Mysore Tourism
Location : In the State of
Karnataka
Famous As : Garden City of Karnataka
Attractions : Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens
Visiting Season : Throughout the year. (Sep. to March is the
best time)
¤ About Mysore
The erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas lies 130 km from the
State Headquarters, Bangalore. Mysore is the second biggest City of
Karnataka State, which still preserves its age-old glory that in its
majestic palaces, forts and gardens. The other tourism attraction of
the city is its exquisite products. Mysore is also famous for
sandalwood and rose wood carved products. The beautiful Mysore silk
sarees and sandalwood oil are few of shopper's delights. Mysore is
also famous for many institutions propagating Carnatic Classical music
and dance.
This beautiful city is situated at a most picturesque location,
almost 763m above the sea level surrounded by mountain range extending
from north to south. Also known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of
Palaces', Mysore City extends on an area of more than 40sq.km and has
a population of over seven lakhs. Kannada is the local language of the
people, other spoken languages are Tilu, Konkani, English.
¤ History of Mysore
The Mysore Yadu dynasty came to power in 1399 AD. The dynasty also
bestowed to the expansion of temples in Mysore. The Emperor of Mysore
- Bettada Chamaraja Wadiyar, restructured the fort of Mysore in 1584
AD and made Mysore as his capital known as 'Mahishur'. Later Raja
Waidyar shifted the capital of his kingdom from Mysore to
Srirangapatna in 1610 AD.
In 1799, due to the fall of Srirangapatna and death of Tipu Sultan,
Mysore again became the capital of the Wadiyars. The small town of
Mysore, which restrained in the walls of the fort was expended and
transfigured into a modern township at the time of Krishnaraja Wadiyar
III. It was Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV who developed Mysore into a most
charming city with foremost layouts, wide roads, majestic fort palaces
and fairy-tale gardens.
The famous Kannada work, "Kantirava Narasaraja Vijaya",
displays a gorgeous portrait of Mysore. Poet-Govinda Vaidya, describes
King Kantirava Narasaraja Wadiyar as "Maisoora Narasarajendra".
The Sri Mahabaladri Hills, Goddess Chamundi atop the hills, the
Palace, the fort, the streets, the gardens and the people in the town
of Mysore are the highlights of his work.
¤ Main Attractions of Mysore
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is one of the major attractions of Mysore. Built in
Indo-Saracenic style the Palace is an abode of exquisite carvings and
precious paintings from all over the world. The fort also has abstruse
designed gateways with carved domes, minaret, archways and gallery.
The royal Durbar Hall has a decorated ceiling and many chiseled
pillars. Another attraction of the palace is the Wodeyars royal throne
made of gold, embellished with precious stones and jewels. The throne
is displayed in the palace for public viewing during the Dasera
festival.
The palace is beautifully lighted on Sundays and all public holidays,
an awe-inspiring view that makes one's visit worth.
Chamundi Hills
On top of the Chamundi Hills the 12th century temple of Goddess
Chamundeshwari of the Wodeyars perches about 335m high from the sea
level. The temple can be approached through a 13km well-formed road or
can climbed up by the 1,000 steps constructed in 17th century by the
Mysore Maharaja. Major attraction of the site is the Nandi, Lord
Shiva's Bull, an august 4.8m structure carved out of single granite
rock. The zenith of the hill offers a breathtaking panorama of
Mysore's lakes, gardens and palaces.
Brindavan Garden
Expended over 150 acres, Brindavan garden is the most acclaimed garden
in Indian sub-continent. Situated at the KR Sagar Dam Kannambadi,
Brindavan Garden is a popular site of the Indian Films. Since 1960s,
it is continuously used for shooting song sequences for the films. A
special attraction of the garden includes the 'Musical' Dancing
Fountains'. Today garden has gone under complete renovation with
introduction of new fountain and light system, which attracts tourist
not only from India but also from other parts of the globe and futther
helped in boasting tourism industry of Mysore.
Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and
Saturday-Sunday: 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM
St. Philomena's Church
Another attraction of the city is exquisite Cathedral- the St.
Philomena's Church. A specimen of medieval architectural style, the
church is one of the biggest churches in the country showcasing
stained glass windows and elevated towers.
Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo includes some of the rare species of wildlife, which
are kept in natural, green surroundings. The Zoo is also notable for
breeding some very rare mammals in confinement.
The Art Gallery
In 1875, the Jaganmohan Palace was transformed into an art gallery,
showcasing beautiful paintings of that era. The world prestigious,
Mysore 'gold leaf paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, which
are also a great source attraction among the tourist.
Fort
There is a Gumbaz,Tipu's tomb near the fort with splendid black doors
carved out of ivory. The fort also houses a mosque and the
Ranganathaswamy Temple.
¤ Excursion from Mysore
Melkote
50km from Mysore, Melkote is a divine pilgrim center, known for its
Vairamundi festival held in March-April. Worth a visit site.
Talakad
48kms from Mysore, is a temple site, famous for Vaidyeshwara shrine.
Once in twelve years the temple is opened for ritual worships.
Shivsamudra
Shivsamudra 85km from Mysore, is famous for its scenic waterfalls.
These falls are best during the monsoons falling down from a height of
75 m into a deep ravine. The other highlight of the region is Asia's
first hydroelectric power project set up in 1905 set up a distance of
1.5km.
Somnathpur
40km has one of the finest 13th centuries Hoysala temple in the
shape of a star with 16 points a most visited spot by the devotees.
Sravanabelgola
Sravanabelgola - 99 km is famous for 57feet high massive statue of
Gomateswara. This holy figure is known to be 1000 year old.
Belur
Belur - 91 km has the beautiful Chennakesava 13th century temple.
Halebid
Halebid - 117 km has the famous Hoysaleswara Temple. The temple took
nearly 80 years in its construction.
Nagarhole National Park
The National Park is 93km from Mysore, housing a rich variety of
wildlife, aerial population and reptiles. Elephants, antelopes and
even leopards are the common sites.
Srirangapatna
14km lies on the Bangalore Mysore highway. This island fortress was
once the capital of the warrior king Hyder Ali and his son Tipu
Sultan. The place also holds the charm of magnificent monuments that
are well worth a visit.
¤ Festivity
Mysore Dasara
Beside other charms of the city, Mysore holds the enthusiasm of
Dussehra celebrations. Dussehra Festival is one of the most
significant and renowned festivals of India that holds a notably stead
in Mysore City.
In Mysore, Dasara is observed as State festival also known as
'Nadahabba', which is a 10 day celebration during the month of Oct/
Nov a marvelous event to watch. During the festive season the entire
city is bedecked and illuminated with multicolored light patterns
displayed on the prominent monuments and palaces. Majestic
processions, of decorated elephants along with a torch light parade,
dance and musical events revitalizes the beautiful city of Mysore.
Many cultural programs are organized in the Mysore Palace, performed
by famous artists. Sport events, poets meet, food festival, film
festival are also held.
Thousands of tourist visit the city during Dussehra time and make
their visit a life time experience.
¤ Shopping In Mysore
Mysore Silk is also famous for its Silk items like Silk sarees and
Magutas. One can purchase silk items from Government Silk Factory -
Jhansi Lakshmibai Road famous for its silk products.
Handicraft -Mysore is famous for its handicraft products. Articles
made out of sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood are famous all over the
world.
A variety of articles, including a large number of figures of gods
and goddesses, are available either in sandalwood or rosewood. The
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium of the Karnataka Handicrafts Development
Corporation is an ideal place for purchase these and other items like
silk sarees, jewelry and other handicraft and artifacts.
Agarbathies- Mysore is also famous for variety of Agarbathies or
fragrant sticks.
Stone carving is another traditional art item manufactured in Mysore
and is much of demand in international market.
Mysore is a reputed place for good paintings. Some of the leading
painters are M. Ramanarasaiah and Raghupathi Bhat.
¤ Accessibility To Mysore
By Air: The nearest airport
is Bangalore. All domestic airlines are operating flights to and from
Bangalore to all major cities of the country. A few international
flights to the Middle East are also operated from Bangalore.
By Rail: There are regular train services operating between
Bangalore and Mysore. The Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Chennai.
The ideal route to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.
By Road: Bus services by Karnataka Road Transport
Corporation as well as private tour operators run regular bus services
for the city. It is only a 3-hour journey from Bangalore to reach
Mysore.
The KSRTC Town Bus services, connecting different parts of the city
and suburbs provide transport within the City. Auto Rickshaws and
Private Taxisis are the most reliable and easily available mode of
transport in the city.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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