Saturday, May 24, 2008

Shrabanbelgola and ...

Babu was really surprised to learn that we are planning to visit Sharabanbelgola - that too in this summer. And we didnt appear like to be on a pilgrimage. Actually sometimes ignorance is really a bliss. We decided to go for Sharabanbelgola after a quick look at Bhraman Songi. We didnt have idea that we need to climb ~700 steps. And that too without any footwear!!! When we got down from the cab (it took around 2 hours from Bangalore), it was already past 930.

We learnt that only socks are allowed. So suparna decided to buy a pair of socks (vendors are roaming around near the main gate with bunches of socks).

And we started our ascent..



Man, 700 steps is really pretty much. That too with Sun on full swing on a hot summer day. At a point of time, we were spending more time in sitting on the steps than on climbing the steps. After a lot of hardship (and burning lots of fats), when we reached the top, it was really worth it.


We were stuck with awe to find the 57 Feet tall stone statue of Jain saint Gomateshwara..


and the Little God - I thought its a Golden one, however didnt get a chance to verify it ;-). We spend some time there - its a lovely view from the top. The greenery is surely going to mesmerize you.

Descent is always easy in life - it took hardly half an hour to climb down the hill. Babu was there ready to pick up the tired souls to the next destination.



Srirangapatana is all about Tipu Sultan surrounded by River Cauvery. We visited Lord Sriranganatha temple and got the Prasadams. You may visit this page - http://www.mylibnet.org/srp.html to get more details about this historic place. This is the place where the body of Tipu Sultan was found - a small relic is there. Also we visited Colonel Bailey's Dungeon situated next to River Cauvery. Our next stop was Tipu's summer palace.



Darya Daulat Bagh is a beautiful sight. But once you enter the palace, then only you would find out the great artworks. We spent a good one hour or so inside this Garden and palace.



It was well past 230. We need something to gulp now. Babu took us to a restaurant before entering Mysore to pacify us. Now we are heading towards Mysore - its hardly 20kms from Srirangapatana.


Mysore is a very crowded city - that was the first impression we had. And that too in the season time. The first stop was Saint Philomena's Church.

"Built in 1933 and designed by Reverand Rene Feuge, St. Philomena's church is one among the grandest churches in India. Located about 3 kms from the city on Cathedral road, it is the tallest Church in India built in the neo-Gothic style. A statue of 3rd century saint, Philomena is placed in an underground chamber. The twin spires are 175 feet in height and are visible from miles around. Some fine attractive glass paintings depicting scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ can also be seen here. Presently it is known as St. Joseph's Church. Open from 8 am to 6 pm." [Source: http://www.webindia123.com/city/karnata/mysore/places.htm#sain]





Shoes are not allowed inside - neither is camera. We spent around 10-15 minutes appreciating the enormicity and beauty of the structure before proceeding to Mysore Palace.

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