Mysore City Travel
Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples the
exotic fragrance of Mysore Jasmine the melodious strains of the Veena the
rich aroma of filter coffee traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood
and ivory the rustle of rich silks delicious Nanjangud bananas Hot 'N' Spicy
Bisi-bele-hulianna mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat It is
a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts
Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer some exciting
bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself.
Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur
and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to
this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,
board shady avenues and sacred temples.
There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one
untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back
to the mythical past, when Godess
Chamundeshwari of
Chamundi Hills
killed the wicked buffalo-headed Demon, Mahishasura.
Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore
also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century
B.C. during the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled
centre of oriental splendour.
Pomp and Pageantry Relived Come to Mysore in October when the tranquil city
awakens to ten days of Dasara festivities. Brilliantly lit up Palaces, decorated
arches, festooned streets, colourful costumes and cultural showsclassical music,
folk dances, Bharata Natyam, Yakshagana, Huthari, Torch Light Parade, Theppotsava
The culmination is the legendary Mysore Dasara Procession with caparisoned elephants,
the golden howdah, decorated horses, stately coaches, troops in ceremonial uniforms,
folk dancers and colourful floats.
Places to See
Mysore Palace :
Whre the Mharajas lived… You can't miss the Palace at Mysore, for all roads
lead to the Maharaja's Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets,
arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings
and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to
luxuriously furnished rooms.
The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. See
the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the
symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated
on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
Chamundi Hills :
Presiding deity; of Mysore. A well known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi
Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out
by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up long the stone steps
is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the
12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The
summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. MAHISHASURA…
From whom Mysore got its name Close to the temple is the gigantic stature of
the demon Mahishasura.
St. Philomena's Church :
Gothic art A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style.
Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure.
Mysore Zoo :
Home of rare species of fauna The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage
in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which
are housed in lush, green surroundings. The zoo is famous for breeding some
very rare animals in captivity.
Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery :
A treasure house of masterpieces The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an
art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The
artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional
Mysore
'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are
oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich.
Mysore is known the world over for its
exotic silks. At the Government
Sandalwood Oil Factory, you can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense
sticks. At the Government Silk Factory you can see the master weavers at work.
Buy shimmering silks straight off the looms.
Srirangapatna :
The Tiger's Lair Take yourself back to another spot, another, time. 16 kms away
from Mysore is the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore
who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stone walls
and moats enclose palaces, temples and a great mosque. Tipu's summer Palace,
with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, Royal
Mosque, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other
monuments from its chequered past.
Ranganathittu :
A haven for winged visitors 5 kms from Srirangapatna, lush green islands on
the river Cauvery, are home for an astonishing variety of migratory birds from
as far away as Siberia - Spoon bills, Open Bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret
Darter, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Wild Duck, Peafowl. A little boat
takes you close to the islands where the trees are covered with birds of different
species. The only sounds are the cries of birds, swoosh of wing and the ripple
of water. Ideal for picnicking and bird watching.
Season: Between June and October.
