Mysore has great royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood. This rich heritage and great hospitality of Mysore draws millions of tourists all year round.
Mysore is also famously known as The City of Palaces, Mysore is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. Mysore is filled with the history of its royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood. Situated in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the British Empire of India. The Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, every inch of the palace drips with opulence and intricate details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colours and stained-glass windows. On every Sunday, and during the Dussehra celebrations, the palace is spectacularly lit up once dusk falls.
The Mysore Palace is an incredibly breathtaking example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace is a magnificent edifice located in Mysore in the state of Karnataka. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country.
The construction of the Mysore Palace was orchestrated by the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV referred as "Rajarishi" (saintly king) by Mahatma Gandhi. The facade of the palace is a harmonious blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles which imparts it a regal quality. The Palace is the second most visited historical monument visited by both local and foreign tourists after the Taj Mahal.
The Brindavan Gardens is spread over an area of 60 acres and is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. The well-synchronized fountain show with music, boating and well-manicured grass with flowerbeds are some of the top experiences of Brindavan Garden. Constructed in 1932 by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, Brindavan Garden is visited by millions of tourists every year.
The Mysore Zoo is one of the best zoological gardens in India. Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar established this Zoo in the year 1892 for the Royals. From Big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo. Situated near the Mysore Palace, The Zoological Garden covers an area of 157 acres. Various exhibitions are regularly held here with an insect exhibition stealing the show.
The Chamundeshwari Temple is present on the eastern edge of Mysore at the height of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. Dedicated to goddess Durga, the temple also has statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. Being one of the oldest temples in the palace city of Mysore, the temple is a must-visit attraction for the travellers. The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
The temple showcases the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity that was held in reverence for centuries by the Maharajas of Mysore; hence deriving its name from goddess Durga. The view from the temple is stunning, as you can see many significant structures of the city including the Lalitha Mahal Palace.
The Mysore Rail Museum is the second of its kind in India, right after the National Railways Museum of Delhi. The museum basically depicts the journey and development of the Indian railways through an opulent collection of photographs and various other items. The other fascinating display here includes a wide range of lights, tickets, ticketing machines, clocks, signal signs, and a hand-operated the steam water pump. There is a battery-operated mini toy train that takes the tourists around the grounds of the museum.
The Jaganmohan Palace is a spectacular edifice that has an illustrious history attached to its name, It was used by the Wodeyars of Mysore when their main residence Amba Vilas Palace was under renovations post a fire incident. The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into a magnificent art gallery and today hosts some of the most exquisite pieces of artwork for the public to see. The beautiful art that is housed within, the architecture of Jaganmohan Palace is intricate and detailed beautifully.
The Royal Mysore, the Bonsai Garden of Mysore is home to over a 100 different varieties of Bonsai trees spread across this vast estate. The garden hosts 450 miniature tree across an area of 4 acres, filled with these quirky dwarf trees. The beauty of the garden is accentuated by the stream that flows within, as well as the placement of Buddha statues and monkey statues around the area, representative of the Zen culture from where the art of Bonsai was evolved. The garden is indeed a delight to walk through, and one can't help but appreciate the fine art and effort required to shape a 100-year-old tree within a lovely terracotta pot.
The Karanji Lake, also known as the fountain lake, is a popular picnic spot. It is a beautiful place to explore the different species of birds as the lake exhibits as many as 147 species including herons, Asian open bill storks, cormorant, grey pelican, etc. The lake also consists of a butterfly park which is home to more than 45 species of beautiful butterflies fluttering their wings and flying around in brilliant colours. The mesmerising lake also has a Regional Museum of national history which is situated on the banks of the lake giving out information on the natural environment of South India and how to maintain it. The area is adorned with lush greenery and abundance of fauna, making it a top-rated tourist attraction.
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna is a haven for bird watchers as it houses a wide species of birds. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and comprises of six small islands on the banks of the river Kaveri. The scenery of the local vegetation and landscape, coupled with the colourful species of birds makes it a unique learning experience for visitors of all ages and interests. This destination offers many things to do for its tourists; the most popular ones include bird watching, boating, and some good old nature photography.
The GRS Fantasy Park is an amusement and water park that serves as a quick weekend outing for the people of Mysore and surrounding towns. Present amidst lush green landscapes on the Mysore-Bangalore highway. It offers some fun rides and activities making it a perfect spot for friends and families to hang out. GRS Fantasy Park offers numerous thrilling fun rides and multipurpose play system for kids and adults. Water games and kid's pool are the main attraction of the park. There are many inbuilt games at Amazonia which is an interactive river.
The best time to visit Mysore is from the Monsoons and Winter months from July to February. These months have pleasant weather and one can enjoy the captivating beauty of Mysore, summers are less ideal for travelling and sightseeing.
Mysore has picturesque landscapes, viewpoints, waterfalls and cultural attractions which makes it a dream destination for every traveler. Whether you want to enjoy tranquility within nature or an adrenaline pump through adventure activities, Mysore has something to offer for every traveler who visits the destination. So Plan your trip today to this beautiful destination, and get ready to be mesmerized by natural beauty and cultural richness of Mysore.
