Located in the southern regions of India, Mysore is about 150 kilometers from Bengaluru – the Bangalore of recent yore – the state capital city of Karnataka. One can fly to Mysore from Delhi as there are no direct flights available. However, those keen on road journeys can opt for trains. [break]
The Dussehra (Dashain) celebrations in Mysore are one of the best in entire India. Mysore, or Mahishur, as it was earlier known as, traces its history back to the mythical past when Goddess Chamundeshwari of the Chamundi Hill killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. This event that marked the victory of good over evil is the inspiration behind the Dussehra festivities here.
The tenth day of the festival – Vijaya Dashmi – is an elaborate affair in Mysore when the entire city gears itself up for celebrations that include majestic processions, dances, music, varieties of cultural activities, and a torchlight parade. The Mysore Palace is lit with more than 100,000 light bulbs that cover the entire façade of the palatial structure from seven o’clock in the evening till 10 PM during the festival.
The Mysore Palace, now a museum and hence open to the general public, and also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is an excellent signature of cultural architecture and is a brilliant exemplar of the aristocracy of the Wodeyars – the rulers of Mysore. Lifelike paintings, murals, arms, trophies, stained glass windows and decorated domes enhance the architectural splendors of the historic place.
Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings with ivory work, marbles and paintings of the royal family exhibit the richness of culture in Mysore. You will be allowed to take pictures of the palace for a certain fee but there is a no photography policy inside it.
Shweta Bagla
Among the other major attractions of Mysore is the Brindavan Gardens which is an hour’s drive from the main city. The garden has a musical fountain located next to the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam built by the famous engineer of Karnataka, Sir M Visvesvaraya. The musical fountain starts at 7 o’clock in the evening everyday and will enthrall you no end.
A trip to Mysore will feel incomplete without visiting the Chamundi Temple which is a stunning pilgrimage site that houses Goddess Chamundeshwari. Air-conditioned Volvo buses are available to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes. The charges are IRs 20 if you wait in the regular queue (typically longer) and IRs 100 if you opt for the shorter queue.
Besides these culturally rich heritage highlights of Mysore, the city also has a few other addresses that you can visit to make the most of your vacation.
The Lalit Mahal Palace –now a five-star hotel – St Philomena’s Church, the Mysore Zoo, and Karanji Kere are a few sites you can visit if you want to experience the richness of the place.
For children, Mysore Zoo will be the perfect place. This zoo is one of the oldest in the world and it is home to many other exotic creatures from around the world, like Barbary sheep, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses the Karanji Lake which attracts several species of migratory birds, including painted storks, pelicans and darters, during the breeding season.
Growing interests of tourists in the City of Mysore
The Amba Vilas, also known as the Mysore Palace, has now become one of the most visited monuments in India. The visits to the palace have crossed three million in the preceding years. The actual figures are estimated to be more than those of Taj Mahal for a significant number of tourists prefer to appreciate the view of the palace from the vast open grounds and the courtyard inside the fort.
Fashion in Mysore
Mysore is equally known for silk. Mysore’s silk products are well appreciated in the market due to its 100% pure silk blended with 100% pure gold Zari (65% silver and 0.65% gold). The sarees manufactured here are of unmatched qualities and come in many varieties to suit the customers’ tastes. Buy these items at an official KSIC store for genuine products and the best prices. Other silk products include soft silks, handkerchiefs, stoles, neckties and cravats.
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