Diwali destinations: Historic temples and exotic isles

Diwali is just round the corner and chances are you're already making plans to make the most of the holidays. To help you discover new holiday spots to relax and rejuvenate, we asked readers to send in their favourite vacation desitinations. Here we present two responses we received:

Here, student Murali Krishnan sends in his vacation destination:

Getaway: Somnathpur

Sights: Kesava temple is located on the banks of the Cauvery river and was built by Somnath, a general of the Hoysala empire, who founded this village Somnathpur to commemorate his victory in war. The temple is in disuse; however, it is renowned for its intricate sculpting of the walls and courtyard depicting cavalry, elephants, horses, images from Hindu puranas and epics, and gods especially Maha Vishnu.

The temple is enclosed in a square shaped compound that has 64 cells and a open verandah. The temple itself is located in the center on a star-shaped, elevated platform. The temple has three sanctums with idols of Kesava, Venugopala, and Janardhana; however, the Kesava idol is missing. This temple is visited by foreign tourists too. There are three temples depiciting the exquisite architecture of the Hoysalas. One is at Somnathpur and the others at Belur and Halebid near Hassan.

Guides are available. A nominal entrance fee is charged. No still camera fee; video camera is not allowed. Paid car parking facility is available. The trip can be done in half a day from Mysore. Temple is open only up to 5 pm, so plan accordingly.

Eats: No eateries at Somnathpur except a local tea and snacks shop. No decent eateries at Bannur either. Good restaurants are available at Mysore. So you can have breakfast at Mysore, travel to Somnathpur, and return to Mysore by lunch time. If you want to have food in Somnathpur it is better to pack it beforehand.

Shopping: Near the Kesava temple, there are rural artifacts and handicrafts shops; otherwise, there's not much to shop here.

How to get there: From Mysore, take the Bannur road and in Bannur take a right turn and travel about 10 kms to reach Somnathpur. The total distance from Mysore is 45 kms. It is also 145 kms away from Bangalore -- take a left turn at Mandya to go to Somnathpur via Bannur while traveling on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. Roads are quite bad so go prepared

Accomodations: No need to stay as it will be a short trip from Mysore. If you want to stay then you can checkin into any of the hotels at Mysore

Tariff: Above Rs 500 at Mysore

To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!

Here, Bobby shares his favourite holiday spot:

Getaway: Kuruva Island, Wayanad (Kerala)

Description: Secluded, wildlife and good food

Sights: Kuruva Island is located on the not-so-crowded part of Wayanad near Manathavady (Sulthan bathery area being more frequented by tourists) and is in the midst of forest and wildlife. Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres rich with green forest situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani with birds and small wildlife. Tourists can venture in to the woods in the islands and can have a relaxing day there.

Nearby are Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary and ancient Thirunelly temple with Papanashini and Pakshi Pathalam. Other tourist attractions in Wayanad but not very near to Kuruva island are Edakkal caves, Banasura sagar earthen dam, Pookot lake etc.

For nature and adventure lovers there are lots of trekking paths around the island and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary.
 
Eats: Near the island there are many small eateries where you can get all Kerala delicacies. Make sure you try the fresh fish from Kabini with some tapioca or rice. Nearby Kattikulam also has some hotels.
 
Shopping: Wayanad is known for its spices and forest products. In Kattikulam there is a shop run by a cooperative society where you can get authentic forest products and spices. Make sure you get some natural honey and Gooseberry in honey from here. 

How to get there: By road:
1. From Bangalore and Mysore - Hunsur - Nagerhole - Kutta - Tholpetty Kaattikulam - Kuruva Island

2. From Kerala through Manathavady - Kaattikulam - Kuruva Island
 
Accomodations:
Pepper Green Village,
Palvelicham, Kattikulam
Mananthavady, Wayanad,
Kerala
Phone: +91 4935 251 110, 9946 680 887
E-mail: wayanad@peppergreenresorts.com
Website: http://www.peppergreenresorts.com/
 
Tariff: Rs 3000 to 5000

To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!