Mysore

Mysore is a pleasant city with an old world charm; contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate. It is considered to be the city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues, temples and many more. Mysore was earlier the political and the cultural capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Mysore district is a popular tourist destination, which offers a number of tourist attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dussehra Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centers and scenic spots.


Places of attractions

Maharaja’s Palace: It is designed by the English Architect, Henry Irwin. The palace dominates the skyline of Mysore. It is illuminated on Sundays, Public Holidays as well as during the Dussehra Celebrations when 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate it.

Chamundi Hills:  It is located on the outskirts of the city and at the crest of the hill is Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. The gopura was added by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar-III in 1825-1826. Goddess Chamundi was the patron deity of the rulers. Near the temple is the statue of Mahishasura, the demon slayed by the goddess. Half-way up the stone steps high monolith of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount.

The Jaganmohan Palace: It is one of Mysore’s beautiful building, it was built in 1861 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar in a predominantly Hindu style, as an alternative retreat for the royal family.  

St.Philomena’s Church: This is a beautiful gothic structure with twin spires, 175st. in height, is modeled on the gothic Cathedral at Cologne.

The Mysore Zoo: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as the Mysore Zoo established in 1892 under the reign of Chamarajendra Wodeyar.

Brindavan Gardens: This beautiful garden is located below the Krishnarajasagara Dam, built across river Cauvery. There are varieties of musical fountains, illuminated at night by colourful lights is the main attraction here.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: It houses exotic birds, and is a group of small islands in the Kaveri River. It is home to a variety of water-birds, and many that migrate here annually from Siberia and North America, to nest and breed. Best season to visit this place is May-September or October.

Somanathapura Temple-The Keshava Temple, located 42 kms from Mysore, was built in 1268 as part of an agrahara, founded by the Hoysala General Somnatha Dandanayaka. It is famous for its elaborate detail and for the fact that unlike the other Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, it was actually completed.