Mysore is a charming and lovely city with rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, sacred temples. Mysore gets its name from the mythical Mahishasur (Mahishasura) demon king who is believed to have lived here. Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi hills killed this demon and hence the Dasserra, the festival of the victory of good over evil, is celebrated with unprecedented grandeur. Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. It is famous for its Sandalwood, Silk, Sculptures and incenses. (be careful while purchasing these items, you get fake ones too..)
Reaching there:
Mysore is well connected both by rail and road to Bangalore with regular train and bus services (both private and state owned bus services) between them. The distance between these 2 places is approximately 140 Kms. Mysore so far is not linked by air and the nearest airport again happens to be Bangalore. It is connected to Chennai and other major cities of Karnataka by rail too.
Transportation in Mysore: Taxis, Autorickshaws and Buses.
Places of Interest:
1. Mysore Palace: A beautiful palace with lovely carvings, art works from different parts of the world. Some of the stained glass work, carved wooden doors and paintings are truly worth checking out.
2.Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: This art gallery has a rare collection of some beautiful paintings. The gallery is located in Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by renowned artists.This art gallery is full of all sorts of curious things including weird musical instruments.Worth spending time here.
3.St. Philomena’s Church: One of the oldest churches in Mysore is believed to be one among the largest in India. It’s stained windows and lofty towers makes this church a beauty.
4.Mysore Zoo: A nice zoo which is known breeding some rare animals in captivity.The chief attractions are the white tigers, Bengal tigers.
Nearby places to visit:
1. Chamundi Hills: About 13 kms from Mysore is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill On the way towards the temple is the giant Nandi Bull. Near the Chamundi temple is the giant and colourful statue of the demon Mahishasura. From the top of this hill one can have a nice view of the city of Mysore.
2.Srirangapatnam: About 18 Kms kms from Mysore is the ruins of the capital city of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. . Located on the banks of river Cauvery is the Fortress of Tipu Sultan.
3. Ranganatithu Bird Sanctuary: A fantastic place for bird lovers about 25 kms from Mysore with rare species of birds found here during different seasons.
4. Brindavan Gardens: 11 kms from Mysore, this lovely garden with green lawns, illuminated fountains makes this the best garden in South India. The Illuminated Dancing fountains is one of the major attractions there.
Climate: The climate here is generally pleasant, summers are warm and winters are cool.
Festivals Celebrated: Dasserra- A 10 day festival which is very popular.
Accommodation: Hotels to suit any kind of budget are available here.
Main Languages Known: Kannada, Tamil, English ( to some extent)
Minimum Stay at this place recommended: 2 Days.
I visit this place very often and I really love this place a lot. It is one of my favorites.
Like all other cities there are drawbacks here too, with some places in the city being dirty, transportation in the city being a bit bad, conmen, bad roads, not so good drainage systems etc.,
But still a very beautiful place to visit.Do I need to say more ?? :-)