Mysore Travel
Category:- All India Travel Tourism > City Guide > Karnataka > Mysore
770 m above sea level and 140 km from Bangalore, the
city of Mysore was once the capital of the Wodeyars. It exudes a quaint
old world charm, that leaves the visitor spell - bound. A city steeped
in history, Mysore was once the stronghold of the Hoysalas, the Wodeyars
and later on, of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Mysore is derived from Mahisasura,
the demon king, who once lived here and was vanquished by Goddess Chamundi.
What to See | Around Mysore | How to Get There | Hotels to Stay
What to See
Mysore Palace
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, it is one of the largest and most brilliant
palaces in India. Built in 1912, this Indo-Saracenic building has, among other
things, a carved silver door, domes, turrets, arches, colonnades, a gallery
of exquisite paintings, and beautiful Hoysala style carvings on the wall. The
golden Royal Elephant Throne and the Durbar Hall are the other attractions of
this awesome structure.
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a beautiful collection of
Mughal and Rajput art, paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and Svetoslav Roerich, sculptures,
brassware and the traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' style of paintings.
St. Philomena's Church
One of the largest churches in the country, this is built in the Gothic
style, and has beautiful stained glass windows.
Chamundi Hills
Towering over the city, these hills are named after the royal family's
deity. Half-way up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top,
is the 2000 year old Chamundeswari Temple.
Brindavan Gardens
19 km north-west of Mysore is the K.R.S. Dam and the ornamental, terraced
Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights transform
this place into a fairyland in the evenings.
Mysore Zoo
Laid out in beautiful gardens, the zoo boasts of some rare animals bred
in captivity, and exotic species of plants.
The Oriental Research Institute
Over 60,000 palm-leaf manuscripts in Sanskrit, Kannada and other major
South Indian languages are housed in this Institute.
Folk Art Museum
This Museum is an amazing storehouse of quaint handicrafts, dolls and
vibrant costumes.
Around Mysore
Srirangapatnam
14 kms nort-east of Mysore, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, is Srirangapatnam,
the island fortress, that was once the capital of the warrior kings Hyder Ali
and his son Tipu Sultan, popularly known as the Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan's
summer palace, adorned with ornate and beautiful frescoes, Daria Daulat, was
built in 1784, and now serves as a museum. Tipu's Fort holds within it a mosque,
and the Ranganathaswamy temple.
Ranganathittu
18 km from Mysore is Ranganathittu, a bird sanctuary, that allows a terrific
view of the avianfauna population, both exotic and familiar, and of crocodiles.
Birds from as far away as Siberia, have made Ranganathittu their home.
Melkote
50 km north of Mysore is Melkote, a sacred pilgrim centre, known for its Vairamudi
festival in March - April. More than one lakh devotees congregate, here, on
the occasion.
Somnathpur
35 km east of Mysore lies Somnathpur with its star-shaped, 13th century Hoysala
temple, which is still in excellent condition. The exterior walls of the temple
are frescoed with episodes from the epics.
Talakad
45 km east of Mysore, is Talakad, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery,
and completely buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples open only for ceremonial
worship, on special occasions - once in twelve years.
Shivasamudram
85 km east of Mysore is Shivasamudram, where the river Cauvery cascades down,
in two picturesque waterfalls. Falling down 75 m into a deep rocky gorge, these
falls are at their best during the monsoons.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 km from Mysore is the Cauvery Fishing Camp, at Bhimeshwari. It is a paradise
for anglers, with mahseer, found in abundance. This camp is also accessible
from Bangalore (100 km).
Nagarhole National
Park
96 km south is the Nagarhole National Park, with the Kabini River Lodge to the
south - east. Accomodation is comfortable and the jungle inhabitants are well
worth a visit.
Biligirirangana Betta
Located 114 km south-east of Mysore, this is a pleasant hill station.
There is also a wildlife camp here, run by the forest department.
How to Get There
By Air:
Bangalore (140 km) is the nearest airport.
By Rail:
A number of trains operate daily between Bangalore and Mysore, and it
takes slightly more than two hours from Bangalore to Mysore.
By Road:
Mysore is well connected by road with Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore, Coimbatore,
Ooty, Cannanore, Calicut and Goa.
Hotels to Stay
Hotel Lalith Mahal Palace (Tel : 27650, 27771)
Ramanashree Comforts (Tel : 30503)
Hotel Mayura Hoysala (Tel : 25349)
Dasaprakash Paradise (Tel : 25555)
King's Court (Tel : 25250)
Hotel Metropole (Tel : 520681)
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