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Mysore, a city of Karnataka state, is famous as the City of
Palaces. The city situated in the southern part of the
Deccan Plateau, lies 140 Kms away from Bangalore. Mysore is
the administrative headquarter of Mysore district, and is
located at a height of 770 meters above sea level. The
erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, Mysore has an old
world charm mixed with modern amenities. Mysore is famous
for beautiful silk sarees, sandalwood and rose wood carved
articles. From ancient times, Mysore has played a major role
in the history of Southern part of India. The district has
remained the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Haider Ali and
his son Tipu Sultan. The popular tourist destination boasts
of the royal splendour, temples, pilgrimage centres and
scenic spots. |
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Dussera Festival :
The ten day Dussera or Navratri festival of Mysore is
very famous, which occurs usually in the months of
September- October. During the festival various programs
highlighting the dance, music and culture of Karnataka
are held. Mysore Palace is illuminated during Dussera
and interesting cultural programs are held in the lands,
surrounding the palace.
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Palaces :
Mysore has several palaces of which the prominent
palaces are AmbaVilas (Main Mysore Palace), Rajendra
Vilas( also called the summer palace situated on top of
Chamundi hills), Jagmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas( now
in University of Mysore premises), Lalita Mahal(now
converted to a hotel). In additon there are also palaces
namely Chittaranjan Palace (now the Green Hotel, was
also the Premier Studios), Cheluvamba Mansion (now in
the CFTRI premises), Karanji Mansion (now the Postal
Training Institute), Lokaranjan Mahal(next to Mysore
Zoo) and Crawford Hall (University Administrative
Building).
Attractions in Mysore :
Mysore Palace - The original Palace was burnt down
in 1897 and today's structure was built over the same spot
in 1911. The Palace exhibits a blend of
Dravidian,Indo-Sarcenic, Roman and Oriental architectural
styles. The archways,colonnades, domes and turrets of the
palace stand in eloquence. The main attractions of the
Palace are Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar
Hall,the Kalyana Mandap and the Gallery.
Jaganmohan Palace - The palace is now converted to
an art gallery. It houses the paintings of the late 19th
century, that includes paintings of Raja Ravi Verma of
Travancore and the Russian Painter Svetoslav Roerich. In
addition paintings in the Mysore golden leaf style are
available here.
Excursions :
Brindavan Gardens -
The gardens 12 Kms north west
of Mysore is located on the terraces of the
Krishnarajasagar Dam. Built by the engineer Sir M.
Visveswaraya, the Brindavan Gardens has several
colourful fountains. The fountains are made more
beautiful by using advanced lighting techniques. The
fountains are especially built to jump and dance with
the tune of music. The 3 Kms long dam is constructed at
the junction of three rivers - Kaveri, Hemavati and
Lakshmanathirtha. One can also enjoy boating here from
one end of the lake to other end.
Chamundi Hills -
Located at a distance of 13 Kms
from Mysore city, the 12th century Chamundershwari
temple stands here. The temple can be reached by
vehicles or on foot. Halfway up the hill is the
monolithic statue of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord
Shiva. It is believed that gopura on the temple are 2000
years old. A massive statues of the demon Mahishasura
stands near the temple.
Bandipur National Park -
Located at a distance of 80 Kms from Mysore city, the
national park is one among the most beautiful Wildlife
centres in the country. Rare species of animals and birds
can been seen in here. The National Park has chosen by WWF
for their project tigers (the scheme to protect tigers).
Srirangapatna - 16 Kms northeast of
Mysore,Srirangapatna was the capital of warrior king Hyder
Ali and his son Tipi Sultan. The ramparts of the fort still
narrates the tale of brave Tipu Sultan. The fort complex
encloses beautiful monuments including a mosque and temple
of Sri Ranganatha swamy. Daria Daulat, the summer palace of
Tipu Sultan and his mausoleum are located outside the fort.
Inside the palace some of Tipu's arms, like swords and
shields, have been stored.
Somnathpur - The place located 35 Kms from Mysore has
the largest of the Hoysala Temple. The Hoysalas were famous
for their arts, especially sculpture, music and dance.
Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, the temple is built on
traditional Hoysala temples style on a star- shape base.
Accessibility :
Mysore has not its own airport, but it is well connected by
rail and road to Bangalore and other towns of the state. So
the best way to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.
» Air - The nearest airport from Mysore is Bangalore
(140 Kms). The domestic flights are available from Bangalore
to all major cities of the country. Bangalore airport has
also international flights to the Middle East countries.
From Banaglore one has to take the road journey.
» Rail - The major rail head is Bangalore, trains are
available for all major cities of the country. Regular train
services operate between Bangalore and Mysore. The Shatabdi
Express connects Mysore to Chennai.
» Road - The Karnataka Road Transport Corporationas
well as private buses run regularly for the city. The
distance of important places from Mysore are Bangalore (140
Kms), Bandipur (81 Kms),Brindavan (28 Kms), Hassan (120 Kms),
Mudumalai (98 Kms), Nagarhole (80 Kms) and Ooty (159 Kms). |
Mysore
Travel Packages:
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