Mysore Attractions

Located 159 kms southwest of Bengaluru, Mysore is the historic seat of the Wodeyar Maharajahs and one of the south India's most famous attraction. It is the second biggest city in the state of Karnataka. Mysore is certainly a charming, old fashioned town, dominated by the spectacular palaces , parks and temples. It is most famous for its traditional paintings, rich silks, stimulating filter coffee, delicious Nanjangud bananas, sandal wood and incense production. The city of Mysore is now promoting itself as an international center for Ashtanga Yoga. History of Mysore :

Mysore was erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar – the rulers of the Mysore state. In the 10th century, Mysore was known as 'Mahishur'- the city where Goddess Durga killed demon buffalo Mahishur. In the year 1761, Muslim ruler Hyder Ali and his on Tipu Sultan, took over the charge of the city. After the two years, the new rulers demolished the labyrinthine old city to replace it with the elegant grid of sweeping, leafy streets and public gardens that survive today. After the defeat of the Tipu Sultan in 1799 by British Coronel, Arthur Wellesley, Wodeyar power was restored. Today Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka.

Sightseeing in Mysore :

Maharaja's Palace :

Mysore is dominated by the walled Indo-Saracenic palace, which was once the seat of maharajah's of Mysore. It was constructed in the year 1912 for the 24th Wodeyar raja, on the site of the old wooden palace that was somehow destroyed in the fire in 1897. The palace was exclusively designed by the famous architect Henry Irwin. It was built at the cost of Rs 4.5 million. Entry to the palace is though the Gombe Thotti. The carved wooden floors, mosaic floors, and the historical paintings are worth checking. The palace also boost of the Hindu temples including Shweta Varahasswamy Temple. Tourists are requested to keep the camera and the cell phones at the deposition center at the entrance gate.


Chamundi Hill :

Chamundi hill, located at the height of 1062 m, is dominated by the Sri Chamundeswari Temple. On is supposed to climb 1000 steps that takes around 45 minutes to reach the top. It is same site where Ma Durga slew demon buffalo Mahishur. One third of the way down is a 5 m high Nandi that was carved out of the solid rock in 1659. Please carry the water bottle along with you.



Jagachamarajendra Art Gallery :

West of the Maharaja's Palace is the Jagachamarajendra Art Gallery, which was once the royal residence until was turned into a picture gallery and a museum in 1915. The gallery has a huge collection of kitsch objects and memorabilia from the Wodeyar's including wonderful musical machines, rare instruments, Japanese art and paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. It remains open from 8:30 am to 5pm and the entry fees is just Rs 8.


Aparana Chauhan