The third largest city in Karnataka, Mysore gets its name from Mahishasura, the demon from Puranas, who used to rule here. This city of palaces, flowers and sandalwood was once the residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. Located 140km from Bangalore at a height of 770m above sea level, the city has a non-variant climate. Temperature varies from 20 degree C to 35 degree C during summer and 14 degree C to 28 degree C during the winter.
770 m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.
Places to Visit
Mysore Palace
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap and the Gallery are the main attractions here.
Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.
St. Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church, in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows. Mysore Zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity and exotic species of plants.
Chamundi Hills
Towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from Mysore. Halfway - up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.
Brindavan Gardens (Mandya Dist.)
19 kms north-west of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights transform this place into a fairy. land in the evenings.
Excursions (Distances and directions from Mysore)
Srirangapatna (Mandya Dist.)
It is 14 kms northeast, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. This island fortress, once the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit.
Daria Daulat Bagh
Tipu's Summer Palace built in 1784 was his favorite retreat. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valour and his losing battle against the British.
Fort
It is from here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.
Sangama
It is 3 kms south of Srirangapatna where the two branches of river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance.
Bandipur
Situated 80 kms from Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife centers. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen in their natural habitats. Bandipur has also been chosen as a center for the Project Tiger Scheme launched in 1973 by the WWF to save the tiger.
Himvad Gopalaswamy Hills
It is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well. It is situated in the verdant western Ghats of Mysore District. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.
Ranganathittu (Mandya Dist.)
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. A crocodile basking in the sun is also a familiar sight. Best season - January to February.
Somanathapur
35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple. The temple in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors with episodes from the epics.
Melkote
Melkote 50 kms north, is a sacred pilgrim center, known for its Vairamudi festival in March-April. More than one-lakh devotees congregate here for the festival. Melkote is also known for its handlooms.
Talakad
Talakad is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is completely buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions - once in twelve years.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 kms from Mysore, at Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the finest game fish is found here. This camp is also accessible from Bangalore (100 kms).
Shivasamudram (Mandya Dist.)
It is 85 kms east of Mysore, where the river Cauvery cascades down in two. Picturesque waterfalls. Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are best during the monsoons. 1.5 kms away is Asia's First hydroelectric project set up in 1905.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River Lodge are perfect getaways for nature lovers. Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.
B.R. Hills
This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft., is 120 kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.
Mahadeshwara Hills
About 142 kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrim center. Atop the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara which is in the form of a Linga.
Shopping
Sandalwood, its products and silk are Mysore's specialties, sold in. Government-owned emporia at fixed prices. The Government Silk Factory offers silks straight off the loom.
Access:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore that is a mere 140km away. All domestic airlines are operating flights to and from Bangalore to all major cities of the country. A few international flights to the Middle East are also operated from Bangalore.
By Rail: There are many train services operating between Bangalore and Mysore. The Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Chennai. The ideal route to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.
By Road: State Highways connect Mysore to the national Highways and to all parts of the country. Bus services by Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and transport corporations of the neighboring states as well as private tour operators make it easy to reach the city without any difficulty. It is only a 3 hour journey from Bangalore.
