparatham to the Saraswathi mandapam on the west side and the ashtavadhana pooja is performed.

The fifth day ritual, Sri Mookambika is taken on the Rishaba Vahana to the Saraswathi mandapam in the west and Ashtavadhana seva is offered for devotees. In the day the goddess is taken in procession to the Gopalakrishna temple.

On the sixth day the procession to Patelara Katte at Balegadde begins at the day and the night ritual begins with the Kollur Devi being carried on the Gaja vahana to the Saraswathi mandapam in the west.

The seventh day program starts with the taking Kollur Mookambika Devi to the Saraswathi mandapam on the west side after the Pradosha pooja and glorious Rangapooja is performed. The night Bali follows where the Mookambika is taken on the Simma Vahana again to the Saraswathi Mandapam in the west for pooja and Ashtavadhana seva.

On the eight day the Maharathothsavam Odu Bali and the Brahma Ratha Arohanam is performed at 11.30 in the morning. The evening procession starts with the Brahma Ratham taken to the Saraswathi Mandapam at around 5 o clock in the evening in the west side.

Choornothsavam, okuli, Avabhritha Snanam at the Sauparnika are all part of the ninth day celebrations. The roving ceremony known as Theppothsavam and Miruga bette happens at night and then followed by pooja for Kollur Mookambika seated on the horse back and this function starts at around night 8 O clock until the next morning 8 O clock.

The tenth day celebrations start with Poornahuthi conducted at the north eastern side Yagashala and followed by the lowering of the flag known as Dhawaja Avarohana.

Navarathri festival at Kollur Mookambika Temple is considered to be the most auspicious time to offer prayers to goddess Shakthi and its other forms. Millions of pilgrims visit the temple on these nine days. In South India, it is a belief that Vijayadashami is an auspicious day for small children to start their education called Vidya Arambam, hence pilgrims throng the temple from 4 am onwards for aksharabhishekam.

Offerings of Shri Mookambika

Sri Devi Mookambika is very generous in offering her blessings to all her devotees and she considers them as equal with out any disparity. It is solely said that it is the sincerity of the individual that matters when it comes to getting her support in all their pursuits. Devi Mookambika as Goddess of Learning This Goddess of learning and fine arts blesses her devotees with knowledge and wisdom. Confidence, Concentration and accomplishment are the hallmarks of this deity. Every sincere prayer will help the devotees to improve their education and reap good results in the examination. In order to achieve her blessings Mahatrimadhura is the important offering and it is said by consuming Mahathrimadhura for continuous period of 41 days makes the individual clever in studies. Great concentration in studies can be achieved by undertaking meditation at Sri Devi’s temple. Doing regular Alankara pooja, Payasa Nivedaya, Puspanjali for Sri Mookambika helps to improve their education at all levels. Goddess of Wealth Aishwaryam or prosperity and good fortune accompany all who pray to goddess Sri Mookambika with sincere devotion. In order to earn her blessings and to improve the wealth regular Friday poojas like Sarvalankara, Sahasranama kunkuma archana, chandika homam besides maha poojas are recommended in order to get her blessings Goddess of Health and Well Being Shakthi Mookambika has excellent cure for all sorts of ailments. Doing regular Nithya nivedaya, Vidhi, Harivana nivedya, Mahathrimadhura, Parivarayuktha panchapooja, Chandika homa and Pushpa rathsova can help to maintain good health. Devotees firmly believe that Kollur Mookambika Devi can cure ailments with her immense power of healing. Kollur Devi - The Supreme Protector  Devi Mookambika ensures all round prosperity, health, progeny and protects devotees from all evil. Conducting regular poojas such as Shatha Rudrabhisheka, Chandi homams every day and particularly on Fridays helps to keep away enemies from doing any harm. Apart from the above performing Shaktheya pooja at Kutachadri and Mariamma temple proves very effective for the devotees. Goddess for business growth Devi Mookambika helps devotees to nurture their business in a profitable way by doing simple poojas such as Lalki Utsava, Chandika homas, Maha pooja, Nithyanna nivedaya, Sheerabhisheka, Pushpanjali along with regular Friday poojas. Sri Mookambika – Blesses the childless Childless couple upon regular prayers to Devi and performing poojas like Maha pooja, Vidhi, Chandika homams and offering Thulabharam helps them to beget children. Devi blesses for early marriage It is believed that marriage obstacles are set right by offering Mookambika with sarees, mangalsutra and by performing Chandika homam and thulabharam. Besides offering Thirumadhura, lighting ghee deepam, nanda deepam, sarvalankara pooja and offering payasa nivedaya. Other obstacles cleared by Devi Sri Mookambika helps her devotees to clear many obstacles by conducting regular Friday pooja, Chandi homam, Vidhi and Ganapathi homam. Speciality of Chandika Homa (Chandi Homa) This Chandika homa is highly beneficial to all devotees and it has to be performed usually from 9 A.M. to 12 noon. One has to wait for their turn to come for nearly two years to perform this homa at Sri Devi’s temple. Advance booking has to be made by the devotees. This homa is very important to invoke Kollur Mookambika devi’s blessings and to fulfill all their wishes. The importance of Pushpa Rathotsavam This type of offering can be done for Sri Mookambika for general wellbeing and it is highly beneficial for the whole family. Offering ghee deepam, sarees and gold mangalsutra is said to bring the desired effect.

How to reach Mookambika Temple - Kollur

• Mangalore city is only 50 km away from Udupi. Express buses ply between Mangalore to Udupi at regular intervals.From udupi we can reach Mookambika Temple - Kollur by bus from Udupi.
• The railway station at Udupi falls on the Konkan Railway network and there are trains to most major cities of the state.From Udupi we can reach mookambika temple by bus or by taxi easily.
• The nearest airport is the Mangalore airport located at Bajpe, 60 km away from Udupi. There are 2 flights daily from Mumbai,Bangalore and from other parts of India.From their we can reach KollurMookambika Temple by car.

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TOURIST PLACES IN HUBLI / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN HUBLI -KARNATAKA

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TREKKING IN COORG -KARNATAKA TOURISM | BEST LOCATION FOR TREKKING IN KARNATAKA

Coorg is extremely rugged across most of its land area. There are many summits to conquer and many jungles to trek. But preparation and precaution is always advised before you plan any trekking trip in Coorg. Below mentioned are information & precautions that everyone must take into consideration if they plan to hike across Coorg's mountains and forests.

Trekking in Winters: Temperatures near the summit during winters can drop to freezing levels after sunset, making hypothermia a possibility.The higher you climb, the colder and windier it will get. Trekking in Summers: During summers, sunburn is a risk. Heat stroke can also set in. Few essentials to carry while trekking: While trekking; take plenty of water, food, a flashlight, hat, sunscreen in summers and warm clothing in winters and rainy season. Take the following precautions while trekking in Coorg, during summers: Drink water - lots of it. Make sure you carry your own water bottle while on trail. Stay out of of direct sun. Wear hats and caps as well as sunglasses. Wear sunscreen. Avoid the hours between 10 am to 2 pm, when the the rays of sun are strongest. Enjoy an early morning hike, then rest in the shade that afternoon. Do not skip food, make sure your provide your body proper nutrition.

Trekking in the Mountains:There is very less vegetation in mountainous and highland areas of Coorg, so finding your way around is not an issue.But note that; most of the treks to mountains involves arduous steep climb to the summit. Highland trekking is only recommend for people in top health condition. Bad weather and poor visibility can become an obstacle. You shall hardly encounter any settlements and people . If you get injured, getting you back to the base camp can become an arduous task in itself.

Trekking in Lowland Coorg: Larges tracts of Coorg's lowland areas remain untouched by any human activity, a sizable portion is reserve forest. The unspoiled remoteness is a special attraction of lowland trekking in Coorg. But trekking is such areas also has its own dangers.If you are going alone ( without a local guide ), there is little chance of getting help. Routes disappear in the dense jungle and without a guide, you can easily become lost. Getting to some treks and back again can be an adventure in itself due to Coorg's appalling conditions of many roads.In rainy season, many roads become inaccessible. In monsoon the trails become infested with leeches and difficult to climb.

Trekking Alone: Its not worth the risk. If you get injured, you are on your own. You can also become an easier target for robbers and wild animals. Trekking for women: Trekking alone is not recommended for anyone. Even a group of women together is no guarantee of security and safety. Not Recommend.

Trespassing: Many trekking routes pass through plantations/private property. The last thing the plantation owner would not like to tolerate is a bunch of boisterous trekkers en route plucking coffee, pepper, cardamon, etc. Don't do that. Some planters may charge a nominal fee for using the route through their plantations, be ready to pay up.

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JOG FALLS-KARNATAKA

           Jog Falls, the second-highest waterfall in India is the creation of the Sharavathi River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located near Sagara, Karnataka Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls,Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. Cascading from a height of 253 meters (829 ft), the waterfall is also known as Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. The history of the falls goes back to the year 1800, when the site was first discovered by Buchanan during one his journeys.

          Jog Falls mainly comprises of four different streams of the River Sharavati, plunging down a steep incline in the district of Shimoga. The significance of Jog Falls is that in this waterfall, the water does not stream down the rocks in a tiered fashion. On the contrary, the water thunders down the slope losing contact with the rocks, thus making Jog Falls the tallest untiered waterfall in the country. This is the reason why Jog Falls is a famous tourist destination frequented by almost every tourist visiting India. The area around the fall is excellent for trekking. 
        There are four different streams or tracks into which the River Sharavati is split, comprising the entire structure of Jog Falls, and these streams are: Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. 
The best season to visit this waterfall is the monsoons when this gigantic body displays its maximum charm. Though one will find dense vapour engulfing the waterfall, but when the mighty waterfalls the vapour evaporated in an ethereal manner. The best look of the waterfall can be had by lying down and looking over the giant from the slabs of rock near the Bombay bungalow. Watkin’s platform is another spot from where the view is splendid. 
               The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja. A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill. 
         The Jog fall is an important source of water for the Mahatma Gandhi hydro Electric project that was started way back in1948. At present the water of this fall provides 120 MW capacity of electricity and today serves LDPH (55MW), SGS(1035 MW) and Gerusoppa Tail race(240MW) generating stations. 
         Located at a mere distance of 200 kms from Bangalore, the fall is easily accessible by road. While Shimoga (105 kms) is the nearest railhead, the nearest town are – Sagar (30 kms) and Taluguppa (16 kms). One can avail buses from Bangalore. When coming by a private vehicle one can take the NH 206 to reach Shimoga and Sagar.

HOW TO REACH JOG FALLS:

• Nearest Railway Station (& distance to the location):
• Talaguppa and SAGAR(SRF) : For Sagar 30 km
• Nearest Bus Station: Siddapur
• Nearest Airport (& aerial distance to the location):DomesticHubli Airport (HBX) : 130 km
• Mangalore Airport(Formerly Bajpe Airport) (IXE) : 135 km
• Pune Airport (PNQ) : 500 km
• International
• Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) : 340 

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KODACHADRI-KARNATAKA

KODAJADRI

          Kodachadri- is a mountain peak with dense forests(altitude – 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name comes from native word “Kodacha” or “Kodashi” which means hill and “Adri” a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called “Kutachadri” and “Kodashi Parvatha”. Kodachadri forms a background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist. The important animal life include Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill,Paradise Flycatcher,Emerald Pigeon, Tiger, Panther, hyena, Bison,Python and many more, of which several are endangered
              Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara- Nilsakal, at about 20 k.m from this place.Ancient mother goddess temple is there near the top of the peak and legend says that the goddess slayed Mookasura several thousand years ago. This belief can be compared with ancient practice of worshipping Mother Goddess during prehistoric time all over the world. At present, Kodachadri is popular among locals and Keralites since at least 500 years or more. Sage Shankaracharya is said to have visited this place and established Kollur temple. Original goddess is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Piligrims from Kerala,Tamil Nadu and Karnataka state visit Kollur and some of them Kodachadri also, remembering the visit of Sage Shankaracharya.

KODAJADRI

The Shola Forests spread over the surrounding hill range as well as on Kodachadri hill range is unique. Shola forests are said to be the life of steams and rivers of such hills. Plants in Shola forests are neither shrubs nor big trees, but medium sized green plants with tough trunks, which is suitable to withstand the strong winds the lash the mountain sides continuously. The speedy winds that lash the mountains during monsoon can easily uproot bigger trees but do no harm to shola forest. Shola forest also shelter different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates and the flora and fauna of Shola forest is unique. Other than Shola Forest, there is a good coverage of dense evergreen forest with high canopy.

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GOLDEN TEMPLE-TIBETAN MONASTERY-COORG-KARNATAKA

         

  The Tibetan Monastery or the Tibet Camp as locally called is located around 6 kms from Kushalnagar town towards Mysore. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery.After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylkuppe near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 7,000 monks and students today. 
The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement camps close to each other, and has a lot of monasteries, nunneries. Most famous among them are the large educational institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery and Namdroling monastery.

The 40 ft tall golden Buddha statues are the major attractions of Bailkoppa. The statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus are the notable ones. The walls of the temples and the institutions are decorated with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The altar is decorated with flowers, candles and incense sticks.Apart from the calm and peaceful surroundings there are shopping centers near the temples where one can shop for traditional Tibetan items like costumes, statues, carpets, jewelery etc.

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MYSORE-KARNATAKA-INDIA | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MYSORE | ALL ABOUT MYSORE | MYSORE TOURIST GUIDE

MYSORE
       Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. The city is situated at the base of Chamundi Hills and is famous for the Dussehra celebrations during which a large number of tourists visit the city. 
Hindu mythology says that Mysore was ruled by Mahishasura a demon who was later on killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. Till the 15th century, the area where Mysore stands today, was known as Puragere. The fort was constructed in the year 1524 by Chamaraja Wodeyar III. 
Mysore city is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Dussehra is the most important festival of the city and this festival is celebrated for a period of 10 days. Started by King Raja Wodeyar I in the year 1610, the ninth day of the celebration is known as Mahanavami and the imperial sword is worshiped on this day. Processions constituting ornamented elephants, camels and horses are taken out. 
The style of painting prevalent is an outgrowth of the Vijayanagar school of painting. The typical characteristic of these paintings is the plaster of Paris work in which gold hydrofoils are pasted. 
Mysore is also known as City of Palaces. There are a large number of palaces around the city to be visited. The most famous attraction of Mysore is the Mysore Palace, which is best visited during the evening, when the whole palace is lit up with sparkling lights. The famous Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is now being converted into a museum and is dedicated to folk culture.

Mysore Palace
One of the most magnificent buildings located in the heart of the city is the Mysore Palace. Spacious halls called Mantaps can be seen in the Palace. Paintings and architectural beauty décor the hall. The palace is a fantabulous assemblage of Indo-Saracen architecture. 
The palace gives a clean evidence that a royal structure existed during the period of Yaduraya and Krishnaraya when they came to Mysore in 1399 AD. 
The palace is open to visitors every day from 10 am to 5.30 pm. A charge of Rs 15 is made per head. The palace is illuminated from 7 pm to 8 pm on Sundays including public holidays and also during all the ten days of the Dussehra celebrations.

Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in Mysore and a center of tourist attraction. This garden was constructed during the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar. It is built across the Cauvery river and below the Krishnarajasagar dam. 
The garden is decorated with huge lawns and various kaleidoscopical courses of flowers. The main attractive feature of the garden is the ‘dancing fountain’. 
The garden can be visited at any time from 7 am to 8 pm on all days. The lighting of the garden during Dussehra is done every day and on other days from 7 pm to 8.45 pm.
Chamundeswari Temple
The Chamundeswari Temple is situated on a hill in the neighborhood of Mysore. Krishnaraja III during the latter part of the 18th century built this temple tower. He gifted the Nakshatramalika jewel which has Sanskrit poesies engraved on it. 
The temple is adorned with various epitomes of Nandi. The colossal Nandi is 15 feet wide and 24 feet long and was made during the reign of Dodda Devaraja. It also has a seven floor ‘gopuram’. The idol of the Goddess is made of gold and the entrance with shinning silver. The dumbfounding construction appeals to the visitors’ aesthetic senses.

St Philomena's Church This church was built to honor St Philomena and thus it got its name. The Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation  stone for the church in the year 1933. The followed the Neo Gothic style of architecture. The Cologne  Cathedral was the inspiration of the Church. The church was planned by Daly a Frenchman. The congregation hall is called the nave. The two steeples of  the church are 53 meters in height. The main hall can hold a capacity of 800 people. The windows depict the  birth of Christ and the important events in his life. The cathedral is open from 5 am to 6 pm and no entrance fee is charged. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located about 5 km away from Srirangapatna. Spread over 57 acres, the sanctuary is a small island on the banks of river Kaveri. A bird lovers paradise, this sanctuary is a nesting  and breeding center for all kinds of birds.  One can see species like the herons, egrets, white ibis, little cormorants, dantes, open billed stork  etc. are some of the birds that can be seen in island while on a boat ride.  The best time of visit to the island is from June to October.Srirangapatnam Fort Srirangapatna fort, also called as Tipu’s palace is one of the most popular monuments in India.  The architecture of the palace is a mix of Indo-Islamic style and the huge Persian inscription on the  entrance gate embodies the date on which the fort was constructed, i.e 1537. This fort has ‘Lal Mahal’  which was the then residence of the most audacious king of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.  The fort was built in a double wall defense system and has four entrances, namely – Delhi, Bangalore,  Mysore & Water and Elephant gates. The two dungeons located at the lower chambers of the fort are  a must visit. These dungeons were used to detain the British soldiers who were arrested. Srirangapatna  Fort also houses a mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, that is famous  for its gopuram and thick fort-like walls.  Various paintings like ‘The storming of Seringapattam’ by Sir Robert Ker can be found on the walls.  The paintings depicting the glorious victory of Tipu Sultan over British, also adorn the walls. Do not miss  to see the Chaturvimsati pillars that  bore carvings of 24 forms of Vishnu, at the inner entrance of the fort. The tomb of Tipu Sultan can be  found in the vicinity of the fort.  The fort is scenically located on an island formed by the river Cauvery. On your visit to Mysore,  one must definitely visit this fort which is an emblem of history and culture that lived and flourished  during the glorious times of Tipu Sultan. Gumbaz Gumbaz is the burial chamber of Tipu Sultan, his father Haider Ali and mother Fatima Begum.  It is built on a lifted platform and is circumvented by various other tombs of his relatives and nobles.  The Gumbaz has magnificent ebony doors decorated with ivory which was presented by Lord Dalhousie.  The interior walls are covered with lacquer Tiger stripes which is Tipu's favourite. A corridor lined by pillar s of black amphibole walls Gumbaz.  Masjid-e-aksa a mosque is situated next to the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is surrounded by a beautiful gardens  adds to its beauty.

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TOURIST PLACES IN COORG / KUDAKU-MADIKKER / CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMAI-KARNATAKA

MADIKERI      Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs. The town can be found 1525 meters above sea level on the plateau of the Western Ghats. A prince from the Haleri dynasty, Muddu Raja founded Madikeri in 1681 under the original name Muddu Rajakeri, which became Madikeri. Madikeri is officially know as Mercara CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMA    Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort. RAJA'S SEAT      Raja's Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India's most scenic locations. The view from Raja's Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja's Seat. This is the ideal place to go for a morning stroll. OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE Omkareshwara Temple The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and built the temple to appease the Brahmin's spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple is like a Muslim dargah and has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance. MADIKERI FORT Mercara Fort Mercara Fort can be found on elevated ground atop Madikeri. The fort was originally made out of mud and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan with stone, only to be wrested back by the Coorg King in 1791.There are two mortar elephants, built life-size to catch the visitors' eyes as they enter the fort. Inside the fort, the British took out the temple of Virabhadra in 1855 and replaced it with the gothic-style Anglican Church, which has since been converted to a museum. The Madikeri Palace is inside of the Madikeri Fort and is home to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The Palace was established by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The two-story structure was renovated by the British two times and a clock tower and portico for the commissioner's car was added in 1933. ABBI FALLS Abbi Falls Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 8 km drive from the main town. GADDIGE Gaddige, also know as Rajas' tombs or the tombs of Virarjendra is a significant monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings. TALACAUVERY Talacauvery Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. BYLEKUPPE Tibetan cultural dances being peformed at the monastery premises in Bylekuppe Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans. VALNUR FISHING CAMP Valnur fishing camp is located near Kushalanagar on the banks of the Cauvery. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling for the majestic Mahseer after obtaining fishing permits from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a bird-watchers' paradise. DUBARE RESERVE FOREST & DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalanagar famous for its elephant training camp. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. HARANGI DAM The Harangi dam near Kushalanagar has a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a week-end stay. No matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will find something to suit your fancy in the district of Coorg

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