Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Introduction
Maharajas and palaces, silks and sandalwood, the lingering aroma of incense, the delicious flavour of Mysore Pak, the pomp and pageantry of Dasara ... Welcome to Mysore, the City of Palaces. 140 kms from Bangalore, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars and continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
'Mahishasura Ooru', (Mysore as we know it now) was named after the demon 'Mahishasura', who was slain by Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the royal family. The hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of this charming town.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Sightseeing At Mysore
Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the Mysore Palace - residence of the Wodeyar Kings - is one of the largest of its kind in India. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne with diamonds and other precious stones, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap with detailed murals and the Gallery, are the main attractions. On weekend evenings the Palace comes alive with a million glittering lights, truly a sight to behold!
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in the Jaganmohan Palace houses a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. This celebrated collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting. And that is not all. An amazing array of musical instruments, curios, medieval playing cards and other antiques will leave you enchanted.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
One of the largest churches in India, St. Philomena's Church, is built in the Neo-Gothic style. This 18th century church has beautiful stained-glass windows.
The Folk Art Museum holds an interesting collection of implements, dolls, costumes, furniture and other articles.
Over 60,000 palm-leaf manuscripts in Sanskrit, Kannada and other major South Indian languages are preserved at the Oriental Research Institute. Some date back to 3rd century B.C. with dissertations on philosophy, statesmanship and the sciences.
In the commanding Statue Square stand the former kings - Krishnaraja and Chamaraja Wodeyar under a golden canopy.
The smaller palaces, Lalitha Mahal Palace at the foot of Chamundi Hills and Rajendra Mahal Vilas at the top, are now luxury hotels. A stay at either one, is a memorable experience.
The 1000 ft. high Chamundi Hills can be seen from any part of the city. As you climb the granite steps, or drive up the hills, you will encounter a 4.8 m monolith of Nandi, Shiva's sacred Bull. On these hills is also the statue of the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura with a cobra in one hand and a scimitar in the other. Right on top of the hills, resides the Patron Goddess of the Royal Family, in the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari Temple with a 400 m high gopuram.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
The Mysore Zoo recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary and is home to some rare animals and exotic plants.
The Mysore University is the oldest in Karnataka. Nearby is the Kukkana Halli Kere (Lake) which has inspired modern poets and renowned writers like Kuvempu and R.K. Narayan.
The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and the scenic, ornamental Brindavan Gardens are 19 kms. north-west of Mysore.
The ornamental Brindavan Gardens were inspired by the Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. The sprawling lawns, fascinating flowerbeds, the tall trees, the many fountains and ponds that dot these beautiful gardens attract thousands of visitors everyday. Come evening and colourful lights transform the terraced gardens into a magical fairyland. And the Musical Fountains dance to the tunes of either Ananda Shankar or Paul Mauriat, mesmerizing you.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Shopping
Aromatic incense sticks, the famous Mysore Silks renowned for their excellent quality and everlasting Iustre, delightful Mysore wooden toys or an incredible assortment of sandalwood, rosewood, teakwood and ivory arts and crafts - there's so much to shop for, in Mysore.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Local Festivals
Every October, Mysore gets ready for the Dasara Festival. Streets are decorated. The Palace is illuminated with thousands of tiny, shimmering bulbs. And the entire town wears a festive look.
The 10-day-long Dasara festivities in Mysore bring back the glory and grandeur of a bygone era.
For nine full days prayers are offered to the deities of learning power and wealth, the nine sacred incarnations of Goddess Shakti. Music concerts dance programmes, sports competitions and other cultural events are held. The Dasara Exhibition is another popular event,
Houses still follow the tradition of 'Bombe Habba', where children display their colourful and attractive dolls and invite friends over. Students worship Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Ayudha Pooja is also a part of the Dasara celebrations. All vehicles and implements are worshipped on this day. The nine-day celebrations culminate in the grand Dasara procession on Vijayadashami, the clay of victory.
The Dasara procession begins at the Palace with uniformed soldiers, horses, caparisoned elephants, dancers and floats accompanied by brass hands playing evocative Indian melodies. The Palace Guard and Mysore Lancers match by as graceful folk-dancer twirl and swirl between the floats. The majestic Elephant adorned by golden anklets, bell and chains carries the city's Patron Goddess Chamundeshwari in a howdah. This extravagant celebration comes to an end with a torchlight parade by the State Police, as fireworks light up the night sky.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Around Mysore
16 kms from Mysore is Srirangapatna, the island fortress that was once capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, after 'Sri-Ranga', It is named, the presiding deity of this little town.
Bagh - the Garden of the Wealth of the Seas, on the bank of River Cauvery, was Tipu's favourite summer retreat. Built in 1784 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace is made of teak and has ornate and beautiful frescoes. An elegant room serves as a Museum where Tipu's gold embroidered tunic, his coin collection and sonic western paintings and engravings are on display.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Fort. With his legendary valour and sword Tipu attacked the British soldiers from here, An obelisk marks the Place Where Tipu fell, betrayed by his own men.
Gumbaz - the tomb of Tipu Sultan, has splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory, black pillars creating a creating a dramatic contrast with the ('team walls of the building. a magnificent dome and delicate minarets. Traditional gardens lead to the Mausoleum.
Jumma Masjid, this mosque is where Tipu offered his -namaz'. Persian inscriptions tell us the 99 names of Allah and date the period of construction of the mosque to 1787 AD.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles of architecture. Images of Vishnu can be seen on pillars, ceilings and domes.
The image of God is represented by the seven-headed serpent, after whom the island and its oldest structure were named.
Just 4 kms from Srirangapatna and 18 kms from Mysore is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This bird watcher's paradise is home to many exotic birds, some from lands as far away as Siberia and North America. Little boats take tourists near the tiny islands where the birds nest on tall trees. Crocodiles lazing in the sun are a familiar sight too.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Nanjangud is an important pilgrim centre, 23 kms south of Mysore. The Nanjundeshwara Temple here is built in the Dravidian style and is one of the biggest temples of its kind in Karnataka.
35 kins east of Mysore, Somanathapur, is renowned for its 13th century Hoysala temple in honour of Channakeshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Of the 3 most famous Hoysala temples in Karnataka, this was the last to be built in A.D. 1268. History states that the temple was commissioned by Somnath, a religious minister of the Hoysala King, Narasimha III. This beautiful temple with its star shaped base was conceived and created by Jana Kachari, perhaps the era's best architect and sculptor. The exterior walls have fine frescoes of passages from the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha and the Bhagvatha.
50 kms north, is the sacred pilgrim centre of Melkote. The Vaimudi Festival in March-April, attracts more than one lakh devotees. Melkote is also known for its handlooms.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
80 kms from Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife centres with rare species of animals and birds. Organized safaris let you watch these creature in their natural habitat. A number of jungle resorts clot this area. Bandipur was also chosen as a centre for the Project Tiger launched in 1973, by the WWF to save the tiger.
Cauvery Fishing Camp, 82 kms east of Mysore, at Bhimeshwari, is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the finest game fish is found here.
85 kms from Mysore is Shivasamudram, where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque waterfalls. Falling from a height of 75 m into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are best during the monsoons. Asia's first hydro-electric project, set up in 1905 is 1.5 kms away.
Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River Lodge are a nature-lover's delight. Here is a rich variety of wildlife: elephants, gaur, chital, sambar even tigers and leopards. Here too are more than 250 species of birds.
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, the holy place of Talakad is completely buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions once in twelve years.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Accessibility
Rail: Mysore is connected to all major cities via Bangalore. The Shatabdi is a quick and convenient way to get to Mysore from Bangalore or Chennai.
Road: There are private and KSRTC b services to all major cities.
Local Transport: Private taxis, auto rickshaws and local bus services.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Accommodation
Deluxe Hotels:
Hotel Ramanashree Comforts
B.N. Road.
Tel: 522202. Fax: 565781
Hotel Metropole
Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road
Tel: 420681. Fax: 420854
Kings Kourt Hotel
Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road
Tel: 421142 Fax: 438384
Quality Inn Southern Star
Vinoba Road.
Tel: 438141. Fax: 421689
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
On the outskirts of the city
Tel: 571265. Fax: 571770
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Standard Hotels:
Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise
Vivekananda Road.
Tel: 410366 / 515655.
Fax: 514400
Hotel Dasaprakash, near Gandhi Square.
Tel: 444455/442444
Hotel Viceroy
Sri Harsha Road.
Tel: 424001/ 428001. Fax: 433391
Hotel Maurya
Sri Harsha Road. Tel: 426677
Hotel Mayura Hoysala (KSTDC)
Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road.
Tel: 425349
Ritz Hotel, near Central Bus Terminal.
Tel: 422668
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Eating Out
Shilpashri Restaurant & Bar (Multicuisine), Gandhi Square
Tandoor Restaurant (Punjabi), Dhanvanthri Road
RRR Restaurant (South Indian) Gandhi Square
Parklane Hotel (Multicuisine)
Sri Harsha Road.
Tel: 437370
Ritz Hotel (Multicuisine), near Central Bus Terminal.
Tel: 422668
Hotel Dasaprakash, near Gandhi Square
Tel: 444455 /442444
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Banks
Canara Bank
Guest House Road.
Tel: 443293
State Bank of India
New Sayyaji Rao Road.
Tel: 439640,421794
State Bank of Mysore
Sayajji Rao Road.
Tel: 523597, 520671
Ashoka Road.
Tel: 445073, 443866
Indian Overseas Bank
Old Mysore Bank Road.
Tel: 423573,425736
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Post And Telegraph Offices
Mysore Head Post Office
Dhanvanthri Road.
Tel: 521618
Saraswathipuram Head Post Office Saraswathipuram.
Tel: 540771
Senior Superintdendant of Post Office
Udayagiri.
Tel: 515750
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Police Stations
Ashokpuram Police Station.
Tel: 487777
Jayalakshmipuram Police Station
Tel: 510602
Lashkar Police Station.
Tel: 520762
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Hospitals
Basappa Memorial Hospital,
Vinoba Road.
Tel: 511671
Gopalagowda Shantavari Memorial
Hospital, T.N. Pura Road.
Tel: 445037
Rudrappa Hospital and Research Centre, Vivekananda Road.
Tel: 515999
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
General Information
Altitude
770 mts
Population
7,35,000
Temperature
Max
Min
Summer
34 C
21 C
Winter
30 C
12 C
Rain Fall
80 Cms annually (approx)
Summer
Cottons
Winter
Woolens
Languages
Kannada, Hindi, English
STD Code
0821
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Government Of India Tourist Offices
In India
Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
Sh. P.K.Chaudhury
191, The Mall, Agra 282 001
Tel:(0562) 363959
Tel/Fax: 363377
E-mail: goitoagr@nde.vsnl.net.in
Aurangabad (Maharashtra)
Sh.D.M.Yadav
Krishna Vilas, Station Road,
Aurangabad 431 005
Maharashtra
Tel: (02432) 331217
E-mail: gitoaur@vsnl.com
Bangalore (Karnataka)
Mr. A. Azeem
KFC Building, 48, Church Street,
Bangalore 560 001, Karnataka
Tel/Fax: (080) 5585417
E-mail: goitoblr@satyam.net.in
Bhubaneswar (Orissa)
Mr. Anil Oraw
B/21, B.J.B. Nagar
Bhubaneswar 751 014 Orissa
Tel: (0674) 432203
Bombay (Mumbai)
Sh.R.P.Chopra
123, M Karve Road
Opp.Church Gate
Mumbai 400 020 Maharashtra
Tel: (002) 2083263
Fax:2014496
E-mail: gitobest@bom5.vsnl.net.in
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Calcutta (West Bengal)
Mr. A.K.Baneerjee
Embassy' ,4, Shakespeare Sarani.
Calcutta 700 071
West Bengal.
Tel: (033) 2821402, 2821475,
Fax: (033) 2823521
E-mail: caltour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Cochin (Kochi)
T.W.Sudhakar
Willingdon Island
Kochi 682009
Kerala
Tel:(033) 2821402, 2821475
Fax:2014496
E-mail : gitobest@bom5.bsnl.net.in
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
154, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002,
Tel: (044) 8524295, 8510459,
Fax: (044) 8522193
E-mail: goirto@vsnl.com
Kamaraj (Domestic) Airport
Tel: 2340386
Anna International Airport
Tel: 2345801
Guwahati (Assam)
Mrs. Roma Singh Nongpiur
G.L Publication Complex
G.S. Road, Guwahati - 781007
Tel/Fax: (0361) 547407
E-mail: rosingh@gwl.dot.net.in
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
Mr. M.V. Babu
3-6-369/A-30, Sandozi Building,
2nd Floor, 26, Himayatnagar.
Hyderabad 500 029,
Tel: (040) 7630037
E-mail: goitohyd@hd2.dot.net.in
Imphal (Manipur)
Mr. J.S. Hari Singh
Old Lambulane, Jail Road,
Imphal 795 001,
Tel/Fax: (03852) 221131
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
State Hotel, Khasa Kothi,
Jaipur 302 001,
Tel /Fax: (0141) 372200
E-mail: goitojpr@satyam.net.in
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
Near Western Group of Temples,
Khajuraho 471 606
Tel: (07686) 42347, 42348
Kochi (Kerala)
Willingdon Island, Kochi 682 009.
Tel: (0484) 668352
E-mail: gitochn@satyam.net.in
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
123 M Karve Road, Opp.
Churchgate Mumbai 400 020
Tel: (022) 2033144, 2033145,
2074333/4
Fax: (022) 2014496
E-mail: gitobest@bom5.vsnl.net.in
Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh)
Sector 'C’, Naharlagun 791 110,
Tel: (03781) 44328
New Delhi
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New Delhi
Mr.M.K.Lakhapalrdnorth@ndfvsnl.net.in
Domestic Airport Counter
Tel: (011) 5665296
International Airport Counter
Tel: (011) 5691171
Panaji (Goa)
Sh.Syed Iqbal
Commundade Building,
Church Square, Panaji 403 001,
Goa
Tel: (0832) 223412
E-mail: goito@goa.goa.nic.in
Patna (Bihar)
Sh.G.Ramamurthy
Sudama Palace, Kankar Bagh Road,
Patna 800 020,
Tel/Fax: (0612) 345776
Port Blair (Andaman And Nicobar Islands)
Mrs.T.Ghosh
VIP Road, 189 11 Floor, Junglighat
Port Blair 744 103
Tel: (03192) 33006
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Mr.Sudhir Kumar
Tirot Singh Sylem Road,
Police Bazaar, Shillong 793 001,
Tel/Fax: (0364) 225632
E-mail mandel@dte.vsnI.net.in
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
Sh.K.S.Sabu
Airport Counter
Tel: (0471) 451498
E-mail: gitotvm@satyam.net.in
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Mr. J.P.Shaw
15-B, The Mall, Varanasi 221 002,
Uttar Pradesh.
Tel/Fax: (0542) 343744
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Sh.M.N.Javed
950, Cordoba - #9 A,(1054) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: 00541- 3285143 / 5391
Fax:00541-3265143
E-mail: turindia@vianetworks.net.ar
turindia@smi8nter.com.ar
Australia (Sydney)
Level 2, Piccadilly, 210 Pitt Street,
Sydney, New South Wales- 2000,
Australia. Tel: 0061-2-92644855
Fax: 0061-2-92644860
E-mail: indtour@ozemail.com.au
Canada (Toronto)
Sh.T.D.Singh
60, Bloor Street, West Suite 1003, Toronto, ONTA-RIO
M4 V3, BC,
Canada.
Tel: 001-416-962-3787/3788
Fax: 001-416-962-6279
E-mail: india@istar.ca
France (Paris)
Sh.M.Sadana
11-13 Bis Boulevard Hausmann
F-76009 Paris, France
Tel: 0033-145233045
Fax: 0033-145233345
E-mail: goitopar@aol.com
Germany (Frankfurt)
Sh.Suman Sharma
Basolar Strasse 48,D-60329,
Frankfurt AM MAIN -1,
Federal Republic of Germany
Tel 0049-69-2429490
Fax. 0049-69-24294977
E-mail: info@india-tourism.com
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Israel (Tel Aviv)
Sh. Gajendar Kumar
Sharbat House – E - 5
4, Kaufman Street,
Tel Aviv - 68012, Israel
Tel: 00972-3-5101407
Fax: 00972-5100894
E-mail: goitota@netvision.net.il
ltaly(Milan)
Sh.Jagdish Chander
Via-Albricci 9, Milan 21022, Italy
Tel. 0039-2-8053506
Fax. 0039-2-7202168l
E-mail: turismo.info@cnn.it
Japan (Tokyo)
Smt. P.Sivakami
Pearl Building, 7-9-18, Ginza
Chuo-Ku Tokyo 104, Japan
Tel: 0081-33-671-5197
0081-33-571-5196 / 5062 / 63
Fax: 0081-33-471-5235
E-mail: indtour@blue.ocn.ne.jp
The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Sh.K.L.Das
Rokin 9-15, 1012 KK Amsterdam
Tel: 0031-20-6208991
Fax: 0031-20-6383059
E-mail: info.nl@india-Tourism.com
Russia (Moscow)
Sh. J.S.Chihan
20, Petrovskie Linii, Building-1,
Suite 32, Moscow-103051,
Tel: 007-095-2003581/2003579
Fax: 007-095-2003071
E-mail: goito@com2com.ru
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
Singapore
Sh. Shoeb Samad
20, Kraniat Lane, # 01-O1A
United House, Singapore-228773
Tel: 0065-235-3800
Fax: 0065-235-8677
E-mail: tourgoito.sing@pacific.net.sg
South Africa (Johannesburg)
Sh. V. P. Gupta
P.O. Box - 412542, Craig Hall 2024
Johannesburg-2000, South Africa
Tel: 0027-11-3250880
Fax 0027-11-3250881
E-mail goito@global.co.za
Spain (Madrid)
Sh. A. M.Basheer
Avenida Pio XII 30-32,
Madrid 28016, Spain
Tel: 0034-1-3457339,
Fax: 0034-1-3457340
E-mail turindia@accessnet.es
Sweden (Stockholm)
Smt . Rekha Singhal
Sveavagen 9-11, 8th Floor.
S-11,157 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: 0046-8-101197
Fax: 0046-8-210186
E-mail: director@indiatouristoffice.se
UAE (Dubai)
Sh. G. Kanjilal
Post Box 12856, NASA Building
AL Maktoum Street Deira,
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 00-971-4-2274848
00-971-4-2274199
Fax: 00-971-4-2274013
E-mail: goirto@emirates.net.ae
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
United Kingdom (London)
Smt. Alka Kohli
7 Cork Street, London W1X 2AB,
U.K.
Tel: 0044-171-437-3677
0044 -171-734-6613
Fax: 0044-171-494-1048
E-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org
USA (Los Angeles)
Sh. D. Subhash
3550 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 204, Los Angeles
California 90010-2485, USA,
Tel: 001-213-380-8855,
Fax: 001 -213-380-6111
E-mail: goitola@aol.com
USA (New York)
1270, Avenue of Americas,
Suite 1808 (18th Floor)
New York, NY 10020-1700, US
Tel: 001-212-586-4901/2/3
Fax: 00 1 -212-592-3274
E-mail: adny@tourindia.com
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Mysore
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