Mysore

5 Tours

Mysore is the Karnataka's second biggest city, situated in Southern India. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state.

Mysore is the second cleanest city in India and one of the well-planned ones. Mysore is famous for the city palace, which is the largest palace in India. The people of Mysore are famous for their peaceful attitude and helpful nature. The city has recorded history dating back a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - apparently, this was the place where the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi. You will find a statue of the demon on Chamundi hill which commemorates this event. Mysore has evolved from being a quiet and sleepy city, to a city that is touted to being the most important one in the state after Bangalore. With apartment complexes, supermarkets, a couple of proposed malls, new and improved roads, the advent of IT and BPO firms and a growing young and dynamic workforce , this regal city is trying to strike a balance between the good old days while to keep up pace with the changes affecting it. A city that is old, yet new. A modern-day paradox in the making, anyone who lives in Mysore for long enough can’t help falling in love with this place. Mysore is also well known for its yoga centers like Ashtanga yoga which originated here. There are many Ashtanga yoga centres in Mysore.

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Key Attractions

Mysore Palace.

The palace has intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though age as worn them out a bit with slight discoloration. The palace remains closed from 5-7pm every day. On Saturday’s and Sunday’s and National Holidays between 7PM-8PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath. Entry is through the south side. Cameras must be left at the cloak room, now there are no charges to deposit the cameras. Shoes must be left before the entrance for free. Outside palace photography is allowed Rs. 50 for Indian nationals, Rs. 200 for foreigners.
Brindavan Gardens.

Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighborhood of Mysore. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins.
Chamundi Hills,

The temple is of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi). Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone.
Srirangapatna

Located on an island in the Cauvery River, the town of Srirangapatna was once the fortress capital of the region controlled by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera).

This is the state festival of Karnataka, carried over from the time when it was celebrated by the Wodeyars in grand style. On the last day, of the 10 day festival celebrated during the month of September and October, a procession of the state's guard’s lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Climb up Chamundi Hills.

Climb via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time.
Kukkarahalli lake strolls.

Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake, though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out.

Nearby Places

Bandipur National Park. (80 Kms)

Famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and protected sandalwood trees, this 890 sq km park is one of India's most delightful wildlife sanctuaries.
Bangalore (145 Kms)

Bangalore or Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is India's third-largest city of India.