Mysore the cultural capital of Karnataka is situated at the bottom of Chamundi Hills and is also known as the City of Palaces. It is named among the cleanest cities in India and the tourist attraction of Karnataka. The city was the political capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty which ruled for 150 years on Karnataka. Mysore is famous for its 10-day grand celebration of the Dasara festival, which was first celebrated by the Wodeyars.
Mysore is a city of heritage palaces, renowned buildings, and monuments. The famous Mysore Pak is the royal sweet of Mysore, as it is believed to have been invented in the royal kitchen by their chefs. However, the city is recognized for its traditional arts and crafts, music and dance forms, and literature. It has been seen that international tourist visit here to take a break from their hustling daily lives. They indulge themselves in Yoga Retreats, making the city a yoga hub.
Places to Visit in Mysore
Mysore is the city of palaces, that not only connects you with its rich past but also offers a beautiful combination of history with picturesque nature with gardens, lakes, and waterfalls. The city provides the best tourist experience for every person who is visiting Mysore.
- Mysore Palaces:- This palace is counted among the largest palaces of India and the most famous tourist attraction of Mysore. Mysore Palace is located in the heart of the city, known for the famous Mysore Dussehra festival. The palace was the residence of the Wodeyar kings, which was rebuilt in 1912 after the old wooden building caught fire. Hence this palace is known for its astonishing architecture. Which reflects the blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles with Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- St. Philomena’s Cathedral:- This is one of the tallest churches in Asia, constructed in 1840 by the Wodeyar kings. St. Philomena’s Cathedral is known for its Neo-Gothic style of architecture which is influenced by the Cologne Cathedral of Germany. The church is devoted to St. Philomena and was built for Europeans living in India during the colonial period. In the large hall of the church, 800 people can easily be accommodated at a time. This majestic church is a must-visit location of Mysore, for experiencing its excellent architecture.
- Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre:- The ancient art and science of healing is Ayurveda and it is believed that a balanced body, mind, and spirit can lead a healthy life. This ayurvedic center is located in the foothills of Chamundi Hills. This provides pure ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga and Panchakarma along with yoga, beauty, and weight loss therapies. Tourists visit here to relax their minds from daily hustles and rejuvenate their spirits in the beautiful hills of Mysore.
Natural Expeditions in the City
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden:- This zoo was established by His Highness Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur in 1892. For educating the people of the state about wildlife. Earlier it was known as Palace Zoo but in 1909 the name changed to Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo. The zoo initially covered an area of 10.9 acres but now it covers around the area of 157.02 acres along with the Karanji Lake. Mysuru Zoo is home to many unique breeds of animals from around the world. The unique distinction of this zoo is, that they recreate the natural habitat for species accordingly. The zoo has become a major attraction for the tourists of Mysore.
- Varuna Lake:- It is a huge lake seen while crossing the T.Narsipura highway of Mysore, famous for its water sports activities. The lake hosts many adventures like, kayaking, jet skiing, banana riding, canoeing, and many more at affordable prices. During the Dussehra festival, many different activities are conducted for people, so that they can enjoy the festival in a thrilling way. The lake holds scenic beauty also, distinctive birds can be seen flying over the lake.
How and When to visit Mysore
Mysore is well-connected with the major cities of South India and some cities of North India. It is easy to access Mysore via roads as well as railways, as it has well-maintained state and national highway networks with widely functioning buses. Tourists can also opt for the air traveling option but there is no direct way to Mysore. So, they can take a flight up to Kempe Gowda International Airport, Bangalore, and then reach via road.
However, it is a full-year destination, you can visit any time you want because it is a tropical weather region. The best time to visit the city is during winter and monsoon season, in the months of July to February. During this period the weather is cold and quite pleasant which is a relief from its hot and humid weather.
Conclusion
It is hard to say that Mysore is not one of the most visited tourist places in India. The royal city of Mysore Palaces, Mysore Pak, Paintings, Architecture, Silk, Wildlife, and Spiritual values, have made a name for itself. The city is a world-famous destination for a perfect blend of history and nature which reflects the elegant pride of the kings of Karnataka. The famous Ayurveda and Yoga centers are another distinctive feature of the city that attracts tourists globally. Therefore, it is said that Mysore is a full-packed tourist spot, the deeper you go the more you’ll explore. It’s a city of never-ending fun and knowledge.
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