Attractions near Brindavan Gardens Mysore
This article gives information on attractions near and around Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka.
Many visitors to the Brindavan Gardens in Mysore generally visit go sight-seeing in the city of Mysore. Yes, there are plenty of attractions in Mysore, but there are equally enjoyable attractions near the Brindavan Gardens. 1. Balmuri & Edmuri Waterfalls:
These two waterfalls are off the main road that goes towards the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. The Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls are easy to locate, thanks to the helpful sign boards that indicate the direction to find them. The Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls were created when a small dam was constructed to check the force of the Cauvery River. Since the single dam created these two waterfalls, they are popularly referred to as "twin" waterfalls. Balamuri is so-named because it is the waterfall on the right side of the dam ('bala' means right in the local Kannada language); and Edmuri is so-named because it is the waterfall on the left side of the dam ('eda' means left in the local Kannada language).
It is to be noted, though, that these waterfalls are not exactly majestic gallons of water falling from a great height. They are not falls in the actual sense of the term, but just gushing water bodies dropping to a few feet. So don't expect something like the Niagara Falls! The water of the Balmuri and Edmuri falls is quite cold, but nevertheless it is fun to splash around in it. Thanks to the abundant greenery around, the sites of the Balmuri and Edmuri falls has become a haunt of picnickers and tourists heading for the Brindavan Gardens. 2. Ranganathaswamy Temple:
The ancient Ranganathaswamy Temple is located in the city of Srirangapatna, about 127km from Bengaluru. Let's digress a little …Srirangapatna is not exactly a city in the way you picture one – grandiose commercial buildings and upmarket shopping arcades. Rather, it is a town with a major historical significance – Tipu Sultan, a one-time ruler of Mysore State, had made this town the capital of his State. In fact, at that time the town was literally a fortress with awesome ramparts acting as a deterrent to invaders.
Getting back to information on the Ranganathaswamy Temple: The temple is dedicated to the Indian God Lord Vishnu. The reason why this is one place you should visit on your way to the Brindavan Gardens is the exquisite craftsmanship. The large stone temple structure is supported by massive pillars and the walls are lined with detailed carvings. When you step in, you instantly drop your voice, awed by the deep silence that pervades the place of worship. The silence is occasionally broken by the ringing of the big temple bells as devotees seek the blessings of the deities within the inner sanctum. Take a close look at the Chaturvimsati pillars located just before the inner sanctum – the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu are carved on these pillars. The idol of Lord Vishnu in the inner sanctum is in a reclining form on a bed created by the serpent Aadi Sesha. Within the same temple complex, there are also smaller temples - one dedicated to the Goddess of the River Cauvery; one to Gowtama muni; and one to Lord Krishna. 3. Dariya Daulat Mahal:
The Dariya Daulat Mahal is located within a short distance of the Ranganathaswamy Temple. During the reign of Tipu Sultan, he used this palace as his home during the summer months. Surrounding the entire palace is a vast garden known as Daria Daulat Bagh.
A unique aspect of the Dariya Daulat Mahal is that the structure is primarily made from teakwood. Even more incredible, every arch, pillar and wall space is closely covered with not just floral motifs, but detailed scenes of battles and scenes of Tipu Sultan holding court with his officials in the palace. The Tippu Sultan Museum is located on the topmost floor of the Dariya Daulat Mahal. Housed in this museum are artefacts of Tippu Sultan's rein, as well as valuable Persian manuscripts and famous paintings created by European artistes. One such painting depicts the take over of Srirangapatna by the British Army.4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
As you drive away from Srirangapatna, 5kms ahead take the road to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This avian paradise is actually located on a group of small islets. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary was set up when the Maharaja of Mysore declared it a protected area in 1940 and kept it out of bounds for hunters and poachers, at the behest of world renowned Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
Since it is on an island, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is accessible via boats. Storks and terns flap overhead as you approach the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. If you are a true bird-watching enthusiast, it is a good idea to let the boatman steering your boat guide you to the specific locations of the winged residents. You can know about these colourful residents from the detailed information given about them on boards along the entrance pathway that is lined with bamboos. While the bird population includes a variety of storks as well as kingfishers, swallows, cormorants, etc, the mammal denizens include otters, mongoose and fruit bats. Be careful of the crocodiles in the marshy areas! Migratory birds, like the Siberian cranes, also sometimes fly in to visit their brethren. The ideal time to visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is when the birds are nesting during June to September, as you can get a first-hand glimpse of their busy lives (the months of June & July though could be avoided due to heavy rains).
Timings of the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: 9a.m. to 6p.m. (go as early in the morning as possible to avoid the crowds)
Entry Fees of the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Rs 10/- (for Indians); Rs 50/- (for foreigners)
Boat-ride Ticket Rates at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Rs 10/- (for Indians); Rs 50/- (for foreigners)
Note: It is best to confirm timings and entry fee rates before you visit in case of change in schedules.
Now that this article has given you information about attractions near the Brindavan Gardens, you could put Brindavan Gardens Mysore as the last stop for the day rather than the only stop!
