Mysore is a city of mysticism and ageless beauty. It is a historic place and at the same time it is a growing hub of software companies and sprawling residential institutes. The best thing about this city is that even though it has set pace with the developing times, it has managed to keep the grace of the ancient times intact. It is also an ideal getaway for people in Bangalore [145 kms]. Mysore’s scenic beauty, palaces and museums and pleasant weather makes it an ideal place for the tourists to visit all year long.
History:
According to Hindu mythology, the area around Mysore was known as Mahishuru and was ruled by a demon Mahishasura. The demon was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari whose temple is situated atop the Chamundi Hills- Mysore lies at these foothills. Mahishuru later became Mahisuru and finally came to be called Maisuru, its present name in the Kannada language.
Until 1947, Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore which was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty except for a brief period in the late 18th century when Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan usurped power.
Mysore has one of the most pleasant weathers in the country. The weather remains pleasant and calm all through the year. The summer is not too hot-the highest temperature being 33°C and winter is cozy when the temperature drops down to 5°C. The best time to visit Mysore is any time between October and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the most acceptable form of currency here. Most of the hotels and larger shopping places accept credit/debit cards. ATMs of various bank can also be found around town. Cash and Ames travelers cheques can be changed at the State Bank of Mysore.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
Bangalore's HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Airport is the nearest internationalairport.
Road Travel
Buses run every 5 minutes on the Bangalore route, and there is a choice of both A/C and non-A/C vehicles. During the weekends, these buses are often full, so it is advisable to reserve a seat in advance.
Train Travel
Mysore has a railway station and it is connected to the major stations. Mysore Junction is the city's main station, and there are daily trains plying the route between Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thanjavur as well as smaller and lesser known Indian cities. However, it is recommended that one takes a train to Bangalore as has better connectivity by rail to all the major towns and cities in the country.
· Mysore Palace: The Amba Vilas Palace, also know as the Mysore Palace, used to be the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore.. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence. On Sundays and National Holidays between 7:00pm and 8:00 pm the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath.
· Mysore Zoo: It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Southern India. Located on the outskirts of Mysore, the zoo is home to a wide range of wild species. It was established under royal patronage in 1892 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world.
· The Regional Museum of Natural History: The museum is located on the banks of Karanji Lake, with the Chamundi Hills visible in the background. It is now a landmark in the city. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India.
· The Chamundi Hills: A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the hills. Among other landmarks, one can see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful from this hill.
· St. Philomena's Church: It is a church built in the honour of St. Philomena in the city of Mysore.. It was constructed in 1956 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
· Krishna Raja Sagara Lake/ Dam: This lake is located across Kaveri River in Mandya District near Mysore in Karnataka state. There is an ornamental garden attached to the dam called Brindavan gardens, making it a popular tourist place and picnic location.
· Brindavan Garden: It is a beautiful botanical park, full of exciting fountains, as well as boat rides beneath the dam across Kaveri River. Diwans of Mysore planned and built the gardens in connection with the construction of the dam. At 7:00 p.m., the "musical fountain" light and music show begins.
· The other popular tourist attractions are The Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas, the Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rail Museum, Folk Art Museum and Datta Peetham.
Where To Eat:
Mysore is famous for its Idlis, Sambars, Masala Dosas and of course the perennial favorite Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a traditional sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces (available in almost all sweet shops) and is made out of Gram Flour, Sugar (or Jaggery) and lots of Ghee (clarified butter).
Tourists should also sample some of the more unique signature dishes of Karnataka, including: Bisibele Baath , Raagi and Akki Rotis , Raagi Mudde
Source: wikitravel
Where To Stay:
There are a range of options of varying budgets available for tourists in Mysore.. You can either try the guest houses or stay at one of the hotels.
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varities of perfumed incense sticks. Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and Devaraj Urs Road are the main market areas. You can also buy Chenapatna Dolls and Wooden Toys as well as Traditional Deck of playing cards.
The festival season of Dusshera (September/October) is celebrated in grand style in Mysore. On the last day, of the 10 day festival, a procession of the state's guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else.
Source: wikipedia
· Devanahalli: It is a peaceful town in Bangalore, Karnataka State, India. It is located 30 km outside the city limits of Bangalore. It was here that the famous warrior and Emperor Tipu Sultan was born in 1750. It is a historic place.
· Bangalore: It is the state’s capital city and lies about 140 kms away from Mysore. Its rapid development and progress has made Bangalore the Silicon Valley of India.
· Hassan: It is a beautiful city in Karnataka. It is home to the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The place is called Hassan after the Goddess "Haasanamba", the goddess and presiding deity of the town. Hassan is the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka.
· Nagarhole National Park and Srirangampattnam are the other places nearby.
