M Y S O R E

Maharajas and palaces, silks and sandalwood, the lingering aroma of incense, the delicious flavour of Mysore Pak, the pomp and pageantry of Dasara ... Welcome to Mysore, the City of Palaces. 140krns from Bangalore, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars and continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

‘Mahishasura Ooru’, (Mysore as we know it now) was named after the demon ‘Mahishasura', who was slain by Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the royal family. The hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of this charming town.

Every October, Mysore gets ready for the Dusshera Festival. Streets are decorated. The Palace is illuminated with thousands of tiny, shimmering bulbs. And the entire town wears a festive look. The 10-day-long Dusshera festivities in Mysore bring back the glory and grandeur of a bygone era. For nine full days prayers are offered to the deities of learning, power and wealth, the nine sacred incarnations of Goddess Shakti. Music concerts, dance programs, sports competitions and other cultural events are held. The Dasara Exhibition is another popular event.

PLACES TO SEE

B.R. Hills - This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft., is 120 kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary - 80kms from Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife centers with rare species of animals and birds. Bandipur is also one of the chosen centers of the WWF Project Tiger launched in 1973.

Chamundi Hills - The 1000 ft. high Chamundi Hills can be seen from any part of the city. As you climb the granite steps, or drive up the hills, you will encounter a 4.8 m monolith of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred Bull. On these hills is also the statue of the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura and right on top of the hills, resides the Patron Goddess of the Royal Family, in the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari Temple with a 400 m high gopuram.

Fort - With his legendary valour and sword Tipu attacked the British soldiers from here. A monument marks the place where Tipu fell, betrayed by his own men.

Lalita Mahal Palace - Of all the palaces of India, the Lalitha Mahal Palace is among on the best in terms of grandeur, heritage and today is the most suited to its role as a luxury hotel.

Mysore Palace - Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the Mysore Palace - residence of the Wodeyar Kings - is one of the largest of its kind in India.

Mysore Zoo - The Mysore Zoo recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary and is home to some rare animals and exotic plants.

Nagarhole Wildlife Reserve - Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River Lodge are nature-lover’s delight. Here is a rich variety of wildlife with more than 250 species of birds.

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary - Just 18kms from Mysore is the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary. This bird watcher’s paradise is home to many exotic birds.

Srirangapatnam - 16kms from Mysore is Srirangapatnam the island fortress that was once capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam - The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and the scenic ornamental Brindavan Gardens are 19kms northwest of Mysore.