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Mysore
[ Edit ] Overview
Mysore, the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, is well known for its history and culture. At an altitude of 770m above sea level, the city of Mysore is at a distance of 140 km from Bangalore. The city is famous for its exquisite temples, pilgrimage centers, surrounding forests, palaces, sandalwood and silk.
According to Hindu mythology, Mysore got its name from the buffalo headed demon, Mahishasura. In the past the place was called Mahishur. It is said that the demon was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari and a temple is dedicated to the Goddess on Chamundi Hills.
[ Edit ] History
Mysore used to be the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. They were the feudatories of the Vijayanagar Empire and declared independence in the 16th century. The rulers ruled Mysore except for the three decades when Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled the place.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
Situated at the southern region of the state of Karnataka
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
March to June
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Yatrinivas Buildings, J.L.B.Road, Mysore.
[ Edit ] STD Code
0821
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Brindavan Gardens
This is one of the most colorful hot spots of sight seeing in Mysore. Spread over an area of 150acres, Brindavan garden located at the KR Sagar Dam has been the location for various film shootings in the past. Some of the exclusive attractions of this garden include the 'Dancing Fountains' which can be seen from Monday to Friday from 6:30 PM to 7:25 PM and on weekends from 6:30 PM to 8:25 PM.
[ Edit ] Chamundi Hills
Dedicated to Goddess Chamudeshwari, this is another place of attraction in Mysore. Chamundi Hills can be reached by a 13 km road from Mysore or by climbing up the 1,000 steps set up by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. On your way up the hill there is a statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. This monolithic bull is 4.8 meter tall. There s a huge statute of the demon Mahishasura near the temple. From the top one can have a complete view of the city from this hill.
[ Edit ] Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace was built in 1912. This Maharaja's Palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style and has exquisite carvings, paintings and various forms of art work from across the globe. The intricate wooden carvings, the ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars give a majestic look to the palace. The jewel studded golden throne is displayed in the palace. There is a museum next to the palace wherein exhibits of various items used by the King and the queen are displayed. The palace is illuminated on Sundays and public holidays.
The Mysore Palace is open daily for public viewing. more
[ Edit ] Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo is another popular destination with the tourists. This zoo was set up in the nineteenth century and has some exotic species of flora and fauna. The zoo is considered one of the best in India for breeding certain rare breed of animals in captivity. The Mysore zoo also has an emergency mobile service for rescuing animals.
[ Edit ] Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is situated 20 km from Brindavan gardens on the banks of the Kaveri River. The sanctuary attracts wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers.
Around Mysore, you can also visit places like Shivsamudra falls, Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary and Bandipur wildlife sanctuary. There are also places like Coorg, Bylakkupe, and Thalacauvery.
[ Edit ] St. Philomena's Church
This is an old and lovely cathedral representing medieval architectural. This church is one of the largest churches in India and built in the gothic style. The interiors have lovely glass paintings.
[ Edit ] The Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery
The art gallery which used to be the Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875. This art gallery exhibits paintings which traces its past to the time when natural vegetable and mineral dye were used by artists as coloring agents. There are also oil paintings of artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich in the gallery.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
The nearest airport to Mysore is at Bangalore.
[ Edit ] Rail
Mysore city is well connected by train. There are trains between Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thanjavur and several smaller cities in south India.
[ Edit ] Road
There are buses every 5 minutes from Bangalore to Mysore. It is also easy to get taxis and travel the distance by car.
Driving distances to Mysore from:
- Bangalore: 139 kms
- Chennai: 469 kms
- Cochin: 397 kms
- Coimbatore: 201 kms
- Hassan: 115 kms
- Mangalore: 248 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
The best way to get around the city is probably by hiring a taxi for the day. As taxis do not run on meter the rate needs to be fixed in advance and it may take a bit of haggling before reaching a reasonable price. Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws work well for short distances.
[ Edit ] Other Information
There are several choices of hotels available in Mysore from very basic and low end to fairly luxurious.
Mysore is generally a safe city but it is advised that you are wary about the chain snatchers in the city. It is also not advisable to take autos in the night.
Karnataka is among the most liberal states in India where alcohol is concerned. Most restaurants serve alcohol and it is easily available in the market. However, there aren’t many pubs in Mysore.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Mysore is famous for shopping items like carved sandalwood, the famous Mysore silk sarees and incense sticks and other items of sandal wood.
[ Edit ] Food
You can easily find south Indian food like Idlis, Sambars, Masala Dosas and Mysore Pak in most restaurants. Mysore Pak is a traditional sweet dish and is available in many sweet shops or restaurants in Mysore.
Apart from that, the local delicacies include bisibele baath made of rice, and raagi and akki rotis.
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