Mysore - City of Palace
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A cheerful city with many admirers, blessed with easygoing charm, salubrious climate, thriving trade and a rich heritage.
Yaduraya, the first of the Wodeyars, came to Hadinadu (Mysore as it was known then) in 1399 AD. The city did not reach any dizzying heights during his reign. However, under the aegis of Chamaraja III, the city took shape and many of its |
monuments were built. The Wodeyar dynasty, rulers of Karnataka for over 150 years, declared Mysore its political capital and it remained so till Independence. The rulers were connoisseurs of art and under their patronage the city achieved its cultural renaissance. Another glorious period for Mysore started in 1782, during the rule of Tipu Sultan. He remained indomitable for almost 20 years, finally succumbing to the British in the Anglo-Mysore War.
Old world charm and contemporary ideas blend together here to create a city like none other. The city of palaces — Mysore served as the capital of the Mysore Maharajas for over five centuries — the city of gardens, it has much to offer to the interested tourist. The Mysore Palace is the jewel in the crown of all the palaces of the South and the beauty leaves the visitor spellbound. You can visit the several palaces and temples, walk through the lanes fragrant with wild flowers and sandalwood; savour the tart taste of wild strawberries; or immerse your soul in the distinctive Carnatic music.
Like most other Indian cities, Mysore too is unfortunately fast turning into a typical 'big' city with smoke and exhaust battling against the aroma of the incense and flowers.
| PLACES TO SEE |
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Chamundeswari Temple
Over 1,000 steps lead to the entrance of the temple, which sits atop the historic Chamundi Hills. The 40-m high gopuram stretching to seven storeys is the focal point of the temple. The temple deity — also the family deity of the royal family of Mysore — is an incarnation of Durga, who as Chamundi slayed the evil Mahisasura, after whom the city is named. It is a steep climb to the top but well worth it as you have an unparalleled view of the city. About halfway up the hill is the famous 5-m high Nandi monolith (Shiva's bull) carved out of a single boulder in 17th century. |
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Devaraja Fruit and Vegetable Market
Typically Indian, a palate of colour, people, animals, smells and sounds. Stretching all the way through Sayaji Road, this market is a great place to view the local life and people, and also makes a great subject for photographs. |
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Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery
A storehouse of state and personal memorabilia of the Wodeyars. The gallery has a good collection of art works by Raja Ravi Varma and a collection of rare musical instruments. The palace was built in 1861 and was used as an auditorium by the royal family. |
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Mysore Zoo
Spread over 200 acres amidst slightly dry but well maintained gardens, the zoo is one of the oldest in India. The spacious enclosures house tigers (both white and the Royal Bengal), primates, elephants, bears, rhinos and a variety of birds. |
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Folklore Museum
Is situated on the Mysore University Campus, northeast of the city centre. Contains exquisite exhibits from rural areas. Interesting items are typical wooden houses, masks, leather puppets, ceremonial dresses and more. The museum, though compact, gives the visitor a comprehensive idea about villages of Karnataka. |
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Mysore Palace
Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of carvings and works of art from all over the world. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The palace has now been converted into a museum, which houses souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other possessions of the Wodeyars dynasty. The Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many carved pillars, which are said to have been brushed with gold. The walls of the palace have been painted with pictures of the Dussera processions. The perspective of these paintings gives you the impression of the procession coming towards you wherever you might be standing. |
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Brindavan Gardens
The world famous Brindavan Gardens are located 19-km northwest of Mysore city, on the terrace of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. It is one of the first dams built in the country. Just below the dam the beautiful gardens are laid on either side of big artificial lakes named the South-North yards. The musical fountain is of special interest; it presents a spectacular harmony of water, colours and music. There are varieties of fountains illuminated at night by colourful lights. Every evening the gardens come alive in a burst of colours. The illuminated twirling and dancing fountains lend an atmosphere of enchantment to this fairyland. |
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