Mysore

Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. The city is situated at the base of Chamundi Hills and is famous for the Dussehra celebrations during which a large number of tourists visit the city.

Hindu mythology says that Mysore was ruled by Mahishasura a demon who was later on killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. Till the 15th century, the area where Mysore stands today, was known as Puragere. The fort was constructed in the year 1524 by Chamaraja Wodeyar III.

Mysore city is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Dussehra is the most important festival of the city and this festival is celebrated for a period of 10 days. Started by King Raja Wodeyar I in the year 1610, the ninth day of the celebration is known as Mahanavami and the imperial sword is worshiped on this day. Processions constituting ornamented elephants, camels and horses are taken out.

The style of painting prevalent is an outgrowth of the Vijayanagar school of painting. The typical characteristic of these paintings is the plaster of Paris work in which gold hydrofoils are pasted and is a must visit for those planning to book Mysore holiday packages.

Mysore is also known as City of Palaces. There are a large number of palaces around the city to be visited. The most famous attraction of Mysore is the Mysore Palace, which is best visited during the evening, when the whole palace is lit up with sparkling lights. The famous Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is now being converted into a museum and is dedicated to folk culture.

Fast Facts

Weather

Summer 22 to 40 C
Winter 10 to 32 C

Best Season

Sept - March

Getting to Mysore

AIR

Mysore has a small domestic airport which is connected only to Bangalore. Bangalore is also the nearest international airport which is at a distance of 140 km away from Mysore. There are regular flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in India. Bangalore is connected to many international cities as well. Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Mysore which costs about Rs 4,000 for a round trip.

RAIL

Mysore railway station is connected to Bangalore, which is 140 km away. Bangalore is well connected to all the other cities in India. Direct trains are also available from Mumbai Ajmer Ex, Delhi Swarna Jayanti Ex, Kolkata Howrah-Mysore Ex and many other cities from all parts of the country.

ROAD

There is an excellent bus service provided by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. Vanities of tourist buses are available from Bangalore to Mysore and fare is about Rs 4 to 5 per km.
Distances are
Srirangapatna - 19 km
Chamarajanagar - 61 km
Shivanasamundram - 67 km
Kabini - 73 km
Chennai - 480 Km

Attractions

It is but obvious that the palaces of Mysore appeal to one and all;especially the world-renowned Mysore Palace, Jagmohana Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Jayalakshmi Vilas and LalithaMahal. Most of these have been converted to museums dedicated to arts and artifacts for the pleasure of tourists.

Some other notable tourist attractions are Chamundeshwari temple, DattaPeetham, Mysore Zoo, Shivasamudram waterfall, Rail Museum and Brindavan Gardens.