Mysore
is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Today, 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. Situated 770m above sea level,Mysore has a warm and
cool climate throughout the year.
The City is famous
for its palaces, a beautiful city ideal for people who wish to live
a peaceful life. With plenty of greenery peaceful people this city
can also be called as the Bangalore of the 80's. Mysore is a place
well renowned for Dasara festival and is a favored tourism
destination throughout India.
The word Mysore expands
to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of
Mahishasura. Mysore,or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its
history back to the mythical past, when Goddess 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 center of oriental splendor.
Area
& PopulationSituated 140km west of Bangalore - the
capital of Karnataka, Mysore is is at an altitude of 770m above sea
level. With an area of 80.5 sq. km., the city lies between Latitude
12 degree 18min North and Longitude 76 degree 42min in the East.
Mysore has a population of 1,038,490 according to 2001 census. The
city experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. The maximum
temperature goes up to 34 degrees C in the month of April while the
minimum drops down to 16 degrees C in December. The average annual
rainfall in the city is 667mm.
Mysore Attractions
- Mysore Palace
The Maharaja's Palace is one of the
important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with
domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure
house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the
world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished
rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many
sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of
the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival.
Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays ,the palace presents
a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
- Chamundi Hill
Perched atop a hill is a 12th
century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by
road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young
at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi
the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also at
the entrance to the temple stands a gigantic statue of the demon
Mahishasura.
- Brindavan Gardens
This
picturesque gardens are popular for its coloured blossoms and
enchanting musical fountains equipped with special lights. This
is a popular hangout for children who can always be seen noising
in the place.
- The Jagan Mohana Palace
Jagan Mohana Palace
popularly known as the Jayachamaraja art gallery. This art
gallery has ancient paintings and artifacts that are centuries
old.
- St. Philomena's Church
This beautiful Cathedral
was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the
country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful
stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in
the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed.
How to reach
- Air
The nearest Airport is the Bangalore airport
from where one has to take a train or a bus to reach Mysore.
- Train
There are regular train services from
Bangalore to Mysore.
- Road
Mysore has a good network of roads
connecting it to the other important cities of the region. The
Bangalore Mysore road is a nice drive where if you have the time
you can see plenty of tourism places along the way.
