!! Travel to Mysore!!

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, MysoreJaganmohan 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.