Mysore
Mysore is a popular tourist destination located in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mysore is the third largest city in the state of Karnataka. It is located 146 km southwest of Bangalore in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. 152 km. It was the capital of the Mysore Empire from 1399 to 1956 . Mysore Heritage Buildings Palaces, Chamundi Hills, Mysore Palace and the festivals held during the Dussehra festival Mysore attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Mysore Dussehra is the name given to a wide variety of art forms and cultural diversity, including Mysore Paint. Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa, Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Inc, Mysore Peta (Traditional Silk Turban), Mysore Silk Sarees etc. Tourism is a major industry along with traditional industries. Mysore is one of the popular tourist destinations in South India. It is a city of many historical, artistic and geographical features. Let's take a look at some of the major tourist attractions in Mysore.
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is located in the city of Mysore in South India. It was the official residence of the ancient royal families. The Durbar is the official office, also worked with it. Also Known as the city of palaces, Mysore has many palaces, but only one of these palaces is known as the 'Mysore Palace'. Construction of the palace began in 1897 and was completed in 1912. It is now one of the well-known tourist destinations in Mysore. The main festival is Mysore Dussehra. The palace is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace.
The three-storied palace is a fusion of Indo-Arab, Roman and Dravidian architectural structure. Marble towers, gardens all around, seven large arches, a beautiful statue of gajalakshmi over the central arch, durbar halls, Ambavilasa Hall and the Jols Pavilion. Mysore Palace is famous for its wedding hall and twelve temples in the Palace Complex. Royal costumes, ornaments and portraits of kings are also on display for visitors. Paintings by Rajaravi Verma, Siddhalinga Swamy and K Venkatappa can be seen on the walls of the palace. The best time to visit Mysore palace October - November.
How to Reach
- Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport which is about 184 km from Mysore.
- Mysore Junction Railway station is well connected by train from Bangalore, Bagalkot, Tirupati, Chennai, Dharwar, and Arsikere.
- Mysore has direct bus connectivity with Chennai, Bangalore, Ooty, Coimbatore, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad.
Brindavan Garden
The Brindavan garden located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore city. Built across the river of Cauvery. Brindavan Garden is located on the KRS Dam Road near the town, Mandya. This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Mysore. The garden was designed by Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of Mysore. It is based on Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir in the Mughal style. Spread over an area of 150 acres. The garden is divided into two parts,north and south. Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India.
Brindavan Garden also has two beautiful horticulture farms. The Naguvana Horticulture Farm, located near the main gate, covers an area of 30 acres. It houses different types of plants. The construction work of the garden began in the year 1927 and completed in 1932. The main attraction of the Brindavan Garden beautiful array of Musical and dancing fountain, located in the North. The best time to visit the gardens is after sunset, that's time all the bright colorful fountains come alive. There is also a lake within the garden with boating facilities available for visitors. Boating is available between southern and northern parks.
Boating time Round Trip (From North Garden to South Part of Garden) (Before 6 PM), (After 6 PM)
One side after 6 PM
Visiting hours 6.30 AM to 9 PM.
Musical Fountain: 6. 30 PM - 7.30 PM on Weekdays 6.30 PM - 8.30 PM on Weekends.
How to Reach
- Regular buses operated by state government from the city’s bus stand to the garden. It takes around 15 minutes by bus. you can take an autorickshaw or a taxi also.
- Nearest airport Banglore international airport.
- Nearest railway station Mysore Junction Railway station is well connected by train from Bangalore, Bagalkot, Tirupati, Chennai, Dharwar, and Arsikere.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu bird Sanctuary is located 3 kilometers from the historic town of Srirangapattana and 16 kilometres north of Mysore. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the Karnataka, 40 acres (16 ha) in area and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. A boat ride takes you to the six islets crowded with many species of birds. These boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters, and bats. There is no lodging within the sanctuary, so visitors typically stay over at Mysuru or Srirangapatna.
The seasons for visiting the park are June–November. The best time to watch migratory birds is usually December but it can vary year to year. More than 170 species of bird that reside here, the most notable ones are the Painted Stork, Asian Openbill Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Common Spoonbill, and Woolly-necked Stork. This biodiversity hub also houses many small animals such as the Bonnet Macaque, Flying Fox and small mammals. There is a separate entry charge, parking charge and boating charge. Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM.
How to Reach
- Nearest Railway station Srirangapatna
- Nearest Airport Banglore international Airport (25 km).
- Regular buses operated by state government from the city’s bus stand.
Lalitha Mahal
Lalitha Mahal located near the Chamundi Hills, east of the city of Mysore. The palace was built in 1921 at the orders of His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India. The Lalitha Mahal is the second largest palace in Mysore. The architecture of the grand palace was inspired by St. Paul Cathedral in London. The most attractive part of the palace is the restaurant block.
The curved roof and the glass dome at the centre follow splendid architectural interest of the Mysore rulers. The lobby and corridors of the palace have beautiful paintings of Mysore rulers and historical events of Mysore kingdom, like The siege of Srirangapatna Fort, Tipus Sons, etc. staircase of the palace is wonderfully designed. The palace is a five star hotel under the Indian Tourism Development Corporation. Visiting hours : 8 AM - 5 PM.
Chamundeshwari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore. It is situated at an elevation of about 3300 Ft above the sea level. Chamundeshwari is called by the people of Karnataka as Naada Devi, which means state Goddess. It is believed that Goddess Durga slayed the demon king Mahishasura on the top of this hill which was ruled by him. The place was later known as Mahishooru (Place of Mahisha). The British changed it to Mysore and later Kannadized into Mysuru.At the temple are several images of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva).
There is a huge granite Nandi on the 700th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells.The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.There are two options for the visitors to reach the Chamundeshwari temple, either by steps or by driving through the interwoven valley road. The best time to visit this temple September to October due to festivals of Dussehra and Diwali.
How to Reach
- Chamundeshwari temple is located at a distance of 13 kilometres from the Mysore junction train station.
- The auto rickshaws have nominal charges. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the station to the Chamundi Hills.
- KSRTC bus facilities are available every 20 minutes from Mysore city bus stand to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.
Jayalakshmi Vilas
The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is situated on a high ridge in the campus of the University of Mysore. Made up of 3 different buildings, the palace was originally set in vast estate of 800 acres. It was built in 1905 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar for his eldest daughter Jayalakshmi Devi. The palace currently houses three museums, Archeology Museum, Folklore Museum and General Museum, among which,
The Folklore Museum is very unique and has rare collection. Founded in 1968, this museum has folk art and folklore articles on display and the museum is celebrated as one of the largest of its kind in Asia. An amazing collection of carved wooden and leather figures from Karnataka villages, rural costumes, utensils, metal ware,ornaments, implements and tools used in various rural professions are displayed here.
The Archeology Museum displayed several stone sculptures on the ground level and beautiful paintings of eminent personalities, nature, historical events from Mysore and other parts of Karnataka among others. These artifacts were collected by the Royal family through decades.
The general museum situated in the main complex of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion houses several artifacts used by the Royal families of Mysore and other important personalities of Karnataka. The collection includes utensils, shoes, bags, cloths and household items, etc.
Visiting hours: 10 AM - 1:15 PM , 2:30 PM - 5 PM. Closed on second Saturdays and Sundays. Photography is not allowed inside.
Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake located in the city of Mysore. The lake is surrounded by a nature park consisting of a butterfly park , children's play park and a walk-through aviary.There is also a museum, the Regional Museum of Natural History which is located on the banks of this lake. The total area of Karanji lake is 90 hectares. Karanji lake is owned by the Mysore Zoo Authority.
butterfly park has been created on a small island within the Karanji lake. About 45 species of butterflies have been identified here. With the help of a botanist, appropriate species of host plants and nectar plants essential for the breeding of butterflies were selected and planted within the island. These plants have also been brought from hillstations and other regions like Malnad. visiting hours: 8.30 AM - 5.30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays).
How To Reach
- Karanji Lake is situated 2 km away from the Mysore Palace. It lies nearly 5 km away from the railway station of Mysore, and one can quickly hire an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the bus station or the railway station which are near to the lake.
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo is a located near the palace in Mysore. Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India. It is home to a wide variety of species. The Mysore Zoo was established in the year 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar and designed by German Landscaper and Horticulturist Mr. GH. Krumbeiga. The zoo organized with a wonderful collection of animals and birds. The vegetation and landscape of the zoo are very well maintained. The sightseeing views starts with birds followed by Tiger, Cheetah, Gorilla, Rhino, Zeebra, Bear, Deer, Elephant, Jaguar, Lion, Ghoral, Reptiles, Hippo, Ostrich and ends with Giraffe.The Zoological Garden covers an area of 157 acres.
The best time to see the animals is during the early hours of the morning, before 11 AM. Battery vehicles are available for those who can't walk. Karanji Lake became part of the zoo and a boating facility is available here. Mysore Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions. visiting hours: 8 AM - 5.30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays.
How to Reach
- Mysore Zoo located 3 km away from the Mysore Bus stand and 2 km away from the Mysore Palace. Horse carts run between the palace and the zoo.
- Local buses and auto-rickshaws are occasionally available.
- At a distance of 3 km from Mysore Railway Station.
Kukkarahalli Lake
Kukkarahalli Lake located in the heart of the Mysore city. Also called Karnataka locals Kukkarahalli Kere. The Kukkarahalli Lake was built in 1864 AD by Dewan Poornaiah. This lake spread over an area of 120 acres. The lake is a paradise for bird watchers and it has more than 175 species of birds including the aquatic kind.During the migratory season, many species of migratory birds come to here. this area from all around the world such as Siberia. Kukkarahalli Lake was built to serve as the source of water for irrigation to land more than 10,000 acres.
The lake is used by the Naval Division of the National Cadet Corps to train cadets in boat pulling for the annual Boat - pulling Competition. Karnataka State Tourism division provides boating facility in both motor and pedal boats. There is a sidewalk way along the lake with stone benches for people to sit, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.The presence of beautiful Chamundi hills at the backdrop makes the scenery even more spectacular. You can visit the lake from 6 am to 6pm. There are no entry charges to visit Kukkarahalli Lake.
How to Reach
- At a distance of 3.5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station
- It is located at 4 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station.
Rail Museum
Railway Museum is situated near the railway station on Krishnaraja Sagar Road. This Museum was established in 1979 by Indian Railways and it was the earliest railway museums set up in India. The museum houses a large collection of different models of trains ran by India Railways throughout the history. This collection includes narrow gauge, meter gauge, broad gauge tracks, inspection coaches, engines from different eras, and a cart running with steam, etc. There is also a private train with two coaches used by Maharaja of Mysore exhibited in Sri Ranga Pavilion which has a Maharani's saloon carriage dating back to 1899.
The pavilion houses a number of antiquities used in the early days, such as various models of telephones and furniture.It displays numerous photographs and memorable moments in the development of the railway. The Chamundi Gallery showcases some great paintings related to Indian Railways. Interesting to see the steam engines, including the first steam engine and signaling accessories since the inception of the railways in India. A battery-powered mini-train takes visitors to the museum grounds for a fun ride. The Railway Museum is a great place to visit, especially for children to learn about the history of the railways and the science behind the railways. Visiting hours: 9.30 AM - 5.30 PM.
How to Reach
- At a distance of about 500 meters from Mysore Railway Station
- It is located at 2.5 Km from KSRTC Bus Station.