Travel To Mysore

Travel To Mysore Hotels of Mysore Make your Package for Mysore

Mysore is a major craft centre with numerous shops selling an incredible range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and furniture. Until independence, the city was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering most of Karnataka. The 10 day Dussehra festival is one of the major attractions, culminating in the long procession of caparisoned elephants, liveried retainers, cavalry. flower-bedecked images of deities, complete with bands and clouds of incense.

History
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 Dasara festival an event.

General Info
State: Karnataka
Area: 9 Sq. Kms.
Population: Approximately 22,81,653
Altitude: 957 meter above sea level.
Climate:
Summer : Maximum 35°C, Minimum 25o°C
Winter: Maximum 28°C , Minimum 14°C
Rainfall : June to October :80 Centimeters
Best Season :for visit September to April
Languages Spoken : English, Kannada and Hindi.

Shopping at Mysore Good buys from Mysore can include the following:
Shopping: Mysore Silk, Sandalwood & Handicrafts.
Best Shopping areas: Devaraj Urs Road, Sayyaji Rao Road, Ashoka Road & Dhanvantri Road.
Food Specialties: The famous Mysore Pak
Others: Mysore jasmine flowers, beetle leaves, Mysore Sandal Soap, Eeranagere brinjals.

Places of Interest

Chamundi Hills
This is a 1150m hill that is named after Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva, who vanquished the Demon Mahishasura. From the top of the hill, one can have a panoramic view of Mysore.

Maharaja's Palace
Built enormous and lavish in 1911 to replace the old palace in the fort that burned down, the Maharaja's Palace is an extravagance of domes, arches, turrets and sculptures. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With vast pillared corridors and stately halls, carved ceilings, intricate mosaics, carving in ivory, stone and wood, life like paintings, antique royal weapons, this palace is a must in every visitor's itinerary.

Chamundeswari Temple
Built in the 12th century, a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture, Krishnaraja Wodeyar renovated the temple in 1827. The temple tower is 40m high with seven storeys. The deity is Goddess Durga. On the way to the temple, there is a monolithic statue of Nandi Bull and a morter statue of Mahishasura.

Srirangapatnam ( 15 km)
The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is picturesquely located in the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully gilded and painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz' his mausoleum, are located close to the river.

Brindavan Gardens (19 km)
The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy tale quality.

St. Philomena's Church
This beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed.

Excursions Of Mysore Hotels of Mysore Make your Package for Mysore

Somnathpur (35 km)
The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and not to be missed.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve (80 km)
This Tiger Reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.

Nagarhole National Park (90 km)
A fine wildlife reserve that is within easy reach of Mysore. Its dense deciduous forests are the habitat of the tiger, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital or the spotted deer, wild boar, pangolin, langur, macaques and about 250 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Black Woodpecker. There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.

Mysore Celebrates Regional, National and Religious Festivals with pomp like any Other Part of the Country.

Dasara Festival
Mysore is synonymous with Dasara celebrations. Several religious, cultural and other programmes mark the 10-day-long celebrations, which fall generally in the months of September-October, depending on the auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. Though the nine-day Navaratri and the 10th day celebration of Vijaya Dasami have lost their original royal grandeur, the celebrations still draw huge crowds. Tourists from India and abroad come to Mysore to see the various tourist attractions and witness the special programmes arranged during the 10-day festival and in particular the last day's Dasara procession.
On all the ten days, the Mysore Palace is illuminated and renowned musicians of the State and outside give performances in front of the Palace. The Palace is also thrown open to the visitors and the royal throne is displayed. During the nine days, the State Government arranges music, dance, folk dance, doll shows, wrestling and sports competitions.

Yugadi
The Kannadiga new year day of Yugadi that falls on the second half of March or early April is celebrated with devotion and delight.Mysore also celebrates the national festivals of Independence Day, the republic day and the birthday of Gandhiji. Religious festivals like Makara Samkramana, Sri Ramanavami, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Deepavali, Christmas, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha etc. are celebrated in harmony.


By Road : Mysore is located 139 Kms. to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects the two cities could provide a pleasant ride through rustic country side. A bus or car ride from Bangalore would take approximately 3 hours. Seagull Travels has 4 packages covering Mysore & other places.

By Air : The nearest airport is Bangalore (140 km).

By Rail : Mysore is again connected with many trains to Bangalore. Also the prestigious luxury train, Shatabdi Express connects it to Madras.