City Info
Mysore - How to get there:
By Airways:
Mysore has a domestic airport of its own. However the nearest international is in Bangalore, which is 140 Kms from Mysore.
By Railways:
Mysore has a well maintained railway station which connects Mysore to the important cities of India.
By Roadways:
Mysore is situated about 140 Kms from Bangalore, and 470 Kms from Chennai.
History
Mysore is a city of natural beauty, royal aura and a charm which refuses to faint. A wonderful concoction of aromas of sandalwood, incense sticks, Mysore jasmine, masala dosa, and the ghee soaked Mysore pak fills the air here. Mysore is a shopper’s paradise, Mysore silk is a term which very few in this world have not heard. The palaces here are a living example of the grandeur and splendor of Mysore.
MAHARAJA’S PALACE
It was 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. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
JAGANMOHAN PALACE
It is situated on the western part of the renounced Mysore palace, this palace is where the royal wedding of Naalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Shri Kantheerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar took place. Before the main palace was built, all the Dasara celebrations took place in this palace. This palace has been a witness to many a royal occasions. The crowning ceremony of Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth took place here in 1902.
This palace is where the royal family used to stay before the main palace was constructed; later the royals turned this palace into an entertainment center. At present this palace has been turned into an art gallery which houses paintings of the famous painter, Raja Ravi Varma. The large auditorium is used for major cultural events in Mysore.
JAYALAKSHMI VILASA
Build by Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1901 for his elder daughter, this magnificent palace is now the administrative office of University of Mysore (UOM) and folklore museum. This palace is to the western side of "Kukkara Halli Lake" and located approximately 5 KM from Mysore palace.
LALITA MAHAL
The bright and sparkling whiteness of the Lalitha Mahal Palace built in white granite imported from Italy, being reflecting the bright sunlight can be seen from quite a distance. This is second in size among the palaces. This palace has the picturesque Chamundi Hills as a back drop. It is located towards east of Mysore city. This palace is now turned into a five star hotel which gives the tourist a taste of Mysore’s royal past.
RAJENDRAVILAS
This Indo-British styled palace was built during 1822 and 1838 and is atop the Chamundi Hills. This palace was re-constructed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth. The royal family used this palace for their excursions It is said that, Krishnaraja Wodeyar was taught philosophy and English here in this palace.
You can see the entire city of Mysore from this palace, along with this great view of Biligiri hills (B. R. Hills), Nilgiri hill ranges and Brindavan Gardens are also seen from this palace. This palace was a hotel for some time and currently falling apart due to lack of maintenance.
Mysore Zoo
It is famous for breeding some of the rarest species of animals in captivity.
Brindavan Gardens
Brinavan Gardens are famous for its variety of fountains, built below the Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir, which is the brain child of the famous engineer Sir M. Visheshwara. The Gardens are illuminated every day which attracts a lot of tourists, but the fountains especially the musical ones steal the show. Many movies have been shot in this garden.
Nagamalai Caves
Fifteen kms away from the city, the early Jain saints lived.
Pazhamudhircholai
Situated on a small hillock about 2 kms from Alagarkovil, this is one of the six abodes of Subbramanya.
Tiruvadavur
The temple of Vedanadha is set amidst picturesque surroundings, but the village is more famous as the birth place of Kapilar, the Sangam poet, and Manickavasagar, the great Pandyan Prime Minister who became a saint. A shrine dedicated to Manickavasagar is here.
Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hill is 13 Km from Mysore. It is accessible by road and also by climbing a flight of 1000 steps. Half way up the hill, is located the 16 feet statue of Nandi. This statue made entirely of one piece of black rock is the third largest bull statue in Karnataka.
Near the summit you will find the statue of MAHISHASURA, with the sword in one hand and the snake in the other. Further upwards is the temple of Chamundi, the patron goddess of the princely state of Mysore and the rulers- Wodeyars.
St. Philomenas Church
This beautiful Cathedral, made in Gothic art and reminiscent of medieval architectural style is the St. Philomenas Church. The church boasts of stained glass windows and lofty towers.
Mysore is famous for its silk and sandalwood. Mysore – silk is a term which has put Mysore in the world map. Sandalwood carvings, and carvings made out of other woods like rose wood are freely available. Incense sticks, perfumes, wooden toys, metallic statues make good collectables to be taken from Mysore.