Mysore is a major craft centre with numerous shops selling an
incredible range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and
furniture. Until independence, the city was the seat of the Maharajas of
Mysore, a princely state covering most of Karnataka. The 10 day Dussehra
festival is one of the major attractions, culminating in the long procession
of caparisoned elephants, liveried retainers, cavalry. flower-bedecked
images of deities, complete with bands and clouds of incense.
Chamundi
Hills
This is a 1150m hill that is named after Goddess Durga, the
consort of Lord Shiva, who vanquished the Demon Mahishasura. From the top of
the hill, one can have a panoramic view of Mysore.
Maharaja's
PalaceBuilt enormous and lavish in 1911 to replace the old palace
in the fort that burned down, the Maharaja's Palace is an extravagance of
domes, arches, turrets and sculptures. It is a fine example of
Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With vast pillared corridors and
stately halls, carved ceilings, intricate mosaics, carving in ivory, stone
and wood, life like paintings, antique royal weapons, this palace is a must
in every visitor's itinerary.
Chamundeswari TempleBuilt
in the 12th century, a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture,
Krishnaraja Wodeyar renovated the temple in 1827. The temple tower is 40m
high with seven storeys. The deity is Goddess Durga. On the way to the
temple, there is a monolithic statue of Nandi Bull and a morter statue of
Mahishasura.
Srirangapatnam ( 15 km)The island
fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is picturesquely located in
the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls that still carry the poignant scars
of Tipu's last stand against the British, are a mosque and the
Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a
beautifully gilded and painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz'-his
mausoleum, are located close to the river.
Brindavan Gardens
(19 km)The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the
Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must-see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns
and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy
tale quality.
EXCURSIONS:Somnathpur
(35 km)The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example
of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely
sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and not to be
missed.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve (80 km)This Tiger
Reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant
back.
Nagarhole National Park (90 km) A fine
wildlife reserve that is within easy reach of Mysore. Its dense deciduous
forests are the habitat of the tiger, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar,
chital or the spotted deer, wild boar, pangolin, langur, macaques and about
250 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and
the Great Black Woodpecker. There are excellent facilities for visitors to
stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Road: Mysore is well connected to
Bangalore,
140 kms and
Ooty,
150 kms.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore (140 km).
By Rail: Mysore is well connected to Bangalore and
Chennai
by super fast trains.
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India Travel Hotel.
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