The Majestic Mysore, a must try!

Mysore… a dream destination …enchanting one and all who visit it; with its majestic palaces, exquisite gardens, landscaped avenues, interesting monuments/ museums and rich cultural heritage, once the erstwhile capital of emperors of S. India, today Mysore is one of India’s favorite destinations with some breathtaking attractions to offer its tourists… planning a visit? Then here’s more…

Literally translating to the abode of Mahisha, (as per myth Mahishasura was a demon killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari), Mysore the Anglican name given to the city , is most known for its numerous palaces displaying exquisite works of architecture and a glorious past!

Topping the lists of attractions here is the Mysore Palace, not just one of Karnataka’s most visited monuments but also one of India’s favorite! It is said that in 2006 this palace received more visitors than even the Red Fort and the Qutab Minar!

While the Mysore Palace as we see it today isn’t the original palace that was built in 897 AD, the original being destroyed in a fire in 1897, credit for this magnificent three storied marvel goes to Henry Irwin who undertook the job of rebuilding the palace. A fine blend of Gothic, Rajput, Hindu, and Muslim styles of architecture, this palace stands out for its spectacular marbles domes, arches, towers, ivory inlaid rosewood doors and more. Today converted into a museum, visitors can enjoy the rich display of paintings, portraits, weapons, costumes it has to offer.

Constructed in 1861 by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, when the Original Mysore Palace was destroyed in a fire, the Jaganmohan Palace was the alternate residential arrangement for the royal family. Unlike the Mysore Palace, the Jaganmohan Palace built in traditional Hindu architecture is home to a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, ancient currency and more.

The second largest palace of Mysore the Lalitha Mahal Palace, built in 1921 is said to be a copy of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and was built to house the Maharajas’ European guests.

Said to be one of the best palaces sporting Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the Rajendra Vilas Palace set against the Chamundi Hills located at 1000 feet above the city, once the summer palace of the Royal family, is today one of the most elegant hotels found here. While last but not the least is the exquisite Vasantha Mahal, a palace with brilliant architecture built in 1842, which was earlier the special school for the young princes and later converted into hotel.

Apart from palaces, museums too draw in their share of tourists with the popular ones here the Jayachamarajendra Museum and art gallery, located within the Jaganmohan Palace. This museum is a treasure trove of antiques belonging to the Royal family. From portraits to mementos, musical instruments to antique furniture and more, one can find it all here.

Other important museums here include the Folklore Museum that houses over 6,500 unique folklore exhibits from all over Karnataka and the Railway Museum for engines, the Maharajas saloon and other exhibits from the Mysore State Railways that operated from 1881-1951. Also adding to the excitement is the battery-operated mini-train delighting children of all ages with its short rides along the grounds. The Regional Museum of Natural History, is home to many a plant/ animal exhibit from India’s southern region.

A mention must also be made of the Oriental Research Institute, also known as the Oriental Library; this library is home to over 33000 palm leaf manuscripts and the Melody World a wax museum paying tribute to musicians from across the globe.

For a spectacular view of the city, the Chamundi Hills at a height of 1,000 meters is a must. Home to the Chamundeshwari temple, from here one can view the city and its landmarks  such as the Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Race Course, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. Visit this hill on Sunday evenings and during Dussehra festival when the illuminated Mysore Palace adds to the beauty.

One of India’s most magnificent and largest churches, the St. Philomena’s church said to be over 200 years old and designed in Neo Gothic style, is a spectacular sight for its medieval architecture, imposing towers, and stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible that were specially brought from France.

While Mysore is home to a large number of parks & gardens, some worth mentioning include the Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, home to over 300 bonsai plants, and is the largest of its kind in India.

Designed keeping the Shalimar Gardens (Kashmir) in mind, the Brindavan Gardens is one of Mysore’s most spectacular gardens known for its exotic plants, sculptures, fountains and numerous water bodies. Spread over 150 acres of land, the main attraction is the Dancing Fountain or Musical Fountain  that is a stunning visual of water, colour and music.

The Mysore zoo is said to be one of India’s finest zoos, housing not only some exotic species of animals from over 40 different countries but also over 85 varieties of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants. This zoo is also noted for successfully breeding some rare animals in captivity.

Other attractions here include the Karanji Lake located at the foot hills of the Chamundi Mountains just behind the Mysore Zoo, the Kukkaranahali Lake that is home to a large number of migratory birds, the Jayalakshmi Vilas an architectural splendor that reflects Mysore’s glorious days and is today  a part of the Mysore University and of course the Race course.

Also attracting its share of tourists is the Datta Peetham located at the foothills exotic mountain ranges of Chamunda, the abode of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda, one of Mysore’s most revered religious gurus. Here patients with severe ailments are treated through the harmonious blend of music and meditation. This spiritual ashram draws a huge number of devotees and patients from all over the country.

While there’s loads to keep any tourist busy, there’s loads to shop here as well! A shopaholic’s delight, from Mysore silks to sandalwood carvings, Agarbathis (Incense sticks), to figures of god and goddesses, even furniture made of sandalwood/ rosewood Mysore can truly be described as a shopper’s paradise! Great places to shop include Ashoka Road, Devaraj Urs Road. Another must buy here is the mouth watering Mysore Pak made here.

The best time to visit Mysore is during Dusshera, when the city and the palaces are illuminated for a whole month. A celebration of good over evil; Goddess Chamundeswari (Durga) over the demon Mahishasura, this festival plays a major role in Mysore. Several cultural programs are held in the city and celebrations during the festival include an exciting display  of fireworks.

One of India’s most beautiful cities, Mysore is a majestic city that retains it old world charm and is yet modern in every way!