Mysore lies 139 kms from Bangalore at an altar of 770 mts bedecked with palaces, cities, gardens and sacred spots all over. The city is famous for palaces nestles up in the southern part of Deccan Plateau and eastern side of Bangalore. For most part the city is dominated by granite outcrops flanked by panoramic countryside and beautiful forest area. Known for its historical paramountcy in the history of South India, Mysore is asought after tourist point exuding its royal charm in yesteryear architectural marvels. Attractions aside, not even an iota of the e beautiful town is spared by its undulating charm and winding lanes. For those who visit Bangalore Mysore is arbitrary, yet a refreshing excursion from the city humdrums.

Tourist Attractions in Mysore

Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas Palace
Designed and constructed in 1912, it counts to be one classic palace dominated by domes, turrets and colonnades. This resorted palace is a treasure trove of arts, antiques and rare collections. The Marriage Pavilion inside the hall is a prime attraction where the jewel studded Jewel Throne is placed.

Maharaja Residency or Museum
Adjacent to the Maharajah Residence, now a museum with a good collection of arts and artefacts, Normally lit on Sundays and Public Holidays, the grand structure is a treat, especially during the Dasara when every evening it is panoply of 97,000 bulbs shine bright.

Jagan Mohan Palace
The Jagan Mohan Palace houses the Sri Jayachamarendra Art Gallery with its collection of Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich paintings.

Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace
Located 5 kms from the Amba Vilas Palace, within the sprawling campus of the University of Mysore, lies the beautiful Jayalakshmi Vilasa Palace built in 1905. It houses one of the Mysore's best landmarks, the Folklore Museum. The second largest palace in the city, the Lalitha Mahal, is a spectacular White building at the foothills of Chamundi Hills.

Rail Museum
Located behind the railway station, this museum has locomotive coaches, paintings and photographs, narrating the rail story.

St.Philomena's Church
Mysore's only British edifice , on Ashoka road, towards the north of Amba Vilas Palace is a Gothic Church. Its imposing structure with impressive stained -glass windows and twin spires that stretch 175 ft into the sky.

Chamundeshwari Temple
Perched atop the Chamundi Hills, at a height of 1000 ft above eastern edges of Mysore, sits the 11th century Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. You will have to climb 1000 steps to the temple or drive up the windings ghat road.

Shopping in Mysore

For Shopaholics, Mysore's well planned markets are treat. At the Devraj Urs Market you will find Mysore's very own special fragrant jasmine and the tangy betel leaf . Also, on Sayyaji Rao Road is government run Cauvery Arts Emporiums, known for its genuine sandalwood and ivory inlay work. If looking for antiques check out Nayanotsav, near the Zoo. Drop at the Government Silk Factory which also has retail outlet.

Eating Out in Mysore

Taking a tiffin break in Mysore is the most delicious thing to do. The city offers terrific 'set' dosas, masala dosas, uppituu(or, upma), rava idlis and Mysore rasam. Tasty savouries like churmuris and peanuts masala also entice. But the most out-standing feature of the city is the web of Bakeries. Try out Veg Bun Cakes at Iyengar Bakeries on Devraja Urs Road. Not-2 forget- list is Mysore pak. Restaurants like Hotel Dasaprakash is recommended for excellent South Indian thalis. Bombay Tiffany high teas are great.

How to reach Mysore

The nearest airport is Bangalore from where it will cost 3 ½ hours of taxi ride to reach Mysore. Journeying by train would require you to get down at Mysore Junction while road wise you be on a lookout for SH17 via Mandya and Srirangapatna. It is advisable to ply via trains due to under construction of road at many points.

Hotels in Mysore

Travellers can choose to stay at any one of the many hotels in Mysore. Tourist lodges and resorts in Mysore are also available to stay at. Some of the most popular and much preferred accommodation options in Mysore are as follows.
» Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
» Hotel Regaalis
» Hotel Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden
» Rajendra Vilas Palace
» Bandipur Safari Lodge
» Hilton Garden Inn