140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.

Mysore or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.

Mysore is the second largest city of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor.

The word Mysore is derived from Mahishuru or Mahishasurana Ooru, meaning the town of Mahishasura, the demon king who is believed to have lived here. The history of Mysore can be traced back to the time of Mahabharata. It was ruled by the Ganga Dynasty from the 2nd century to approximately 10th century. Later it was ruled by the Cholas for a century which was followed by the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire and finally the Mysore Yadu rules in the 13th century.

During the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar the city is said to have gained prominence. For a brief period the Wadiyars got dethroned, but finally returned to power under the British command at the end of the 17th century.

Situated 770m above sea level, Mysore has a warm and cool climate throughout the year.

Local Sights in Mysore

• Mysore Palace
• Brindavan Gardens
• Chamundi Hills
• St. Philomena's Church
• Mysore Zoo
• The Art Gallery
• Rail Museum
• Karanji Lake Nature Park
• Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden

Around Mysore

Daria Daulat Bagh

Tipu's Summer Palace,built in 1784,is located here.Made of teak,this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescos.It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and his losing battle against the British.

Fort

It is 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.

Essentials

Shopping

Mysore is famous for carved sandalwood, pure silk sarees and incense. The best place to shop is the Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road, which is the Main shopping area. There are also many other craft shops on Dhanavanthri Road.

The shopper's stop : Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. At the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory,you can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense sticks.At the Government Silk Factory you can see the master weavers at work. Buy shimmering silks straight off the looms. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little back streets and by lanes that offer some exiting bargains.

Tourist Information

The Dasara executive commitee has setup a helpline number 125711 that gives information on accomodation, tour operators, train and bus services and emergency numbers. Those dialing the number from foreign countries should predial +91-80.

Regional Tourist Information,
Old Exhibition Building,
Irwin Road,Mysore.
Phone : +91-821-2422096 / +91-80-22352828

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
Yatrinivas Buildings,
J.L.B.Road, Mysore.
Phone : +91-821-26352

Conducted Tours
KSTDC organises sightseeing tours to many of the major sights in and around Mysore. For more details call the KSTDC Office.
Phone : +91-821-26352.

Sightseeing Charter Flights
Bangalore based air-charter operator, Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd (TAAL), has launched sightseeing charter flights to Hampi and Mysore in Oct 2002. Contact Anjan Rao at 98440-27699 for further details.

If you need any assistance with booking in any hotel in Karnataka or India in general click here

Also see

• Mysore King Couture - Artisans of Kodiyala near Srirangapatna supplied ethic weaves to the royal family of Mysore
• Resorts in Mysore
• Hotels in Mysore
• Clubs in Mysore
• Mysore Classifieds
• News related to Mysore
• Radio Stations in Mysore
• Local Sights in Mysore

• Mysore Dasara Gold Card
• Mysore Dasara
• Elephant March during Dasara
• Photos of Dasara

Other

• About Mysore
• Iskcon, Mysore
• Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama
• Long Live The King - Every time a Bangalorean turns on a tap, he connects with the Mysore maharajas. Find out how the city’s Wodeyar legacy lives on