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Indian Tourism Directory --» South India Tourism --» Mysore Tourism Directory

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Mysore Tourism

Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples the exotic fragrance of Mysore Jasmine the melodious strains of the Veena the rich aroma of filter coffee traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood and ivory the rustle of rich silks delicious Nanjangud bananas Hot 'N' Spicy Bisi-bele-hulianna mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer some exciting bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself

Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, board shady avenues and sacred temples.

There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Godess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed Demon, Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. during the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.

Pomp and Pageantry Relived Come to Mysore in October when the tranquil city awakens to ten days of Dasara festivities. Brilliantly lit up Palaces, decorated arches, festooned streets, colourful costumes and cultural shows classical music, folk dances, Bharata Natyam, Yakshagana, Huthari, Torch Light Parade, Theppotsava The culmination is the legendary Mysore Dasara Procession with caparisoned elephants, the golden howdah, decorated horses, stately coaches, troops in ceremonial uniforms, folk dancers and colourful floats.

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Places of Interest

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Mysore Palace
Whre the Mharajas lived… You can't miss the Palace at Mysore, for all roads lead to the Maharaja's Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. See the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

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Chamundi Hills
Presiding deity; of Mysore. A well known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up long the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. MAHISHASURA… From whom Mysore got its name Close to the temple is the gigantic stature of the demon Mahishasura.