Mysore - Karnataka
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Mysore is 140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore,is the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.
History
Mysore, also known as Mahishur according to mythical past , when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also explain the theory of 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 splendor.
Mysore is located at 770m above sea level, offers a warm and cool climate throughout the whole year. It is one of the major and vibrant cities of Karnataka which attracts more tourists and visitors. It is very popular for its exotic sandal wood and rich silks. Here more grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor.
Local Sights
Mysore Palace
The Maharaja's Palace is one of the famous sights in Mysore. established in Indo-Saracenic style includes domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. It has carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms and majestic Durbar Hall with an ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here at the time of Dussehra festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
Chamundi Hills
A well known landmark with 335 meters height, Chamundi Hill easily approachable by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 meter monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura is situated near to the temple. The summit gives a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.
Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan garden is located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. It covered total area of 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Dancing Fountains is the special attraction placed here. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was replaced with new fountains and lights.
St. Philomena's Church
It is one of the biggest churches in the country with beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Established in the gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo was built under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna contains 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 one of the finest zoos in the country having a wide range of animals breed in captivity, has embarked on a new venture to set up a state-of-the-art Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
The Art Gallery
In 1875 this Jaganmohan Palace was changed into an art gallery and exhibits paintings which chows the history of past. At that time the artists used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.
Excursions from Mysore
Daria Daulat Bagh
Built in 1784 , Tipu's Summer Palace is situated here. It is Made up of of teak, this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescos. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and his losing battle against the British.
Fort
It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell -betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.
Himvad Gopalaswamy Hills
This is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well.The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala. It is located in the verdant western ghats of Mysore District.
Melkote
It is situated approx. 50 Kms. north of Mysore, Melkote is a sacred pilgrim centre, known for its Vairamundi festival in March-April. More than one lakh devotees reach here during the festival. Melkote is also famous for its handlooms. Ramanucharya, the Shrivaishnava saint-philosopher, took shelter here from his persecutors.
Talakad
Talakad is 48 Kms from Mysore, It is located on the banks of the river Cauvery made up of the Dravidian style and is completely buried beneath sand dunes. Vaidyeshwara temple is visible above the ground. Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions -once in twelve years.
Shivsamudra
Shivsamudra is 85 Kms east of Mysore, where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque waterfalls, is Shivsamudra. Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep gorge, these falls are best during the monsoons.1.5 kms. Away is Asia's first hydro-electric power project set up in 1905.
Nagarhole National Park
Total 93 km from Mysore, in the forest of Nagarhole is a National Park. Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.
Kabini River Lodge
It is situated 80 kms. from Mysore in the Karapur forests is the old hunting lodge of the Maharajas and Viceroys. The lodge is placed on the banks of the river into the jungle for bird watching. A naturalist guides help you identify the many varieties of birds and wild beasts.
B.R. Hills
This picturesque hills having a height of 5091 ft., approx. 120 km from Mysore and home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple located here on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.
How to reach Mysore
By Air: The nearest airport from Mysore is located in Bangalore, which is also the capital of Karnataka. Many airlines operate regularly to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata.
By Rail: Mysore has a railway station witch linked to Bangalore and many other cities in south India. Prestigious luxury trains and other mails and express trains service this station regularly operates.
By Road: A convenient network of roads connects Mysore to important cities in Karnataka. A state highway links the city with Bangalore (139kms).
