More – Mysore
About the city
The Royal City
A city of palatial buildings and tree-lined boulevards, laid-back Mysore is possessed of a quaint charm, a dignified hangover from the days when it was the capital of a rich princely state. It remains a popular destination for travellers, particularly for its Maharajah's palace. Mysore is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km from Bangalore.Mysore is one of the most pleasant cities in India having clean broad streets, many parks, and a peaceful air. Restored to their throne in 1799, the Wadiyar family later developed the most advanced of all the princely states. Mysore is a typical undertaking of theirs; good in both form and function. The maharajas seem to have run things more like a business than a feudal state. This worked to their own benefit, as evident by the splendid palaces, and to that of their subjects who enjoyed excellent schools and hospitals. For many years after Independence the then maharaja continued as the democratic leader of the enlarged state of Karnataka.
Land of grandeur! A land filled with richness in every form. A land of glory which reaches out to you and pulls you into its folds and leaves you with an enriching experience of an old world charm which one yearns for in this day and age. Captivating, breathtakingdo these words do justice to the capital city of the Wodeyars The magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and imposing architecture, sacred temples and institutions, the richness of sandalwood and the aroma of incense sticksall this just add to the love story that this city builds around you when you step foot into this magical paradise. There's just something about this place which beckons you to get into the laidback mode. The grandeur'the way of life'the old world charm weaves you into its loop and promises you an experience worth your whilean experience which leaves you with a profound sense of contentment.
Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dussehra festival, an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date this celebration of the Dussehra, which is a 10-day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch.
Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance.
Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. Mysore District is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.
Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 km from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.
Mysore today, is a pleasant city with an old world charm; contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate.
Mysore district is 770m above the sea level having an area of 6,268 sq. kms. The district has a population of 22,81,653 (1991 census). The climate is pleasant enough, which registers normal temperature between 19ºC and 30ºC.
Mysore To Kerala
The main road south from Mysore runs through jungle country heading for the Nilgri Hills and Ootacamund. The Nilgris are the second highest in southern India. The main peak is Doda Betta (2636m), and the hils are famous for their tea gardens. Two major wildlife reserves, Bandipur and Mudumalai, lie between Mysroe and Ootacamund. Mudumalai and Ootacamund are actually in Tamil Nadu, but since most people visit them between Mysore and Kerala it is convenient to describe them here.The Town Centre
The Maharaja's palace was built around the turn of the century in Indo-Saracenic style with some distinctly Hoysala touches. The central octagonal marriage hall has a glass roof with likenesses of peacocks. The paintings of state occasions (not murals, they are on canvas) all around the ground floor walls were done by a local artist as recently as 1945. The durbar hall on the first floor has paintings from Hindu mythology and elaborately decorated ceilings. One side of this hall is open, looking out over the durbar ground like a very luxurious grandstand. A third hall is the cabinet room, in effect a hall of private audience. Note the inner row of cast metal pillars imported from Britain. Stained Belgian glass adorns the skylights, some mixed up with that from the marriage hall, and etched glass from the same source is in the windows. The magnificent throne of Mysore is placed in the cabinet hall at the time of Dussehra when it turns into an interesting spectacle. The Maharaja's Domestic Museum is open from 10 am-6 pm and it is well-worth to see the living quarters after the state apartments. You are free to take pictures of the outside of the plaace from the grounds, but it seems you cannot get permission to take a camera in. The palace is illuminated on Sunday evenings.The Sri Chamarajendra Art Gallery in the Jagan Mohan Palace has one of the best two or three collections in India, including many mordrn Indian works. There is a collection of period furniture on the ground floor, and the top floor is the Rang Mahal (Painted Palace) with splendid murals, now used to display musical instruments.
The centre of Mysore is probably the most pleasant city in India to wander around, especially in the early evening; don't miss the devaraja Market. The Rail Museum (open 8 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm), displays locomotives dating back to 1899, the Maharaja's palatial coaches and ephemera. An unusual exhibit is an Austin pick-up truck converted to run on rails.
Location
Mysore is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The city lies 140km away from the state capital, Bangalore.Area : 11,954 Sq.km. State: Karnataka Population : 31,65,018 Literacy : 63.69% STD Code : 0821
The former capital of the Mysore Maharaja's, Mysore still retains its old world charm with its heritage buildings, cultural traditions and scores of temples. The city with the main palace as the focal point is divided mainly into the north zone, comprising the Vinobha road; and the south zone by the Nazarbad Main Road. Mysore is famous for its beautiful crepe silk sarees and sandalwood oil as well as sandalwood and rosewood carved articles, agarbattis and the delicious Mysore 'Pak'. The month long Dussera celebrations in September - October, with its colourful processions, fireworks and the beautifully lighted palace, gives an enchanting look to the city.
Majestic Myosre, the city of palaces and parks is the 'cultural capital' of Karnataka. The historical town has legendary origins and its name is said to be derived from the work "Mahishasurana Ooru", which means the town of Mahishasura. According to a mythological legend, Mahishasura, the demon king, once lived here and was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Ganga king, ruled here till 10th century and were succeeded by the cholas, Hoysalas and the vijayanagar kings. Mysore became the glorious capital of the Wodeyar's, feudatories of the vijayanagar Empire, who declared independence in 16th century with the decline of vijayanagar Empire. The Wodeyar rule was disrupted for some time, when Hyder Ali took over the reigns of Mysore in 1765. His son Tipu Sultan, developed the kingdom rapidly, but was defeated by the British in 1799 and Mysore was given back to the Wodeyar's.
Lovingly christened Palace City, Mysore still wears its royal charm that entices one and all to this beautiful place. True its claim to fame isn't solely its ornate palaces, well-tended gardens, well planned roads and lively markets. It's as much felt in the simple unhurried lifestyle of its locals, its rich art and culture and beautifully framed literature. It is known for its exquisitely crafted silk saris, sandalwood carvings and perfumed incense, so you know what to include in your shopping cart! The reasons for coming back here time and again are as many as its attractions - its majestic palace, rustling silk of its saris, the thick aroma of sandalwood and Mysore jasmine flowers, the sweet taste of Mysore Pak, the pungent taste of Mysore betel leaf and the rich `by-two' coffee... savor the royal experience.
