Brindavan Garden & KRS Dam, Mysore

Musical Fountain at Brindavan Gardens, Mysore

One of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and by tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS) (known as Kannambadi to the locals) itself is a superb example of excellent engineering and itself is a tourist attraction in Mysore. Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, Mysore

He used 'surkhi' a mixture of limestone and brick powder instead of cement. The dam was among the first in the world to have automatic sluice gates. The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar who financed the dam. The dam is 3 kms long and is located at the confluence of the rivers -Cauvery, Hemavati and Lakshmanathritha. The lake that is formed by the dam is one of the largest in India. The dam is a multipurpose project conceived by Sir M. Vishveswariah for supplying water to the agricultural lands of Mandya and Mysore districts and for ensuring power supply to the Shivanasamudra project.

Sir M. Vishveswariah is often called the architect of modern Mysore and "the father of planning in India". The gardens were designed by Sir Mirza Ismail another important and progressive Diwan of Mysore. Spread over an area of 150 acres, the Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India. The garden not only been meticulously laid out and has beautiful lawns and shrubs, but has thousands of fountains in different shapes and sizes that are lit with colorful lamps and are set to pleasant music.

Flowers at Brindavan Gardens, Mysore

The best time to visit the gardens is after sunset when all the bright colourful fountains come alive and seem to dance with joy to the accompanying music. This is a sight worth beholding as the entire garden is transformed into a fairyland. The Brindavan gardens remain illuminated from 7.00pm to 7.55pm from Monday to Wednesday and from 7.00pm to 8.55pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting a park space at Brindavan Gardens is relatively easy. The parking yard right in front of the KRS dam is massively huge.

Parking lot in front of KRS dam

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Srirangapatna, Mysore

Haidar Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore from the time of his father's death in 1782 until his own demise in 1799.

Tipu Sultan's summer palace is located at Srirangapattana, near Mysore city. It is also known as Daria Daulat Bagh meaning "the wealth of the sea", situated outside the fort. Built in 1784, the structure is in Indo-Islamic style of architecture, constructed mainly of Teak wood.

It is now a museum and tells eloquently of the valor and legacy of Sultan Fateh Ali Tipu, "The Tiger of Mysore" and, subsequently his losing battle against the British. The summer palace converted museum displays war weapons, paintings and coins of Tipu’s period. One of the main feature of this museum is the famous oil painting "Storming of Srirangapattanam" by Sir Robert Ker Porter made in 1800. This historical painting depicts the final fall of Srirangapatana on 4th May 1799.

Balcony in Tipu's Summer Palace, Srirangapatna, Mysore

Nimishamba Temple, Srirangapatna, Mysore

Nimishamba temple, around 2 kms from Srirangapatna town and 130 kms from Bangalore; was built at the time of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar about 300 to 400 years ago on the bank of the river Cauvery. Sri Nimishamba is considered as the incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, the wife of Lord Shiva.
There is a belief that Sri Nimishamba is going to remove all the problems and troubles of her devotees within a minute. That is why she is called Nimishamba. Nimisha means a minute.

This is a place where a king by name Muktaraja belonging to “suryavamsha” had performed his penance (tapas). This is considered as a holy place. In fact Muktaraja had got carved “shrichakra” on a stone and started performing poojas. It has been kept in front of Nimishamba deity inside the temple, which we can see even today. Muktaraja blessed with “moksha” by Lord Shiva that is why there is a deity by name Moukthikeshwara. This was installed at the time of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

There would be a fair on “Vasavamba jayanthi”, which is also known as “Nimishamba jayanthi”. On every full moon day there will be special poojas.

Everyday from morning 6am to evening 8.30pm, one can have the “darshan” of goddess.

There is a bus service from the Mysore city to this place. Commuters can also take an auto from Srirangapatna.

There is also a full fledged commercial setup rising around Nimishamba temple where you can instantly buy everything required for pooja; flowers, fruits, coconut, etc. Who knows if you are lucky enough, on the way back you can get really fresh vegetables as well.




















Once you start walking down, you can see Cauvery river. The place is calm and quiet and is a good place to take rest to ease your senses.

Enjoy the chirping sound of birds and if you feel like, have a small ride on the river.

Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore

Chamundi Hills is around 175 kms from Bangalore; located around 35 kms from Mysore City. Driving in a car might take you around 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Chamundi Hills, the home of Goddess Chamundeshwari is about 335 metres high, can be reached by a 13 km road from Mysore.The temple of Chamudeshwari, the patron goddess of the Mysore Maharajas, has been held high in reverence for centuries, associated with the Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana, in 12th century and Vijayanagara rulers, in 17th century. In 1659, Maharaja Dodda Devaraja built a flight of one thousand steps leads up to the summit of the hill which is at a height of about 3000 feet.

Chamraja Wodeyar IV is said to have worshipped here in 1573. It is believed that he was saved from a lightning hit miraculously owing to the blessing of the Goddess. Krishnaraja III (late 18th century) built the temple tower and presented the Nakshatramalika jewel with sanskrit verses inscribed on it.

The architectural beauty of Chamundi Hill temple will awake the photographer inside you.

Mahishasura Mardhini, the one who vanquished the demon Mahishasura, Chamundeeswari, or Durga is the fierce form of Shakti. A colorful gigantic image of the demon, Mahishasura greets visitors as they reach the summit of the hill. During the reign of Dodda Devaraja, this statue was built, along with the steps leading up the hill.

Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Bull, a monolith is found at the 800th step on the hill. It is over 15 feet high and 24 feet long. One can find several idols of Nandi nearby. There are many shrines dedicated to Shiva Mahabaleshwar and Lakshmi Narayana.

During the Dasara festival, on Vijayadashami, the Jumboo Savari, traditional Dasara procession goes onto the streets of Mysore city. Idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a Golden mantapa, on the top of a decorated elephant. Balarama, the elephant has been performing this great venture from the past 9 years.

The Goddess Chamundeshwari is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees. The summit of the Chamundi hills offers a panoramic view of Mysore's landmarks like the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes.

Statue of Mahishasura

Not just the statue of Nandi, you can find many cows on top of Chamundi Hills which the Hindus consider sacred.

Once you reach Chamundi Hills Mysore, I am sure you will be able to find many people whom you would find good subjects for photography.

I would say Chamundi Hills is a must go if you are planning for a one day or two day weekend trip to Mysore.