CHOTTANKKARA BAGAVATHY TEMPLE

CHOTTANIKKARA BAGAVATHY TEMPLE

AT

KERALA

This is the most famous temple in the state of Kerala. It is situated on outskirts of Kochi. The two main deities here are Rajarajeswari and Badrakali. People believe that these Goddesses are very powerful. It is located in a serene atmosphere. Whatever your belief might be, you could still visit the place, which is one of the most important tourist destinations and offers you tranquil moments.

 it is one of the most visited Hindu shrines in South India and is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy who is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi during the day, and Durga in the evening.

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to be about 1500 years old. Legend has it that the temple was built in the midst of a dense jungle by a forest-dweller called Kannappan. Kannappan was a doting father who loved his young daughter. 

He sacrificed a beast to the Goddess Bhagavathy each day and one occasion could not find any animals to slaughter. He asked his daughter for her pet calf but the daughter preferred to give up her own life for the goddess. The calf spoke to Kannappan and revealed that it was the Goddess in animal form.

 A transformed Kannappan started to worship her at the place where the 

sacrifices were made by him. The shrine fell into disuse and was eventually discovered by a grass cutter.

Timings

                  

Opening of the Nada	4 am
Lord Shiva’s Dhaara	5 am
Ethruthu pooja	5.30 am
Morning Seeveli	6 am
Guruthi pooja at Keezhu kaavu Temple	7.30 am
Pantheeradi Pooja	7.45 am
Lord Shiva’s Dhaara	11 am
Uchapooja or noon pooja	12 noon
Noon Seeveli	12.10 pm
Evening Nada Opening	4.00 pm
Deeparadhana	6.30 pm
Athazhapooja	7.30 pm
Evening Seeveli	8 pm
Evening Guruthi at Keezhu kaavu Temple	8.45pm

Air

 International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 kms away from Ernakulam, Kochi.

Rail

The nearest station is at Ernakulam about 17km away from Chottanikkara. The two railway stations in Kochi are Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Trains from the Northern cities/Southern parts of India stop at Ernakulam Junction.
Ernakulam Junction, D.H. Rd, Ernakulam South, Phone: 131
Ernakulam Town, Near North Bridge
Phone : 0484-2390920

Road

 KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. It runs Express and Fast services from Ernakulam to other major cities within Kerala and into the neighbouring states. Reciprocal services from other States are also available. There are plenty of private buses available for travel from Ernakulam to other cities. They operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

AT

 MYSORE

Brindavan Gardens  is located at a distance of 19 kms from Mysore City Center and has rows-of colourful fountains.. The gardens are built across river Cauvery and below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (also known as Kannambadi) which is in itself a magnificent example of engineering and a major tourist attractions. The dam was built by Sir M. Vishweshwariah in 1924 whereas the Brindavan Gardens were built by Sir Mirza Ismail.

Though Brindavan garden belongs to Mandya district, it is very nearer to Mysore.There is a boating pond to cross the dam from the south bank to the north bank and at the northern edge are the dancing fountains. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains are made to jump and dance to the tune of music. The dam is over 3 Kms long and is constructed at the junction of three rivers - Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha. This site has been popularised over the years by the large number of Indian/foreign films shot at this location.

One can enter the garden from steps down from the middle of the dam. Laid out in three terrace formation, the garden has decorated steps where water flows in-between these ornate steps. The major attraction of the park is the musical fountains that leaps in rhythm with music and light.visitors can enjoy a boat ride around the beautiful statue of the Goddess Cauvery at the foot of the dam.

Entry Fee

Adult: Rs.15/-, Children: Rs.10/-, School Discount: Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- per head.

 Timings

10.30 am to 9.30 pm. Musical Fountain: Monday to Friday: 6.55 pm to 7.55 pm and Saturday & Sunday: 6.55 pm to 8.55 pm.

By Air 

The Mysore Airport also called as the Mandakalli Airport serves the city. The newly upgraded airport began flights from Bangalore to Mysore via the SpiceJet airlines on 14th January 2013. As of now SpiceJet is the only airline connecting to Mysore. Apart from this the major airport close by to Mysore is in Bangalore i.e. the Bengaluru International Airport.

By Train 

Mysore has a railway station with in the city. It is linked by rail to Bangalore and many other cities in south India. Prestigious luxury trains and many other mails and express trains service this station regularly. The Mysore railway station is located in the proximity of the city and is well linked with buses and taxis. 

By Road 

Mysore has a convenient network of roads which connects to important cities in Karnataka. Mysore is connected by National Highway number 212 and other State Highway 17, 33 and 88. 

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other private operators run regular bus services both within the city and inter-cities. Within the Mysore city, buses and auto-rickshaws are a cheap means of transportation.