Mysore is a heritage city and pride of Karnataka. It is a beautiful city with rich history, legends, monuments, educational centers, kings, palaces, museums, lakes, parks, culture, literature, arts, and abundant natural resources. I am of the opinion that the blessed live in a city like Mysore, not high tech and fast, but real and classy. Mysore is situated at 2,200 sq feet above sea level and the reason why it enjoys a healthy climate.
Picture1 – Karanji Lake and Chamundi Hill
The Wodeyars, who are the direct descendants of the Vijyanagar Empire of Hampi, ruled the erstwhile Mysore state. The state Anthem of Mysore was sung in all the schools before independence. After India gained independence from the British, Mysore state was merged with a number of neighboring states to form a single state named as Mysore and later was renamed to Karnataka. The last king was Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar and the scion of royal family Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wodeyar designer and politician still lives in the private quarters behind the Amba Vilas palace. (Updated on 1st Oct: Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wodeyar is no more).
Picture2 – Mysore Palace office building
The kings apart from ruling have contributed a lot to the development of the city. The interests of the people were always on top of the mind of the royals. This is evident in the tree-lined roads, boulevards, educational institutions, dams, parks, lakes etc., etc.,
The original name of the city was Mahishapura / Mahishuru. This name was coined as it is believed that Goddess Chamundeswari killed the demon Mahishasura on Chamundi hills. The name of the city was later anglicized to Mysore and now, it is known as Mysooru.
Picture3 – Sun setting behind Mysore Palace
Whether it is Mysooru or Mysore it is on the must visit itinerary of every tourist visiting the state or country. Shopping and eating out is another unique experience in Mysore. Mysore silk saris are famous for the purity of the silk and golden Jeri / brocade. It is considered an asset to possess a Mysore silk sari. Beautifully crafted and naturally scented curios made of Sandalwood and Mysore paintings are a gift to be wrapped for your loved ones. Taste Mysore with a bite of delicious Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa.
Picture4 – Mysore Palace Illumination
Dasara festival is regarded as the “Nada Habba” and celebrated for 10 days with great enthusiasm. The festivities culminate with an annual Dasara procession and Torch light parade.
Places of Interest in Mysore
Gardens and Amusement Parks:
Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Brindavan Gardens / Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS)
GRS Water Park
Planet X
Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden, Mysore
Nishat Bagh – Sunnada Kuppanna Park
Thathiah Park
Rivers, Lakes and Backwaters:
Kukkarahalli Lake
Karanji Lake
Lingabudi Lake
Backwaters of Brindavan Gardens
Balamuri and Edamuri
Giribettada Kere
Varuna Lake
Shetty Kere
Palaces:
Amba Vilas Palace / Mysore Main Palace
Jagan Mohan Palace
Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace
Lalith Mahal Palace – currently run by Jungle lodges
Chaluvamba Mansion
Vasant Mahal Palace
Chitaranjan Palace – Green Hotel
Lokaranjan Mahal
Karanji Mansion
Rajendra Vilas Palace
Aloka Palace
Hill:
Chamundi Hill
Heritage buildings:
Heritage Buildings of Mysore Part I
Heritage Buildings of Mysore Part II
Wellington Lodge
Vani Vilas Water Works Limited
Landowne Building
Maharaja’s Sanskrit College
KARP Mounted Police Headquarters
Band House
Museums:
Regional Museum of Natural History
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery
Sand Museum
Folklore Museum
Wax Museum
Railway Museum
Sand Museum
Tribal Museum
Post and telegraph Museum
R.K.Narayan Home Museum
Factories:
Mysore Silk Factory
Sandal Oil Factory
Religious Places:
St. Philomena’s Church
Temples of Mysore Palace
Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple, Kannambadi
Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari
Iconic eating out places:
Mylari, Nazarbad
Gayatri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram
Ramya, Krishanamurthypuram – closed permanently
Green hotel, Hunsur road
Places of interest nearby are:
Srirangapatna – Historical Place
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Karighatta – Hill
Kunti Betta – Hill
Melukote – Ancient Temple
Nimishambha – Temple and Cauvery River
Gosai Ghat, Sangama, Paschima Vahini – Cauvery River
Sagarakatte – Cauvery River
T. Narasipura – Confluence of Cauvery and Kapila River
Tonnur Kere – Lake
Somnathapura – Ancient Keshava Temple
Talakadu – Historical place, River Cauvery, Temple
Irappu Waterfalls
Chunchankatte Waterfalls
Shivanasamudra Waterfalls
Kuruva Dweep – Islands, Kerala
Thirunelly Temple – Ancient temple, Kerala
Nanjanagudu – Ancient Temple, River Kapila
Ooty – Hill Station, Tamil Nadu
Varakodu
M.M.Hills
Adichunchanagiri
Yennehole
Hadinaru Kere
B.R.Hills
Gundal Dam
Nugu Dam
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Bandipur
Nagarhole
Antharsanthe
Kabini Dam
B.R.Hills
M.M.Hills – Temple
Himvad Gopalaswamy Betta – Temple
Tholapetty – Kerala
Madumalai – Tamil Nadu
Wayanad – Kerala
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: City
Situated: Karnataka State, India
Distance: 140 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by Rail and Road and shortly by Air too…
Facilities: Many resorts, 3 star, 5 star hotels with restaurants are available
