South India Destinations
Welcome to Mysore
Mysore, the former capital of Karnataka is renowned as the City of palaces. The palaces are the main travel attraction of Mysore. The princely state is a dream destination of any travellers with its unique environment, clean streets and the serenity of the area. The fragrant city, as it is also known for is filled with aromas of varied smells all over the places. It is blessed with some of the best smelling incense trees growing here. Situated at a distance of 140 kms from Bangalore city, the industrial capital of Karnataka, Mysore has lot to offer to the visitors.
Earlier it was the capital of the old royal Mysore province and expands to the 'Mahishasurana Ooru' meaning the town of Mahasasura. Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyer family since 14th century till the 18th century. It was for a brief period of about 40 years under the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu sultan in the 17th century. Mysore welcomes each and every guest with its quaint charms,meticulous planning, magnificent palaces,imposing structures,gardens that re minds the old heritage of the Maharaja's Capital city.
Major Travel Attractions of Mysore
Chamundi Hills
The Chamundi hills give the required natural background to the city of Mysore and the hills is of 1,100feet high. On top of it is the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswari, the family deity of the earlier royal Woodeyer's. Visitors to the temple has to drive through a 13 km stretch or walk the 1, 000 stone steps. Just outside the entrance of the temple lies the statue of Mahisasura, the demon killed by Goddess Parvati as Kali. There is also to be found a majestic 4.8m huge structure of Nandi, the bull who, was Lord Shiva's personal mount.
Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Garden are situated close to the city and is a half hour drive from the center place and is one of the major travel attraction of Mysore. The famous terraced gardens are renowned world over and are bordered by waters on its sides. The well maintained gardens have manicured steps with the fountains emitting soft colours light to add to the delight.
Lalitha Mahal Palace
Built in the year 1930 for the guest of the Woodeyers, the prime travel attraction of the place is a staircase made of the Italian marble. The stair cased marbles branches off from a high landing to reach to the first floor hall. The Lalitha mahal is surrounded by green lawns and tall trees. The Mahal has presently been converted to a grand hotel by the tourism corporation.
Mysore Palace
Constructed in a sarcenic style in about 897AD, The Mysore temple can be seen with both the Hindu architectural influence as well as the Muslims. Designed by an English architect and completed in 1912, it was built to replace an earlier created mansion which was burnt down in 1897. The main palace within the building is made of massive grey granite with a tower having a gilded dome. The interiors are colored with turquoise blue, magenta, golden yellow and leaf green. The central was used for the marriage and other major events. There is a temple and a museum situated within its territory.
Accommodation
Lalith Mahal Palace - 5* Heritage Hotel
Metropole - 4* Heritage Hotel
Sandesh The Prince - 4* hotel
Regaalis - 4* Hotel
President - 3* hotel
How to Reach
By Air:
The nearest airport from Mysore is at Bangalore140 kms away.
By Rail:
Mysore railway station is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai through regular trains.
By Road:
There is a good network of roads which connects Mysore to the other important cities of the region
