Mysore Tourism
State : Karnataka
Area : 38 sq kms
Temperature : 38 °C - 26°C (Summers)18°C
- 10°C (Winters)
Rainfall : 86 cms per year
Altitude : 770 mts
Language : Kannada , English, Urdu, Kodava, Tulu, Konkani,
Sankethi
Best Season : October/November
The city's star attraction is the magnificent Mysore Palace - a kaleidoscope
of colors, stained glass and gilt, mosaic floors, marble and heavy wooden
doors. Built in 1907, it replaced the previous palace. The figures of
6-8 leopards growl in life-like resemblance at any who might defy the
maharajas. Keep a look out for the Royal State emblem - the double-headed
Eagle on the Elephant Gate. And most importantly, don't miss an evening
sighting of the Palace if you are in Mysore on a Sunday…the whole
edifice is beautifully illuminated by tiny bulbs for an hour.
The lush Brindavan gardens are scrupulously planned,
filled with dancing fountains and hordes of people. Towards the south
end of the city, the road leads to the Chamundi Hill which houses a temple
for the goddess Chamundi, the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore,
who's solid gold figure can be seen in the inner sanctum. You can either
walk up the thousand steps or take a vehicle.
On the way up, you will find a 5 mts tall monolithic
Nandi (the bull that is Shiva’s vehicle and also a symbol of fertility);
one of the largest in India. The views along the way are spectacular,
though only on a clear day.
Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors.
It is known the worldover for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Its
grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting
impression on the visitor.
What to See :
Mysore Palace - The Mysore Palace was built over one
thousand years ago, in 897 AD. 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 issituated within the
royal courtyard.
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.
Chamundi Hill - The temple on the hill,
which is 2000 years old, is dedicated to Durga Devi or goddess Chamundi
(avatar of Parvathi, Shiva's consort) for celebrating her victory over
the demon Mahishasura. From the top of hill you can have a panoramic view
of Mysore. There is a giant statue of Mahishasura, the demon who was killed
by the goddess Chamundi (Durga Devi) near the temple. Halfway up the hill
an ornamented monolithic statue of the Nandi Bull can be found.
Government Silk Weaving Factory - The Maharaja of Mysore created this
factory in 1932 to obtain the finest hand-loomed silks for himself and
his royal family. Today the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs
it. Here you can see craftsmen at work and
also buy silk, fresh from the
looms.
Brindavan Garden - This garden is situated
19 km northwest of Mysore. The garden is open daily, but the fountain
show is held only in spring. The main attraction is the 'dancing musical
fountains'. The garden is fully illuminated during the night.
The 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 is famous for breeding
some rare animals in captivity.
