Mysore

Giving a prominent opportunity to dig deep to the royal history of India, Mysore is best known for the glittering royal heritage, magnificent monuments and its culture. While the palaces, European architecture and princely celebrations speak of the rich traditions of the city, the gardens and the sporting clubs take Mysore towards modernity. Home to the Mysore silk sari and Mysore pak, the city is an unusual mix of tradition and modernity.

Major attractions

Mysore palace
The Mysore Palace is an exponent of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. The palace is basically a three storied structure with a 44 meter (145 feet) central tower. Pinkish marble domes adorn the number of towers configured in perfect symmetry. The palace was the former seat of the Wodeyar maharajas which was gutted by fire in 1897 and took 15 years in the reconstruction by English architect Henry Irwin. Its interiors are magnificently decorated and take you back to the era of raja-maharajas. The sight of the palace at night is a treat to the eyes as it gets illuminated with thousands of bulbs, and sparkles like a jewel.

Chamundi hills
Capturing the mesmerizing view, three kilometers to the south east of the fort in Mysore, lays the Chamundi Hills that rises to a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Atop the hill is the temple dedicated to the ancestral Goddess of the Mysore royal family, Goddess Kali who is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.

St. Philomena’s church
Built in the gothic form of architecture, St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches of the continent of Asia. It is emphasized by arresting stained-glass windows. The church has a celler where there is a statue of St. Philomina A piece of her bone and cloths are in this church.

The Brindavan gardens
The Brindavan Gardens is lies at a distance of 19 kilometers from the center of the city. The garden is adorned with fountains that dance to the sound of music in the evenings. Often described as the best example of illuminated terrace gardens in the country, the garden is located close to the famous KRS Dam that was designed and engineered by Sir M. Vishvesvariah.

Zoo
The Zoo is home to around 1500 animals and opossum and orangutan are a few to name. There is also a small museum inside the Zoo which displays the stuffed animals. The zoo premises also houses a small library.

Shopping
Explore the bazaar of Mysore for sandalwood oil, musical instruments, sandalwood carvings, rosewood items, pure silk clothes etc.

How to reach
Mysore is well connected by Mysore airport and railway station to other major cities of the country.