Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile Wodeyar kingdom, is also
known as The City of Palaces. Located 770m above sea level
this picturesque city has pleasant weather for most of the year.
This charming City of Palaces also boasts a history of fine urban
planning. Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty
which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the
independence of the country from the British. These kings were great
patrons of art and culture and hence Mysore became the cultural
capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars.
Places of Interest
Mysore Palace:
The palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets,
arches and colonnades makes it a treasure house of exquisite
carvings. This beautiful fort is 245ft in lenght and 156ft in
width.The Dassera processions, painted on the walls ofthe palace
have been painted in such a way that from any angle one can see the
procession coming towards oneself.The Mysore Palace is open to
visitors from 6 am to 9 am and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm daily.
Entrance fees to the palace are Rs10 per person.
St. Philomena's Church :
Gothic art, a beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval
architectural style and lofty towers make it an imposing structure.
The main hall in the church can seat up to 800 people and is as
exquisitely conceived as the ornately crafted exterior with
beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the birth of
Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the
Ascension of Christ. The Cathedral is open from 08:00am to 06:00pm.
Mysore Zoo :
The zoo is city's famous attraction and is breeding some of the
rarest animal species from more than 50 countries. Established in
1892, this is one the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo is also home
to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary
sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo opens on all days
except for Tuesday. Visting hours are 08:00am to 05:30pm. The
enterance fees for adults is Rs.20/- while for children above five
years, it is Rs.5/-. No fees is charged for children below 5yrs.
Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery :
The gallery is a treasure house of masterpieces. The famous
traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the
gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich.
Exhibits are spread over three floors. Unique collection of
ceramics, sandalwood, ivory, stone, antique furniture and ancient
musical instruments draws evry body's eyeballs.
Srirangapatna Island:
Srirangapatna is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway and
is encircled by the river Cauvery. The town obtained its name from a
1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town
was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of
Mysore. Several ruined monuments of his time doting this island tell
stories of glorious past and battles faught here.
Ranganathittu Wildlife Sanctuary:
The famous for the wildlife sanctuary sprawls over an area of 67sq
km and is set on the banks of Cauvery River with 6 islets. These
islets are infested with aquatic organisms and insects during the
monsoon season that invite exotic birds to come and nest at the
Ranganathittu. It has become breeding ground for some ofthe birds.
If visited during monsoons, it is an ideal place for picnicking and
bird watching.
Chamundi Hills :
The Chamundeeswari temple is located on a hill in the
vicinity of Mysore and is accessed through a motorable road. Halfway
up the long stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. At the top is
the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the
Wodeyars and have been revered for centuries.
Accessibility:
By Air: There are no direct flights to Mysore, but can
reach Bangalore by air & then use train or bus services.
By Road: Apart from KSRTC buses, there are a number of
private bus companies that run to and fro Bangalore.
By Rail: Direct trains to cities like Delhi, Bangalore,
Chennai, Bangalore etc.
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