- How to Get There
- The Mysore Palace
- The Brindavan Gardens
- Chamundi Hills
- St. Philomena’s Church
Mysore : The Regal City
Mysore : The Regal City
If you wish to see and feel South India, a trip to Mysore is necessary. It is not an overstatement at all. The ancient city has a history that stretches back to nearly 600 years of glory and legacy.Flamboyancy is a byword in Mysore. The royal heritage glitters in the cityscape like stars while monuments stand regally. The markets here bustle with activities and the culture is cosmopolitan. Mysore is the capital of culture in Karnataka. A plethora of scenic views are available in the city both natural and historical. The city has been blessed with a rich biodiversity.Once you have experienced the beauty of Mysore in all its forms, it will haunt you forever. Mysore has a powerful charm after all.
How to Get There
By Air :
The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore (139 km). All the domestic airlines in the India operates their flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in the country.
By Rail :
Mysore is connected with a number of trains to Bangalore. The super-fast train the Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Chennai.
By Road :
Mysore has a good network of well-connected roads that link Mysore with many cities. Distance from other places; Bangalore: 140 km, Ooty: 127 km,Coorg: 130 km
The Mysore Palace
One of the grandest royal palaces in India, the Mysore Palace is the former residence of the maharajas of the Wodeyar dynasty. The original palace was destroyed by a fire. The present palace was completed in the year 1912 by Henry Irwin, an English architect.The Indo-Saracenic architectural style is capable to filling your heart with a sense of wonder. This palace is the most important landmark of Mysore. Inside the marvelous structure, you will come face to face with an enchanting kaleidoscope. Mirrors, works of stained glass and artistic gaudy colors fill the interiors creating a psychedelic scene. The fascinating décor is made even richer with intricately carved doors made of wood and interesting mosaic flooring. Intriguing works of art fill the palace. A series of paintings here depict the life under the Edwardian rule in Mysore. A fine assemblage of sculptures lines the paths. Do not miss the armory here. The armory contains an amazing assortment of more than 700 weapons.
The Brindavan Gardens
The beautiful River Cauvery flows by the city of Mysore and on its waters lay a magnificent sight, the Brindavan Gardens. The garden complex is built right across the river and below the dam. The gardens are the product of immaculate engineering skills. The Brindavan gardens are perfectly symmetrical in its design. The rich terrace gardens cluster around enchanting topiaries, gazebos and pergolas. After the sun has set, the gardens come alive with dazzling fountain shows. The dancing fountains are illuminated brightly with multicolor lights and even lasers.
Chamundi Hills
At very top of the rather scenic Chamundi Hill you will come across the spectacular Sri Chamundeswari Temple. You can look out to the fascinating panorama of the cityscape stretching out before you. The Sri Chamundeswari Temple itself is dominated by a gopuram or gateway that is 40m high. You can approach the temple via a motor road. However if you wish to enjoy some great sights while heading towards the summit, you can use the foot trail which contains more than 1000 steps.The Chamundeswari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeswari who is believed to be an avatar of the Goddess Parvati. The idol of the temple is grand with the holy goddess being depicted with 20 arms. As you approach the temple, you may notice the huge idol of the holy bull, Nandi, resting peacefully. The magnificent idol was crafted from a single piece of rock.
St. Philomena’s Church
The church of St. Philomena towers over the area with its splendid neo-Gothic architecture. You will have no reason to complain about the beauty of the church. It looks magnificent especially with the stunning stained glass panels on its windows. These panels were imported from France by the architect of the church, Daly. Daly created the new church over the old one built in the early part of the 18th century.
