Deccan Getaways

Deccan Getaways

The most popular and conventional places in Karnataka are Bengaluru and Mysore while Udhagamandalam, famed as Ooty in Tamil Nadu is visited by tourists heading to Mysore.

Tourist attractions in Bengaluru

ISKCON Temple

ISKON Temple, Bengaluru

 

A spiritual landmark in contemporary times, the shrine was set up in 1997. The ISKCON complex has shrines of Lord Krishna, Prahlad and Balaram and represents ornate style of architecture. The ambience is blissful that makes visitors get immersed in spiritualism. Way back in October, 2011, I had a chance to visit ISKCON Temple.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace

Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace

 

This is regarded as a priceless piece of heritage and if heritage viewing is something you enjoy, Tipu Sultan’s Palace on Palace Road is the destination of choice. The monument is a two-storied wooden structure with exotic carvings.

 

Ulsoor Lake, Bengaluru

 

The summer palace was initiated by Haider Ali and was completed during the times of Tipu Sultan.

Touristy Mysore

Chamundeshwari Temple

Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

 

 The Palace City or Silk City of Mysore is 140 km from Bengaluru. It has one of the eight sacred shrines of South India renowned as Chamundeshwari Temple. 

 

Mahisasura on Chamundi Hill

Resting on Chamundi Hill around 10 km from the city, the 2000-year-old towering shrine honours goddess Chamundeshwari and mythology has it that the goddess had killed the demon Mahisasura on Chamundi Hill.

 
The shrine is elegantly carved on its outer walls at the top with Hindu pantheons and apsaras. Besides, the Chamundi Hill has around 8,000 sandalwood trees.

Brindavan Gardens

 

 

Lying across river Cauvery below Krishnarajasagar Dam is the vast, magical Brindaban Gardens laid out in Mughal style. We were simply taken aback by the colourful musical fountain that rises and falls with the musical rhythm after the sunset and transforms the place into a fairyland.

St. Philomena’s Church

St Philomena's Church

The towering church is one of the largest in the country and has twin spires and exotic stained glass windows.

Nilgiri Retreat of Ooty

Garden view of Ooty Lake

 

This is one hill station that has been highly popular since the Post-Independence era and formed a summer escapade for family leisure travellers. About 160 km from Mysore, the colonial hill resort of Ooty has fascinating gardens and scenic lakes. The drive from Mysore to Ooty is scenic and passes through Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park and we could spot herds of elephants passing through the highway.

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake

 

The lake is a favourite haunt for tourists visiting Ooty with boating facilities and a fascinating garden with floral species in bloom.

 

Flora in bloom in Ooty Lake Garden

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens, Ooty

 

This is a one-of-a-kind garden on 22 acres of land area that was laid out in 1848. Well known as one of the famed heritage gardens in the world, there is an Italian-style garden with the entrance of the garden having a heritage gate. The premier mulberry plant of Ooty was planted in this garden.