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Mysore
Palace
The
residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its
kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace
exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Throne, the Darbar
Hall, the Kalyana Mantapa, the Gallery and the Amba Vilas are the main
attractions here.
Sri
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of
exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings
by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional
Mysore gold life style of painting.
St.
Philomena's Church
Built in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country
and has beautiful stained glass windows. The original St. Joseph's church
built in 1840 AD was reconstructed and renamed as St. Philomena's
Cathedral in 1933 AD. It is an imposing structure of architectural
grandeur
Mysore
Zoo
The zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of
plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants
and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species
of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the
Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animals.
Chamundi
Hills
13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars,
Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high, the temple can be approached
by 1000 steps built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century.
Towering over the city, these hills are 13 Kms away from Mysore. Halfway
up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old
Chamundeshwari temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal
family.
Half way towards the temple is the giant monolith Nandi Bull. This 4.8
metre high monolith was originally grey in colour but the application of
coconut oil by the devotees has turned it black. Close to the Chamundi
temple is the giant and colourful statue of the demon Mahishasura. From
the hill summit one can have a panoramic view of the Mysore City.
Vrindavan
Gardens
These
gardens are laid on the banks of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Spread over an area
of one acre, the terraced lawns and fountains make these gardens one of
the best in South India. The swirling fountains are illuminated on
weekends and have been the backdrop to many movies in recent times. The
Dancing fountains are a major attraction among the tourists.
Fort
It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary
sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by
his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganath Swamy
Temple. Outside the fort is Tipu's tomb 'Gumbaz', with splendid ebony
doors inlaid with ivory. Sangam is 3 Kms south of Srirangapatna where the
two branches of river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance.
Gopalaswamy
Hills
It is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well. It is
situated in the verdant Western Ghats of Mysore district. The temple here
is dedicated to Lord Venugopalaswamy.
SIDELIGHTS
Shivasamudra
85
Kms from Mysore, river Cauvery gushes down to a 75-metres deep gorge in
the form of two picturesque waterfalls. These falls are at their best
during the monsoons; nevertheless their beauty mesmerises tourists
throughout the year. Around 1.5 Kms away is Asia's first hydroelectric
project set up in 1902 AD.
Talakad
Located 48 kms from Mysore, this ancient town is totally buried under
sand dunes and only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible. It
is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery. Its temples are opened for
ceremonial worship on a special occasion called "Pancha Linga
Darshana ", once in twelve years.
Bandipur
National Park
80 kms from Mysore is Bandipur National Park, which is one of the most
beautiful wild life centres. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen
in this natural habitat. Bandipur has also been chosen as a Centre for the
project Tiger Scheme launched in 1973 by the World Wildlife Fund to save
the tiger. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of
the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its
open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in
natural surroundings.
Nagarhole
National Park 
About 90 kms from Mysore, the Nagarhole National Park with thick
deciduous forests is home to Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital,
Pangolin and about 250 species of birds. There are excellent facilities
for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.
Srirangapatna (Mandya district)
Srirangapatna located picturesquely on the banks of river Cauvery 14 Kms
northeast, of the Bangalore-Mysore Highway comprises the ruins of the
capital city of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. This island fortress, once the
capital of the Warrior King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, has
magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit.
Deriving its name from Lord Ranganatha, the town has a 1,000 years old
temple dedicated to Ranganatha proclaiming the historical background of
the city. Besides the mythological association of the town, the town has
assumed significance for the heroism of Hyder Ali Khan and Tipu Sultan in
fighting the British in association with the French.
Dariya
Daulat Bagh
Dariya Daulat Bagh, Tipu's summer palace built in 1784 AD was his
favourite retreat. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate
frescoes and beautiful, gilded interiors. It is now a museum and speaks
eloquently of Tipu's valour and his battle against the British. Close to
the river is located the mausoleum of Tipu, called 'Gumbaz'.
Ranganathittu (Mandya district)
4 Kms from Srirangapatna and 18 Kms from Mysore is a bird sanctuary that
houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia and even North
America make their home here. It is very common to see crocodiles basking
in the sun. Best season is from May to September/October.
Nanjanagud
Located 23 Kms south of Mysore, Nanjanagud is an important pilgrim centre
and is famous for its Srikanteswara temple. Built in the Dravidian style,
the temple is one of the biggest of its kind in Karnataka.
Somnathpura
Famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple, Somnathpura is 35 Kms east of
Mysore. The temple is in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors
depicting episodes from the epics.
Melkote
50 Kms north, is a sacred Vaishnava pilgrim Centre, known for its
Vairmudi festival in March-April. More than a lakh devotees congregate
here for the festival. Melkote is also known for its handlooms.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 Kms from Mysore, Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the
finest game fish is found here. This camp is also accessible from
Bangalore (100 Kms).
B.
R. Hills
This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft is 120 Kms from
Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the
hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.
Mahadeshwar Hill
About 142 Kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrim centre perched on the
Mahadeshwar Hill. Atop the hill is a temple dedicated to the Lord
Mahadeshwara, which is in the form of a Linga.