Mysore Travel Guide

Mysore 770 mts. above sea level and 140 kms. from Bangalore  Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. This former capital of the princely state was once the capital of the Wodeyars. Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau Mysore District is an undulating tableland covered in parts by verdant forests. From ancient times this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. It is also the former province of Tipu Sultan who was nicknamed the Tiger of Mysore. Until Independence Mysore was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore a princely state covering about one-third of present-day Karnataka. The Maharajas’ Palace is a major tourist attraction.

Mysore was named after the mythical Mahisuru where the goddess Chamundi slew the demon Mahishasura. The Mysore dynasty was founded in 1399 but up until the middle of the 16th century its rulers the Wodeyars were in the service of the Vijaynagar emperor. With the fall of the empire in 1565 the Mysore rulers were among the first to declare their independence.It is a city of royal palaces sandalwood and flowers. The city’s pleasant climate and  beautiful parks has continued to serve as a summer respite over the last 3000 years. The erstwhile capital of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings it is an abode of untold grandeur and glory. The rich royal heritage is carefully preserved in its magnificent palaces beautifully  laid out garden imposing buildings broad avenues  and sacred  temples. There’s an old world charm about the city that leaves none untouched.

The city of Mysore comes alive to gaiety and grandeur during the ten days of Dussera in October. The legendary Dussera  Procession of caparisoned  elephants prancing  horses people in ceremonial  uniforms  dancers in  colourful  costumes and beautiful  tableau  attracts people  from far and near.Mysore today is a pleasant city with an old world charm contributed by its broad shady avenues well laid out gardens fine buildings and salubrious climate. It ‘s a manageable  size enjoys  a good climate and has chosen to retain and promote its heritage  rather than palace. The city is famous for its silk and is also a thriving sandalwood and incense centre.

Places of attraction

The Mysore Palace : Once the royal residence of the Wodeyars the palace is one of the largest in India. It is also known as Amber Vilas. Henry Irwin designed the palace in 1897 after a fire burnt down the old wooden palace. The construction was completed in 1912 and is still considered one of the most regal monuments in the Indo-Saracenic style. Stained glass domes, doors, arches pillars and shining marble floors the palace home to some enviable art treasures. On the day of Dussera (some time in October) a fabulous  collection of weapons, jewellery, paintings, ivory inlaid doors and an ornate throne  are on display. The palace has a selection of Hindu temples within its grounds including the Shweta  Varahaswamy  Temple with its gopuram  ( Dravidian  gateway  tower) that influenced  the style of the later Sri  Chamundeswari  Temple on Chamundi  Hill. The Residential  Museum incorporating  some of the palace’s  living  quarters  and personal  effects  belonging  to the Maharaja’s  family. On Sunday night and during the entire Dussehra  festival  there is a carnival  atmosphere  around the palace.

The Maharaja’s Residence: Near the tourist bazaar is a smaller and now acts as a museum. Painting portraits and weapons are on display in the ground and upper floors.

Chamundi Hill: This is to the southeast of Mysore and easily visible from the palace. The temple of Goddess Durga (Chamundeswari) celebrates her victory over the buffalo God. She is also the guardian deity you to the giant Nandi bull carved in 1659. A towering seven storey 40mts. High gopuram dominates the Chamundeswari Temple. There is a Godly museum near the car park.

St. Phelomena’s Church: Built in the Gothic style is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained glass windows. Built between 1933 and 1941 in neo-Gothic style is one of the largest in the country and has some impressive stained glass.

Brindavan Gardens : These tranquil ornamental gardens laid out below the immense  Krishnaraja  Sagar  Dam  are 19 kms. northeast  of Mysore. It is known for its musical fountains and a riot of colourful flora which turns it into a fairyland. Also include on your itinerary the Government Sandalwood Factory and the Silk Factory (required prior  permission). The dam and its attractive gardens arranged around a series of fountains and the highlight is the 'dancing musical’ fountains 1.2 kms. from the entrance.

Mysore Zoo: Mysore has one of India’s better-kept zoos. Established in 1892 is in the town centre. It has spacious enclosures where some of the wild animals are bred in captivity.

Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple : 12 kms. from Mysore built by the Hoysalas  800 years ago. The images of Lord Ganesh and Devi and a Siva Lingam are known  for its unusual  style. Medical herbs and trees are found here.

Art Gallery: The Jaganmohan Palace (1861) has been converted into a museum. The Jayachamarajendra  Art Gallery  in the Jaganmohan  Palace  just west of Mysore Palace  has a collection of kitsch  objects and memorabilia  from the Wodeyars  including  weird  and wonderful  musical  machines  rare instruments  and also  houses the paintings  of famous artists  like Ravi Varma  and Roerich  as well as traditional  Mysore  gold leaf  paintings. The palace was built in 1861 and served as a royal auditorium.

Kukkarahalli Tank: Situated next to Mysore University Campus the Manasagangotri has lovely gardens. It is an ideal place of jogging. Boating is another attraction of this picnic spot.

Devaraja Fruit & Vegetable Market: This market stretches along the Western side of Sayyaji Rao Road south of Dhanvanthri Road. It is one of the most colourful in India and provides excellent subject material for photographers.

Rail Museum : Mysore’s rail museum boasts a Maharani’s Salon carriage complete with royal toilet dating from 1899. It is located west of the railway station and is open from 8 am to 1 pm and 2pm to 6 pm daily.

Folklore Museum: Northeast  of the city  centre inside the Mysore University  Campus  is this museum  housing  superb  collection  of carved  wooden  figures  from  Karnataka  villages decorative mask a ceremonial  head  gear and a display of Thogalu  Bomba
(leather shadow  puppets) used  to perform  stories  from Ramayana  and  Mahabharata. The performance style is similar to the wayang kulit of Java in Indonesia. There are also wooden puppets including one of a 140-headed demon Ravana. The museum is open 10 am  to 1.30 pm and  2.30 to 5.30 pm daily  except Sunday.