Mysore
lies 139 kms from Bangalore in Karnataka, at an altar of 770 mts bedecked with palaces,
cities, gardens and sacred spots all over. The city is mostly popular with travellers for palaces
nestled 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 travel
destination exuding its royal charm in yesteryear architectural marvels.
Attractions aside, not even an iota of the beautiful town is spared by its
undulating charm and winding lanes. For those who travel to Bangalore, Mysore is
arbitrary, yet a refreshing excursion from the city humdrums. Sightseeing in Mysore is a wonderful opportunity for travellers from all backgrounds.
Travel 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. An essential part of the state tourism, the palace invites hordes of travellers to Mysore from all over the world.
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 for travellers, 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 for sightseeing 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. Don't miss to visit the place during your travel to Mysore.
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. Tourists will need to climb 1000 steps to the temple or drive up the
windings ghat road.
Shopping Tour 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 is the most delicious thing to do while travelling in Mysore. 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 outstanding 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.
Mysore Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
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.
Tourist Preferred 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
