Vacation Travel Destination Mysore
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Aug
20
Vacation Travel Destination Mysore Karnataka India
Vacation Travel Destination Mysore Karnataka India
Mysore is the second biggest City in the State of Karnataka, India. It lies 130 kms from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. Mysore has still an old world charm which have not given way to modern amenities. In addition to its beautiful silk sarees and sandalwood oil, Mysore is famous for sandalwood and rose wood carved articles...
Places to visit Around Mysore
Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.
Mysore is the second largest city of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor.
The word Mysore is derived from Mahishuru or Mahishasurana Ooru, meaning the town of Mahishasura, the demon king who is believed to have lived here. The history of Mysore can be traced back to the time of Mahabharata. It was ruled by the Ganga Dynasty from the 2nd century to approximately 10th century. Later it was ruled by the Cholas for a century which was followed by the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire and finally the Mysore Yadu rules in the 13th century.
During the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar the city is said to have gained prominence. For a brief period the Wadiyars got dethroned, but finally returned to power under the British command at the end of the 17th century.
Somnathpur Situated 14 Km east of Mysore, the star shaped Somnathpur Temple in the small village here is exquisitely carved. Build around 1260 AD this magnificent temple is a masterpiece of Hoysala Architecture.
Srirangapatna The old Capital of Tipu Sultan is situated 15km east of Mysore. The Fort here is located on an island in the river Cauvery. A mosque, a temple, Tipus summer palace; Daria Daulat ornamented with wall paintings and Gumbaz; his Mausoleum with ivory inlaid doors are all seen inside the Fort.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Located 20km from Mysore, covering an area of 67 sq.kms, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary lies on the banks of river Kaveri. This tourist destination offers a close look at birds from as far away as Siberia, Australia and North America. It is an important Asian nesting and breeding ground for migratory birds from across the earth. Best time to visit this sanctuary is June to November.
Bandipur National Park The park established in the year 1974, with an area of 874sq.km is nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris. The nearest railhead is Nanjangud 55km away and the airport is Mysore 80km away from the park. The landscape is hilly, traversed by rivers and gorges. The animals found here are tiger, leopard cat, sloth bear, four horned antelope, elephant, flying squirrel, mouse deer etc. The reptiles are mugger and monitor lizard. The main birds are spoon bill, jungle fowl, partridge, bush quail, wood peckers, teel and coot.
November to April are the best months for visiting the park. Rest houses are available in the park. For more information contact, Field Director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysore-570004 or Field Director, Project Tiger, Government House Complex, Irwin Rd.
Chamundi Hill
On the outskirts of Mysore city is Chamundi Hill. You can get there by auto-rickshaw or city bus 201. Entrance is free, but be prepared for all the vendors anxious to sell you postcards and trinkets.
You can either ride most of the way or take the 1,000 steps to the top. Along the climb, there are vantage points to park and take in the view of Mysore City. Halfway up is a 5-meter high granite statue of Nandi, Shiva’s mount. At the apex is the beautiful Gopuram of Chamundi Temple. Also, nearby are the temple of Mahabaleswara and a statue of Mahishasura, the demon slaughtered by goddess Chamundi, a form of Kali.
Government Silk Factory
The famous Mysore silk is woven here. You can tour the factory and then visit the showroom and purchase silk at factory prices. However, you must get permission in advance in order to visit.
Government Sandalwood Oil Factory
As with the silk factory, you must get permission in advance to visit the factory where aromatic sandalwood oil is produced.
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery
Built in the mid 1800s, this auditorium and pavilion have since been converted into an art gallery. Paintings of the royal family show their genealogy. Also on display is some of the personal property of the maharajas such as furniture, glass, chinaware, sculpture and musical instruments.
Lalitha Mahal Palace
Near the base of Chamundi Hill, is the Lalitha Mahal Palace, which was originally built for guests of the royal family. It now serves as one of the most luxurious hotels in Mysore. Occasionally, you will find yoga students visiting the pool here for the day. It is quieter than the Southern Star pool and much less of a scene, but a bit of a drive to get to.
Mysore Palace
After the old palace was partially destroyed by fire in 1897, the new Mysore Palace was built of granite on the old foundation. The palace has a gilded dome tower and is surrounded by a large courtyard. The architecture inside the palace is amazing! Stained glass, intricately decorated domes, murals, beautiful doors, carved figures and friezes are only of few of the captivating details. One of the most prized possessions of the palace is the royal throne made of figwood, ivory, gold & silver that is only displayed during the Dasara celebration.
Every Sunday night between 7 - 8 pm and during the 10-day Dasara festival in October, Mysore Palace is lit up with thousands of white lights, almost reminiscent of a Disney attraction. People gather on the lawn on Sunday evenings to watch dance or musical events that take place at this time. The inside of the palace is open for public viewing from 10 am - 5:30 pm for a small entrance fee. Cameras and shoes are not allowed inside.
Mysore Zoo
Just like any zoo, it’s sad yet intriguing at the same time. The zoo was started in the late 1800s and has grown into 91 acres. The tigers are quite impressive. They are huge and with a roar that will forever be imprinted in your memory. It’s open 8:30 - 5:30 pm except Tuesdays.
Rail Museum
Established in the 1970s, the Rail Museum is a collection of royal family coaches, engines, railway signals and railway memorabilia. The museum is open 9 am - 6 pm every day except Tuesdays.
St. Philomena’s Church
St. Philomena’s Church is one if the largest churches in India. Built in the Gothic style with beautiful stained glass windows, the church is open from 5 am - 6 pm. On the outside of the church is the entrance to an underground chamber worth exploring.
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