Lets begin our journey to our own city, the city of palaces: Mysore. Mysore earlier known as Mysuru is the cultural capital of Karnataka. This city is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills. From 1399 till 1956(for about 6 centuries), Mysuru was the administrative capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore. The distance between Mysore and Bengaluru is approx 145Km by road so it usually takes around 3-4 hours to reach the city. Mysore remain the second most populated city of Karnataka after Bengaluru, till it got surpassed by Hubballi-Dharwad in the second last of 20th century. As per the Hindu mythology, the city got its name from a demon king Mahishasura, a buffalo headed monster who ruled the city. In earlier times this place was called Mahishuru: the city of demon Mahisha. Mahishasura was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple is situated at the top of the Chamundi Hills. Mahishuru later turned to be called as Maisuru, that is its present name in the Kannada language,the adaptive form of which is Mysore.
Mysore popularly known as the 'Cultural capital of Karnataka' is famous for its beautiful, magnificent, Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture which attracts people from all around the world and if you are planning to visit the city during the Dusshera festival then it will be an add on bonus for you. During dusshera time whole Mysore city is illuminated with 1000+ lights, with festivity all around. The city is overly crowded with tourists coming from all around the world to experience the magnificent Dusshera celebrations here. Mysore city is a home for beautiful, breath taking tourist destinations and hence attracts tourists from all around the world.The city includes the world famous the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Somnathapur Temple, beautiful Brindavan garden accross Kaveri river, Chamunsehwari Temple, St. Philomena's Church, Folklore Museum and many more. Now i will be sharing my experience about the places i have been to while my stay in Mysore. So I will begin my journey with my favorite Mysore Palace.
Mysore Palace: Mysore Palace(Mysore Maharaja Palace) situated in the heart of Mysore city, is one of the largest palace in India. Also known as Amba Vilas Maharaja Palace, this ancient architect was initially build in the year 1897, which was then burnt and again rebuilt-ed in the year 1912 by Kantirava Narasaraja Wodeyar. Mysore palace is Indo-Saracenic designed architecture with indulgence of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture.
The palace has exceptionally big rooms and halls with Kaleidoscope walls of stained glass & mirrors. This Royal architect has been turned into a museum with treasures like souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and items which were earlier possessed by the Wodeyars.
We went to visit the palace in Dusshera celebrations and the palace was standing still with lights all over it captivating everyone with its exceptional beauty. The entry charges for this palace on regular days is INR 40 for adults and INR 20 for children but since we visited the palace when during dusshera celebrations so we spend INR 2500 per person and got to see the events happening inside like Jumboo Savari, torchlight parade, folk dance and many more. So if you are planning to visit Mysore city keep this royal palace on top of your list.
Sri Chamudeshwari Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari who is known to be the protector of Mysore(as mentioned earlier). The Chamundeshwari temple is a Shakti Peetha(powerful energy centres) and is considered to be among one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas of the world. The temple have a statue of deity along with the statues of demon Mahishasura and Nandi the gate-guardian deity of Kailasa The temple is located at about 1000 steps from the foot of the chamundi hill and about 35Kms from the main city. When you reach the top of the hill you will get a panoramic view of the city which is totally stunning.
Brindavan Gardens: Brindavan Gardens is a well known tourist spot in Mysore. It is a terrace garden with lightening fountains, botanical park, extended variety of plants and trees situated at a distance of 12Km towards the north west of Mysore city. Brindavan garden is located across the river Kaveri and while your visit to the garden you can also enjoy the boat ride which make your visit even more memorable.
Musical fountain show timings are from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm and the entry charges for the garden is not more than INR 15/adult. Outside the garden you will find many refreshment and souvenir shops from where you can enjoy good snacks and drinks and also buy some memorable gifts for your loved ones.
St. Philomena's Cathedral Church: St. Philomena's Cathedral Church is a Catholic Church built in honor of St. Philomena in the Diocese of Mysore, India. This church is built in 1956 and is known to be the second largest church in Asia.It is a gothic style designed by mysore ruler for the European residents in the city. With large 175 feet in height twin spires of the Cathedral, It gives a mesmerizing view to the visitors from miles.
The main hall in the church can accommodate the capacity of approx 800 people. The church is in proximity of 3Kms of Mysore palace and the timings to visit the church are 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the evening.
Folklore Museum: Folklore Museum is an art museum which was founded in the year 1968 in Mysore. This place has a collection of arts and crafts from all over the Karnataka. You will get reminded of your childhood memories once you get in to the museum, it is divided into departments for folklore, large dolls, folklife, literature and art. This museum is a must see if you are fond of art and creativity.
Jaganmohan Palace: Coming to my last visit to Jagmohan Palace, it is a royal palace situated at the center of the city. This palace is a magnificently constructed architecture with beautiful carvings all around the palace. The entrance door of the palace is itself is a breathtaking view for the visitors there.
Earlier in 18th Century Jagmohan Palace was a retreat home for the Royals but it was then in 1915 that it got converted to an art galary which was later renamed in 1955 in the name of Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, as the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. The timings to visit the palace is from 8:30 AM till 5:30 PM and the entry charges are INR 25/adult.
Mysore Economy: Tourism is the largest but not the only source of economy in Mysore, Mysore is also a hub for industries like weaving, sandalwood carving, bronze work and the production of salt. Major industrial areas around the city are Belagola, Belawadi, Nanjangud, Hebbal and Hootagalli areas. Nanjangud industrial area consists of industries like Nestle India ltd, Reid and Taylor, AT&S India Pvt Ltd, Jubiliant, TVS, Asian Paints. Mysore has JK Tyre manufacturing facility.The software companies that are based in Mysore are Infosys, ArisGlobal, Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Excelsoft Technologies and Triveni Engineering.
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