Mysore - City of Palaces


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Mysore officially Mysuru, is the third-largest city in Karnataka, located at the right at the foot of Chamundi hills. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. The rich cultural environment of Mysore has earned it from the moniker of the Cultural Capital of Karnataka. It is most famous for the Navarathri celebrated. The festivities last for 10 days and the whole city is decked up in beautiful lights. On the last day known as Vijayadashami, Mysuru Dasara is celebrated with great pomp and show, and people from every corner of the globe visit this city during the festival. There are around 200 buildings identified as heritage buildings of Mysore. It is popularly known as the 'City of Palaces', and there are seven magnificent awe-inspiring palaces. Of them, Mysore Palace is located at the heart of the city and is the most prominent tourist destination. The soothing and enchanting flora and fauna of the place is also an addition to the beauty and tourism of the city. The backwaters, lakes, and other waterfalls in and around Mysore also make it a preferred visiting place.

Mysore

Mysore Palace

It is also known as Amba Vilas Palace. It is considered to be the second most famous attraction in India, first being the Taj Mahal. It is easily one of the most imposing architectural buildings in the country. The palace was only built in the 20th century and is the fourth structure to be constructed in the same location. The architectural style of domes of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, with blends of the Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles. It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes and has a 145-foot five-story tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The Palace is a spectacle come every evening when it is lit with approximately 97,000 lights.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Treat the animal lover in you, visit Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens at Mysore. Popularly known as Mysore Zoo, this place makes it to the best of places to visit in Mysore. While you are busy taking trips of various palaces, museums, and temples in this city, Mysore zoo is an offbeat and enthralling destination that can engage you for an entire day.
Timings: 08:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

Located on the top of the peak, this is not only a sacred place but also caters to the 360-degree view of the city and one of the famous places to visit in Mysore. Homing the deity of Goddess Durga, devotees from all over the map come here to seek her blessings. The structure of the temple is adorned with intriguing pillars and the walls are carved with the sayings. Built back at the time of Maharaja’s, this place is of utmost importance and is one of the most revered places to visit in Mysore.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama

One of the most famous gardens in Mysore, the Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden has been made popular through the many varieties of bonsai plants that it houses. Regarded as one of the most peaceful places to visit in Mysore, the garden is a very popular spot for families travelling with children as it offers an extensive educational opportunity for kids to know about the many bonsai plant species. The garden is spread across 4 acres of unbelievable natural beauty and approximately 100 species of bonsai trees.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM; 3:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Wednesday

Karanji Lake

Holding the meaning of a ‘fountain’- Karanji Lake is another place of extreme tourist attraction in this city of palaces. It is situated at the foot of Chamundi hills and was constructed by one of the kings of Mysore. It is the largest lake in the state of Karnataka with a total area of about 90 acres. It qualifies as one of the best tourist places in Mysore because of its scenic beauty. It is also a home for different birds that make your visit to this lake from different countries.
Timings: 08.30 am to 05.30 pm Closed on Tuesdays

St Philomena’s church

With a history of over 200 years, St Philomena’s church is one of the most popular tourist places in Mysore. Not just in Mysore but this church is a well-known tourist spot in the entire state of Karnataka. Take a break from exploring the history, soothe your mind at this divine tourist spot in Mysuru. Initially, it was built as a small church was then reconstructed by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar. It is one of the largest Cathedrals in the whole of South Asia.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Lalitha Mahal Palace

The second-largest palace in Mysore, Lalitha Mahal Palace is situated near Chamundi Hills and has been in existence since 1921. Constructed to serve as the exclusive resting place of the then Viceroy of India, Lalitha Mahal was designed to imitate St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Pure white in colour, the Palace was transformed into a heritage hotel in 1974 and is now maintained by the Government of Karnataka. Enclosed by sprawling gardens, the Palace balcony offers a spectacular view of Chamundi Hills to the left and Mysore City to the front.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Chamundi Hills

Chamundi Hills is one of the most popular places to visit in Mysuru for nature lovers, religious travellers, and photographers pouring in from all over the world. It is also one of the best points for a panoramic view of Mysore city. You can reach the hill summit either via road or for something more adventurous, take the stone stairs. If you are on a spiritual journey, spend some time at the temple on the summit. Mahabaleshwara Temple, the oldest ones in the city, was established roughly around the 9th century to commemorate the mythological goddess, Mahishasurmardini, who killed the demon Mahishasur to save the world.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Brindavan Gardens

The Brindavan Gardens are located just a level below the Krishna Raja Sagara dam. It is a major tourist attraction for all the Mysuru and KRS dam visitors. It is also regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the state of Karnataka. The most popular and exciting experience at this garden is the musical fountain that is scheduled in the evenings being one of its kind, Brindavan Garden attracts tourists from across the world.

Art and speciality of Mysore

Mysuru is a centre for artwork, carpentry, and fashion. It served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly six centuries from 1399 until 1956. The Kingdom was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty, The kings of Mysore were patrons of the form of painting known as Mysore Painting. Ivory motifs etched into rosewood carvings is one of the speciality. The city is also home to the famous ‘Mysore Silk Saree’ made with pure silk and real gold thread. The favoured cuisine of Mysoreans contains rice as the main dish, reminiscent of Udupi cuisine. This city also offers quite a few mouthwatering delicacies like the Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa and brands such as Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Ink; and styles and cosmetics such as Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and the Mysore silk sarees. Mysuru is also known for its special variety of jasmine flower fondly referred to as "Mysore Mallige" and betel leaves. The other notable heritage structures in Mysore are Jaganmohana Palace. Other significant tourist spots in Mysore include Jaganmohan Palace, Chamundi Hills, Cheluvamba Palace, Somanthapura, Karanji Lake, Brindavan Garden, and Rail Museum.

Famous food

The famous foods of Mysore are Idlis, Vadas, Bonda, Oggarane Avalakki, Chitranna,Puliyogare, Kosambari, Chakuli, Khara Mandakki, Churmuri, Kodubale, Khara Bath,Kesari Bath, Uttapam, Poori Saagu, Shavige Bath, Bisibela Bath, Mysore Pak,Payasam, and Kori Gassi.

Ugadi Festival

This day is celebrated to mark new beginnings and held in the month In the second half of March or at the beginning of April. Rangolis are made in homes and special dishes are prepared.

Vairamudi Festival

This festival is also known as the ‘diamond crown’ festival,which is named after the diamond-crusted crown which decks up Lord Cheluvarayaswamy. It takes place around March and is held on the sixth day of Brahmotsavam of Lord Cheluvarayaswamy in Melkote. Temples are decorated with candles and lamps, and thousands of devotees pay a visit to the city.

Dasara Festival

It is one of the fanciful festivals in the city and is celebrated in the months of September and October. This 10-day long festival celebrates the victory of Devi Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishashura. The famous attraction is the puja performed by the royal family of Mysore at Mysore Palace. Grand procession is held and it is led by adorned elephants, horses, and the statue of Chamundeshwari placed on one of the splendid elephants on the 10th day of Dasara.

Mysore Open Street Festival

IAfter the Dasara festival, holds the 10-day long spectacular winter festival which consists of a flower show at the Mysore Palace. Artists from all around the state are cordially invited and there is a huge number of spectators visiting the festival. Children also actively participate and enjoy the form of an exclusionary Childrens’ Festival.

Mysore Shopping Festival

This festival starts in the month of September and ends in the month of November. More than 1000 brands participate and the shopping spree excites every people in the city.

Traditional Attire

Men wear turbans and they are unique in Mysore and is known as "Mysore Peta". It is a symbol of status and represents the social hierarchy. The women of Mysore wear a sari and Mysore has its famous silk saree named "Mysore Silk".

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Mysore is from the Monsoons and Winter months from July to February.