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 Mysore, the picturesque city of palaces, is just 139km by road from
Bangalore. For centuries, Mysore was associated with royalty. It was the capital city of
Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and of the enlightened and benevolent Wodeyar kings. It is 756 m
above sea level and has a salubrious climate. It is also a city of palaces. The Mysore
Palace, formerly the residence of the Wodeyar family, is one of the largest of its kind in
India. It was rebuilt in 1911-12 and is an ideal mix of the Hindu and Muslim styles of
architecture. Its archways, colonnades, domes and turrets stand in elegant eloquence. The
Kalyana Mantapam has paintings, which depict the days of the Maharajas. The piece de
resistance is the resplendent solid gold throne displayed during Dasara. The palace is
illuminated on weekends and holidays and it us indeed a sight for the Gods! Nowhere else
is Dasara celebrated with such pomp and pageantry, such vibrancy and vitality as in
Mysore. This festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura.
On a metaphoric plane, 10 exciting days in October, Mysore acquires a new colour, a new
mood of celebration. The weather too is just right, the chill is still only too willing to
waft the fragrance of jasmine.
Places of Interest
 Temple of Sandalwood: No wonder
Karnataka is a major producer of sandalwood in the world, thanks to
Mysore. Mysore is a
city of fragrance; 'Mysore Mallige' (jasmine) is very evocative and is associated with
romance. The well-known Indian author R.K. Narayan in his stories has immortalized the
quaint individuality of this town. Mysore has had enlightened rulers: Tipu Sultan was a
folk hero; the Wodeyar rulers, especially Sri Krishnarajendra Wodeyar and Sri
Jayachmarajendra Wodeyar were among the most benevolent scholar-kings that India has seen.
The leisurely, royal lifestyle is still evident in the large and spic-and-span boulevards,
parks and lawns of Mysore.
The Chamarajendra Art Gallery (housed in the Jaganmohana
Palace) has paintings by famous artists like Ravi Varma. The Mysore school of paintings is
amply represented here. It also has exhibits in ceramics, stone, ivory, sandalwood,
antique furniture, andancient musical instruments.
You can visit the Sandalwood Oil Factory where extraction
of the precious sandal oil may be witnessed. At the Government Silk Factory weavers put
all their skill to work and produce exquisite Mysore Silk sarees, desired by women all
over India.
Chamundi Hills:
Legend te lls us of the time, when the ferocious demon Mahishasura began wreaking havoc in
the Mysore countryside. Called upon by her devotees, Chamundeswari vanquished the
'asura'
and brought peace to the land. The legend also mentions that the evil Mahishasura was
killed on the Chamundi Hills. The Chamundi temple can be reached by vehicles. For those
who enjoy walking, stone steps are helpful. Halfway up the hill is the 7.6
-metre-wide and
4.8 -metre-high monolithic statue of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The
'gopura' on the
Chamundeswari temple is believed to be 2000 years old.
Brindavan Gardens:
The Brindavan Gardens, on the terraces of the
Krishnarajasagar Dam, is a vast stretch of the most delicately
planned symphony in architecture, horticulture, engineering and
aesthetics. |
 The
dam, 2 km in length forming a 129.5 sq. km lake, is among the biggest in India. Built by
the brilliant engineer Sir M. Visveswaraya, the Brindavan Gardens has innumerable
fountains which spring forth in the most attractive hues, trim lawns with shrubs adorned
with electric lamps and the gleeful rhythm to music. An enjoyable boat ride can also be
taken from one end of the lake to the other across the river Kaveri.
Ranganthittu:
It is 16 km from Mysore. It is one of the three islands on the Kaveri and is a sanctuary
for various migrant birds. The recommended season to visit is between June & September
when the birds come to roost.
Srirangapatna:
It is 16 km from Mysore and was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, known as
the 'Tiger of Mysore". Tipu was among the bravest of Indian heroes who fought the
British successfully and delayed their hegemony over the Mysore area. With Tipu's defeat
began the imperial expansion of the British in the south. The battle-scarred ramparts of
the fort still speak of Tipu's resistance. Within are a mosque and a temple of Sri
Ranganathaswamy, evidence of the liberal and tolerant temper of the land. Tipu Sultan's
summer palace, Daria Daulat and his mausoleum, the Gumbaz, are situated outside the fort.
Within the palace are gilded wall panels, ornate arches and 18th century coloured
frescoes. In the Gumbaz, the tiger-stripe emblem of Tipu and the doors of ebony inlaid
with ivory are reminders of Srirangapatna's glorious past. Some of Tipu's arms, like
swords and shields, have been preserved here till date. 
Somnathpur:
The Hoysalas were great patrons of the arts, especially sculpture, music and dance. The
largest of the Hoysala temple is in Somnathpur, 35 km from Mysore. The sculpture is not on
high gopuras; it is on a level that can be viewed without craning one's neck. The carved
panels embrace the temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava. Like all Hoysala temples, the
temple is also built on a star-shaped base. Incidents from the Hindu epics, with a closed
door marking the end of every chapter, are carved with an astounding eye for detail.
Nagarhole: 96
km from Mysore, it is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries in India, and is known for its
bison, spotted deer, sambar, tiger and leopard. The most famous resident, however, is the
elephant. Today, Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur Tiger Reserve offer tourists
exciting elephant rides through the dense jungles.
 Mysore Silk Factory: Considered a
pure fabric, silk is most appropriate for use on ceremonial occasions. Its
lustre,
softness and richness of its natural colour gave it precedence over all silk was worn by
the Brahmins. Women wore bright colours and the darker hues were reserved for the
sudras,
the lower castes. Silk was worn for rites such as births or marriages, and offerings of
finely woven silk were made to deities in temples. Silk has been woven in India for at
least 3,500 years. Designs are no longer woven from memory (many are modern prints -
especially on chiffon), and cotton weavers are switching to silk, since it pays much
better and Karnataka silk is treasured all around the world. Demand continues to increase
and to date millions of sq. yards/metres are exported each year. The weight and the
content of gold or silver thread used mainly in the intricate border and the pallau or the
headpiece determine the price of the saris. A sari usually weighs between 400 - 600 grams
(15-21 ounces). The silk is dyed using natural pigments and woven into intricate but,
subtle patterns featuring motfis of birds or fruits. Visitors at a weaver's service centre
can observe the spinning process. Weavers, once employed by royalty, still use many of the
traditional methods.
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Accommodation
Bombay Indra Bhavan
Sayyaji Rao Road,
Telephone No: 0821- 4205221, 40295
Hotel Highway (P) Ltd.
New Bannimntap Extension
Telephone No: 0821- 491117, 491534, 497384, 492978
The Viceroy
Rajendra Enterprises, Sri Harsha Road.
Telephone No: 0821- 424001, 428001, 437744, 434687
Fax: 0821- 433391
Hotel Roopa
2724/C, Bangalore - Nilgiri, Road
Telephone No: 0821- 443770, 448020, 440044 |
Access The Nearest airport is Bangalore (140 km). Mysore is well connected
to Bangalore by rail and road. Good bus services link Mysore to Madikeri and other
towns in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
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