Mysore
Mysore, not far from Bangalore, is a famous South Indian city, which is popular for its exotic sandalwood and rich skills. Small, easygoing and a crafts-crazy city, with friendly people Mysore features beautiful gardens, tree lined boulevards, art galleries and a fascinating palace.
Tourist Attraction
Once the seat of the Maharaja's of Mysore, the Mysore Palace now dominates the skyline of Mysore city. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the palace has strong Afghani influence - an extravaganza of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and loud colours. The Palace features beautifully carved wooden doors, mosaic floors and interesting paintings depicting life in Mysore during the Edwardian Raj.
Chamundi Hill lies 1050 mts above sea level, within a short drive from Mysore city. You can spend a very pleasant half day, taking a walk up the 1000 steps to the top of the hill where the temple of Sri Chamundeswari stands. From the temple, you get superb views of Mysore city and the surrounding countryside. The temple also houses the statue of Nandi (Shiva's bull), carved out of solid rock.
One of the largest churches in India, St Philomena's Cathedral is built in neo-Gothic style. It is an interesting place to visit in Mysore and there is a beautiful image of Philomena in an underground chamber.
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, the art gallery displays fascinating paintings, handicrafts, historical objects of interest and rare musical instruments.
Located just 14 km north-east of Mysore, on the Bangalore Highway, this island fortress was once the capital of the warrior kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Across the other side of the road from the fort stands the Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. Built in 1784, Daria Daulat Bagh is now converted into a museum and narrates stories of the sultan losing battle against the British. Daria Daulat Bagh has ornate and beautiful frescoes. Tipu's Fort at Srirangapatnam houses a mosque and the Ranganathswamy Temple.
