Tomb
of Tipu Sultan |
Mysore
INFORMATION
770
m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore,
this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars.
Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm
that never fails to enchant.
Places
to Visit
Mysore Palace
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of
the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic
style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The
Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap
and the Gallery are the main attractions here.
Sir
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection
of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes
paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich
and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.
St.
Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church, in the Gothic style, is one of the largest
churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows.
Mysore Zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity and exotic
species of plants.
St.
Philomena's Church
Chamundi
Hills
Towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from Mysore.
Halfway - up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith. Right on top
is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the
patron goddess of the royal family.
Brindavan
Gardens (Mandya Dist.)
19 kms north-west of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental
Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights
transform this place into a fairy. land in the evenings.
Musical
Fountain
Excursions
(Distances and directions from Mysore)
Srirangapatna (Mandya Dist.)
It is 14 kms northeast, on the Bangalore-Mysore
highway. This island fortress, once the capital of the warrior-kings
Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments
that are well worth a visit.
Daria
Daulat Bagh
Tipu's Summer Palace built in 1784 was his favorite retreat.
Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful
frescoes. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's
valour and his losing battle against the British.
Interiors
of Daria Daulat Bagh
Fort
It is from here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with
his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place
where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within
it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort
is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid
with ivory.
Tomb
of Tipu Sultan
Sangama
It is 3 kms south of Srirangapatna where the two branches of
river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance.
Cauvery
Fishing Camp
sangama
the joyful exuberance
Bandipur
Situated 80 kms from Mysore, the Bandipur
National Park
is one of the most beautiful wildlife centers. Rare species
of animals and birds can be seen in their natural habitats.
Bandipur
has also been chosen as a center for the Project Tiger Scheme
launched in 1973 by the WWF to save the tiger.
Himvad
Gopalaswamy Hills
It is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well.
It is situated in the verdant western Ghats of Mysore District.
The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.
Ranganathittu (Mandya Dist.)
4 kms from Srirangapatna and 18 kms from Mysore is a Bird Sanctuary
that houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia
and even North America make their home here. A crocodile basking
in the sun is also a familiar sight. Best season - January
to February.
Ranganathittu
Bird Sanctuary
Somanathapur
35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple. The
temple in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors with episodes
from the epics.
Hoysala
Temple
Melkote
Melkote 50 kms north, is a sacred pilgrim center, known for
its Vairamudi festival in March-April. More than one-lakh devotees
congregate here for the festival.
Melkote is also known for its handlooms.
Talakad
Talakad is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is
completely buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples are opened
for ceremonial worship on special occasions - once in twelve
years.
Cauvery
Fishing Camp
82 kms from Mysore, at Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers.
Mahasheer, the finest game fish is found here. This camp is
also accessible from Bangalore
(100 kms).
Shivasamudram
(Mandya Dist.)
It
is 85 kms east of Mysore, where the river Cauvery cascades down
in two. Picturesque waterfalls. Falling down from a height of
75 m into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are best during the
monsoons. 1.5 kms away is Asia's First hydroelectric project
set up in 1905.
Waterfalls
at Shivasamudram
Nagarhole
National Park
Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River Lodge are perfect
getaways for nature lovers. Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife,
one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.
Nagarhole
national Park
B.R.
Hills
This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft., is 120
kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts
devotees round the year.
Mahadeshwara Hills
About 142 kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrim center. Atop
the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara which is
in the form of a Linga.
Shopping
Sandalwood, its products and silk are Mysore's specialties,
sold in. Government-owned emporia at fixed prices. The Government
Silk Factory offers silks straight off the loom.
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