Mysore is a culture vulture’s paradise. There’s palaces, art, architecture, food and more to be experienced in this city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. Day or night, Mysore buzzes with activity as tourists throng to see the wonders from its glorious past. But what if you want to see something beyond the most obvious attractions? What if you are someone who is looking to see some of the hidden gems that are not yet part of the normal tourist’s repertoire? If yes, then read on.
Pic courtesy Little Black Book Bangalore
R K Narayan’s House
Many of us grew up delighting in the adventures of Swamy and his friends and have continued to be big fans of the inimitable R K Narayan. Now, Mysore has opened up his house, which was built in 1952, where you can see his personal collection of books, photographs from his early life, and even some of his clothes. The house was saved from near destruction by the Mysore urban development authorities and lovingly restored in recent times. It is a wonderful experience to read a passage from one of his books while sitting in the quiet courtyard.
Know before you visit – 15, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, Mysore
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Tuesdays closed.
Entry: Free (at the time of writing this post)
Pic courtesy Star of Mysore
Kukkarahalli Lake
Kukkarahalli Lake was built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 19th century to provide drinking water and facilitate irrigation. But it was authors, poets, and scientists who benefited the most from this pretty lake. R K Narayan mentions witnessing a perfect sunset here in his book My Days while poets like Kuvempu have been inspired by its beauty while composing many of their works. Kukkarahalli has delighted birdwatchers and ornithologists with the number of species that the lake and its surroundings attract and it has managed to remain an insider’s secret with tourists getting caught up with the main attractions. But now, after going through a period of bad maintenance and indifference from local authorities the lake is being spruced up for tourists. Get there before them.
Know before you visit – Along Campus Road, at the edge of Mysore University.
Hours: 6 am to 6 pm, open all days.
Entry: Free
Pic courtesy The Hindu
Sand Sculpture Museum
The sand sculpture museum is a testament to what you can achieve if you are really determined. In this case, the person in question is M. N. Gowri, who so loves her art that she opened an entire museum for it. The sand sculpture museum, probably the only one of its kind in India, is filled with more than a 100 sculptures, poetry in sand, that focus on the culture and heritage of Mysore. So, how does she maintain such delicate artwork? By spraying insecticide to prevent creepy crawlies from making their homes on the sculptures. Fascinating right? Well worth a visit if you ask us.
Know before you visit: Chamundi Hill Road, KC Layout
Hours: Open all days from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Entry: Rs. 40
Pic courtesy inmysore.in
Folklore Museum
Displaying 6,500 exhibits that showcase the diversity of Indian folklore, this is a very unique museum that sadly does not receive the attention it deserves. Everything from dance to puppetry to figurines of folk deities can be found in this museum, which is located in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion a part of Mysore University. Marvel at unique, handmade artwork, handicrafts, and instruments or objects used in daily life that form part of the collection in this museum, which was established in 1968. Don’t forget to admire the architecture of the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion itself, which was formerly a palace built for Jayalakshammani, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Featuring 125 rooms including a dancing hall, a kalyana mantapam and sporting European architectural styles the building is a delight to explore.
Know before you go: Mysore University campus, very close to Kukkarahalli Lake
Hours: Open all days except Sundays from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Entry: Rs 15
Nugu Dam
Little heard but big on beauty, Nugu Dam is situated about 60 to 70 kms away from Mysore city. Located in Beerwal village, Nugu lake and dam are well worth a visit to take in its picturesque surroundings. Take a picnic basket and savour a lunch while a cool breezes washes over you. It is also surrounded by small hills and keep your eyes peeled for all the birds that call this lake their home.
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