Architecture and Landscaping: An Excursion to Somanthpur from Mysore

Somnathpur is home to the Prasanna Chennakeshava Temple which is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. Built about 700 years ago on the banks of the Kaveri River, the temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples of its kind. It consists of three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors.

The Brindavan Gardens are located along the Krishnarajasagar Dam built on the Kaveri River. Designed by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of the princely State of Mysore, these gardens are considered to be one of the most beautifully laid out terrace gardens in the world.

Modelled on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, the garden has a number of terraces, fountains, cascading water-channels, lush green lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees. During late hours of the evening, the gardens come alive with lights, a beautiful site for aesthetic photographs and warm memories.