What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting the Mysore Palace?

 Normally tourists just visit Mysuru palace and the museum behind it. There are many temples inside the palace premises and each temple has a story behind it.

• Sri Lakshmiramana Swami Temple – Oldest temple in the city. Located towards the western part of the fort, inside the Palace. An inscription found in Cole’s Gardens (present day Bannimantap) registers a Grant for God Lakshmiramana in 1499 AD. According to the annals of the Mysuru Royal Family, a half blind Brahim was cured his blindness around the year 1599 at the interposition of Raja Wadiyar. The temple is also important as all the religious ceremonies in connection with coronation of child Raja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III were held in this temple on June 30, 1799.

• Sri Shweta Varahaswamy Temple - located beside the south gate. It’s constructed in the famous style of the great Hoysala Empire, which controlled most of Karnataka from the tenth until the fourteenth centuries.

• Sri Trinayaneshvara Swami Temple – Ancient temple which existed even before the time of Raja Wadiyar, located outside the Original Mysuru fort, on the bank of Devaraya Sagar (Doddakere). It was during the time of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wadiyar and his successor Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar that the fort was enlarged and the Trinayaneshvara temple came within the fort.

• Sri Prasanna Krishanswami temple – The Mysuru dynasty claims its descent from Yadu Vamsa (Yadu Race) founded by Sri Krishna of Mahabharata. Therefore, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III felt sad that there was no temple dedicated to Krishna. To fulfil this , he started the construction of Sri Prasanna Krishna Temple in 1825 and according to inscription, it was completed in 1829.

• Kille Venkatramana Swamy Temple – During the time of Tipu, the Mysuru family was still in Srirangapatna. Queen Lakshmammanni, wife of Krishnaraja Wadiyar II was deeply worried about the dynasty and its future. Then lord Venkataramana is said to have appeared in her dream, and directed her that his statue which is in Balamuri (a place on the banks of Cauvery river) should be consecrated in Mysuru. By this pious act, her dynasty would get salvation. She therefore, proceeded to Balamuri without the knowledge of the Sultan and brought the image of Venkataramana, consecrated it in the temple, and offered continuous worship. This is said to have helped the family and after the fall of Tippu, the Kingdom was restored to the Wadiyar dynasty.

• Sri Bhuvaneshwari Temple – located on northern side of the Palace Fort corresponding to the Varahaswamy temple in the south, thus providing a symmetrical structure in the fort complex. Constructed by Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in the year 1951. One of the important objects in the temple is a copper Surya Mandala which is said to have been transferred from the Palace to this temple by His Highness Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.

• Sri Gayatri Temple – located in the south-east corner of the fort directly corresponding to the Trinayaneshara swamy temple constructed by Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in 1953. Three shrines dedicated to Savithri, Gayathri and Saraswathi.

• Mahalakshmi Temple

What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting Mumbai, Maharashtra, India?

 1. Banaganga

This historic water tank is believed to have originated back in 1120 AD. This place also has a religious background as it said that it was here that Ram’s brother Lakshman shot an arrow into the ground for the water to flow in from the Ganges. It is maintained very well and the water here is sweet despite being so close to the sea.

2. Sasoon Docks

Built in 1875, this is the largest fish market in the city. Huge quantities of fish are brought here and sold by the Koli fishing community. This is also the oldest dock in the city and a sight one must see.

3. Dhobi Ghat

This place has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records. The sight of hundreds of dhobis cleaning, soaking , beating and washing the clothes in complete synchronization is interesting. This is the place where all the clothes from Mumbai’s hotels and hospitals are washed.

4. Pandavkada Falls

Measured to be 350 meters high, these falls flow in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. During monsoons, the surroundings are covered with lush greenery and it also covers the Buddhist caves behind it, making the whole view serene.

5. Dahanu Beach

This place is very close to the Udwada and Sai temples which are significant religious places of the Zoroastrians. The beach has golden sand and sparkling water and since it’s less crowded than other beaches in Mumbai, this is the perfect place to relax even while in the city.

6. Sewree Mangrove Park

If you are in the mood to watch flamingos, the barn swallow or other beautiful birds, this is exactly the place for you. It has 15 acres of mangroves protecting the flora and fauna of the city.

7. Afghan Church

It’s a heritage site with beautiful architecture that marks the long extinct colonial might. The church is dedicated to the British soldiers who fell in the Afghan campaigns in the 19th century.

8. Gilbert Hill

This unique structure stands out in a city like Andheri. It is made up of frozen molten lava and has a height of 200 meters. You can enjoy a stunning bird eye view from the top where there are two temples, one dedicated to Gaodevi and the other to Durgamata.

9. Chhota Kashmir

A lake with ducks and surrounded by trees and gardens is truly a captivating view. A part of the Aarey Milk Colony, this forested area is calm and peaceful – away from the bustling city.

10. Bassein (Vasai) Fort

It is a historic monument that marks the glorious past from the Chalukyas to the Yadavas. The fort stands strong with beautiful intricate designs and greenery around it, offering its visitors a mesmerizing view.

11. Yeyur Hills

Located in the suburban region of Mumbai, it’s one of the most recommended destinations in Mumbai.