Somnāthpur

We opted for an early start at 7.30am this morning to beat the crowds to visit a disused temple about 45 minute drive from Mysore. The drive took us through small towns and lots of countryside with paddy fields on both sides of the road. On arriving we had a marsala chai whilst we waited for the temple to open.

The Keshava temple at Somonathapura was built over 65 years in the 13th century and was beautifully ornate. The guide explained about the various carvings, made of soapstone and the reason why the temple is no longer used for pooja (worship) which is because it was damaged during attacks by Muslim invaders. When the images of the gods are damaged then worship can no longer be undertaken there. We spent about an hour looking around.

It was certainly worth the early start as by the time we left, hoards it school children were arriving! We boarded the minibus for the journey back to Mysore.

After arriving back at the hotel we had a shower and then packed our cases so that they could be moved to a day room that we'd be using until later. We took an auto rickshaw to a coffee shop about 15 minutes away where we had a great coffee and some food.

Next we took another auto rickshaw to the market area and meandered through the market looking at the various sections, including flowers, spices, perfumes, fruit and veg.

On leaving the market we took another auto rickshaw to St Philomena's church which is modelled on the cathedral in Cologne. It looked strange to see the architecture in an Indian setting! After taking some photos we grabbed one final rickshaw back to our hotel. By now it was around 2.30pm and so we went to the poolside for a beer!

At 4pm some of us had said that we'd do a yoga class and the teacher arrived poolside where we laid out some mats and were put through our paces. It was good but I think that I'll regret it in the morning! (I'm not sure that it helped having an audience!) After the class there was just time for a beer for refreshment before it was time to leave.

It first stop was at the home of a local family where we were served huge portions of biryani. The husband used to be a tour guide but had now started a business and also hosts Intrepid tours.

After eating, it was time to head to the station to catch it overnight train to Chennai. Despite it being 8.30, the station was bustling. We found our train, the Kavari express, and located our berths. The train left on time and we chatted for a while before deciding that it was time to get some sleep. (The train is due to arrive in Chennai at 6.45am and at the tube of writing, we're yet to meet our fellow travellers who will be sharing our part of the train!)Read more