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Travel To India - Mysore

2007-12-18

Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples ... the exotic fragrance of Mysore Jasmine... the melodious strains of the Veena... the rich aroma of filter coffee... traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood and ivory ... the rustle of rich silks ... delicious Nanjangud bananas ... Hot 'N' Spicy Bisi-bele-hulianna ... mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat ... It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer some exciting bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself.

Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, board shady avenues and sacred temples.

There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Godess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed Demon, Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. during the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.

Pomp and Pageantry Relived Come to Mysore in October when the tranquil city awakens to ten days of Dasara festivities. Brilliantly lit up Palaces, decorated arches, festooned streets, colourful costumes and cultural shows...classical music, folk dances, Bharata Natyam, Yakshagana, Huthari, Torch Light Parade, Theppotsava... The culmination is the legendary Mysore Dasara Procession with caparisoned elephants, the golden howdah, decorated horses, stately coaches, troops in ceremonial uniforms, folk dancers and colourful floats.

Places to see in Mysore


Chamundi Hills
This is a 1150m hill that is named after Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva, who vanquished the Demon Mahishasura. From the top of the hill, one can have a panoramic view of Mysore.

Maharaja's Palace
Built enormous and lavish in 1911 to replace the old palace in the fort that burned down, the Maharaja's Palace is an extravagance of domes, arches, turrets and sculptures. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With vast pillared corridors and stately halls, carved ceilings, intricate mosaics, carving in ivory, stone and wood, life like paintings, antique royal weapons, this palace is a must in every visitor's itinerary.

Chamundeswari Temple
Built in the 12th century, a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture, Krishnaraja Wodeyar renovated the temple in 1827. The temple tower is 40m high with seven storeys. The deity is Goddess Durga. On the way to the temple, there is a monolithic statue of Nandi Bull and a morter statue of Mahishasura.

Srirangapatnam
The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is picturesquely located in the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully gilded and painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz' his mausoleum, are located close to the river.

Brindavan Gardens
The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy tale quality.

EXCURSIONS:

Somnathpur 
The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and not to be missed.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve
This Tiger Reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.

Nagarhole National Park
A fine wildlife reserve that is within easy reach of Mysore. Its dense deciduous forests are the habitat of the tiger, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital or the spotted deer, wild boar, pangolin, langur, macaques and about 250 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Black Woodpecker. There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.

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