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 About
140km from Bangalore, Mysore, a hit with both international
and domestic travelers, is one city that has capitalized
its fascinating cultural and historical heritage to
the fullest. It known world wide for its delicate silk,
fragrant sandalwood, intoxicating incense and grand
palaces.
Mysore was among the first princely states to declare
independence from the Vijaynagar Kingdom. Ruled from
then on by maharajas of Mysore, the princely state one-third
the size of present day Karnataka. The mighty Mysore
dynasty was founded in 1399, the name Mysore derived
from the mythical Mahisuru where the Goddess Chamundi
slew the demon Mahishasura that marked an epic victory
of good over evil. The reign of Wodeyars, briefly interrupted
in the late 18th century by the ambitions of Tipu Sultan,
continued till independence when they declared their
allegiance to India in 1956.
Festooned with palatial architecture, manicured gardens
and refreshing air perfumed with sandalwood and jasmine,
Mysore is often referred to as the 'cultural capital
of Karnataka'.
Places to visit on your travel to Mysore -
Mysore Palace - Also
known as the Maharaja Palace, it was rebuilt in 1912
by Henry Irwin, an English architect, after the original
palace burnt down in 1897. Stained glass, mirrors and
striking colors; carved wooden doors and mosaic floors;
and a series of paintings depicting life in Mysore during
the Edwardian Raj are a feast for even the untrained
eye. A spectacular national heritage that captures your
imagination and matches the grandeur of the maharajas
of Mysore, it is a must see for all the people who travel
to Mysore.
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple -
Set on the summit of Chamundi Hill, it overlooks the
panoramic view of Mysore city. A 1000 steps form the
path to the temple that pilgrims have to traverse before
setting sight on the towering arched gate, 40m in height.
Many tourists welcome an insightful half-day excursion
through the temple complex.
Devraj Fruit and Vegetable
Market - Challenge the photographer within you
with a trip to one of the most colorful markets in India,
along the Sayyaji Rao Rd.
 Jaganmohan
Palace and Art Gallery - Another palace, west
of the Mysore Palace, which served as the royal auditorium,
was built in 1861. It now home to the Jayachamarajendra
Art Gallery that displays memorabilia from the Wodeyars
- Japanese paintings, fantastical music instruments,
Raja Ravi Varma's paintings.
Dussehra Festival -
Spread over ten days in the months of late September
or early October, nowhere in India is the festival of
good versus evil celebrated with such fervor and enthusiasm.
For ten consecutive days, the palace is lit with 97,000
electric bulbs that shimmer against the darkening night
sky. The last days are marked by processions of decorated
elephants, marching cavalry and deities dressed in garlands
that seem to float over the ocean of people that swarm
the streets in joyous mood. Their feet moving to the
brass band's notes, high on the strong Mysore incense.
Other places to visit on your travel to Mysore includes:
Mysore Zoo - it sis
one of the best kept zoos in India and extends shelter
to the endangered Royal Bengal tigers as well as the
white tigers. Other animals like primates, elephants,
bears, rhinos and birds can be spotted in their element.
Folklore Museum - Located
in the Mysore University campus, it is a must visit
on your travel to Mysore. The museum affords you a chance
to get a clear understanding for the culture and customs
of Mysore. Carved wooden figures, colorful masks, traditional
headdresses and thodalu bomba (leather shadow puppets).
Amongst the wooden, a ten-headed Ravan steals the show.v
SouthIndiaTravelTourism.com offers destinations to the following South Indian cities :
 Travel To Alappuzha
Travel To Bangalore
Travel To Chennai
Travel To Hyderabad
Travel To Kochi
Travel To Mangalore
Travel To Mysore
Travel To Pondicherry
Travel To Trivandrum
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