35 kms to east of mysore is somnathpur which has the 13th centuries hoysala temple, Dedicated to lord Sri Channakeshva, It is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. The walls of the star-shaped temple are literally covered with superb sculptures in stone depicting various scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad-Gita and the life and times of the Hoysala kings .If you like this place then don't miss the other Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid, north of Mysore