Nandi at Chamundi Hills, Mysore

The Nandi located at the top of Chamundi hills in Mysore (State: Karnataka) is bulit sometime in the years 1659 – 1673. The creation of this huge image of Nandi attributed to Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, the Maharajas of Mysore.

This is the third largest image of Nandi in India. Carved out of single mammoth boulder it is about 16 feet in height and 24 feet long.

The Nandi is in sitting position with its left foreleg folded is on a 4 feet high platform. Many sequences of bells and garlands are carved beautifully over the Nandi.

According Hindi mythology considered as Lord Shiva's vehicle, the Nandi is in actively worshiped. This is an open shrine exposed to the elements of nature.

Direction: This shrine can be reached by climbing 1000 steps on the hill. Alternatively on the main road to hilltop, take right at the “View Point” junction. From this junction it is 2kms.

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Mysore, the Heritage City

Mysore (State: Karnataka), is located at a distance of 140 kms from Bangalore. For many centuries the city was under the control of Wodeyar Dynasty.

Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of Dasara. It is celebrated for 10 days every year and was introduced for the first time by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610.

The city is known for its heritage buildings, palaces which are all around the city. The city can be rightly called "The Heritage City".

The main attractions are:

• Amba Vilas Palace
• Mysore Zoo
• Art Gallery
• Railway Museum
• Chamundi Hills
• St. Philomena's Church
• Brindavan Gardens
• Lalith Mahal

Nearby Tourist Attractions are:

• Somnathpur
• Ganjam
• Srirangapattinam

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Elephants in Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore (State: Karnataka) in India. There are various animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Elephants.

They have been provides lot of space to move around. There are both Indian as well as African elephants here.

This is a nice place for the kids to get know about the various wild species. The trip through the zoo consumes more than half a day.

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Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

The historical Chamundeshwari Temple of Goddess Durga is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from Mysore (State: Karnataka).

The original shrine was built sometime in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers and its tower was probably built in the 17th century by the Vijayanagar rulers. The temple tower is seven story tall and is decorated with intricate carvings.

On top of the sanctum is a small tower that can be seen from outside the temple. Around the temple are small beautiful carvings of Goddess in black stone. They are present both on inner courtyard as well as outer walls of the temple.

When in Mysore, even though outside city the visit to the temple is really worth.

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Chamundi Hills, Mysore

The Chamundi Hills with an elevation of 1000 meters is located close to Mysore (State: Karnataka) as many interesting sites. The temple top cab reached either by vehicle or by climbing around 1500 steps. From the top you can get a panoramic view of the Mysore and surroundings. At the top of the the hill are few temples. most prominent among them is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

En route to the top, one can see

• the large monolithic statue of Nandi the Bull.
• the statue of Demon Mahishasura.

At the top temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari

We started from Mysore to the Hills at around 7:00 a.m in the morning. It was drizzling on the the way. And at the top the temple tower was covered by mist. On the way we saw group of horse riders.

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Mysore Zoo

Mysore (State: Karnataka) the heritage city is located at a distance of 145 kms from Bangalore. Here there are various tourist attractions. One among them is Mysore Zoo. Established in 1892, it is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India. It is home to a wide range of wild species. Officially the zoo is named as Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, named after the founder of the zoo.

This is one of the well maintained place, where animals are well taken care of. This is a nice place for the kids to get know about the various wild species. The trip through the zoo consumes more than half a day.

For closer look at the animals at the zoo: Elephants, Lion, Tiger

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Frames of Freedom

This was taken at Mysore Zoo located at Mysore (State: Karnataka).

(Click on the images for bigger picture)

Am I really free?

Actually all of us are free like this only. What do you think?

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