Although I have been in Bangalore for the last one and half years, I finally got the chance to visit Mysore just recently. I had heard about the place so much that I was almost desperate to go there and see things for myself.
We booked a Sumo for the trip and started off at 7 am on a weekend. The weather was pleasant and just right for a long drive. The Mysore ? Bangalore highway is under construction and so it got a little bumpy at times. There are eateries at regular intervals where one can stop for refreshments. The journey from Bangalore to Mysore took us almost 4 hours (around 170 kms. This time will decrease once the highway is completed.) On the way, the driver also showed us the place where the Sholay was shot (I really don?t know whether this is true). I must also mention that the Volvo buses are a menace on this road. They drive very rashly and one of them almost rammed a Maruthi 800 ahead of us.
Our first stop was Srirangapattina, the old capital of Tipu Sultan. It is around 15-18 kms away from Mysore. The town is named after the main deity of this town, Sri Ranga. There is a beautiful temple dedicated to him in this small sleepy town. The town is also full of other temples, forts, palaces and ruins. Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, the Durya Daulat is located here. Lined with paintings of the by-gone days, this is a shining example of the mughal architecture, combined with the splendor of south Indian landscape. The tombs of Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali are located in Gumbuz here. The mosque where he prayed is still used by the local Muslims. We also visited Col. Bailey?s dungeon (a place were Tipu Sultan kept his British prisoners) and the spot where Tipu Sultan?s body was found. A visit to this historical town really takes you back in time.
After this, our next destination was Chamundi Hills. It is almost 12 kms away from the Mysore city and the drive uphill really takes your breath away. The city below looks so picturesque that I felt that I could stare at it for hours. On top of the hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Chamundeshwari is supposed to have killed Mahishasura here. On our way back we stopped at the Bull Temple, where a majestic 4.8 meter high Nandi (Lord Shiva’s Bull) resides. Build of black granite, the Nandi has been carved out of a single stone.
Our next stop was the beautiful Mysore Palace, situated at the heart of the city. During weekends the whole palace is lit with thousands of lights, a magnificent sight to behold. The palace houses some of the finest paintings, art works and artifacts dating to several centuries of rule by the Royal Wodeyar family. This place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and beautifully sculpted pillars. We were awestruck by the splendor of this stately Palace.
Just outside the palace are a few shops where you can shop for souvenirs. Be sure to bargain or you will end up paying double or more of the actual price. Mysore is famous for its silks and sandal wood items so you could visit the local shops and emporiums for a good bargain.
The other places we saw in Mysore were the St. Philomina’s Church, the Venkatappa art gallery and the Mysore Zoo . The Church which is built in the gothic style is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers. The Mysore zoo is one of the most well kept zoos in India and houses some rare and exotic species in lush, green surroundings.
After all this, we started off for Brindavan Gardens . Located at the KR Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. It is beautifully and artistically laid with rows of colourful fountains. There is a boating pond with a huge fountain in between which people may cross using a boat. The dancing fountain is situated on the other side of the pond. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains are made to jump and dance to the tune of music. It is quite a sight to behold. The only problem with Brindavan garden is that it is overcrowded and the direction to the dancing fountain is not properly given. We spent almost 45 mins just trying to find it.
Once in Mysore do not miss the famous Mysore Pak. It is a sweet made out of gram flour and ghee. It just melts in the mouth. I cannot mention much about the places to stay in because I had gone for a one day trip but I did see a number of hotels on the way. I am sure you?ll find a good one if you decide to stay back for a day. I would recommend Mysore to people who want to take a quick break from the daily grind. Mysore with its palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples will surely refresh you.