Nearly everything concerned about Mysore is unique and interesting. Located about 140 k.m. from Bangalore, the state’s capital, Mysore is an important part of Karnataka state in south India. It is the former capital city of the state and a very old city with deep-rooted history. The erstwhile capital of Wodeyar kingdom, it is still considered the cultural capital of the state. It is evidently one of the cleanest cities in India and one that features excellent city design. Dotted with numerous archaeologically significant monuments and historic structures, the entire city is a large open gallery. Presently, it is Karnataka’s second largest city nestled at the Chamundi Hills base. Oozing the essence of old days while quickly getting glamorized by the ritz and luxuries of modernization, it is one of most significant tourist destinations in India. It has been ranked as one of the 31 must-see places in the world twice by the New York Times. It is worldwide known for the grandiose Mysore Palace, which is the most visited place in the country, beating Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal, and others. The palace is the largest landmark and the most dominant attraction in entire city.
Also referred as the “Palace city of India” and the “Sandalwood city of India”, Mysore is full of structures and buildings that are excellent exhibits of exceptional craftsmanship. In popular culture, the place is most noted for ancient Mysore style of painting, Mysore Peta, Silk Saree, and Mysore Pak. Its rulers, the Wodeyars, are particularly known for being the patrons of culture, art, and crafts. It is under their rule that the art and crafts of the place developed which today have earned the place the entitle of “Cultural capital of South Karnataka”. Every festival here is colorful and jovial and ceremonial periods are the ideal times to plan a tour of the place. Old and new temples, luxurious palaces, opulent gardens, informational museums and libraries, splendid nature, and several other unique attributes make the place a must-visit destination in the bucket list of that every traveller across India.
Located at the centre of the city and built in 1912, Mysore Palace is one of the most splendid structures in the city. It was the residence of the royal Wodeyar kings and queens who had their sway over the lands for more than 400 years. It is a must-visit as is a fine piece of architecture and still retains the regal air. Additionally, spreading over a large area the Brindavan Gardens is a show garden featuring green paddy lawns, stunning fountains, walkways, etc. Boating is also provided that attract huge masses of tourists. Every evening there is a mass gathering of people in the place who have come to see the elaborated fountains dance to the tunes of soothing music.
Apart from these there are several other popular places to visit in Mysore that are must-see. Datta Peetham, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Jaganmohan Art Gallery, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, Namma Mysore, Kukkarahalli Lake, St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore Zoo, Happy Man Park, Rail Museum, Chamundi Hills, and Jaganmohan Palace are to name the popular ones.
Dimpy Roy
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working with an Online Travel Guide. She guides travelers about Mysore Palace and choose the best one.