Mysore

About Mysore

The City of Palaces and an erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty, Mysore is the second largest City of Karnataka, and also its cultural capital. Mysore is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km from Bangalore. Mysore is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India.

Even though Mysore is rolling out perfectly into a modern city, the city even now moves in a peaceful, unhurried as well as relaxing pace. The city features a decent green cover and possesses a couple of lakes which enhance the beauty as well as quietness of the city. These lakes are preferred picnic spots and therefore are frequented by nature enthusiasts as they attract a variety of migratory birds.

Mysore Attractions

Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace was built over one thousand years ago, in AD 897. Saracenic in style, the palace has both Hindu as well as Muslim influences. After a fire in 1897, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rebuilt the palace as we see it today, under the supervision of architect Henry Irwin. The main building is of massive gray granite with a tower covered by a gilded dome. A temple is situated within the royal courtyard.

St. Philomena's Church

St. Philomena's Church is one of the oldest churches in Mysore. Built in Gothic style, the church is among the largest in India. Stained glass windows and lofty towers give this cathedral an imposing look.

Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery was established in 1875 and has a rare collection of some beautiful paintings from the same era. The gallery is located in Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetsolav Roerich and traditional paintings from Mysore. The traditional gold leaf paintings and some exquisitely carved statues in sandalwood, ivory and stone are also exhibited in the gallery. The old paintings in the gallery have been done in mineral and vegetable dyes and paints.

Mysore Zoo

The Mysore Zoo was set up by the royal family and houses some rare and exotic birds & animals. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the zoo has acquired fame for breeding some rare animals in captivity.

Karanji Kere Lake

Be among the nature, fresh green environment, cool waters and the birds at the Karanji Kere Lake. Numerous species and breeds of birds like the wild fowls, peacocks, ducks, wild hens, pelicans and the Great Indian Hornbill can be seen enjoying the cool waters of the lakes or in the trees.

Chamundeshwari Temple

The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the noted Hindu places of worship and is situated atop the Chamundi Hill. On way to the Chamundi Hills is the Lalitha Mahal, a guest palace now converted into a heritage hotel.

Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Vrindavan Garden

Situated around 19 km north west of Mysore are the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Vrindavan Garden. The garden attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see its dancing musical fountains.

Srirangpattnam

Fourteen km northeast of Mysore is Srirangpattnam, an island fortress and the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat, has now been turned into a museum. Sangam, the confluence of two branches of the Cauvery River, is situated around 3 km off Srirangpattnam. Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary situated around 18 km off Mysore and allows a close view of exotic and common birds.

Somnathpur

Somnathpur is situated around 35 km east of Mysore and is famous for the Hoysala Temples that are still in excellent condition. Eighty-two kilometers away is the Cauvery Fishing Camp, a paradise for anglers where the mahaseer is found in abundance.

Talakad

Another noteworthy place by the banks of the River Cauvery is the worship zone of Talakad. Every 12 years the temples buried under the sand dunes of Cauvery are excavated for worship. Come here for this unique experience. This is not just an event; it’s an experience of a life time.

Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park is 80 km off Mysore on the way to Ooty and a famous tiger reserve. Spread over an area of 875 km, the park has a variety of animals such as the tiger, barking deer, tusker, and bison.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Dussehra in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor.

The tradition of celebrating Dussehra with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now.

During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dussehra festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this culminates in the Dussehra procession and a torchlight parade on the tenth day.

How to Reach

Air : The nearest Airport is the Bangalore airport. All domestic airlines are operating flights to and from Bangalore (130km from Mysore) to all major cities of the country. From Bangalore, there are buses to Mysore every half an hour from the Central Bus Stand and it will take about 3 hours to reach Mysore.

Rail : The main station is the Mysore Junction which is located around 2 km from the city center. There are daily trains from/ to Bangalore, Madras, Thanjaur and other cities. Trains 6210 Express, 6222 Kaveri Express and the Shatabdi Express run between Mysore and Bangalore regularly.

Road : State Highways connect Mysore to the national Highways and to all parts of the country. Central bus stand and City bus stand are the two major bus stands of Mysore. All KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses arrive and depart from the Central bus stand while the local buses ply from the City bus stand. There are direct bus services from Mysore to all major cities in the state.