MYSORE
This city has been quite popular with the tourists for a long time. The city is small which makes it easy to access. It has maintained its heritage so very well that it is a pleasure to see them. Mysore is famous for its Mysore Palace, sandalwood, artifacts, gardens, silks and the pleasant climate. Till independence it was the kingdom of the Mysore kings who ruled nearly the whole of present day Karnataka. Mysore gets its name from the mythical place Mahisuru, where Mahishasura was killed by the goddess Chamundi. The dynasty was founded in 1399 and it was under the Wodeyars who controlled Mysore and they were under the Vijayanagar Empire. But when the empire fell in 1565, they declared independence and they continued to rule till India got Independence, except for the small period when Hyder Ali and Tipu sultan vested their control.
Mysore
Palace
This beautiful Palace is the residence of the Rajas of Mysore, who still reside
there. Constructed in 1912, it was designed by English Architect Henry Irwin.
The work includes stained glass, gilt doors, carved wooden doors and paintings
of the Rajas during Edwardian rule. The premises also has some temples.
TPictures can be taken only outside the building. There is also Residential
museum, which houses personal belongings of the Rajas. During
Dussehra festival, the Palace looks marvelous with lights illuminating the whole
Palace.
Jagmohan Palace & Art Gallery
This Gallery is in the Jagmohan Palace. This Palace was constructed in 1861.
It has collection of Kitsch objects and memorabilia from the Wodeyars who ruled
Mysore, rare musical instruments and paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
Chamundi Hill
Chamundi Hill is where Sri Chamundeswari Temple is. The flight of stairs that
leads to temple has more than 1000 steps. But those who want to have easier way
out, can take the bus which will take you up the hill. The temple has a seven
storey `Gopuram'. The deity of the temple is the family god of the rulers of
Mysore. The temple is open from 6.00 am to 2.00 pm and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm
and from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. Another thing that you must see is the `Nandi', the
bull. It is 5 m high and is one of the largest to be found in India.
Deveraj Fruit & Vegetable Market
This market along the Sivaji Rao Road is one of the best to be found in India.
Rail Museum
This museum close to the railway station, contains a Maharani's Saloon Carriage,
with all facilities and it dates back to 1899. It is open daily.
Folklore museum
This small museum is in the Mysore University Campus. It exhibits carved wooden
figures, decorative masks, puppets and ceremonial Headwear .
Mysore Zoo
It is one of the well kept zoos. The attractions include Bengal and white tigers,
elephants, rhinos, bears and birds. It is open daily except on Tuesdays.