Mysore - The Destination
Welcome to the abode of
untold splendor and glory. Mysore, the capital city
of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers
with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent
palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,
broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an
old world charm about the city that reaches out and
leaves no one untouched.
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The city's star attraction
is the magnificent Mysore Palace - a kaleidoscope
of colors, stained glass and gilt, mosaic floors,
marble and heavy wooden doors. Built in 1907,
it replaced the previous palace. The figures
of 6-8 leopards growl in life-like resemblance
at any who might defy the maharajas. Keep a
look out for the Royal State emblem - the double-headed
Eagle on the Elephant Gate. And most importantly,
don't miss an evening sighting of the Palace
if you are in Mysore on a Sunday…the whole
edifice is beautifully illuminated by tiny bulbs
for an hour. |
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The lush Brindavan gardens are scrupulously
planned, filled with dancing fountains and hordes
of people. Towards the south end of the city,
the road leads to the Chamundi Hill which houses
a temple for the goddess Chamundi, the family
deity of the Maharajas of Mysore, who's solid
gold figure can be seen in the inner sanctum.
You can either walk up the thousand steps or
take a vehicle.
On the way up, you will find
a 5 mts tall monolithic Nandi (the bull that
is Shiva’s vehicle and also a symbol of
fertility); one of the largest in India. The
views along the way are spectacular, though
only on a clear day.
Mysore is a vibrant city teeming
with tourists and visitors. It is known the
world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich
silks. Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic
temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression
on the visitor.
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Mysore - Facts at a Glance
| State
: |
Karnataka |
| Area
: |
38 sq kms |
| Temperature
: |
38
°C - 26°C (Summers)
18°C - 10°C (Winters) |
| Rainfall
: |
86
cms per year |
| Altitude
: |
770
mts |
| Language
: |
Kannada
, English, Urdu, Kodava, Tulu, Konkani,
Sankethi |
| Best
Season : |
October/November |
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| Mysore
Palace - The
Mysore Palace was built over one thousand
years ago, in 897 AD. Saracenic in style,
the palace has both Hindu as well as Muslim
influences. After a fire in 1897, Krishnaraja
Wodeyar IV rebuilt the palace as we see
it today, under the supervision of architect
Henry Irwin. The main building is of massive
gray granite with a tower covered by a
gilded dome. A temple is situated within
the royal courtyard. |
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Jayachamarajendra
Art Gallery - Shri Jayachamarajendra
Art Gallery was established in 1875 and has
a rare collection of some beautiful paintings
from the same era. The gallery is located in
Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by Raja
Ravi Varma, Svetsolav Roerich and traditional
paintings from Mysore. The traditional gold
leaf paintings and some exquisitely carved statues
in sandalwood, ivory and stone are also exhibited
in the gallery. The old paintings in the gallery
have been done in mineral and vegetable dyes
and paints.
Chamundi Hill - The temple
on the hill, which is 2000 years old, is dedicated
to Durga Devi or goddess Chamundi (avatar of
Parvathi, Shiva's consort) for celebrating her
victory over the demon Mahishasura. From the
top of hill you can have a panoramic view of
Mysore. There is a giant statue of Mahishasura,
the demon who was killed by the goddess Chamundi
(Durga Devi) near the temple. Halfway up the
hill an ornamented monolithic statue of the
Nandi Bull can be found.
Government Silk Weaving Factory
- The Maharaja of Mysore created this factory
in 1932 to obtain the finest hand-loomed silks
for himself and his royal family. Today the
Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation runs
it. Here you can see craftsmen at work and
also buy silk, fresh from the looms.
Brindavan Garden - This garden
is situated 19 km northwest of Mysore. The
garden is open daily, but the fountain show
is held only in spring. The main attraction
is the 'dancing musical fountains'. The garden
is fully illuminated during the night.
The Zoo - The Mysore Zoo
was set up by the royal family and houses
some rare and exotic birds & animals.
Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the
zoo is famous for breeding some rare animals
in captivity.
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