RAJASTHAN TOURISM Places to See Mysore

Mysore

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Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples - the exotic fragrance of Mysore Jasmine- the melodious strains of the Veena- the rich aroma of filter coffee- traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood and ivory - the rustle of rich silks - delicious Nanjangud bananas - Hot 'N' Spicy Bisi-bele-hulianna - mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat - It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer some exciting bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself

Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, board shady avenues and sacred temples.

Some of the best places to visit when you are in the city are:

Places to See

Mysore Palace

Whre the Mharajas lived- You can't miss the Palace at Mysore, for all roads lead to the Maharaja's Palace. 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. See the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Chamundi Hills

Presiding deity; of Mysore. A well known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up long the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. MAHISHASURA- From whom Mysore got its name Close to the temple is the gigantic stature of the demon Mahishasura.

St. Philomena's Church

Gothic art A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure.

Mysore Zoo

Home of rare species of fauna The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.

Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery

A treasure house of masterpieces The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich.

Mysore is known the world over for its exotic silks. At the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, you can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense sticks. At the Government Silk Factory you can see the master weavers at work. Buy shimmering silks straight off the looms.

Srirangapatna

The Tiger's Lair Take yourself back to another spot, another, time. 16 kms away from Mysore is the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stone walls and moats enclose palaces, temples and a great mosque. Tipu's summer Palace, with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, Royal Mosque, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its chequered past.

Ranganathittu

A haven for winged visitors 5 kms from Srirangapatna, lush green islands on the river Cauvery, are home for an astonishing variety of migratory birds from as far away as Siberia - Spoon bills, Open Bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret Darter, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Wild Duck, Peafowl. A little boat takes you close to the islands where the trees are covered with birds of different species. The only sounds are the cries of birds, swoosh of wing and the ripple of water. Ideal for picnicking and bird watching.