Mysore Tourist Places offers a variety of attractions. Over the years Mysore city as attracted tourists from all over the world, to see the splendour of the city of Mysore. Tourist attractions includes prehistoric sites, monuments, museums, forts, temples, mosques, churches and zoo. Historic city of Mysore is famed for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and tree lined boulevards, simmering Silks and Sandalwood, Handicrafts and the fabulous Mysore Dasara FESTIVAL.
This has brief details about Mysore tourism, Mysore attractions and Mysore tourist places. Hope this will help you to plan your trip to Mysore city.
About The Mysore
Mysore is the third-largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, which served as the capital city of Mysore Princely Kingdom (Kingdom of Mysore) for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills about 146 km (91 mi) southwest of the state capital Bangalore, it is spread across an area of 128.42 km2 (50 sq mi). It is the second biggest UA in terms of population. Mysore City Corporation is responsible for the civic administration of the city, which is also the headquarters of the Mysore district and the Mysore division.
The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief and illustrious period in the late 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the distinguished rulers. Patrons of art and culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city. The cultural ambience and achievements of Mysore earned it the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka.
Mysore is noted for its palaces, including the Mysore Palace, and for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. It lends its name to the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and the garment known as the Mysore silk saree. Tourism is the major industry, while information technology has emerged as a major employer alongside the traditional industries. Mysore depends mainly on rail and bus transport for inter-city connections. It also has an Airport serving the city, also known as Mandakalli Airport. The city was the location of the first private radio station in India. Mysore houses Mysore University, which has produced several notable authors, particularly in the field of Kannada literature. Cricket is the most popular sport in the city.
Entymology
The name Mysore is an anglicised version of Mahishūru, which means the abode of Mahisha in the local Kannada language. Mahisha stands for Mahishasura, a mythological demon that could assume the form of both human and buffalo. According to Hindu mythology, the area was ruled by the demon Mahishasura. The demon was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple is situated atop the Chamundi Hills. Mahishūru later became Mahisūru and finally came to be called Maisūru, its present name in the Kannada language. In December 2005, the Government of Karnataka announced its intention to change the English name of the city to Mysuru.This has been approved by the Government of India, but as of 2011 the formalities necessary to incorporate the name change were yet to be completed.
History
The site where Mysore Palace now stands was occupied by a village named Puragere at the beginning of the 16th century.The Mahishūru Fort was constructed in 1524 by Chamaraja Wodeyar III (1513–15530),who passed on the dominion of Puragere to his son Chamaraja Wodeyar IV (1572–1576). Since the 16th century, the name of Mahishūru has commonly been used to denote the city. The Mysore Kingdom, governed by the Wodeyar family, initially served as a vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire. With the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire after the Battle of Talikota in 1565, the Mysore Kingdom gradually achieved independence, and by the time of King Narasaraja Wodeyar (1637) it had become a sovereign state. Seringapatam (modern-day Srirangapatna), near Mysore, was the capital of the kingdom from 1610. The 17th century saw a steady expansion of its territory and, under Narasaraja Wodeyar I and Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the kingdom annexed large expanses of what is now southern Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu, to become a powerful state in the southern Deccan.
The kingdom reached the height of its military power and dominion in the latter half of the 18th century under the de facto rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The latter demolished parts of Mysore to remove legacies of the Wodeyar dynasty. During this time, Mysore kingdom came into conflict with the Marathas, the British and the Nizam of Golconda, leading to the four Anglo-Mysore wars, success in the first two of which was followed by defeat in the third and fourth. After Tipu Sultan's death in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, the capital of the kingdom was moved back to Mysore from Seringapatam. and the kingdom was distributed by the British to their allies of the Fourth Mysore war. The landlocked interior of the previous Mysore Kingdom was turned into a princely state under the suzerainty of the British Crown. The former Wodeyar rulers were reinstated as puppet monarchs, now styled Maharajas. The British administration was assisted locally by Diwan (chief minister) Purnaiah. Purnaiah is credited with improving Mysore's public works. Mysore lost its status as the administrative centre of the kingdom in 1831, when the British commissioner moved the capital to Bangalore. It regained that status in 1881 and remained the capital of the Princely State of Mysore within the British Indian Empire until India became independent in 1947.
The Mysore municipality was established in 1888 and the city was divided into eight wards. In 1897 an outbreak of bubonic plague killed nearly half of the population of the city. With the establishment of the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) in 1903, Mysore became one of the first cities in Asia to undertake planned development of the city.Public demonstrations and meetings were held there during the Quit India movement and other phases of the Indian independence movement.
After Indian independence, Mysore city remained as part of the Mysore State, now known as Karnataka. Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, then king of Mysore, was allowed to retain his titles and was nominated as the Rajapramukh (appointed governor) of the state. He died in September 1974 and was cremated in Mysore city. Over the years, Mysore became well known as a centre for tourism; the city remained largely peaceful, except for occasional riots related to the Kaveri river water dispute.Among the events that took place in Mysore and made national headlines were a fire at a television studio that claimed 62 lives in 1989, and the sudden deaths of many animals at the Mysore Zoo.
Climate
Mysore has a semi-arid climate designated BSh under the Köppen climate classification. The main seasons are summer from March to June, the monsoon season from July to November and winter from December to February.
Economy
Tourism is the major industry in Mysore. The city attracted about 3.15 million tourists in 2010. Mysore has traditionally been home to industries such as weaving, sandalwood carving, bronzework and the production of lime and salt.The planned industrial growth of the city and the state was first envisaged at the Mysore economic conference in 1911. This led to the establishment of industries such as the Mysore Sandalwood Oil Factory in 1917 and the Sri Krishnarajendra Mills in 1920.
In a survey conducted in 2001 by Business Today, Mysore was ranked the fifth-best city in India in which to conduct business. For the industrial development of the city, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has established four industrial areas in and around Mysore, in the Belagola, Belawadi, Hebbal (Electronic City) and Hootagalli areas. Major industrial companies in Mysore include Infosys, Bharat Earth Movers, J. K. Tyres, Wipro, Falcon Tyres, Larsen & Toubro, and Theorem India.There were setbacks when motorcycle manufacturer Ideal Jawa and the Sri Krishnarajendra Mills closed. Efforts have been made to revive them, such as the takeover of the Krishnarajendra Mills by the Atlantic Spinning and Weaving Mills, but they have run into other problems.
The growth of the information technology industry in the first decade of the 21st century has resulted in the city emerging as the second largest software exporter in Karnataka, next to Bangalore. Infosys Limited has established one of its major technical training centres in Mysore, and Wipro has established its Global Service Management Center (GSMC) there. Non-IT related services have been outsourced from other countries to companies in Mysore.
Education
Before the advent of the European system of education in Mysore, agraharas (Brahmin quarters) provided Vedic education to Hindus, and madrassas provided schooling for Muslims. Modern education began in Mysore when a free English school was established in 1833. In 1854 the East India Company promulgated the Halifax Dispatch, which suggested organising education based on the western model in the princely state of Mysore. The first college to be set up for higher education was the Maharajas College, founded in 1864. In 1868 the Mysore state decided to establish hobli schools to extend education to the masses. Under this scheme, a school providing free education was established in each hobli (a locality within the city). This led to the establishment of a normal school in Mysore which trained teachers to teach in the hobli schools. A high school exclusively for girls was established in 1881 and later converted into the Maharanis Women's College. The Industrial School, the first institute for technical education in the city, was established in 1892; this was followed by the Chamarajendra Technical Institute in 1913. While the modern system of education was making inroads, colleges such as the Mysore Sanskrit college, established in 1876, continued to provide Vedic education.
The education system was enhanced by the establishment of the University of Mysore in 1916. This was the sixth university to be established in India and the first in Karnataka. It was named Manasagangotri ("fountainhead of the Ganges of the mind") by the poet Kuvempu. The university caters to the districts of Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajanagar in Karnataka. About 127 colleges, with a total of 53,000 students, are affiliated with the university. Its alumni include Kuvempu, Gopalakrishna Adiga, S. L. Bhyrappa, U. R. Ananthamurthy and N.R. Narayana Murthy. Engineering education began in Mysore with the establishment in 1946 of the National Institute of Engineering, the second oldest engineering college in the state. The Mysore Medical College, founded in 1924, was the first medical college to be started in Karnataka and the seventh in India. Institutes of national importance in the city include the Central Food Technological Research Institute, the Central Institute of Indian Languages, the Defence Food Research Laboratory, and the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing.
Culture
Referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of Dasara, the state festival of Karnataka. The Dasara festivities, which are celebrated over a ten-day period, were first introduced by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of Dasara, called Mahanavami, the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants, camels and horses.On the tenth day, called Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as Jumboo Savari) is held on the streets of Mysore which usually falls in the month of September or October.. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden mantapa on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels.The procession starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantapa, where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped.The Dasara festivities culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with a torchlight parade, known locally as Panjina Kavayatthu.
Mysore is called the City of Palaces because of several ornate examples in the city. Among the most notable are Amba Vilas, popularly known as Mysore Palace; Jaganmohana Palace, which also serves as an art gallery; Rajendra Vilas, also known as the summer palace; Lalitha Mahal, which has been converted into a hotel; and Jayalakshmi Vilas. The main palace of Mysore was burned down in 1897, and the present-day structure was built on the same site. Amba Vilas palace exhibits an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture on the outside, but a distinctly Hoysala style in the interior.Even though the Government of Karnataka maintains the Mysore palace, a small portion has been allocated for the erstwhile Royal family to live in. The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion was constructed by Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar for his daughter Jayalakshammanni. It is now a museum dedicated to folk culture and artifacts of the royal family.
The Mysore painting style is an offshoot of the Vijayanagar school of painting, and King Raja Wodeyar (1578–1617 CE) is credited with having been its patron. The distinctive feature of these paintings is the gesso work, to which gold foil is applied. Mysore is known for rosewood inlay work; around 4,000 craftsmen were estimated to be involved in this art in 2002.The city lends its name to the Mysore silk saree, a women's garment made with pure silk and gold zari (thread) Mysore Peta, the traditional indigenous turban worn by the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, is worn by men in some traditional ceremonies. A notable local dessert that traces its history to the kitchen of the Mysore palace is Mysore pak.
Mysore is the location of the International Ganjifa Research Centre, which researches the ancient card game Ganjifa and the art associated with it. The Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) offers education in visual art forms such as painting, graphics, sculpture, applied art, photography, photojournalism and art history. The Rangayana repertory company performs plays and offers certificate courses in subjects related to theatre. Kannada writers Kuvempu, Gopalakrishna Adiga and U. R. Ananthamurthy were educated in Mysore and served as professors at the Mysore University. R. K. Narayan, a popular English-language novelist and creator of the fictional town of Malgudi, and his cartoonist brother R. K. Laxman spent much of their life in Mysore.
Sports
The Wodeyar kings of Mysore were patrons of games and sports. King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III had a passion for indoor games. He invented new board games and popularised the ganjifa card game.Malla-yuddha (traditional wrestling) has a history in Mysore dating back to the 16th century. The wrestling competition held in Mysore during the Dasara celebrations attracts wrestlers from all over India. An annual sports meeting is organised there during the Dasara season too.
In 1997 Mysore and Bangalore co-hosted the city's biggest sports event ever, the National Games of India. Mysore was the venue for six sports: archery, gymnastics, equestrianism, handball, table tennis and wrestling. Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Mysore.The city has four established cricket grounds, but is yet to host an international cricket match. Javagal Srinath, who represented India for several years as its frontline fast bowler, comes from Mysore.Other prominent sportsmen from the city are Prahlad Srinath, who has represented India in Davis Cup tennis tournaments; Reeth Abraham, a national champion in the heptathlon and a long jump record holder; Sagar Kashyap, the youngest Indian to officiate at the Wimbledon Championships; and Rahul Ganapathy, a national amateur golf champion. The Mysore race course hosts a racing season each year from August through October. India's first youth hostel was formed in the Maharaja's College Hostel in 1949.
Things To Do
Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. It is the headquarters of the Mysore district and the Mysore division and lies about 140 km (87 mi) southwest of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The city is spread across an area of 128.42 km2 (50 sq mi) and is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills. Mysore is one of the most important tourist centers of the Karnataka state of India. Mysore is also known as Palace City of India.The Mysore Palace in the city is one of the most visited monuments in India, even beating Red Fort, Qutb Minar in 2006.
Historical Places
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is a palace situated in the city. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (royal offices).The term "Palace of Mysore" specifically refers to one of these palaces, Amba Vilas.
Jagamohan Palace
Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in a predominantly Hindu style to serve as an alternate palace for the royal family. This palace housed the royal family when the older Mysore Palace was burnt down by a fire. The palace has three floors and has stained glass shutters and ventilators. It has housed the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery since the year 1915. The collections exhibited here include paintings from the famed Travancore ruler, Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich and many paintings of the Mysore painting style.
Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion
Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion This palace was built in 1905 by Chamaraja Wodeyar for his eldest daughter Jayalakshmi Devi. This mansion has three wings and contains a series of twin Corinthian and Ionic columns, regal pediments and oval ventilators. The mansion was originally built with a cost of Rs. 7 lakhs. This mansion was acquired by the Mysore University to house its post-graduate campus. It was renovated in 2002 from funding provided by Infosys foundation. The main hall in this mansion is the Kalyana Mantapa which has an eight-petal shaped dome with stained glass windows with a gold-plated Kalasha(tower) at the top. A new gallery called as Writer's Gallery has been created in the Kalyana Mantapa hall that will exhibit personal items, photographs, awards and writings of renowned writers of Kannada. A special illumination system has also been added to this heritage structure. This mansion is said to be the first university museum complex in the country.
Lalithan Mahal
Lalitha Mahal is the second largest palace in Mysore. It is located near the Chamundi Hills, east of the city. The architect of this palace was Mr E W Fritchley. The palace was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in 1921 for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India. The palace is pure white in colour and is built in the style of Italian palazzo with twin Ionic columns and domes. It also has a sprawling terrace and landscaped gardens.
Karanji Mansion
The Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar had two sons and three daughters. The sons lived in the Mysore Palace. For the three daughters he built mansions and named them after his daughter's. The princesses used these mansions after their marriage. These mansions were magnificent and were set in a sprawling garden. They were built attractively using the best craftsmen of those days. The rooms of the mansion are elaborately craved and the gardens that surround them are carefully laid out.
Mysore's Karanji Mansion in Nazarbad Mohalla was constructed for the second princess - Krishnajammanni. The Mansion is built using the Indo-Sarcenic Renaissance style of architecture like the other two mansions. It was built 1902 on an area of 38 acres and in on a small hillock. It was built at a cost of Rs.4, 27,610 and because of its proximity to the Karanji Lake it became popular as Karanji Mansion.
Today like most of the Royal buildings in Mysore, a modern institution is housed in this Mansion. Since 1965 the Postal Training Institute of the Department of Posts, Government of India, has been using the Karanji Mansion. The Postal Department not only trains its personnel here it has set up a museum depicting the Postal history in the country. The Postal Department has maintained the mansion and its grounds extremely well.
Mysore's Karanji Mansion in Nazarbad Mohalla was constructed for the second princess - Krishnajammanni. The Mansion is built using the Indo-Sarcenic Renaissance style of architecture like the other two mansions. It was built 1902 on an area of 38 acres and in on a small hillock. It was built at a cost of Rs.4, 27,610 and because of its proximity to the Karanji Lake it became popular as Karanji Mansion.
Today like most of the Royal buildings in Mysore, a modern institution is housed in this Mansion. Since 1965 the Postal Training Institute of the Department of Posts, Government of India, has been using the Karanji Mansion. The Postal Department not only trains its personnel here it has set up a museum depicting the Postal history in the country. The Postal Department has maintained the mansion and its grounds extremely well.
Cheluvamba Mansion
The Maharajas of Mysore built a number of ornate buildings during their reign. Most of these buildings were built for personal use. Almost all these buildings are intact to this day. Most of these royal buildings house a number of modern institutions of the city of Mysore. These buildings are magnificent examples of the excellent craftsmanship that existed in Mysore in those days. These highly decorated and intricately carved royal buildings, have been preserved and their architecture remains intact to this day, as a result of the joint efforts of the people of Mysore and the government of Karnataka. One such building is the Cheluvamba Mansion.
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV built a mansion for each of his three daughters. This Mansion was built for the third princess of Mysore-Cheluvajammanni. The Mansion is named after the princess and therefore called Cheluvamba Mansion. Like all the other mansions this one too is spread over a huge area and is surrounded by gardens. The Mansion is beautifully built like the other buildings of the time of the Wodeyars. All the rooms have splendid cravings and are a very good example of the architecture of the time.
The Mansion is located in the northwest part of Mysore on the Mysore- Krishnaraja Sagar road, near the City Railways Station. Like the other mansions this one too is built on an elevated place and commands a good view of the city. Today this building is home to a premier research institute of the country The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). The CRFTI has preserved the Mansion and its grounds extremely well.
Parks And garden's
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV built a mansion for each of his three daughters. This Mansion was built for the third princess of Mysore-Cheluvajammanni. The Mansion is named after the princess and therefore called Cheluvamba Mansion. Like all the other mansions this one too is spread over a huge area and is surrounded by gardens. The Mansion is beautifully built like the other buildings of the time of the Wodeyars. All the rooms have splendid cravings and are a very good example of the architecture of the time.
The Mansion is located in the northwest part of Mysore on the Mysore- Krishnaraja Sagar road, near the City Railways Station. Like the other mansions this one too is built on an elevated place and commands a good view of the city. Today this building is home to a premier research institute of the country The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). The CRFTI has preserved the Mansion and its grounds extremely well.
Parks And garden's
Parks and Gardens: Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar a southern city district has a 500 metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar in South Bangalore. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the university where the journey around is about 4.5 kilometres. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park it is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5 km away from the city centre.
Brindavn Garden
Brindavan Gardens is a show garden that has a beautiful botanical park, full of exciting fountains, as well as boat rides beneath the dam. Diwans of Mysore planned and built the gardens in connection with the construction of the dam. Display items include a musical fountain. Various biological research departments are housed here. There is a guest house for tourists. It is situated at Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam.
Happy Man park
The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometres from the railway station, is a very popular hangout of children and parents. The park is quite compact in size but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Some kind of radio or music is played through little loudspeakers scattered around the park. The park is open from 4.30pm to 9.00pm and the crowd is quite big around 6.00pm. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a pot belly representing the unhealthy eating habits of the Mysorean people.
Lakes in Mysore
Though Mysore has developed into a modern city, the city still moves at a gentle, unhurried and leisurely pace. The city has a good green cover and has a few lakes that add to the beauty and calmness of the city. These lakes are popular picnic spots and are frequented by nature lovers as they attract a number of migratory birds. The area around these lakes is lush green and therefore a good place to relax and rest after a hectic day's work.
Karanji Lake :
This lake is located at the bottom of the Chamundi hills and is close to the center of the city. This lake is spread over 90 acres and is home to more than 90 species of resident and migratory birds. The lake also has India's largest walkthrough aviary. The lake has boating facilities that are available on all days except Tuesday. On the banks of the Karanji lake is the Regional Museum of Natural History. With the Chamundi hills as a backdrop makes the lake look picture perfect. The lake and its surroundings allow you to appreciate nature and the Regional Museum that is adjacent to the lake, will help you increase you knowledge about the natural environment in South India and will help you understand the importance of conservation of nature. The lake has a bund on which you can take refreshing walk.
Kukkaranahalli Lake:
This lake is in the middle of Manasagangothri, the Mysore University campus. This beautiful and placid lake is visited by a variety of migratory birds during winter. During the winters this lake attracts a lot of bird watchers, who come observe and enjoy the birds. The lake provides boating facilities at nominal rates.
Lingabudi Lake :
This lake is in Sriramapura and is about 8km from the center of the city. This picturesque lake also attracts numerous types of migratory birds. The lake has a beautiful lush green park beside it and the entire sight that is presented is one that sooths the mind and soul. There are a number of buses to this lake from the city bus stand. This place is a favourite haunt of nature lovers of the city.
Karanji Lake :
This lake is located at the bottom of the Chamundi hills and is close to the center of the city. This lake is spread over 90 acres and is home to more than 90 species of resident and migratory birds. The lake also has India's largest walkthrough aviary. The lake has boating facilities that are available on all days except Tuesday. On the banks of the Karanji lake is the Regional Museum of Natural History. With the Chamundi hills as a backdrop makes the lake look picture perfect. The lake and its surroundings allow you to appreciate nature and the Regional Museum that is adjacent to the lake, will help you increase you knowledge about the natural environment in South India and will help you understand the importance of conservation of nature. The lake has a bund on which you can take refreshing walk.
Kukkaranahalli Lake:
This lake is in the middle of Manasagangothri, the Mysore University campus. This beautiful and placid lake is visited by a variety of migratory birds during winter. During the winters this lake attracts a lot of bird watchers, who come observe and enjoy the birds. The lake provides boating facilities at nominal rates.
Lingabudi Lake :
This lake is in Sriramapura and is about 8km from the center of the city. This picturesque lake also attracts numerous types of migratory birds. The lake has a beautiful lush green park beside it and the entire sight that is presented is one that sooths the mind and soul. There are a number of buses to this lake from the city bus stand. This place is a favourite haunt of nature lovers of the city.
Nature and Wild Life
Myasore Zoo
Mysore Zoo one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India. Located on the outskirts of Mysore, the zoo is home to a wide range of wild species. The official name for the zoo is Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, though it is known commonly by its shortened name. Mysore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hills is close to the palace city of Mysore. Its average elevation is 1,000 metres. A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the hills. Among other landmarks, you can see the racecourse, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold.
Museums
Regional Museum Natural History
Regional Museum of Natural History This museum is located on the banks of the Karanji lake in Mysore and has exhibits related to biological diversity, ecology and geology of Southern India.
Folk Lore Museum
Folk Lore Museum This museum is located in the University of Mysore campus and exhibits over 6500 folk art and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka.
Rail Museum
Rail Museum This museum is located near the Mysore Railway station and is the second one of its kind established in India after the one at Delhi. This museum exhibits ancient locomotives and carriages some of which are still in working condition. Photographs and books related to railway are also present.
Oriental Research Institute
Oriental Research Institute, formerly known as the Oriental Library, established in 1891 contains over 33000 palm leaf manuscripts .
Wax Museum - Melody World
Based on music and musical instruments, this, one-of-its kind in the world wax museum exhibits over 100 life-size wax statues and over 300 musical instruments categorised in various bands and stage settings. Representing Stone Age to Modern instruments, some of the bands displayed are of Indian Classical North & South, Punjabi Bhangra, South Indian, Jazz, Rock, Middle East etc. It was established in October 2010. It is open everyday from 9.30am until 7.00pm and located at #1 Vihara Marga, Sidhartha Layout, Mysore.
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in Mysore is considered one of the best art galleries in South India because of its excellent collection of paintings and artifacts that once belonged to the Wodeyars of Mysore. The three-storied Jaganmohan Palace was converted into this art gallery in 1875. The Jayachamarajendra art gallery has a remarkable collection of Rembrandt paintings. This collection is so unique that such works of Rembrandt can be found nowhere in the world except in Russia. The western collection section of the museum has works by master like P.P. Ruben, Titan, A. Caddy and miniature paintings by Gunoy.
The gallery also has the rare and valuable art collection made by Col. Scott, a British Army Officer, who served in the British Army that fought against Tippu Sultan. But this collection was shifted to Srirangapatna in 1950. The gallery also boasts of a collection of Gravure prints by Britsih Army officers showing details of the Mysore wars against HyderAli and Tipu Sultan. One hall has exclusively been used to display the exquisite works of the famous Kerala prince -painter, Raja Ravi Varma. His paintings depict various incidents from the epics and these paintings attract a huge number of visitors to the Art Gallery.
On display at the gallery are traditional gold leaf paintings of the Mysore, Bengal and European Schools. This collection includes traditional paintings dating back to 1875. The other famous artists whose works are displayed at the gallery include Nikolav Roerich of Russia, Jiladin Ville of Germant, Sterling of England and Colton of Italy. The Indian artists displayed include Mysore K. Venkatappa, Raja Rama Varma who was the brother of Raja Ravi Verma, Ishwardas, Haldenkar, Subbukrishna and M. Verappa. M. Ramanarasaiah was the Palace artist and was responsible for the exhibits in the gallery. He was the curator of the gallery for a long time and has made a number of paintings of the Mysore royal family. Before him the renowned artist G. Venkatachalam was the Curator.
The walls of the third floor of the gallery are covered with rich colorful paintings relating to the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. On one side is depicted his Dasara procession. The gallery has one of the earliest authentic visual records of the Dasara celebrations in Mysore. The painting depicts Krishnaraja Wodeyar III going in procession in a charior drawn by elephants. On the adjacent wall a number of games are depicted, that arouse the curiosity of the observer. Games displayed include Devi Sayujya and Srikanta Sayujya, these games are played in such a way as to direct the thoughts of the players towards heaven.
The game of Indian chess has been very well depicted on this wall. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was an expert at these games. He invented many new games that are depicted in the art gallery. This gallery has an excellent collection of musical instruments that is displayed on the second floor. The Maharajas especially Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV used many of these musical instruments. The gallery also houses some ornamental furniture, glass and Chinaware, sculptures and photographs. The art gallery is opposite the City Bus stand and at a walking distance from the KSRTC bus stand or Main Bus Stand.
The gallery also has the rare and valuable art collection made by Col. Scott, a British Army Officer, who served in the British Army that fought against Tippu Sultan. But this collection was shifted to Srirangapatna in 1950. The gallery also boasts of a collection of Gravure prints by Britsih Army officers showing details of the Mysore wars against HyderAli and Tipu Sultan. One hall has exclusively been used to display the exquisite works of the famous Kerala prince -painter, Raja Ravi Varma. His paintings depict various incidents from the epics and these paintings attract a huge number of visitors to the Art Gallery.
On display at the gallery are traditional gold leaf paintings of the Mysore, Bengal and European Schools. This collection includes traditional paintings dating back to 1875. The other famous artists whose works are displayed at the gallery include Nikolav Roerich of Russia, Jiladin Ville of Germant, Sterling of England and Colton of Italy. The Indian artists displayed include Mysore K. Venkatappa, Raja Rama Varma who was the brother of Raja Ravi Verma, Ishwardas, Haldenkar, Subbukrishna and M. Verappa. M. Ramanarasaiah was the Palace artist and was responsible for the exhibits in the gallery. He was the curator of the gallery for a long time and has made a number of paintings of the Mysore royal family. Before him the renowned artist G. Venkatachalam was the Curator.
The walls of the third floor of the gallery are covered with rich colorful paintings relating to the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. On one side is depicted his Dasara procession. The gallery has one of the earliest authentic visual records of the Dasara celebrations in Mysore. The painting depicts Krishnaraja Wodeyar III going in procession in a charior drawn by elephants. On the adjacent wall a number of games are depicted, that arouse the curiosity of the observer. Games displayed include Devi Sayujya and Srikanta Sayujya, these games are played in such a way as to direct the thoughts of the players towards heaven.
The game of Indian chess has been very well depicted on this wall. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was an expert at these games. He invented many new games that are depicted in the art gallery. This gallery has an excellent collection of musical instruments that is displayed on the second floor. The Maharajas especially Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV used many of these musical instruments. The gallery also houses some ornamental furniture, glass and Chinaware, sculptures and photographs. The art gallery is opposite the City Bus stand and at a walking distance from the KSRTC bus stand or Main Bus Stand.
Private Residential Museum
Mysore was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars when they ruled over Mysore State. Mysore is often called the 'City of Palaces' because of the many palaces and royal buildings that dot the different parts of the city. A museum that gives you an insight into the life and lifestyle of the Wodeyars of Mysore is the Private Residential Museum. This museum is attached to the Mysore Palace and is located in the old portion of the Palace. Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar the heir of the Mysore royal family has set up this museum.
On display are some rooms of the Palace and objects that are part of the personal collection of the Royal family. The living room of Krishanraja Wodeyar is on display. The room has intricately carved doors and the pillars of the room have gold leaf painting, stained glass windowpanes and have marble and tiled floors. From the personal collection of the Wodeyars on display are objects like crystal chandeliers and furniture, silver thrones, utensils and priceless paintings of the old Mysore School, palanquins, oriental furniture, Chinese inlay chairs, pooja items, costumes, uniforms, trophies and the personal armory of the erstwhile rulers.
Objects worth paying attention to include a replica of an elephant, silver clock with a photo of Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, 'Vajra Mushti' wrestling trophies of the Maharaja, birthday (Vardhanti) throne, silver wedding throne of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, photographs including those of a polo championship, of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his brother Narasimharaja Wodeyar and of the 1940 Dasara procession and the silver throne of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III used for religious purposes (Bhadra Peeta) with lion shaped legs. On display is an excellent collection of royal artifacts from the personal collection that is worth seeing.
On display are some rooms of the Palace and objects that are part of the personal collection of the Royal family. The living room of Krishanraja Wodeyar is on display. The room has intricately carved doors and the pillars of the room have gold leaf painting, stained glass windowpanes and have marble and tiled floors. From the personal collection of the Wodeyars on display are objects like crystal chandeliers and furniture, silver thrones, utensils and priceless paintings of the old Mysore School, palanquins, oriental furniture, Chinese inlay chairs, pooja items, costumes, uniforms, trophies and the personal armory of the erstwhile rulers.
Objects worth paying attention to include a replica of an elephant, silver clock with a photo of Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, 'Vajra Mushti' wrestling trophies of the Maharaja, birthday (Vardhanti) throne, silver wedding throne of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, photographs including those of a polo championship, of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his brother Narasimharaja Wodeyar and of the 1940 Dasara procession and the silver throne of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III used for religious purposes (Bhadra Peeta) with lion shaped legs. On display is an excellent collection of royal artifacts from the personal collection that is worth seeing.
Temples
Mysore is known as the 'City of Palaces' but it has a number of beautiful temples as well. The members of the Royal family of Mysore were very religious and hence built new temples, renovated and expanded existing ones. Most of the temples are located in the fort or around the Palace. Few of the temples existed for centuries before the Wodeyars of Mysore and some were built during their reign.
Chamundi Temple
The Chamundi Temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore, since Goddess Chamundi or Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Msyore. Initially the temple was a small one, but over the past few centuries, as a result of the patronage and expansions made by the Mysore Maharajas it has become a big temple. In the olden days, human and animal sacrifices were regularly made at this temple, but were stopped in the 18th century.
The temple has a quadrangular structure. The Gopura or pyramidal tower at the entrance is intricately decorated in the Dravidian style and has a small statue of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of Goddess in different forms on it. As one passes through the main gate, on the right hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. Climb a few steps and there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum.
In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone statue of the Goddess that is decorated everyday and is worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have made a number of valuable gifts to their family deity. In the room in front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a beautiful 6-foot statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. He is standing with his hands folded in his religious clothes, with his three wives; their names are carved on the pedestals. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar repaired this temple in 1827 and built the enormous tower on it. He also gifted the temple with a large wooden chariot known as the Simha Vahana, which is now used during the Rathotsava or car festival.
On top of the sanctum sanctorum is a small tower or Vimana that can be seen from outside the temple. During the 10 daylong Dasara festival special prayers are offered to the Goddess. The Vedas are chanted in the temple and various music performances are held here. After Dasara, on the auspicious Ashwayuja Pournime, a Rathotsava or car festival is conducted during the Jathra or annual festival on top of the hill. This is followed by Theppotsava (floating festival) that is held in the night. All these festivities attract devotees by the thousands.
The temple has a quadrangular structure. The Gopura or pyramidal tower at the entrance is intricately decorated in the Dravidian style and has a small statue of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of Goddess in different forms on it. As one passes through the main gate, on the right hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. Climb a few steps and there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum.
In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone statue of the Goddess that is decorated everyday and is worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have made a number of valuable gifts to their family deity. In the room in front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a beautiful 6-foot statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. He is standing with his hands folded in his religious clothes, with his three wives; their names are carved on the pedestals. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar repaired this temple in 1827 and built the enormous tower on it. He also gifted the temple with a large wooden chariot known as the Simha Vahana, which is now used during the Rathotsava or car festival.
On top of the sanctum sanctorum is a small tower or Vimana that can be seen from outside the temple. During the 10 daylong Dasara festival special prayers are offered to the Goddess. The Vedas are chanted in the temple and various music performances are held here. After Dasara, on the auspicious Ashwayuja Pournime, a Rathotsava or car festival is conducted during the Jathra or annual festival on top of the hill. This is followed by Theppotsava (floating festival) that is held in the night. All these festivities attract devotees by the thousands.
Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III built the Prasanna Krishnaswamy temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna the founder of the Yadu dynasty. Construction of temple began 1825 and was completed in 1829. He presented the temple with about 40 bronze statues of Gods, Goddesses and saints. His name was inscribed next to the name of the statue. There is a statue of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III along with his wives with labels on their pedestals. The statue of the Maharaja is also worshipped.
In the prakara or the enclosure of the temple is a small cell enshrining the figure of the sage Atri. The figure of the sage was installed, as he was the gotra-rishi of the Maharaja. In the shrine of Ramanujacharya in the temple, there are three small stone figures of Paravasudeva, Anathasayana and Rajamannar (a form of Lord Krishna). The Navaranga (the central pillared hall) of Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple has beautiful murals on its walls. The murals represent stories from Bhagavat the epic relating to Krishna.
These murals along with those in the Varahaswamy temple are exquisite examples of the distinctive and exceptional 19th century Mysore paintings. The sanctum sanctorum has a beautiful statue of Lord Krishna in the crawling posture, Ambegalu Krishna. The statue is made of chlorite schist. He has a butterball in his hand and a childish expression. This temple is known for its Kirshna Janmashtami celebrations. During the eight day celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday a religious procession is organized from this temple.
In the prakara or the enclosure of the temple is a small cell enshrining the figure of the sage Atri. The figure of the sage was installed, as he was the gotra-rishi of the Maharaja. In the shrine of Ramanujacharya in the temple, there are three small stone figures of Paravasudeva, Anathasayana and Rajamannar (a form of Lord Krishna). The Navaranga (the central pillared hall) of Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple has beautiful murals on its walls. The murals represent stories from Bhagavat the epic relating to Krishna.
These murals along with those in the Varahaswamy temple are exquisite examples of the distinctive and exceptional 19th century Mysore paintings. The sanctum sanctorum has a beautiful statue of Lord Krishna in the crawling posture, Ambegalu Krishna. The statue is made of chlorite schist. He has a butterball in his hand and a childish expression. This temple is known for its Kirshna Janmashtami celebrations. During the eight day celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday a religious procession is organized from this temple.
Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple
The Lakshmiramana Swamy temple in Mysore is one of the oldest temples in the city. In an inscription found at the Banni Mantapa in Mysore there is a mention of a grant for God Lakshminarayana in 1499 by the Vijayanagara King Narasa Nayaka, the father of the famous Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya. There is an inscription in the temple dated November 30, 1851, recording that Krishnaraja Wodeyar III renovated the tower built over the Mahaswara (the main entrance) Raja Wodeyar built the original tower.
There is a statue of Raja Wodeyar to the right side in the Prakara that is about 2 feet in height. The main deity of the temple is Nambinarayana, a form of Vishnu, the sanctum sanctorum has a statue of Him holding the discus and the conch. There is a cell to the right that has a statue of his consort, the Goddess Lakshmi. There is a beautiful statue of Lord Venugopala that is about 4 feet. Kantirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) built the magnificent mantapa in the rear of the temple.
The temple was the venue for the coronation of the five-year-old-child Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. As there was no other place that was suitable enough for the coronation, the British placed the child King on the throne of Mysore in this temple on June 30, 1799, after the death of Tippu Sultan. The temple is located on the western part of the fort inside the Palace near the Residential Museum.
Thee are two interesting incidents associated with this famous temple. According to legend, a chieftain of Karugahalli was defeated at the hands of Raja Wodeya and wanted revenge. Therefore he bribed the priest of the temple to offer the King poison mixed with holy water (thirtha), when he came to the temple to offer daily prayers. While doing so the priest's hands trembled. And on being questioned by the King the priest confessed that he had poisoned the holy water. Raja Wodeyar drank that water and it had no effect on him as a result of his faith in Lord Lakshminarayana.
The priest was transferred to a different temple and the Karugahalli chief was defeated, his fort destroyed and all his wealth was used as an offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Raja Wodeyar built the Mahadwara with a tall gopura and decorated it with golden finials, as an offering to the Lord for saving his life. In the second incident a half-blind Brahmin was cured of his blindness around 1599 at the interposition of Raja Wodeyar. To commemorate this miracle the Maharaja installed a two feet statue of himself standing with folded hands in the temple.
There is a statue of Raja Wodeyar to the right side in the Prakara that is about 2 feet in height. The main deity of the temple is Nambinarayana, a form of Vishnu, the sanctum sanctorum has a statue of Him holding the discus and the conch. There is a cell to the right that has a statue of his consort, the Goddess Lakshmi. There is a beautiful statue of Lord Venugopala that is about 4 feet. Kantirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) built the magnificent mantapa in the rear of the temple.
The temple was the venue for the coronation of the five-year-old-child Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. As there was no other place that was suitable enough for the coronation, the British placed the child King on the throne of Mysore in this temple on June 30, 1799, after the death of Tippu Sultan. The temple is located on the western part of the fort inside the Palace near the Residential Museum.
Thee are two interesting incidents associated with this famous temple. According to legend, a chieftain of Karugahalli was defeated at the hands of Raja Wodeya and wanted revenge. Therefore he bribed the priest of the temple to offer the King poison mixed with holy water (thirtha), when he came to the temple to offer daily prayers. While doing so the priest's hands trembled. And on being questioned by the King the priest confessed that he had poisoned the holy water. Raja Wodeyar drank that water and it had no effect on him as a result of his faith in Lord Lakshminarayana.
The priest was transferred to a different temple and the Karugahalli chief was defeated, his fort destroyed and all his wealth was used as an offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Raja Wodeyar built the Mahadwara with a tall gopura and decorated it with golden finials, as an offering to the Lord for saving his life. In the second incident a half-blind Brahmin was cured of his blindness around 1599 at the interposition of Raja Wodeyar. To commemorate this miracle the Maharaja installed a two feet statue of himself standing with folded hands in the temple.
Mahabaleshwara Temple
The Mahabaleshwara temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the oldest temple on top of the hill. The Mahabaleshwara temple was a very important before the Chamundeshwari temple gained prominence. The Mahabaleshwara temple lost its importance after the Mysore Kings started patronizing the Chamundi temple. In the earlier days the hill was called Mahabaladri or Mahabala Thirtha after the Lord of the temple. The name Chamundi Hills is of recent origin. This temple is situated to the south of the Chamundeswari Temple and attracts a small number of devotees. Records of the Ganga period show that the temple existed during their reign as well.
The oldest record of the temple dates back to 950 AD. The famous Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana is said to have expanded this temple. It is believed that the Hoysalas added the Ardha Mantapa and Nava Ranga. Both of them have lathe-turned pillars typical of the other Hoysala temples. Inside the temple there are attractive images of Sapta Matrikas, Nataraja, Parvathi and Bhairava, all built in the style used by the Hoysalas. The image of Vishnu is from the Ganga period.
In the niches behind are the statues of Dakshina Murthy and Mahishamardhini, the latter statue is in the Ganga style. In the back of the temple, on the back corridor, there are a few images of Gods like Indra and Bhiikshatana Shiva that indicate that the temple has Chola workmanship as well. There is an image of Brahma from the Ganga period. The front Mantapa was built during the 17th century. This ancient temple that has the workmanship of more that three dynasties is worth visiting.
The oldest record of the temple dates back to 950 AD. The famous Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana is said to have expanded this temple. It is believed that the Hoysalas added the Ardha Mantapa and Nava Ranga. Both of them have lathe-turned pillars typical of the other Hoysala temples. Inside the temple there are attractive images of Sapta Matrikas, Nataraja, Parvathi and Bhairava, all built in the style used by the Hoysalas. The image of Vishnu is from the Ganga period.
In the niches behind are the statues of Dakshina Murthy and Mahishamardhini, the latter statue is in the Ganga style. In the back of the temple, on the back corridor, there are a few images of Gods like Indra and Bhiikshatana Shiva that indicate that the temple has Chola workmanship as well. There is an image of Brahma from the Ganga period. The front Mantapa was built during the 17th century. This ancient temple that has the workmanship of more that three dynasties is worth visiting.
Trinesvaraswamy Temple
Trinesvaraswamy Temple is dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva and is located in the northeast corner of the fort, facing the Palace. This enormous temple has been built in the Dravidian style. This old temple existed even before the reign of Raja Wodeyar (1578-1617). Originally the temple was located on the bank of the Devaraya Sagar or Doddakere. The fort was enlarged during the reign of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) and his successor Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659-1672) and as a result the temple came within the fort enclosure.
The temple was expanded and renovated by the Maharajas of Myosre. Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar constructed a verandah and consecrated five Lingas and several deities including Dakshinamurthy, Kshetrapala, Kumara and Surya. There is a stone image of the King with his hands folded. Next to him there is a statue of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in the same pose. The temple has a Prakara or an enclosure with a lofty Mahadwara or main entrance. It is said that the Mahadwara had a huge Gopura. This Gopura was destroyed in the 18th century. The two niches inside the Mahadawara have statues of Ganapathi and Bhairava.
In the northwest of the Prakara there are a number of Naga stones under a Peepul tree. Around the Prakara there are several Lingas and shrines of Parvathi, Chamundeswari, Suryanarayana and Sankaracharya. The marble statue of the Shankaracharya is a later addition. The Navaranga has two entrances, one on the west and the other on the south. To the left of the Sukhanasi entrance there is a statue that is about half a meter in height. The statue is of sage Trinabindu. According to Sthala Purana (local legend), the sage performed penance at this spot to Lord Shiva.
Shiva appeared to the sage and he consecrated the Lingam on that spot. Therefore the Lingam is Trinesvara or Trinayanesvara, the three-eyed Shiva. In a cell that faces the south entrance there is a metallic statue of the God. On either side in the two niches are statues of Ganapathi. On the south outer wall of the Navaranga are two niches that enshrine the figure of Virabhadra and Dakshinamurthy. The statue of Dakshinamurthy is seated under a tree in the posture of meditation.
The statue has four hands, one holding a rosary, another a Rudra Veena, the third a book and the fourth in Chinmudra or teaching pose. The pedestal is sculptured with the figures of seven sages. In a niche in the Prakara, facing the south entrance are the two statues of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar and Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Shivaratri celebrations. Special prayers are offered every three hours of the holy Shivaratri night till dawn.
The temple was expanded and renovated by the Maharajas of Myosre. Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar constructed a verandah and consecrated five Lingas and several deities including Dakshinamurthy, Kshetrapala, Kumara and Surya. There is a stone image of the King with his hands folded. Next to him there is a statue of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in the same pose. The temple has a Prakara or an enclosure with a lofty Mahadwara or main entrance. It is said that the Mahadwara had a huge Gopura. This Gopura was destroyed in the 18th century. The two niches inside the Mahadawara have statues of Ganapathi and Bhairava.
In the northwest of the Prakara there are a number of Naga stones under a Peepul tree. Around the Prakara there are several Lingas and shrines of Parvathi, Chamundeswari, Suryanarayana and Sankaracharya. The marble statue of the Shankaracharya is a later addition. The Navaranga has two entrances, one on the west and the other on the south. To the left of the Sukhanasi entrance there is a statue that is about half a meter in height. The statue is of sage Trinabindu. According to Sthala Purana (local legend), the sage performed penance at this spot to Lord Shiva.
Shiva appeared to the sage and he consecrated the Lingam on that spot. Therefore the Lingam is Trinesvara or Trinayanesvara, the three-eyed Shiva. In a cell that faces the south entrance there is a metallic statue of the God. On either side in the two niches are statues of Ganapathi. On the south outer wall of the Navaranga are two niches that enshrine the figure of Virabhadra and Dakshinamurthy. The statue of Dakshinamurthy is seated under a tree in the posture of meditation.
The statue has four hands, one holding a rosary, another a Rudra Veena, the third a book and the fourth in Chinmudra or teaching pose. The pedestal is sculptured with the figures of seven sages. In a niche in the Prakara, facing the south entrance are the two statues of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar and Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Shivaratri celebrations. Special prayers are offered every three hours of the holy Shivaratri night till dawn.
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple
The Shweta Varahaswamy temple is also known as the Varahaswamy temple. This temple is located at the southern entrance of the Fort. The temple is built in the architectural style followed by the Hoysalas. The shrine of the Goddess has an elegantly carved doorway and intricately carved pillars and tower. The Navaranga has stucco niches at the sides of the entrance. The Navaranga has beautiful mural paintings on its walls. These paintings depict incidents from the Ramayana and the Bhagavata. These paintings especially pay attention to the exploits of Lord Krishna.
The temple has images with inscriptions on their pedestals. There is an inscription on a processional image that records that its donor was Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar (1672-1704). It is said that Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar obtained the stone image of Shweta Varahaswamy from Srimushnam, a city in what is the present day Tamil Nadu and consecrated it at the new temple built in Srirnagapatna, the then capital of Mysore State. After the defeat of Tippu Sultan the capital was shifted back to Mysore city and the idol too was shifted from there and installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the present temple in 1809.
It is claimed that Dewan Purnaiya had this temple built with materials of a Hoysala building in Shimoga district according to the wishes of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. There are two inscribed images of Srivaishnava Acharyas, Desikar and Jiyar, in the temple. Desikar also known as Vedanthacharya was a popular Sri Vaishnava teacher and author in the 13th and 14the centuries. These statues have inscriptions on them that indicate that Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented them to the temple at Mysore that he built in 1829. The temple structure has a number of masons' marks and letters in several places.
There is an inscription Maya Bhadra in characters if the 12th or 13th century on the southern outer wall of the shrine of the goddess. It is not clear what the expression means and whether it refers to the artist or to the niche itself. The temple is enclosed within high walls. The southeastern wall has a mural representing Rama Pattabhisheka or the coronation of Lord Rama. The painted inscription under the painted panel states that the painting was made on Monday the second of the bright half of the month Magaha in the cyclic year Bhava of Saka era 1797.
The temple has images with inscriptions on their pedestals. There is an inscription on a processional image that records that its donor was Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar (1672-1704). It is said that Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar obtained the stone image of Shweta Varahaswamy from Srimushnam, a city in what is the present day Tamil Nadu and consecrated it at the new temple built in Srirnagapatna, the then capital of Mysore State. After the defeat of Tippu Sultan the capital was shifted back to Mysore city and the idol too was shifted from there and installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the present temple in 1809.
It is claimed that Dewan Purnaiya had this temple built with materials of a Hoysala building in Shimoga district according to the wishes of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. There are two inscribed images of Srivaishnava Acharyas, Desikar and Jiyar, in the temple. Desikar also known as Vedanthacharya was a popular Sri Vaishnava teacher and author in the 13th and 14the centuries. These statues have inscriptions on them that indicate that Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented them to the temple at Mysore that he built in 1829. The temple structure has a number of masons' marks and letters in several places.
There is an inscription Maya Bhadra in characters if the 12th or 13th century on the southern outer wall of the shrine of the goddess. It is not clear what the expression means and whether it refers to the artist or to the niche itself. The temple is enclosed within high walls. The southeastern wall has a mural representing Rama Pattabhisheka or the coronation of Lord Rama. The painted inscription under the painted panel states that the painting was made on Monday the second of the bright half of the month Magaha in the cyclic year Bhava of Saka era 1797.
Some Of The Other Temple Are
Mysore has numerous temples, dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses and built intricately and are examples of the excellence achieved in architecture during the period. Some of the other temples in Mysore are:
Gayathri Temple:
Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore, built the Gayathri temple in 1953. The King was great devotee of the Goddess Devi including Gayathri. Inside the enclosure of the temple there are three shrines dedicated to Savitri, Gayathri and Lakshmi. The Navaranga has statues of Ganesha, Shiva and Maha Vishnu. The famous sculptor of Mysore, Shilpi Siddalingaswamy, carved these sculptures.
Someswara Temple:
This temple is in the northeast side of the fort. It has three cells next to each other. The middle cell has a Linga, the right cell Goddess Somasundari and the left cell Narayana. In front of the Narayana shrine are the statues of the nine planets the 'Navagrahas' on a raised platform. Maharani Vanivilasa Sannidhana had all these statues installed except for the Linga, more than a century ago. It is claimed that the Linga is much older. The outer wall on the southern side has a niche that has a statue of Dakshinamurthy. The temple played an important role in the Dasara festivities during the reign of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar.
Kodi Bhairava Temple:
To the southeast of Someswara Temple is the Kodi Bhairava temple. The temple is so called because it is located on the 'Kodi' or weir of Devaraya Sagara, now a dried up tank popularly known as Doddakere. This Shiva temple is associated with the founders of the Mysore Royal family or the Yadu dynasty. Legend has it that it is in this temple that the two young prices from Gujarat (Dwaraka), Yaduraya and Krishnaraya, took shelter, before fighting the Karugahalli chief and restoring the kingdom to the then Royal family. Yaudraya married the local princess and became progenitor of the Yadu dynasty. The temple has a statue of Bhairava that is about a meter high. In His four hands the Lord Shiva has a trident, a drum, a skull and a sword. The statue is flanked on the left by the statue of Bhadrakali, holding a sickle in her uplifted right hand and on the right a female Chauri-bearer.
Bhuvaneswari Temple:
This temple is situated in the northern side of the Palace Fort. Jayachamaraja Wodeyar built the Bhuvaneswari in 1951. The temple architecture is in the Dravidian style. The famous sculptor of Mysore Shilpi Siddalingaswamy carved the main idol of Bhuvaneswari. The temple also has the statues of Surya, Maha Vishnu, Maheswara, Rajarajeswari, Ganapathi and Chamundeswari. The temple has a large 'Surya Mandala in its possession. This copper plate was earlier with the Royal family and was handed to the temple by Jayacjamaraja Wodeyar. On the auspicious day of "Rath Sapthami" in the month of January-February, special prayers are offered to the Surya Mandala.
Gayathri Temple:
Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore, built the Gayathri temple in 1953. The King was great devotee of the Goddess Devi including Gayathri. Inside the enclosure of the temple there are three shrines dedicated to Savitri, Gayathri and Lakshmi. The Navaranga has statues of Ganesha, Shiva and Maha Vishnu. The famous sculptor of Mysore, Shilpi Siddalingaswamy, carved these sculptures.
Someswara Temple:
This temple is in the northeast side of the fort. It has three cells next to each other. The middle cell has a Linga, the right cell Goddess Somasundari and the left cell Narayana. In front of the Narayana shrine are the statues of the nine planets the 'Navagrahas' on a raised platform. Maharani Vanivilasa Sannidhana had all these statues installed except for the Linga, more than a century ago. It is claimed that the Linga is much older. The outer wall on the southern side has a niche that has a statue of Dakshinamurthy. The temple played an important role in the Dasara festivities during the reign of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar.
Kodi Bhairava Temple:
To the southeast of Someswara Temple is the Kodi Bhairava temple. The temple is so called because it is located on the 'Kodi' or weir of Devaraya Sagara, now a dried up tank popularly known as Doddakere. This Shiva temple is associated with the founders of the Mysore Royal family or the Yadu dynasty. Legend has it that it is in this temple that the two young prices from Gujarat (Dwaraka), Yaduraya and Krishnaraya, took shelter, before fighting the Karugahalli chief and restoring the kingdom to the then Royal family. Yaudraya married the local princess and became progenitor of the Yadu dynasty. The temple has a statue of Bhairava that is about a meter high. In His four hands the Lord Shiva has a trident, a drum, a skull and a sword. The statue is flanked on the left by the statue of Bhadrakali, holding a sickle in her uplifted right hand and on the right a female Chauri-bearer.
Bhuvaneswari Temple:
This temple is situated in the northern side of the Palace Fort. Jayachamaraja Wodeyar built the Bhuvaneswari in 1951. The temple architecture is in the Dravidian style. The famous sculptor of Mysore Shilpi Siddalingaswamy carved the main idol of Bhuvaneswari. The temple also has the statues of Surya, Maha Vishnu, Maheswara, Rajarajeswari, Ganapathi and Chamundeswari. The temple has a large 'Surya Mandala in its possession. This copper plate was earlier with the Royal family and was handed to the temple by Jayacjamaraja Wodeyar. On the auspicious day of "Rath Sapthami" in the month of January-February, special prayers are offered to the Surya Mandala.
Datta Peethem
Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come and join in for a guided tour through the ashram. The Gardens in the Ashrama have developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started in different areas as time went on. In the early 80’s, the beautiful, tall and robust palm trees which now line the Ashrama’s main entrance road were planted. The Ashram has a nakshatra garden which has medicinal plans related to particular Nakshatra (Constellation). There is a beautiful Bonsai Garden, which hosts Bonsai of various species all through out the world. By the side of the Bonsai Graden Herbal Tea developed by ashram is sold.
Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come and join in for a guided tour through the ashram. The Gardens in the Ashrama have developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started in different areas as time went on. In the early 80’s, the beautiful, tall and robust palm trees which now line the Ashrama’s main entrance road were planted. The Ashram has a nakshatra garden which has medicinal plans related to particular Nakshatra (Constellation). There is a beautiful Bonsai Garden, which hosts Bonsai of various species all through out the world. By the side of the Bonsai Graden Herbal Tea developed by ashram is sold.
Church
St. Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church is a church built in the honour of St. Philomena in the city of Mysore. It was constructed in 1956 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. In 1926, Thamboo Chetty who was a secretary to the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar obtained a relic of the saint from Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies. This relic was handed over to Father Cochet who approached the king to assist him in constructing a church in honour of St. Philomena. The Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation stone of the church on 28 October 1933. In his speech on the day of the inauguration, the Maharaja is quoted to have said: The new church will be strongly and securely built upon a double foundation — Divine compassion and the eager gratitude of men.. The construction of the church was completed under Bishop Rene Fuga's supervision. The relic of St. Philomena is preserved in a catacomb below the main altar.
Other Activities To Do
Mysore Excursions
Besides the place of interest in Mysore city, there are many tourist attractions and places of interest around Mysore. Lets have a quick look at some of the tourist destinations around Mysore.
Shrirangapattanam
Dariya Daulat Palace
One of the places that you can visit while you are staying in Mysore is Srirangapatna. For a short while the city of Srirangapatna was the capital of the Mysore state, while Tippu Sultan was ruling Mysore. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799 the British shifted the capital back to Mysore and placed the child King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III on the throne of Mysore. Hence there are a number of places of historical importance associated with the reign of Tippu Sultan.
Srirangapatna is an island in the river Kaveri, about 14kms from Mysore. In Srirangapatna is the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace) that is set amidst beautiful gardens called Daria Daulat Bagh. Tippu Sultan popularly known as the "Tiger of Mysore", built this palace in 1784 and ruled Mysore from here for a short time after his father Hyder Ali wrested power from the Wodeyars in the middle of the 18th century.
The palace is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style in mostly made of teakwood. The palace has a rectangular plan and is built on a raised platform. There are open corridors along the four sides of the platform with wooden pillars at the edges of the Plinth. The western and eastern wings have walls the other two wings have recessed bays with pillars supporting the roof. The four staircases are inconspicuous, built in the four partition walls that divide the audience hall into four rooms at four corners with a central hall connecting the eastern and western corridors. The most stunning feature of the palace is that all the space available on the walls, pillars, canopies and arches have colorful frescoes. The outer walls of the palace have frescoes of the battle scenes and portraits. The inner walls are decorated with scrolls of thin foliage and floral patterns. The wooden ceilings of the palace are pasted with canvas painted with floral patterns.
Srirangapatna is an island in the river Kaveri, about 14kms from Mysore. In Srirangapatna is the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace) that is set amidst beautiful gardens called Daria Daulat Bagh. Tippu Sultan popularly known as the "Tiger of Mysore", built this palace in 1784 and ruled Mysore from here for a short time after his father Hyder Ali wrested power from the Wodeyars in the middle of the 18th century.
The palace is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style in mostly made of teakwood. The palace has a rectangular plan and is built on a raised platform. There are open corridors along the four sides of the platform with wooden pillars at the edges of the Plinth. The western and eastern wings have walls the other two wings have recessed bays with pillars supporting the roof. The four staircases are inconspicuous, built in the four partition walls that divide the audience hall into four rooms at four corners with a central hall connecting the eastern and western corridors. The most stunning feature of the palace is that all the space available on the walls, pillars, canopies and arches have colorful frescoes. The outer walls of the palace have frescoes of the battle scenes and portraits. The inner walls are decorated with scrolls of thin foliage and floral patterns. The wooden ceilings of the palace are pasted with canvas painted with floral patterns.
Gumbaz :
This is the mausoleum of Tippu Sultan; his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begum. Tippu in built the magnificent structure in 1782-84. The Gumbaz is surrounded by the beautiful garden the Lalbagh. The Gumbaz is built on a high and wide platform with an open verandah that has polished pillars all over. The Gumbaz has a large well-shaped dome, it has beautifully carved ebony doors inlaid with ivory, the Gumbaz has carved stone windows with excellent work on it and inscriptions. Inside the tomb Hyader Ali has been laid to rest in the middle and on either side are the tombs of his wife and son. Tippu's tiger stripes cover the walls of the Gumbaz. Next to the Gubaz is a mosque Masjid-e-aksa. One can reach this site by bus or take an auto from Srirangapatna.
Sangam :
The Sangam is the place where the River Loakpavani joins the River Cauvery. This is a popular picnic spot and is a beautiful place. From here the river follows into the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. From Srirangapatna you can take an auto to this spot.
Colonel Bailey dungeon :
These dungeons are called this because Colonel Bailey died in these dungeons in 1780AD. Captain Baird, Captain Rulay, Colonel Brithwite, Samson, Frazer and Lindsay were also imprisoned in these dungeons. During the siege of Srirangapatna, one cannon rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. And to this day it is lying there.
Fort :
It is from the Fort that Tippu launched his attack against the British. There is an obelisk in the fort in the place where he died, after being betrayed by his own men. Inside the fort there is a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple and outside the fort is the tomb of Tippu, the Gumbaz.
Ranganathaswamy Temple:
The Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna enshrines Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. It is said that the Ganag ruler Tirumalaiya built this temple in the 9th century. Srirangapatna was the capital of Tipu Sultan and it is said that both Tippu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali made generous endowments to the Ranganathaswamy temple. This enormous temple has fort like walls and an intricately carved gopuram. The architecture is a mixture of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. Lord Ranganatha is shown reclining on the bed laid out by the serpent Aadi Sesha. Within the complex there are temples of Gowtama muni and the River Cauvery. There is a shrine dedicated to Ranganayaki Thaayaar in the northwest corner of the temple. There is a temple dedicated to Krishna as well. The Alwars and the Acharyas of the Sri Vaishnava faith are also immortalized here. There are two images of Srinivasa and Panchamukha Anjaneya. It is claimed that Vyasaraya installed them in this temple. The Chaturvimsati pillars before the inner entrance has the cravings of the 24 forms of Vishnu.
This is the mausoleum of Tippu Sultan; his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begum. Tippu in built the magnificent structure in 1782-84. The Gumbaz is surrounded by the beautiful garden the Lalbagh. The Gumbaz is built on a high and wide platform with an open verandah that has polished pillars all over. The Gumbaz has a large well-shaped dome, it has beautifully carved ebony doors inlaid with ivory, the Gumbaz has carved stone windows with excellent work on it and inscriptions. Inside the tomb Hyader Ali has been laid to rest in the middle and on either side are the tombs of his wife and son. Tippu's tiger stripes cover the walls of the Gumbaz. Next to the Gubaz is a mosque Masjid-e-aksa. One can reach this site by bus or take an auto from Srirangapatna.
Sangam :
The Sangam is the place where the River Loakpavani joins the River Cauvery. This is a popular picnic spot and is a beautiful place. From here the river follows into the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. From Srirangapatna you can take an auto to this spot.
Colonel Bailey dungeon :
These dungeons are called this because Colonel Bailey died in these dungeons in 1780AD. Captain Baird, Captain Rulay, Colonel Brithwite, Samson, Frazer and Lindsay were also imprisoned in these dungeons. During the siege of Srirangapatna, one cannon rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. And to this day it is lying there.
Fort :
It is from the Fort that Tippu launched his attack against the British. There is an obelisk in the fort in the place where he died, after being betrayed by his own men. Inside the fort there is a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple and outside the fort is the tomb of Tippu, the Gumbaz.
Ranganathaswamy Temple:
The Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna enshrines Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. It is said that the Ganag ruler Tirumalaiya built this temple in the 9th century. Srirangapatna was the capital of Tipu Sultan and it is said that both Tippu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali made generous endowments to the Ranganathaswamy temple. This enormous temple has fort like walls and an intricately carved gopuram. The architecture is a mixture of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. Lord Ranganatha is shown reclining on the bed laid out by the serpent Aadi Sesha. Within the complex there are temples of Gowtama muni and the River Cauvery. There is a shrine dedicated to Ranganayaki Thaayaar in the northwest corner of the temple. There is a temple dedicated to Krishna as well. The Alwars and the Acharyas of the Sri Vaishnava faith are also immortalized here. There are two images of Srinivasa and Panchamukha Anjaneya. It is claimed that Vyasaraya installed them in this temple. The Chaturvimsati pillars before the inner entrance has the cravings of the 24 forms of Vishnu.
The Karighatta (Black Hill) and its temple of Lord Srinivasa is situated a few kilometres from the town. The deity is that of Kari-giri-vasa (one who resides on the black hill). The famous Nimishambha temple is located in the nearby district of Ganjam. The summer palace of Tipu Sultan is also a very interesting place.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Another place that one should visit while on a trip to Srirangapatnam is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Ranganathittu is about 18km form Mysore and is home to some of the most exotic birds. It is a group of small islands in the Cauvery River.
Ranganthittu was formed as a result of a small dam across the river Cauvery in the 1600s. The Bird Sanctuary at Ranganathittu owes its existence to the world famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali who convinced the Maharaja of Mysore in 1940 to declare Ranganthittu as a protected area. The sanctuary is not very large it covers an area of 0.67sq.km. But is home to a great variety of birds and a few reptiles. It is said that the sanctuary is a sight to behold during the nesting season of the birds from June to November. The sanctuary is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open billed storks, painted storks, white necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper etc. There are a few mammals in the sanctuary like fruit bats, bonnet macaques, palm civets, common mongoose and common otters. Marsh crocodiles make up the reptile population of the sanctuary.
The sight of fruit bats, crocodiles and birds flying around is a beautiful sight to watch. You can take a boat ride around the sanctuary and get a closer look at the birds and the crocodiles. The entrance of the park has huge bamboo surrounding the winding path. On both sides of the path are boards with pictures and information about the different birds that are found in the sanctuary. There is a small canteen situated near the lake made in a clearing between the bamboos. The best season to visit the sanctuary is May-September and October. If you are a nature enthusiast it is best to visit the sanctuary in the early hours of the morning before the sanctuary gets crowded with visitors.
Ranganthittu was formed as a result of a small dam across the river Cauvery in the 1600s. The Bird Sanctuary at Ranganathittu owes its existence to the world famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali who convinced the Maharaja of Mysore in 1940 to declare Ranganthittu as a protected area. The sanctuary is not very large it covers an area of 0.67sq.km. But is home to a great variety of birds and a few reptiles. It is said that the sanctuary is a sight to behold during the nesting season of the birds from June to November. The sanctuary is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open billed storks, painted storks, white necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper etc. There are a few mammals in the sanctuary like fruit bats, bonnet macaques, palm civets, common mongoose and common otters. Marsh crocodiles make up the reptile population of the sanctuary.
The sight of fruit bats, crocodiles and birds flying around is a beautiful sight to watch. You can take a boat ride around the sanctuary and get a closer look at the birds and the crocodiles. The entrance of the park has huge bamboo surrounding the winding path. On both sides of the path are boards with pictures and information about the different birds that are found in the sanctuary. There is a small canteen situated near the lake made in a clearing between the bamboos. The best season to visit the sanctuary is May-September and October. If you are a nature enthusiast it is best to visit the sanctuary in the early hours of the morning before the sanctuary gets crowded with visitors.
Somnathpur :
The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely sculpted friezes and panels. The Somnathpur temple is well preserved and not to be missed.
Nagarhole (Rajeev Gandhi National Park)
Located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts is a fresh, green world rich in forests, little streams, undulating valleys and facintanig waterfalls.The Nagahole National Park. A perfect get-away for nature-lovers. Deriving its name from Kannada,’Naga’ meaning snake and ‘hole’ Referring to streams, Nagarahole is truly a delightful spot, bubbling with the activity of some of the most magnificent animals and trees. Rosewood, teak, Sandal, silver oak the deep, fresh aroma of these trees mingling with the sounds of the wildlife –ah! A perfect holiday treat. No wonder this was also an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore.
Renamed as the "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", Nagarhole National Park, 643.30 sq. km, is part of the 5500 sq km Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the districts of Kodagu & Mysore. This is easily the best habitat for the Asian Elephant. Tigers & leopards roam in this forest. Over 250 species of birds have been identified in this park which lies at the foothills of the towering Western Ghats Mountain Range.
The place derives its name from Kannada, Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams. Set up in 1955, it is one of the best-managed parks in the country, with the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests situated in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tiger, bison, and elephant are much more populous here than in Bandipur.
The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site
Bandipur National Park :
The Bandipur National Park has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.
Far from the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers. Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas, this park is nested in the foothills of the Nilgiris.As you penetrate deep into the forests through the well laid-out roads, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. They say that the flora and fauna here exist in perfect harmony. and it is because of this that the spot here was chosen as a centre for the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.
The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site
Bandipur National Park :
The Bandipur National Park has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.
Far from the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers. Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas, this park is nested in the foothills of the Nilgiris.As you penetrate deep into the forests through the well laid-out roads, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. They say that the flora and fauna here exist in perfect harmony. and it is because of this that the spot here was chosen as a centre for the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nesting some very rare animals and birds.
Bandipur is about 220 km from Bangalore and only 80 km from Mysore. Gundelpet is the closest town.
There are three cottage resorts at the boundary of the park. One is inside the park and is run by the Forest Department, another is a Karnataka Tourism Department hotel at the boundary of the park, and the third is privately managed. It is advisable to make weekend reservations beforehand. Gundelpet is about 20 km from the park and has more hotels and inns.
Bandipur forest office runs forest safaris of 45 minutes duration in well guarded buses. Deer, antelope, elephants and peacocks can be easily seen. Tigers and elephants may be occasionally sighted.
If you have a good group you can do a trek through the forest with help of the forest department. The forest office located in Bandipur can provide you with trained professionals who can guide you through the forest.
There are three cottage resorts at the boundary of the park. One is inside the park and is run by the Forest Department, another is a Karnataka Tourism Department hotel at the boundary of the park, and the third is privately managed. It is advisable to make weekend reservations beforehand. Gundelpet is about 20 km from the park and has more hotels and inns.
Bandipur forest office runs forest safaris of 45 minutes duration in well guarded buses. Deer, antelope, elephants and peacocks can be easily seen. Tigers and elephants may be occasionally sighted.
If you have a good group you can do a trek through the forest with help of the forest department. The forest office located in Bandipur can provide you with trained professionals who can guide you through the forest.
Talakad :
Talakad is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, near Mysore and is known for its sand dunes. There are a number of temples on the banks of the Cauvery in Talakad that are buried under the sand dunes and are excavated once in 12 years for special worship.
Shravanabelagola :
Shravanabelagola is another place worth visiting while at Mysore. Shravanabelagola is famous for the monolith of Bahubali or Gommateshwara. There are two stony hills called Chandragiri and Indragiri. Chandragiri is famous for the Chandragupta Basadi built by the Gangas. Indragiri is famous for the Chavendaraya Basadi and the gigantic statue of Gommateshwara.
Biligiri Rangana Hills :
Another interesting getaway from Mysore for nature enthusiasts is the Biligiri Rangana Hills popularly known as the B.R.Hills. Though these hills are famous for the ancient temple on top of the hills, it is also home to a lesser-known wildlife sanctuary.
Coorg :
Situated at a distance of 120 kms, is a little hill-station that covers an area of 4102 sq km.
Melkote : Another important pilgrim center that is close to Mysore is Melkote or Tirunarayanapuram. Melkote is about 60kms from Mysore city and is located in a hilly region that comprises some of the oldest rock formations on earth.
Nanjangud :
Another popular excursion from Mysore city is Nanjangud. Nanjangud is 25kms from Mysore. It is a holy place because of the Nanjundeswara or Srikanteswara temple. It is called Garalapuri because of this famous temple.
Shivanasamudra Travel :
Shivanasamudra is about 85kms to the east of Mysore. At Shivanasamudra the river Cauvery cascades down a deep rocky gorge in two breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls- Bharachukki and Gaganachukki. The sight of these two falls is enchanting and the best time to visit them is during the monsoon.
Bylakuppe
It is the location of "Lugsum Samdupling" (established in 1961) and "Dickyi Larsoe" (established in 1969), two adjacent Tibetan refugee settlements, in the west of Mysore district . It consists of a number of small camps/agricultural settlements close to each other, and has a number of monasteries, nunneries and temples in all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Most notable among them are the large educational monastic institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery (both in the Gelukpa tradition) and Namdroling monastery (in the Nyingma tradition).Particularly well known among the temples is the spectacular Golden Temple which is also a major tourist spot in the area.
Halebid Temple
Halebid situated at a distance of about 27 Kms. north-west of Hassan town and about 7 Kms. east of Belur, was once the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire. The place was known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra founded in the early 11th century A.D.
Visit Dasara Festival
Over the years Mysore has become synonymous with the Dasara (or Dussehra) festival. Dasara is the most extravagant festival of Mysore. This festival has been celebrated in Mysore with great pomp and show since centuries. This tradition is still carried on though the scale of the celebrations has been watered down. The Dasara festival is celebrated in the months of September and October each year. According to Hindu mythology the festival celebrates and commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari after slaying the demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. The Dasara festivities have become an integral part of the culture and life in Mysore.
During the 10 day festivities the normally clam, slow, peaceful city erupts into life and every street and street corner is bustling with activity. House, shops and important buildings in the city are decorated and illuminated for the period of the celebrations. Today Dasara in Mysore has become the state festival of Karnataka. As part of the celebrations renowned musicians of Karnataka and from outside perform in front of the illuminated Palace. The Palace is open to the public and the royal throne is displayed. The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, doll shows. Wrestling and sports competitions are held.
A two-month long Dasara Exhibition is held at the Doddakere Maidan, in which several business and industrial houses take part. Apart from this a Food and Film festival is also organized. During the festivities special religious ceremonies are held at different temples in Mysore especially the Chamundeshwari Temple on top of the Chamundi Hills. The high point of the Dasra celebrations is the Vijayadashami procession held on the tenth day. The finale of the celebrations is the state organized procession consisting of floats, the police and their bands, mounted guards in royal livery and folk artists and musicians.
Some traditional items of the royal family form part of the procession. The main attraction of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari kept in the golden howdah on top of a decorated elephant. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa grounds, traveling a distance of about 2.5 miles. The procession is followed by a torch light procession in the evening and a stunning display of fireworks.
During the 10 day festivities the normally clam, slow, peaceful city erupts into life and every street and street corner is bustling with activity. House, shops and important buildings in the city are decorated and illuminated for the period of the celebrations. Today Dasara in Mysore has become the state festival of Karnataka. As part of the celebrations renowned musicians of Karnataka and from outside perform in front of the illuminated Palace. The Palace is open to the public and the royal throne is displayed. The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, doll shows. Wrestling and sports competitions are held.
A two-month long Dasara Exhibition is held at the Doddakere Maidan, in which several business and industrial houses take part. Apart from this a Food and Film festival is also organized. During the festivities special religious ceremonies are held at different temples in Mysore especially the Chamundeshwari Temple on top of the Chamundi Hills. The high point of the Dasra celebrations is the Vijayadashami procession held on the tenth day. The finale of the celebrations is the state organized procession consisting of floats, the police and their bands, mounted guards in royal livery and folk artists and musicians.
Some traditional items of the royal family form part of the procession. The main attraction of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari kept in the golden howdah on top of a decorated elephant. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa grounds, traveling a distance of about 2.5 miles. The procession is followed by a torch light procession in the evening and a stunning display of fireworks.
Shop Mysore Silk Saree
Mysore was the capital of the erstwhile Mysore State. During the reign of the Wodeyars, a person visiting the Durbar of the King had to wear the traditional Durbar dress, which consisted of white trousers, black long-coat and a turban. The only thing that has survived and continues to be identified with Mysore is the turban. During the reign of the Wodeyars wearing the turban with or without the golden lace around was more or less necessary. The turban was a status symbol. A person's social status and position in the hierarchy of status was judged depending on the type of turban he wore.
Today though the traditional clothing like saree and dhothi is still used western clothing has become common. Especially among the younger generation western clothes have become more popular as they are more convenient and easy to maintain. Traditional attire is used only of special occasions like festivals, weddings etc. Young men prefer wearing western trousers to the traditional dhoti though they may use it within the confines of their homes. Young girls too prefer to wear the salwar-khameez instead of the traditional langa (long skirt) and dhavani (half saree). However the older generation continues to wear traditional clothing namely the saree and dhoti. Mysore is famous for its silks. Silk sarees continue to be a favourite among women of all generations. The cost of a Mysore silk saree can vary from a few hundreds to a few thousands.
Jewellery
Both men and women use ornaments, though women wear more gold jewellery. Married men usually wear a gold ring or a simple gold chain around their neck. Most women wear a nose-ring (moogu-bottu), earrings, bangles and rings. Nearly all the married Hindu women wear the Mangala Sutra, which consists of a Tali made of gold strung on a karimani sara (a chain of black beads).
Today though the traditional clothing like saree and dhothi is still used western clothing has become common. Especially among the younger generation western clothes have become more popular as they are more convenient and easy to maintain. Traditional attire is used only of special occasions like festivals, weddings etc. Young men prefer wearing western trousers to the traditional dhoti though they may use it within the confines of their homes. Young girls too prefer to wear the salwar-khameez instead of the traditional langa (long skirt) and dhavani (half saree). However the older generation continues to wear traditional clothing namely the saree and dhoti. Mysore is famous for its silks. Silk sarees continue to be a favourite among women of all generations. The cost of a Mysore silk saree can vary from a few hundreds to a few thousands.
Jewellery
Both men and women use ornaments, though women wear more gold jewellery. Married men usually wear a gold ring or a simple gold chain around their neck. Most women wear a nose-ring (moogu-bottu), earrings, bangles and rings. Nearly all the married Hindu women wear the Mangala Sutra, which consists of a Tali made of gold strung on a karimani sara (a chain of black beads).
Amusements
There are other tourist attractions in Mysore that are not as famous as the Palaces and temples of Mysore. But these attractions are worth visiting.
Balmuri and Edmuri Waterfalls :
When you travel from Mysore to the KRS dam, 3kms off the main road are the two small beautiful waterfalls. They are Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls. The place where the waterfalls are located is surrounded by lush greenery and is a hot spot among the locals as well. A visit to this place is calming and relaxing. There is an ancient Ganesh temple close by that you can visit. You will have to hire a taxi or an auto to get to these waterfalls.
Blue Lagoons : About 2kms from the KRS dam there is a small enchanting island created by the backwaters of KRD dam. You can reach the place by wading through the shallow waters around the island. It is an excellent picnic spot and you can unwind on this pleasant island. You can take an auto from KRS dam to reach this island. Mysore has developed into a modern city and has all attractions of a modern developed city. There are amusement parks in Mysore that you can visit with you family and enjoy an exciting evening.
Amusement Parks
GRS Fantasy Park :
GRS Fantasy Park is an amusement cum Water Park that can rival any other amusement park in any of the modern cities of India. GRS Fantasy Park is spread over 30 acres. The park caters to the needs of all ages. There is entertainment for the young and the old. The young can take the exciting and adrenaline pumping rides available in the park while the older people can relax in the country club and there are a number of indoor games they can take part in as well. The park provides wholesome entertainment for the family and is a thrilling experience for the young in a safe environment. The park boasts of a unique ride- this ride involves a huge slide that has a height of 35 feet and a width of 135 feet. A person who takes this ride will experience both forward and backward motion from a height of 35 feet in succession and this is what makes the ride thrilling. The park is open to the public from 10.30am to 6.00pm every day.
Planet X :
Planet X is another modern entertainment center in the city. Planet X is about 5kms from the Mysore Zoo. It is the ideal place to spend with friends on a weekend or to have a birthday party. The center has Go-carting facility, a bowling alley, a mini golf course, video games, a bar cum cocktail lounge and a family restaurant where you can have a private party.
Shopping
If you are a resident of Karnataka, then you will know that there are some things that are synonymous with the city of Mysore. Mysore Silks, Mysore Jasmine (Mysore Mallige), Mysore Sandalwood (Mysore Srigandha) and Mysore Eggplant (Mysore Badane) are the things that the city is famous for. For centuries now the city of Mysore has been famous for these things and this tradition continues to this day. The craftsmen of Mysore are equally famous. The city has some of the most beautiful and intricately carved temples in Karnataka. This tradition exists to this day, though the craftsmen use sandalwood and rosewood to carve on and make exquisite artifacts.
Mysore is known all over the world for its silks. The women in India and especially in South India have used silk sarees for a very long time. Silk sarees are worn especially on religious and auspicious occasions. The cost of a silk saree depends on the amount of 'zari' or gold it contains. Most sarees have gold lace on both edges of the saree and on it's pallu-the part of the saree that is wrapped over the shoulder. There are private weavers in Mysore and there is the Government Silk Weaving Factory that produces beautiful silk sarees, silk fabric and ties. This factory has its showroom on Manandavadi Road and also in the shopping area around KR Circle in Mysore. There are numerous Private showrooms that sell Mysore silks. Mysore crepe silk sarees are the most sought after ones.
Mysore is famous for its handicrafts as well. Most of the work is wood based. The artifacts are made out of sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood. In the olden days Mysore was known for its ivory handicrafts and inlay work. With the ban on ivory this craft has disappeared. Mysore is best known for its sandalwood artifacts and sandalwood products. Craftsmen produce figures of Gods, Goddesses, jewel boxes, small gift items etc. Sandalwood powder and sandalwood oil is also available. Inlay work on rosewood is also popular. Things like teapoys, coffee tables and other items of furniture are made. The best place to buy these things is the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium of the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation.
Besides these items Mysore is also famous for Agarbathies or incense sticks. A large variety of incense sticks are manufactured by small and large manufactures. It is manufactured here using locally available perfumes like sandalwood and jasmine and the exported for Mysore and Bangalore to the rest of the world. Mysore is famous for its stone carvings and paintings as well. Oil based and water based paintings are famous. A branch of the traditional Mysore painting known as Ganjifa paintings that flourished under the patronage of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III has been revived. These paintings are of Hindu gods and goddesses. The best place to get all these items is the Government Handicrafts emporium in Mysore.
Mysore is known all over the world for its silks. The women in India and especially in South India have used silk sarees for a very long time. Silk sarees are worn especially on religious and auspicious occasions. The cost of a silk saree depends on the amount of 'zari' or gold it contains. Most sarees have gold lace on both edges of the saree and on it's pallu-the part of the saree that is wrapped over the shoulder. There are private weavers in Mysore and there is the Government Silk Weaving Factory that produces beautiful silk sarees, silk fabric and ties. This factory has its showroom on Manandavadi Road and also in the shopping area around KR Circle in Mysore. There are numerous Private showrooms that sell Mysore silks. Mysore crepe silk sarees are the most sought after ones.
Mysore is famous for its handicrafts as well. Most of the work is wood based. The artifacts are made out of sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood. In the olden days Mysore was known for its ivory handicrafts and inlay work. With the ban on ivory this craft has disappeared. Mysore is best known for its sandalwood artifacts and sandalwood products. Craftsmen produce figures of Gods, Goddesses, jewel boxes, small gift items etc. Sandalwood powder and sandalwood oil is also available. Inlay work on rosewood is also popular. Things like teapoys, coffee tables and other items of furniture are made. The best place to buy these things is the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium of the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation.
Besides these items Mysore is also famous for Agarbathies or incense sticks. A large variety of incense sticks are manufactured by small and large manufactures. It is manufactured here using locally available perfumes like sandalwood and jasmine and the exported for Mysore and Bangalore to the rest of the world. Mysore is famous for its stone carvings and paintings as well. Oil based and water based paintings are famous. A branch of the traditional Mysore painting known as Ganjifa paintings that flourished under the patronage of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III has been revived. These paintings are of Hindu gods and goddesses. The best place to get all these items is the Government Handicrafts emporium in Mysore.
What To Eat
Mysore is in South India and like all the other states in this part of the country, most of the food is rice based. There is more to Mysore cuisine that the famous dosa and idli that is well known all over the world as the food of the South. Though idli and dosa form an important part of the cuisine of Mysore but the different types of dosas and idlis and chutneys to accompany them will take one by surprise. Traditional Mysore breakfast is simple, wholesome and delicious. Most of them are rice based and are normally served with chutney.
Though the all time favourite is dosa with potato filling eaten with sambar and coconut chutney and onion chutney. There are other types of dosas like set-dosa, rava or semolina dosa. Another type of idli that is commonly eaten is 'thatte idlis' (flat idlis). The other popular breakfast is 'uppittu' (roasted semolina laced with chillies, coriander leaves, mustard and cumin seeds). The other dishes that are common eaten as breakfast are puri palya, uthapam, vada sambar and kesari bath (a sweet made of semolina and sugar laced with saffron).
A traditional lunch of Mysore is a splendid spread that includes a number of essential dishes. These includes a cereal salads like kosambri, palyas (vegetable salads made of parboiled vegetable chopped finely and tossed with grated fresh coconut, green chillies, curry leaves and mustard seasoning), gojju(a vegetable cooked in tamarind juice with chilli powder), tovve (cooked dal without much seasoning), huli or saaru (a thick broth of lentils and vegetables cooked together with ground coconut, spices, tamarind and chilli powder) and pappad.
There is a range of rice-based dishes as well that include chitranna (rice with lime juice, green chilli turmeric powder sprinkled with fried groundnuts and coriander leaves), vangibath (spiced rice with egg plant) and pulliyoigrae (rice falvoured with tamarind juice and garnished with groundnuts) are part of the traditional food of Mysore. The most distinctive Mysore dish is the famous bisibelebath a sumptuous combination of rice, lentils, tamarind, dried coconut, chilli powder and spices. In rural Mysore like in the other parts of Karnataka ragi muddae (steam-cooked finger millet powder rolled into large balls) eaten with soppina huli or saaru(thick broth made with edible green leaves and lentils) or mutton curry.
Desserts: To complete your delicious meal, indulge in some of the unique sweets of Mysore like chiroti (a light flaky pastry made of flour, sprinkled with powdered sugar and soaked in almond milk), Mysore Pak (gram flour fudge), obbattu or holige (a flat, wafer-thin chappati filled with a mixture of jaggery, dried coconut and fried gently on a skillet) and shavige payasa (made of milk, vermicelli, sugar, dried fruits and cardamom pods).
Though the all time favourite is dosa with potato filling eaten with sambar and coconut chutney and onion chutney. There are other types of dosas like set-dosa, rava or semolina dosa. Another type of idli that is commonly eaten is 'thatte idlis' (flat idlis). The other popular breakfast is 'uppittu' (roasted semolina laced with chillies, coriander leaves, mustard and cumin seeds). The other dishes that are common eaten as breakfast are puri palya, uthapam, vada sambar and kesari bath (a sweet made of semolina and sugar laced with saffron).
A traditional lunch of Mysore is a splendid spread that includes a number of essential dishes. These includes a cereal salads like kosambri, palyas (vegetable salads made of parboiled vegetable chopped finely and tossed with grated fresh coconut, green chillies, curry leaves and mustard seasoning), gojju(a vegetable cooked in tamarind juice with chilli powder), tovve (cooked dal without much seasoning), huli or saaru (a thick broth of lentils and vegetables cooked together with ground coconut, spices, tamarind and chilli powder) and pappad.
There is a range of rice-based dishes as well that include chitranna (rice with lime juice, green chilli turmeric powder sprinkled with fried groundnuts and coriander leaves), vangibath (spiced rice with egg plant) and pulliyoigrae (rice falvoured with tamarind juice and garnished with groundnuts) are part of the traditional food of Mysore. The most distinctive Mysore dish is the famous bisibelebath a sumptuous combination of rice, lentils, tamarind, dried coconut, chilli powder and spices. In rural Mysore like in the other parts of Karnataka ragi muddae (steam-cooked finger millet powder rolled into large balls) eaten with soppina huli or saaru(thick broth made with edible green leaves and lentils) or mutton curry.
Desserts: To complete your delicious meal, indulge in some of the unique sweets of Mysore like chiroti (a light flaky pastry made of flour, sprinkled with powdered sugar and soaked in almond milk), Mysore Pak (gram flour fudge), obbattu or holige (a flat, wafer-thin chappati filled with a mixture of jaggery, dried coconut and fried gently on a skillet) and shavige payasa (made of milk, vermicelli, sugar, dried fruits and cardamom pods).
Bombay Tiffanys
For traditional Indian sweets, Bombay Tiffanys has a solid reputation. Those with a sweet tooth could try the local delicacy Mysore pak (a sweet made from chickpea flour, sugar and ghee).
Indra Café's Paras
Take your pick from South or North Indian-style thalis at this popular joint opposite the main market. It’s perpetually crowded.
Hotel RRR
Classic Andhra-style food is belted out at this ever-busy eatery, and you might have to queue for a table if you walk in during lunch. One item to try is the piping-hot veg thali served on banana leaves. Some meaty options are available, too. There’s a second branch on Sri Harsha Rd.
Hotel Mylari
Hotel Mylari, Ittigegud, Nazarbad Main Road and Kuvempunagar (from ksrtc busstand towards nazarbad police station). Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee famous for dosa .
Gayatri Tiffin Room
Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram. Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee. Mangalore Bajji is amazing and wonderful.
Shilpashree Roof Top Restaurant
Shilpashri Rooftop Restaurant, Ghandi Square. Popular foreigner hangout, nice outdoor rooftop environment and cold beers. Try the Gobi Manchurian and the Chicken Noodles
- Veg Kourt, Sri Harsha Road.
- Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Road.
- Nakshathra (Hotel Roopa), B.N. Road, Mysore.
- Hotel Siddhartha, Guest House Road, Nazarbad.
- Bombay Indra Bhavan, Sayyaji Rao Road.
- Bombay Tiffany's, Sayajji Rao Road & Devaraja Urs Road.
- Raghavendra Bhavan, Near Prabha Talkies
Non Veg Restaurants
- Hotel RRRnear the Woodland theatr is a lovely place for biriyani
- Hotel RRR - Gandhi Square, Mysore
- Hotel Vybhav - New Sayajji Rao Road, Mysore
- Mughal-E-Durbar - New Sayyaji Rao Road, Bamboo bazaar, Mysore
- Biryani Paradise - Near Mysore Medical College, Rifah Complex, New Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore
- Hanumanthu Mess - Mandi Mohalla, Mysore. A small joint specializing in a Macro-style cooked Mutton Pulav and Mutton Chaps,available for early breakfast and lunch. Natti (Chicken) Pulav on Sunday morning only. Strictly Non-Vegetarian place.
- Shree Devi Restaurant - Rajkamal Talkies Road, Mysore
Drink
Mysore is part of Karnataka state where the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor, there are Around 10 pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include:
- Pelican Pub, Hunsur Road, near St.Joseph's state school.
- Road Pub,Hotel Sandesh The Prince, Nazarbad
- Bopy's Pub, Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church.
- Lobo's, Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
- Opium Pub, Pai Vista, Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Keg Pub, Just Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Purple Haze, in Vijayanagar.
- Tunes N Tonic,Lounge Bar,Chandragupta Road
- Embassy Restaurant & Bar
- Jewel Rock Restaurant -- Sri Harsha Road
- Roof TOP Restaurant-- Sri Harsha Road
How To Reach
Road
Mysore is connected by National Highway NH-212 to the state border town of Gundlupet, where the road forks into the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.State Highway 17, which connects Mysore to Bangalore, was upgraded to a four-lane highway in 2006, reducing travel time between the two cities A project was planned in 1994 to construct a new expressway to connect Bangalore and Mysore. After numerous legal hurdles, it remains unfinished as of 2012. State Highways 33 and 88 which connect Mysore to H D Kote and Madikeri respectively. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other private agencies operate buses both within the city and between cities. A new division of KSRTC called Mysore City Transport Corporation (MCTC) has been proposed. Within the city, buses are cheap and popular means of transport, auto-rickshaws are available, and tongas (horse-drawn carriages) are popular. Mysore also has a 42.5-kilometre (26.4 mi) long ring road that is being upgraded to six lanes by the MUDA.
Rail
Mysore railway station has three lines, connecting it to Bangalore, Hassan and Chamarajanagar. The first railway line established in the city was the Bangalore–Mysore Junction metre gauge line, which was commissioned in 1882. All railway lines that serve the city are single track, impeding faster connections to the city. Though there are plans to double the Bangalore–Mysore track at least, as of 2012 the project is unfinished. All trains that connect to Mysore are operated by Indian Railways. The fastest train to serve the city is the Shatabdi Express.
Air
Mysore Airport has scheduled commercial air services. SpiceJet began operating flights from Mysore to Chennai via Bangalore from 14 January 2013. The airport, which was unused for many years, was put back into use in October 2010, when Kingfisher Airlines started a daily service to Bangalore. However, this flight was cancelled in November 2011 because of low profitability.Spice Jet now flies alternative day flights from Bangalore to Mysore.
Where To Stay
Mysore is a favorite south Indian tourist destination, not only for yoga but also for its attractions such as the 10 day Dussehra festival and Mysore Palace. There's a wide range of accommodations that are reasonably priced.There are quite a number of large hotels that are off from the city center. Here are some of the best Mysore hotels for all budgets.
Scam Alert! - If you arrive by bus or train, you will most likely be approached by a number of young boys who tend to speak fantastic English who will try to lead you to their relative's hotel. The hotel is most often of poor quality. These children are very chatty and good salesmen and you may like them, but they should be in school instead.
Green Hotel :
This is an upscale but traditional hotel located some 6 kilometers from the city center. This is sought after by those relish the taste for heritage stays.
Lalitha Mahal palace :
This is most coveted accommodation in Mysore. The hotel is in fact an erstwhile palace make by the Myosre royals. This five star hotel is located near the Chamundi Hills
a few kilometers southeast of the city center.
a few kilometers southeast of the city center.
Golden Landmark Resort
This landscaped resort is located on the way to the KRS ( Brindavan Gardens). The place is known for its peaceful surroundings and cuisine. This is a great break point for lunch if you are heading via the ring road.
The Windflower Spa and Resorts
An exotic spa located in the foothills of Chamundi.
Dasaprakash Paradise Hotel :
This large hotel is located in the residential neighborhoods of Mysore city.
Royal Orchid Brindavan
Thanks to its location , this is one of its kind of hotel in Mysore. Located at a vantage point with unobstructed view of the Brindavan garden and the KRS Dam. This is about 15 km out of city.
Hotel Metropole:
This is a heritage property. Originally this mansion like hotel was built by the Mysore royals to accommodate foreign guests to the palace. This is one of the closest hotels to the Mysore railway station. It is at the junction where the Vinobha Road meets JLB Road. With its old-world charm, the restaurant is popular for buffets.
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Ramesh Raje. Urs
Its really nice blog, Thanks for sharing this blog..
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Nice post about Mysore tourist places. The Mysore city attracts visitors from all around the world and this post will help to plan Mysore tours effectively.
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Mysore is always comfortable for accommodation facilities. I would suggest visiting Mysore once in lifetime to explore the beautiful culture of the town and to explore the beautiful palaces along with the natural beauty. Tourist across the seas comes here to visit the amazing location and prefer Deluxe Rooms In Mysore.
ReplyDeleteNice bog post. Mysore is an upcoming IT and industry hub in the midst of grand architecture. And when it comes to tourist attractions, there are numerous places to visit in Mysore such as Bandipur National Park, Chamundi Hill, Karanji Lake etc.
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