Mysore
Mysore has an impressive royal heritage as it served as the capital of the princely State of Mysore for nearly six centuries with distinguished rulers like Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. It is famous for its various temples, palaces, forts and old churches with the highlight being the imposing Mysore Palace. This is especially beautiful when it is illuminated every Sunday evening. The city is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka and is the origin for various styles of Indian arts and crafts. The festival of Dasara is an important event in Mysore and takes place around late September.
Highlights
Brindavan Gardens
↓
↑
Brindavan Gardens is situated below Krishnaraja Sagar dam. The work to construct the garden commenced in 1927 and was completed in 1932. It is spread across 150 acres of land and is one of the best gardens in the country. It houses a botanical park and many fountains in various shapes and sizes. The musical fountain is one of its main attractions. To enjoy the colourful fountains at their best, try to visit after sunset.
Chamundi Hill and Temple
↓
↑
Mysore, derived from “Mahishasurana Ooru,” was named from the demon Mahishasura who was killed by goddess Chamundershwari at the top of Chamundi Hill just outside Mysore. The goddess Chamundershwari is still worshipped to this day with thousands of people visiting the Chamundi Hill to honour her. The Chamundeshwari Temple, a Hindu place of worship, is also located at the top of Chamundi Hill.
Daria Daulat Bagh
↓
↑
Tippu Sultan popularly known as the “Tiger of Mysore”, built this palace in 1784 and ruled Mysore from here for a short time after his father Hyder Ali took back power from the British in the middle of the 18th century. The most stunning feature of the palace is that all the walls have colorful frescoes in the style of Mysore paintings
Dasara Festival
↓
↑
In contrast to other parts of India where Dussehra is only celebrated for one day, Mysore Dasara takes place over the whole 10 days of the Navaratri festival (Sept/Oct). Numerous music and dance performances take place at the Palace and other venues. There’s also wrestling tournament, art exhibition, food festival, kite festival, film festival, flower show, and sightseeing to local tourist places. Another attraction is the Dussehra exhibition, which starts during the festival and continues for around three months. There are stalls selling all kinds of handicrafts, clothing and other ornaments, as well as games and amusement rides. However, the main attraction takes place on the last day of the festival. A traditional procession (known as Jumboo Savari) winds its way through the streets of Mysore, starting at noon from Mysore Palace and ending in Bannimantap. It features an idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, carried atop a lavishly decorated elephant. In the evening, there’s a torch-light parade at the Bannimantap grounds on the outskirts of the city.
Markets
Mysore Palace
↓
↑
Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India and also one of the largest palaces in the country. It was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja’s of the Mysore state and to this day, members of the Royal family still occupy one portion of the Palace. The rest of the palace has now been converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall are certainly very impressive. A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with 98,260 bulbs, shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city and can be enjoyed every Sunday evening.
Mysore Zoo
↓
↑
Developed in 1892, the Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world. The zoo spans 245-acres and is home to rare and exotic birds and animals. Some popular exhibits feature tigers, Indian and African elephants, bears, gorillas, monkeys, lions, hippos, rhinos, and much more.
Nandi Bull
Srirangapatnam Fort
↓
↑
Built in the year 1537 by a feudal lord, this magnificent fort is considered to be the second toughest fort of India. The Srirangapatna Fort has four main entrances known by the names of Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore and Water and Elephant gates. The fort has a double wall defence system, which is what makes it impenetrable. The legendary Tipu Sultan’s residence was inside this fort. Hence, it is also known as Tipu Sultan Fort.Hotels
Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.
Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
