Welcome to Mysore… The battlefield of Gods, abode of kings, muse of poets and playground of athletes. An irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, exotic wildlife, world famous zoos, stately buildings, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality and the cultural heritage of centuries, Mysore will inspire and excite you, whatever your passion.
Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Maharajas of Mysore, lies 140 Kms from Bangalore.
Mysore still retains an aura of old world charm and much of the city's architectural heritage remains intact.
MYSORE PALACE
 All roads in Mysore lead to Mysore 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. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculptured pillars. The marriage pavilion is adorned with glazed tile flooring, stained glass windows and domed ceilings. The walled palace complex houses the Residential museum, temples, and shrines, including the Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple.
A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with ninety seven thousand bulbs shimmering against an inky black night on Sunday nights and during the festive season of Dussera is one of the most enduring images of the city. An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India's most dramatic national monuments. It is said that the palace displays the largest collection of gold items quan
tity wise.
CHAMARAJENDRA ART GALLERY
The Chamarajendra Art Gallery located at the Jagan Mohan Palace houses a comprehensive collection of Indian and world art, which has been acquired over the course of centuries by the royal family of Mysore.Highlights of the exhibition are the display of English glass, exquisite Japanese porcelain and wooden furniture and carvings from China.
The gallery also houses a fine collection of paintings from India and the rest of the world. Another exhibit at the gallery that appeals as much to the ear as to the eye is the display of musical instruments, which includes an excellent collection of traditional Indian instruments.
LALITHA MAHAL PALACE:
Lalitha Mahal is a heritage building standing on a beautiful location overlooking the Chamundi Hills. The India Tourist Development Corporation of the Government of India has now converted the royal guest Palace into a five-star hotel. However, the building continues to retain various aspects of the Palace including the viceroy room, the banquet hall, the ballroom and the stately Italian marble staircases.
KRISHNARAJA SAGAR DAM
Located 12 Kms northwest of Mysore City is Krishna raja Sagar Dam, was built in 1932. The dam is around 8600 feet long and 130 feet high with a reservoir spread over an area of 130 sq.km., represents a marvel of civil engineering achievement in pre-independence India. The dam was also among the first in the world to use automatic sluice gates.
CHAMUNDI HILL
Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura. -Lord Nandi.
CHAMUNDESHWARI-TEMPLE
No trip to Mysore is complete without a visit to Chamundeshwari Temple the most famous of the city's 196 temples. The Chamundeshwari temple is also one of India's finest from an architectural perspective. The shrine housing the solid gold idol of Chamundi dates back to the twelfth century.
SRIRANGAPATNA
Located 16km northeast of Mysore city is Srirangapatna an island town on the river Cauvery. Standing reminders of that rich legacy are the numerous forts, palaces and ruins that dot the townscape. The most outstanding  of these buildings are the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Darya Daulat - the Garden Palace of Tipu Sultan and the Gumbaz - the tombs of Tipu Sulatn and his father Hyder Ali.
RANGANTHITTU BIRD SANCTURY
4 Kms from Srirangapatna and 18 Kms from Mysore is a bird sanctuary that houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia and even North America make their home here. Crocodiles basking in the sun is also a familiar sight. The best season to visit is between January and March. Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the banks of the river or a leisurely walk through the sanctuary's winding pathways.
JAYALAKSHMI VILAS MANSION:
The interior decorations of this magnificent building are in a purely Indian style. Some important portions of the three-wing structure include the small over-bridge connecting the south and north portions, the dancing hall, the Kalyana Mantap and the richly decorated residential rooms.
ST. PHILOMENA'S CHURCH
This beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed.
BRINDAVAN GARDENS
19 Kms north west of Mysore is the famous Krishna Raja Sagar dam. Built by the famous engineer Sir. M. Vishvesvariah this was one of the first multi purpose dams built in India. Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms it self into a fairy land in the evenings- |
