Located in the Indian state of Karnataka, Mysore was the former capital of this region. A city of palaces, people and smells, the princely city of Mysore is worth a visit whatever the month or season. Mysore is a dream city that never lets down the visitors with its clean, light and easygoing environment. Even with the growth of the city in response to modernization, Mysore has acquired only a mild change of pace.
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The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. The Chamundi Hills that towers over the city like a colossus houses a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. About 15 km from the royal city of Mysore lies the town of Srirangapatnam where the summer palace of Tipu Sultan is located. The Brindavan Gardens are world-famous terrace gardens bordered by watercourses. The Lalitha Mahal Palace, built in the 1930s, has now been converted into a prestigious hotel of the India Tourism Development Corporation. The Mysore Palace, built in Saracenic style, shows both Hindu as well as Muslim influences.
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Mysore,or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura.
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Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.
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Mysore is the second largest city of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor.
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The word Mysore is derived from Mahishuru or Mahishasurana Ooru, meaning the town of Mahishasura, the demon king who is believed to have lived here. The history of Mysore can be traced back to the time of Mahabharata. It was ruled by the Ganga Dynasty from the 2nd century to approximately 10th century. Later it was ruled by the Cholas for a century which was followed by the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire and finally the Mysore Yadu rules in the 13th century. |
During the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar the city is said to have gained prominence. For a brief period the Wadiyars got dethroned, but finally returned to power under the British command at the end of the 17th century. |
| Situated 770m above sea level, Mysore has a warm and cool climate throughout the year. |
By Air: The nearest airport to Mysore is in Bangalore. The distance between the two cities is around 127 km and its takes roughly 4 hours to cover the distance. |
By Rail : Mysore has acquired the broad gauge lines. So the city now receives trains even from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. There are three different lines connecting it to Bangalore, Hassan and Chamrajanagar. |
By Road : Mysore has good number of roads connecting it to other cities of South India. State Highway 17 connects it to Bangalore where as National highway 212 jins Mysore to Kerala and Tamilnadu. Buses from all parts of South India are regular to Mysore. |
| Tourist Places In Mysore |
| Mysore Palace |
Mysore Palace is among the best and biggest palaces that are built in India. Situated in Mysore city, the palace has become the most known structure of not only Mysore, but of Karnataka. The palace is also called Amba Vilas, was not build how it looks today. It was completely build of wood but it was burnt down in the year 1897. A new palace was constructed at the same spot which was completed in the year 1912. The palace is also famous for the numerous artifacts that are kept on display in the museum inside the palace. On all Sundays and national holidays, especially during Dussehra, Mysore Palace is lit up with around 1 lakh bulbs at night. And it is at this time most visitors visit the palace.
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| St. Philomena's Church |
Completed in the year 1941, St Philomena's Church is one of the best examples of neo-Gothic structures in India. The Church is inspired a lot by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The Church is among the largest in India. The structure rises to a height of 120 feet above ground level. The interiors of the church get a peaceful yellow tinge due to the tinted glasses. You can visit the church any at time of the year. Although no Photography is allowed inside the church, the serene environment of the church will make an everlasting impression on your mind.
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| Brindavan Gardens |
Brindavan Gardens are among the most looked after gardens in South India. The garden was set up by the Diwans of Mysore, the park is laid out under the Krishnaraja Dam. Located just 19 km from the city center, it is easily accessible. Brindavan Gardens cover an area of 150 acres and is dotted with exquisite lawns with colorful flowerbeds. However the real fun starts only after sunsets when all the fountains in the garden are lit up with many colorful lights. The garden is open from 7 AM to 8 PM. All the lights come on at 7 PM till 7.55 PM on weekdays and 7 PM till 8.55 PM. |
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| Rail Museum |
Started in the year 1979, rail Museum of Mysore is among the oldest among many such museums in India. The major displays in the rail museum are the many paintings in the Chamundi Gallery relating to the development in Indian Railways. The two luxurious coaches kept in Sri Ranga pavilion, will definitely leave you mesmerized. One can also take a ride in the battery operated mini train which runs inside the premises itself. |
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| Art Gallery |
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is among the most visited art galleries in India. Established in the year 1915, it has numerous display objects collected form all over the world. The main attraction of the museum are the paintings of Mysore kings and princes. Paintings of Ravi Verma are also a great attraction among the tourists. Along with the art works, on display are musical instruments, etchings of Roman culture, textiles and armory of legendary kings. The museum is open from 10 AM till 4.30 PM. |
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| Mysore Zoo |
The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.
Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which has emerged as one of finest zoos in the country to breed a wide range of animals in captivity, has embarked on a new venture to set up a state-of-the-art Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
As of Jan 2006 the zoo has prepared a Rs 5.5-crore plan to establish the centre and forwarded the same to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval. The plan envisages procuring a, emergency mobile ambulance for the animals.
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