Located 151.6 km south of Bangalore at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is called as the city of palaces. The beautiful monuments and the rich history of this place make it one of the most popular tourist destinations. The city is also the hub of sandalwood, incense and silk production. Many tourists visit Mysore to learn Ashtanga Yoga, which is practice across the city. From 1399 to 1947, Mysore was the capital of Kingdom of Mysore and was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty. In the late 18th century, for a short period, Mysore was ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The Wodeyars contributed immensely to the growth of the city’s culture. Mysore is known for Dussera celebration and it palace, the Mysore Palace. Tourists flock to the city during Dussera festival to see the colorful procession. Mysore was the location of India’s first private radio station.
Things to do: You should start exploring the city with the Mysore Palace. The rich history and beautiful architecture of the monument are something you must not miss. The palace has a fusion of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The paintings, spacious halls and the beautiful pillar will take you back in time. The palace is lit up during festivals and on Sundays.
Dassera is another time for the year when you should visit Mysore. Mysore palace is lit up for the occasion. The Wodeyars’ family goddess is Chamundi and the idol of the goddess is taken out for in an elaborate procession involving elephants, horses and dancers.
The Brindavan Gardens is another place you must visit in Mysore. The musical fountain of the garden is famous among tourists. The Railway Museum of Mysore is an interesting place that gives you a glimpse of India’s rich history of railways.
St. Philomena is another important attraction of Mysore
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, India. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. It is also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral.It was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.This is one of the tallest churches in Asia.
Best places to stay in Mysore: Hotel Kanishka (0821 466 6688), Hotel Shastri Paradise ( 0821 425 2134), Hotel MB International (096206 72223), Hotel BS International (095911 17445) and Hotel Sujatha Residency (0821 249 6999) are some of the best hotels in Mysore.
Tips: Make sure you taste Mysore Pak, a sweet dish that melts in your mouth.
Best time to visit: The period between September and March is the best time to visit Mysore.
Distance from Bangalore: 151.6 km (3 hours 24 minutes)
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