Somnathpur is a small village 33 km from Mysore, and the site of an interesting temple that dates back to the 13th century. The temple was built by the Hoysalas, who also built the more famous temples in Belur and Halebid. Hoysala temple architecture is famous for incredibly detailed sculptures and intricate stone carvings. The drive from Mysore to Somnathpur takes one through pretty South Indian countryside, small villages and green fields.

Just another 32 km from Somnathpur, Srirangapatna is where Tipu Sultan ruled the area in the 18th century. His summer palace was built in 1784 and its museum has a collection of arms, coins and other things from his era. The Ranganathaswamy Temple dates back to the 9th century and is still an active place of worship. Near the summer palace is a mausoleum where Tipu Sultan is buried together with his father, Hyder Ali. There is also a mosque in the area.

On the way back from Srirangapatnam to Mysore, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary by the Cauvery River is a nice place to explore. There are dozens of birds here, as well as several crocodiles that swim on the lake inside the sanctuary but are apparently well fed and harmless to humans.

TIPS:  In the Bird Sanctuary, boat trips on the lake are the best way to see the birdlife, but take a private boat to avoid sharing a small boat with far too many fellow visitors.

Sravanabelagola’s 17 metre high statue of lord Gomateshvara has a reputation of being the tallest monolithic statue in the world, and it is one of India’s most important Jain pilgrimage places. Gomateshvara, or Bahubali, was the son of Emperor Vrishabhadeva, the first Jain teacher.

The statue stands on top of a hill, and visitors have to walk the hundreds of stone steps that lead up the hill – and they have to walk barefoot. Shoes are left behind at the bottom of the hill.

Every 12 years the statue is sprayed with coconut milk, yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) and other foods, as well as sandalwood powder during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, which attracts huge crowds of visitors. The last anointing ceremony was in 2005.

TIPS:  Sravanabelagola can be combined with a trip to Belur and Halebid, although this means a long day of sightseeing.

The Hoysaleswara temple in Halebid and the Chennakeshava temple in Belur are known as the most famous examples of Hoysala architecture. The Hoysalas ruled parts of the area that is now the state of Karnataka between the 11th and the 14th century, and their artists are known for their detailed soapstone sculptures. King Vishnuwardhana commissioned the building of both temples in the 12th century.

The towns of Belur and Halebid are 16 km apart, so they can both be visited on the same day. Starting from Halebid, the Hoysaleswara Temple is smaller than Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple, but it is surrounded by a small park and it also has a small museum in the grounds. The temple walls are covered with intricate soapstone carvings depicting Hindu gods as well as ordinary men and women dancing, hunting and in battle. The Hoysaleswara Temple is dedicated to god Shiva.

In Belur, the Chennakeshava Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and this is a much busier temple than the one in Halebid. It is famous for its “manadikas”, sculptures of dancing and singing nymphs. The work is again incredibly detailed. Entrance is free, like in Halebid.

Belur has more places for lunch than Halebid, and lunch is what you’ll need before the drive back to Mysore.

TIPS:  When entering Hindu temples, shoes must be left outside. There is usually a man who charges two or three rupees for looking after your shoes. If he asks to pay 'what you want', a couple of rupees is enough.