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Tourism in Mysore

1.  Chamundi Hill and Temple
 Timings, Entrance Fee and Contact
7.00 am to 2.00 pm and
3.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Entrance : Free
Phone : 0821 - 2590027

Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.

Situated on the heights of Chamundi Hills, the Temple resides Nandi Bull's Sculpture, the Bull denoting vehicle to Lord Shiva, and is one of the seven bulls in the country. The temple has large silver gates and golden idols. It is considered to be a very religious temple, where the blessings of the goddess help devotees to fulfill their need. Pilgrims are supposed to climb the 100 odd steps to the top, to improve their past 'karmas'

The hill gets its name from the Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva and she is the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Chamundeswari Temple is a fine quadrangular structure with a high 'gopuram' (tower) and 'dwara' (entrance) which is a visible landmark from many miles. 'Mahishasura' was killed by Goddess 'Chamundi' and hence she was given the name 'Mahishasura Mardhini'. The Goddess is seated on a lion, killing the buffalo-headed demon with her trident..

The Sacred Bull
Half a top of the hill you may reach the bull in few minutes. Fashioned says the legend, in one night out hte the basalt of the hill, this recumbent colossal Nandi gigantic 25 ft long and 4.8 meter (16 ft) tall monolith of Nandi (sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva) was a gift to Dodda Deva Raja. Adorned with ropes, chains, bells and jewels of stone, the bull with half shut eyes which seem, in yogic fashion is a marvel to watch.
Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.  The hill gets its name from the Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva and she is the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore.

The Chamundeswari Temple is a fine quadrangular structure with a high 'gopuram' (tower) and 'dwara' (entrance) which is a visible landmark from many miles. 'Mahishasura' was killed by Goddess 'Chamundi' and hence she was given the name 'Mahishasura Mardhini'. The Goddess is seated on a lion, killing the buffalo-headed demon with her trident.

The hills is 3,489 ft, above the sea level and is 12 Km from Mysore City.  An energetic visitor will be well repaid by climbing up the 1000 steps, fashioned about 300 years ago, and a good motorable road leads to the top of the hill. 
 

2.  Chamundi Hill and Temple
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens - Mysore Zoo
Visiting Hours :
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM all days - TUESDAY HOLIDAY
Phone : 0821.2434425

Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or 'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of Mysore Zoo.

Earlier was named as Palace Zoological gardens and was renamed as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1909. Garden with picturesque Chamundi Hills as its background. The garden was transferred to the Forest Department in 1972 and then to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka in 1979. The garden has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity and this unique feature is said to be present only in this garden in the while of Asia. Only zoo in the country having all the three species of white, black and Indian rhino. This zoo has many anumals like brown bear, sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, chimpanzee, orangutan, Himalayan bear, brown lemur etc, which are enlisted in the red books of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This zoo has become the centre for the multiplication of tigers in the country.
The Zoo has been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new animals

The Flourishing Flora
The zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animals

Exotic Fauna
The Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them. About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40 countries in the world.
 

3.  Brindavan Gardens and KRS Dam
Entrance Timings : 10.00 am to 8.00 pm

Fountain Timings 7.00 P.M. to 7.55 P.M. on weekdays. & 7 P.M to 8.55 P.M. on holidays.
During winter 6.30 P.M. to 7.25 P.M. on weekdays 6.30 P.M. to 8.25 P.M. on holidays
Phone : 08236 - 257224 / 257223 / 257227
Built in 1924, this is India's first irrigation dam. Sir.M.Vishweswariah, the engineer who designed and built this dam, has shown his acumen in converting a dam site into a beautiful garden with colourful fountains and ponds downstream. The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who financed this novel project. KRS represents a marvel of civil engineering achievement in pre-independence India and was among the first in the world to use automatic sluice gates. Locally available surkhi was used instad of importing cement from England (a scarce commodity in those days).

With his slogan of "Industrialize or Perish," Sir. M.V. as he is better known, this visionary engineer built not only the KRS dam but a whole chain of generating stations and industries to modernise the then princely Mysore state at the beginning of this century. Krishnaraja Sagar also has an engineering (hydraulics) research station to study water flow, control, and design of dams.

Brindavan gardens is located 12 Kms north-west of Mysore city and has rows-of colourful fountains. There is a boating pond to cross the dam from the south bank to the north bank and at the northern edge are the dancing fountains. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains are made to jump and dance to the tune of music. The dam is over 3 Kms long and is constructed at the junction of three rivers - Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha. This site has been popularised over the years by the large number of Indian/foreign films shot at this location.

K.R. Sagar is located in a pivotal postion overlooking the entire gardens. The northern bank also houses a well established horicultural nursery providing good variety of fruit/flowering plants. At 6.30 PM the garden lights up with fountains shining to different coloured lights. The variety of flower beds glow in the light adding to the charm. This spectacular sight makes Brindavan gardens unique and it lasts till 8 PM every day (longer during week-ends).

K.R. Sagar dam is well connected to Mysore by road and rail (Arasikere line) There are many tourist buses going directly to Bangalore. This dam has not only served as a model to several dams in India, but is also a testimony to prove the superiority of surkhi (a mixture of brick powder and lime) over cement, in dam construction. The best season to visit KRS is June-July when the monsoon brings in plenty of water which gushes through the sluice gates which open automatically after the maximum head of 124 Feet is reached. The beauty of KRS can be enjoyed all year long except during the summer months, when there might be little water in the lake.

Sagarkatte: Another place of lesser-known tourist importance is Sagarkatte, situated on the backwaters of the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir. The approach to Sagarkatte is through a road, which weaves through an undulating and fertile terrain, affording scenic glimpses of the breath-taking countryside.
 

4.  Jagan Mohan Palace
Timings, Entrance Fee and Contact
8.30 AM to 6.00 PM all the days.

Entrance Fee : Rs. 15/ Adults Children Rs. 5 
Phone : 0821.2423693

Converted into an Art Gallery in 1875 exhibits Paintings. Paintings of masters like Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich on display.

5.  St Philomena's Church
Timings, Entrance Fee and Contact
8.00 AM to 6.00 PM all the days.
Entrance : Free
Phone : 0821.2563148

This is a beautiful Gothic structure with beautiful stained glass windows and lofty towers is a must-see. Roman Catholic Church was built in A. D 1840. It was initially known as St. Joseph Chaver which later assumed the present name. The twin towers of the Church stand majestically at 175 feet, the design is gothic and it is said to resemble the St. Patrick's Cathedral at New York and a church at Cologne. The church is located about 1 Km from Mysore Palace on the Bangalore highway. The then king of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation for construction of the church in 1933. The stained glass windows, made in France, over looking the apse, showing the birth of Christ, Baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist, the last supper and the crucifixion of Christ are works of art. The altar bears the statute of St. Philomena a 3rd Century saint from Greece.
This church is considered to be the most beautiful in Karnataka. This church has a cellar where there is a statue of St. Philomina was a holy saint during the 3rd century in Greece, in a reclining posture. A piece of her bone and clothes are also in this church.

A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure. Designed by French architects.

Monuments or Heritage buildings of Mysore

  1. Chamundi Hill
  2. Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple
  3. The Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple
  4. The Varahaswamy Temple
  5. Mysore Palace
  6. Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion (Manasa Gangothri)
  7. Jagan Mohan Palace
  8. Lalitha Mahal Palace - 1931
  9. Gun House
  10. Deputy Commissioner Office
  11. Oriental Research Institute (Gordon Park)
  12. Craford Hall and Garden Park
  13. Cheluvamba Mansion (CFTRI)
  14. Karanji Mansion
  15. Chamarajendra Circle - (Opposite Palace North Gate)
  16. K. R. Hospital
  17. Law Courts Building
  18. Devraja Market - 1900
  19. Dasara Exhibition
  20. Hardwicke High School
  21. Hoysala and Public Office
  22. Nanjaraja Bahadur Chatra
  23. Maharaja's College
  24. Maharani's College
  25. Medical College
  26. K. R. Hospital
  27. Rangacharlu Memorial Hall
  28. Clock Tower
  29. The Jockeys Quarters and ATI Buildings
  30. Wellington Lodge
  31. St. Philomena's Church
  32. Chamarajendra Technical Institute
  33. Chamundi Guest House
  34. Government House
  35. Railway Museum
  36. Regional Museum of National History
  37. Folk Lore Museum Mysore
Tourism around Mysore
 Srirangapatna
Is small town 15 km northeast of Mysore. The island fortress of the legendary Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan, takes you through the pages of history. Every stone, every Temple, every Palace and every Mosque in here has a story to tell.
Srirangapatna, renowned for its seemingly impregnable fort, associated with the great ruler Tipu Sultan, is situated at the western end of an oval shaped island formed by the two branches of the Cauvery. It is the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stonewalls and moats enclose palaces, with its beautiful frescoes, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its chequered past.

Gumbaz
An imposing structure where the mortal remains of Hyder Ali, his wife and Tipu Sultan were confined.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
The summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, built fully by wood is today a museum devoted to Tipu Sultan.

Sri Ranganatha Temple
Temple of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture on the Great Snake Anantha, is one of the Largest temples in the State. It is a beautiful example for both Vijayanagara and Hoysala Styles of Architecture.

Ranganathittu Birds Sanctuary
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 wings and the ripple of water. Ideal for picnicking and bird watching. The best time to visit is between June to October.

The Sanctuary here is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Ranganathittu is loaded with surprises all around. Crocodiles basking under the sun, otters running free, flocks of birds gathered on tiny islands. Ranganathittu is indeed a visual delight. Birds coming from Siberia, Australia and even North America can be spotted here.

While taking a ride on the cane boats just be ready for a fluttering surprise. It may be the Open-Bill Stork, The White Ibis, Egret, Heron, Partridge or even the Cormorant trying to say hello.
Location : Near Mysore, Karnataka
Area : 67 sq kms
Wildlife : Bird life includes the little cormorant, large cormorant, shag, darter, white ibis, spoonbill, open-billed stork, painted stork, egret, heron, river tern, great stone plover, kingfisher, Indian cliff swallow and the lesser whistling teal. The flying fox, bonnet macaque, common otter, common mongoose, palm civet and the marsh crocodile are some of the mammals and reptiles which are found here.
Best Season : June - November
Boats are available at the Sanctuary to take tourists for a ride along the river and the islets, where they can witness trees full of beautiful birds of myriad varieties. Most of the oarsmen are also excellent guides and can provide tourists the exact location as to where the birds may be spotted. The Cauvery riverbank also offers excellent spots for picnics.

Bandipur National Park - 80 Kms from Mysore
Far from the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers. Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas, this park is nested in the foothills of the Nilgiris.As you penetrate deep into the forests through the well laid-out roads, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. They say that the flora and fauna here exist in perfect harmony. and it is because of this that the spot here was chosen as a centre for the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.
Bandipur is about 220 km from Bangalore and only 80 km from Mysore. Gundelpet is the closest town.

There are three cottage resorts at the boundary of the park. One is inside the park and is run by the Forest Department, another is a Karnataka Tourism Department hotel at the boundary of the park, and the third is privately managed. It is advisable to make weekend reservations beforehand. Gundelpet is about 20 km from the park and has more hotels and inns.

Bandipur forest office runs forest safaris of 45 minutes duration in well guarded buses. Deer, antelope, elephants and peacocks can be easily seen. Tigers and elephants may be occasionally sighted.

If you have a good group you can do a trek through the forest with help of the forest department. The forest office located in Bandipur can provide you with trained professionals who can guide you through the forest.


Nagarhole - Rajiv Gandhi National Park - 90 Kms from Mysore
Hunsur Wildlife Division
Located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts is a fresh, green world rich in forests, little streams, undulating valleys and facintanig waterfalls.The Nagahole National Park. A perfect get-away for nature-lovers. Deriving its name from Kannada,’Naga’ meaning snake and ‘hole’ Referring to streams, Nagarahole is truly a delightful spot, bubbling with the activity of some of the most magnificent animals and trees. Rosewood, teak, Sandal, silver oak the deep, fresh aroma of these trees mingling with the sounds of the wildlife –ah! A perfect holiday treat. No wonder this was also an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore.
Renamed as the "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", Nagarhole National Park, 643.30 sq. km, is part of the 5500 sq km Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the districts of Kodagu & Mysore. This is easily the best habitat for the Asian Elephant. Tigers & leopards roam in this forest. Over 250 species of birds have been identified in this park which lies at the foothills of the towering Western Ghats Mountain Range.
The place derives its name from Kannada, Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams. Set up in 1955, it is one of the best-managed parks in the country, with the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests situated in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tiger, bison, and elephant are much more populous here than in Bandipur.

The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ kmē), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Terrain
Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the southern parts, dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards the east, and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).

Fauna and flora
Mammals: Elephant, Jackal ,Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Muntjac, Sambar, Spotted deer, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena
Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Python, Viper, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard ,Toads etc.
The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak.
Department vehicles are available for wildlife viewing. The park generally has a moderate climate with three seasons : Summer Monsoon and Winter. However, monsoons are often severe and the ideal time to visit the park between September and May.


Somanathapura
The village of Belur, is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. Once the capital of the Hoysala empire, it still draws hordes of visitors, who cannot get enough of its fascinating temples. The construction of the Somanathapura (Chennakeshava) Temple was started by Somanatha, a high officer under Hoysala King Narasimha III (1254-1291 AD.). It is a splendid example of Hoysala style of architecture. It stands on a raised platform in the center of a spacious enclosure having sixty four (64) cells (or chambers). The central temple is actually a three celled (tricutachala) structure consisting of three Garbha Grihas, three Antaralas, and a Navarang (prayer hall). It has a Mahadwara (main entrance) standing on the eastern side. The images of the divinities Venugopala, Kevasa, and Janardhana are installed in the cells which are surmounted by elegantly carved Sikharas (towers).
Outside, on the vimana (outer sanctum wall), the Hoysala sculptors have surpassed themselves - unending rows of nearly 650 elephants, horses, lions, birds and warriors. The larger panels of the wall, sport scenes depicting the great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata.

B. R. Hills
90 Kms from Mysore & 230 Kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana range of hills are picturesquely situated between the Cauvery & Kapila rivers. At a height of 5,091 feet above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Kms. All round are deciduous trees. And roaming amidst the long grass and tall trees are animals. Plenty of them! So if you're looking for a cool time with a little bit of wild excitement thrown in, welcome to B.R.Hills. Wake up to the chirping of birds & humming of bees. Breathe in fresh, clean air. Take a stroll through the sylvan surroundings. And let the cool breeze blow your cares away.

Did you know that, wild elephants in a certain place get so annoyed with white milestones that they literally deracinate them and fling them around like a Frisbee? Well if you didn't know this, let me tell that this happens in B.R. Hills. It is for this reason that here the milestones are painted in yellow and green. Camp under a canopy of stars that shine brighter here. This is one place where you can shrug off your worries, fill your lungs with pure fresh mountain air and rejuvenate your soul. You are irresistibly drawn to the enchanting forest. This is home to many species of wild animals like Gaurs, Chitals, Sambhars, Bears, Elephants, Panthers and Tigers. Marvel at the splendour of nature. Get richer with the little nuggets that naturalists are always passing on. Climb over 150 steps or drive amidst spectacular settings to get to the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple.
Situated at a height of 2,882 feet above sea level, Kunti Betta is historically associated with the rule of 18th Century warrior king Tipu Sultan. The French troops had camped in the region during Tipu's reign for strategic reasons. From the summit of Kunti Betta, the visitors have a panoramic view of the backwaters of Tonnur Kere.

Tonnur Kere: Popularly known as "Moti Talab'' or the Lake of Pearls, Tonnur Kere is formed by an embankment carried across a gap between two rocky hills, which stem the water of the Yadavanadi and other mountain torrents.
The tank is not only used for cultivation of surrounding land, but is also a fisherman's favourite haunt for the variety of fishes. Over the last few years, several picnickers have been frequenting the lake for the experience of boating in country-made boats (Theppas) as well. The locals from nearby villagers are more than willing to take the visitors around the lake in their country-made Theppas for a price.

Taladad
Talakad is a town known for its sand dunes, located near Mysore in Karnataka. A historic site, Talakad once had over 30 temples. It stands at a sharp bend of the Kaveri river eastwards from a southerly course. Sand dunes are formed here persistently, extending over a mile, burying a large number of monuments. Talakad houses the imposing temple to Vaidyeshwara - Shiva.

Talakad was patronized by the Western Gangas in the first millennium CE, and then by the Tamil Cholas from the 11th through the 12th centuries. Talakad came under the Hoysala in the 12th century. It was then patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers and the Maharajas of Mysore.

The Vaidyeshwara temple is built in the Dravidian style of granite. Much of the structure is here is attributed to the Vijayanagar period (14th century), although several Hoysala features are seen in this temple. The eastern doorway of the Navaranga is beautifully sculptured. Colossal dwarapalakas adorn the entrances.

The Vaidyeshsara temple along with four others - Arkeshwara, Vasukishwara or Pataleshwara, Saikateshwara or Maraleshwara and Mallikarjuna constitute the Panchalingams here. These five Lingams are said to represent the five faces of Shiva. The Pataleshwara Shivalingam is said to change colors during the day (red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening).

Panchalinga darshana is a rare pilgrimage occasion, occuring once in every few years. Tradition has it that pilgrims should first bathe in the Gokarna theertham, worship Gokarneswara and Chandikadevi, and then worship Vaidyeshwara, and then bathe in the northern eastern southern and western stretches of the Kaveri and then worship Arkeshwara, Pataleshwara, Maraleshwara and Mallikarjuna, returning to Vaidyeshwara after each worship, finally worship Kirtinarayana and conclude the pilgrimage in one day.

Several interesting legends surround this shrine. It is believed that an ascetic Somadatta headed out to Siddharanya Kshetra Talakad) to worship Shiva. Having been killed by wild elephants enroute, he and his disciples re-incarnated as wild elephants and worshipped Shiva in the form of a tree at Talakad.

Two hunters Tala and Kada, are believed to have struck the tree with an axe to find blood gushing forth, and upon the bidding of a heavenly voice, dressed the wound of the tree with thre tree's leaves and fruits. The tree healed, and the hunters became immortal. Since Shiva is believed to have healed himself through this incident, he is referred to as Vaidyeshwara. The Panchalingams here are all associated with this legend.

Melkote
Around 60 kilometers north -east of Mysore city in the state of Karnataka is to be found on a hilly tract comprising some of the oldest rock formations on the earth's crust. Nestling in the heart of these hills lies the temple town of Melkote. The origins of the towns are lost in antiquity, but it rose to cultural and religious importance in the 12th century AD when the great South Indian philosopher and teacher, Sri Ramanuja lived in the town for twelve years.

Today life in Melkote revolves around the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple within the township and the Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on the hill overlooking Melkote. These temples are repositories of Melkote's living tradition as well as storehouses of academic knowledge of our culture. Thus, as part of the temple precincts is the oldest sanskrit Pathasala in India, dating back to 1853, imparting regular instruction in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy.

One of the best - preserved towns, Melkote is unique in that it has retained its traditional character over the centuries. Historical studies have shown relatively little change in the plan of the town, the type and character of the dwellings and its cultural practice. In this sense, a visit to Melkote or Tirunarayanapuram (as it is also called ) is a unique experience of our own cultural heritage in its living form.

The essence of Indian philosophical as well as religious thought comes alive in the temples of Melkote where the temple rituals and festivals involve many , if not most of the towns population. Some of the more important annual festivals such as the vairamudi Utsava, Teppotsava and the birthday or Tirunakshatram celebrations of important saints are occasions which bring all the people of the town together. Indeed, Melkote is unique in that certain folk festivals such as the Angamani festival have been integrated into the temple rituals, thus making them meaningful to the common man.

Shivanasamudra Falls - Gaganachukki / Bharachukki Falls
Walking up to the Bharachukki waterfall takes your breath away. In this case, it is not only the splendour of the scene but also the stench around the place that does the "trick". Mounds of garbage surround Bharachukki and its equally impressive twin, Gaganachukki. Bharachukki, in fact, is dirtier. It is considered holy by some and a community has even settled in the area adjacent to the waterfall. So, apart from discarded plastic wrappers and soft drink bottles, there are also piles of household rubbish. To make matters worse, the smell of cow dung mingles with the stink from the nearby toilets. Most visitors use the open ground rather than brave the toilets.

The waterfalls themselves are pristine because visitors find the approach to them too steep and rocky. But hardy Kannada and Tamil film crews clamber up the jagged rocks to use the falls as a backdrop for romantic songs.

The waterfalls have left a deep impression on all those who have seen them. Bryan Swan and Dean Gross, who have set up the website, www.world-waterfalls.com, have included the twin falls in a compilation of the "100 best falls in the world." The falls are created when the Cauvery roars down a 75-metre gorge. The river divides around the 700-acre picturesque Shivanasamudra Island. On the one side, it forms the Gaganachukki falls and on the other it rumbles down as the Bharachukki falls.

Gaganachukki is a large horsetail and Bharachukki is a jagged crashing cascade. The monsoon season makes this waterfall swell to enormous proportion, creating a waterfall perhaps, a 1,000 ft wide."

Nanjangud 25Km from Mysore, a holy place, described as Garalapuri, is famous because of the huge Nanjundeswara or Srikanteswara temple. It is believed that sage Gauthama stayed here for some time and installed a Linga, the idol form of Shiva. Nanjangud is also known as 'Dakshina Kashi' or Varanasi of the South.
Nanjangud is situated on the right bank of the river Kapila or Kabini, one of the tributaries of the Cauvery River. Nearby the town is the Sangam, where the Kapila and the Gundlu rivers join. The spot is called "Parashurama Kshetra". It is here that Parashurama said to have had himself expiated for the sin of beheading his mother. A stream called Churnavati, over-flowing from the tank, joins the Gundlu or Kaundinya River here. There is a Parashurama temple of the Mysore style, now renovated fully and in the sanctum Lord Parashurama is worshipped. This quiet place has shrines of Maruthi and a newly built Basaveshvara temple.
Nanjangud is an important industrial centre in Mysore district. On the Mysore-Ootacamund (Ooty) Road, many multinational companies have set up their units in the industrial area. The major ones are Nestle, TVS, S.Kumar's, and AT&S
 

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