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Karnataka - Tourist Places - Mysore

Mysore

The cultural capital of Karnataka, the administrative center for Kingdom of Mysore for over four centuries, the city with full of heritage structures and palaces is Mysore, now officially called as Mysuru. Located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, Mysore is at a distance of 146 kms southwest of the Karnataka state capital, Bangaluru. There exists a Tropical Savanna Climate in Mysore. Summer season is from March to June, Monsoon is from July to November and winter season is from December to February.

Popularly known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore is famous for the different art forms and the festivities. Especially, the Dusserah festival celebrated for ten days during September or October attracts lakhs of tourists every year. It will be a fascinating experience watching the celebrations on the ninth day of Dusserah when the Royal sword is worshipped and taken on a procession of decorated elephants. On the tenth day called "Viajayadasami", the rituals and celebrations are in a grand manner. The idol of the Goddess Chamundeeswari is kept atop a decorated elephant which leads the procession of table, group dancers, decorated elephants, horses and camels. People in Karnataka call this procession as Jamboo Savaari. The procession and the rituals will be a real feast to the eyes.

Mysore is also called the City of Palaces. The tourists have a wonderful experience visiting the palaces which are the real architectural marvels. Mysore palace tops the list followed by Jaganmohana palace, Rajendra Vilas, Lalitha Mahal,Jayalakshmi Vilas.

Mysore is also famous for many things like, the sweet Mysore Pak, the cosmetic items namely Mysore Sandal Soap and Powder, Mysore Silk Sarees, Mysore painting and Mysore Peta(A silk turban). The rich tradition and heritage can be seen in every article you see in Mysore.

The city is connected to Tamil Nadu and Kerala through the NH-212. There are plenty of buses plying between Mysore and other cities. Superfast trains like Shatabdi Express halt at Mysore. There is an Intelligent Travel System implemented in by Mysore Government for a hassle free drive in the city.

Come and enjoy the city of culture, heritage and tradition which has still maintained its legacy despite the vagaries over the centuries.

Popular As

  • The City of Palaces
  • Ashtanga City (For the Yoga Culture)
  • Mahishapura / Mahisuru / Maisuru (in Kannada)
  • Garden City
  • The City of Incense (For the Agarbathis)

Prominent Places to Visit:

Mysore Palace An enchanting edifice made with the Indo-Saracenic architecture and is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. The 24th ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty built this in 1912. There is harmony in religions inside this palace. Visit for the light shows and Dussehra revelry.

Somanathapura Temple One of the 1500 Hoysala’s architectural marvel stands on the sacred Kaveri River. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity. Hindered by many but still loved for its intricate carvings and architecture. The Chennakesava Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brindavan Gardens The bewitching rose gardens with an exotic array of Nature arranged in a photogenic setup. Millions of tourists come for wedding and family photographs. Relaxed strolls amongst the dancing and colorful fountains is a definite detox for your mind and body.

Mysore Zoo One of the best zoological gardens in India - The Charmarajendra Zoological Gardens. Get to watch wild cats, crocs, lions, beautiful peacocks, hundreds of birds, and elephants in their natural habitat. The world’s first caesarian for an elephant happened in this zoo.

St. Philomena's Church Visit the second tallest church in Asia. The church is a living tribute to the Catholic Saint Philomena. This Neo-Gothic architectural wonder is functioning since 1941. The church is a symbol of bravery and holds Mysore’s secular ideology within its sky-high soul.

Chamundeshwari Temple Standing at a height of 1000 feet, the temple for Goddess Durga is one among the 18 Maha Sakthi Peethas (Goddess Worship). Carry coconuts by steps or via the Interwoven Valley Road to get blessings from the fierce form of Durga. This is a no plastic zone.

Sanjeevini Park In the heart of Mysore, enter Sanjeevini Park for quickly restoring your energy. Located in Saraswathipuram, admire the Laughing Buddha Statue and allow your kids to take part in fun rides and other installments. Meditate facing the Buddha, in the center.

Lalitha Mahal Palace The second largest palace in Mysore was built in 1921 for the former Viceroy of India. St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is the inspiration for this magnanimous palace. It is near to the Chamundi Hills, east of Mysore and known for the renaissance architecture.

Best Time To Visit:

Like many cities in Karnataka, monsoon, and winters top the best time to visit. July to February has the best climate to spend quality time in Mysore. Temperature can go as low as 15 degrees during the winter season.

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  The city has a domestic airport connecting to Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The International Airport is in Bangalore for overseas travel. While Coimbatore is the nearest Airport.

 By Rail -  The three railway lines connect the city to Hassan, Bangalore, and Chamarajanagar. The Mysore Railway Station is in the core of the city making it easier for travelers to connect with every major Indian city.

 By Road -  Located approximately 140 km Southwest of Bangalore, Mysore highway rides are a beautiful warm up before sightseeing. Within 3-4 hours both of the cities in Karnataka gets connected. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation takes good care in maintaining the vehicles and connects almost all tourist destinations.

Must-try Local Commute

Tonga was once the main mode of commuting in many parts of India. While most of the cities have lost it to urbanization, the old model of horse carriage rides like that of the Victorian Era is still afresh in Mysore. Try this for a soulful experience and listen to the stories the rider orates about the city.