MYSORE, KARNATAKA

3:15 PM KARNATAKA , MYSORE 0 Comments

 Mysore, the city of palaces, is a popular travel destination in south India and second largest city in the state of Karnataka . It lies 130 kms from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city.

The history of Mysore is clearly reflected in the rich architecture of the city. Mysore has still an old world charm which have not given way to modern amenities. In addition to its beautiful silk sarees and sandalwood oil, Mysore is famous for sandalwood and rose wood carved articles. It also hosts the nada habba – the Mysore Dasara – which attracts millions of tourists every year to the state.

Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja's of the Mysore state. The palace still retains the regal air with which the royal family reigned in the Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mantap and the Golden Royal Elephant Throne. It is an exponent of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture.  The Jaganmohan Palace is another royal palace in Mysore that has been converted into an art gallery and house the paintings and the miniatures of the 19th century.

The Brindavan Gardens is situated at a distance of 19 kilometers from the center of the city. Brindavan Gardens are beautifully laid near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam that is built across the river Cauvery. These Gardens are popular amongst tourists visiting Mysore and are enriched with terraces, musical fountains, lush green lawns, trees/shrubs and colourful flower beds. The garden is elaborated with fountains that dance to the sound of music in the evenings.

About 143 kms from Bangalore and 20 km from Mysore city center is a magical place that, one can say, is a true confluence of beauty & brains. For, here you will find the architectural & designing magnificence of Brindavan gardens and the engineering marvel of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam coming together – a spectacular visual treat. It is one of the principal dams in South India & is built close to the convergence of 3 rivers – Cauvery, Hemavati & Lakshmana Thirtha. Sir M Vishweswaraiah who was the principal engineer, conceived of this project to supply Cauvery river water to agricultural lands of Mandya and Mysore districts and for ensuring power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydro-electric power station.

Three kilometers to the south east of the fort in Mysore, lays the Chamundi Hills that rises to a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Atop the hill is the temple dedicated to the ancestral Goddess of the Mysore royal family, Goddess Kali who is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi. The Mahabaleswara temple stands close to the Chamundi Temple atop the hill. The Mahabaleswara temple is believed to be the oldest temple of the region constructed in the 13th century.

Originally part of the Mysore Zoo, Karainji lake in Mysore City is a sprawling water body with a beautiful park around it. Picturesquely located at the foot of Chamundi hills the Karanji lake is a beautiful bird sanctuary.This is home to more than 5 dozen bird species , both local and migratory.The recently re-developed lake, spanning across 90 acres has a butterfly park, boating,children's corner, a watch tower and India's largest walkthrough aviary.

Mysore is one of the most beautiful cities of India and in dotted with a number of Lakes and Park and the Kukkarahali Lake is one of them. The Kukkaranahali Lake is located within the Manasa Gangothri which is the campus of the Mysore University. A home to a number of birds, the Kukkarahali Lake is also a retreat for many migratory birds who fly in from the different parts of the world.

Located in the heart of Mysore city, the zoo is a very popular tourist attraction. It's arguably the second sought after attraction in the city after Mysore Palace. Mysore Zoo is a pleasant experience also because most animals are kept in well spaced enclosures and it’s a delight to see them move around freely. The Mysore zoo abounds in natural vegetation cover and comprises of various rare species of plants & trees that are hard to find some where else. It is located inside the city unlike many other Zoos in India and Mysore Zoo is considered to be one of the best and oldest in the world.

Above and beyond a number of palaces together with its royal heritage buildings, Mysore city is furthermore famous for vicinity towards a assortment of several other tourist destinations which includes Srirangapatna, Bandipur National Park, Shivasamudram falls and coorg.

Mysore is well-connected by road to Bangalore, Mangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ooty, Kozhikode, Kannur and Panaji (Goa). Buses ply frequently connecting different parts of the city and the popular means of transport, auto-rickshaws are available; and the tongas (horse-drawn carriages) are equally popular.