Mysore
Situated an altitude of 770 meters, this
town of erstwhile royal family, is noted for its palaces, parks
and oriental opulence. This town of fragrance of sandalwood,
musk, and rose, still retains its oriental aura of the royal
splendor. The Dussera festival held here every year around October
is very famous. For ten days and nine nights the town remains
agog with much festivity, music, color and illumination. On
Vijaya Dashmi, the final day of festivity, a big parade comprising
of infantry, a big parade comprising of infantry, caparisoned
cavalry camels and elephants is held reminding people of the
royal times. Mysore has many places of interest which may be
conveniently visited within 5-6 hours by a car or taxi.
Maharaja’s Palace
Built in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture
and now open to public viewing, Maharaja’s Palace Complex,
one of the biggest of its kind in India, is a marvel in construction
and ornamentation. Only four segment of the complex is open
to the public. They include Gombi Totti, Kalyan Mandapa, Durbar
Hall and Amba Vilas. On festive occasion the palace is illuminated
and then it is transformed into a veritable fairy land. Visitors
in groups 20-30 are allowed and taken on a guided tour. The
palace presents a profusion of frescoes, floor mosaic, wood
carvings, solid silver portals, ornate domes, arches, colannades
and sculptures.
Sri Charnarajendra
Art Gallery
Close to the palace, the Art Gallery and
a small Museum are housed in Jagmohan Palace. It contains many
art objects, antiques and curios.
Zoological Garden
It contains a wide variety of animals and
birds including snakes.
Chamundi Hills
A flight of 1,000 strenuous steps leads
to Sri Chamundeshwari Shrine atop a hill, 13 km. from Mysore.
The climb is rewarding as it offers panoramic view of the city
and the surroundings. The shrine is also accessible by bus,
taxi or cars. There is also a giant statue of the demon Mahishasura
who was slain by the Goddess Chamundi, the tutelary deity of
the royal family.
Sandalwood Oil Factory
This Govt. factory is an interesting place
where you can see how oil is extracted from the sandalwood and
incense sticks manufactured. You can buy these as well.
Silk Factory
Here you can see how saris are woven. The
Govt. Silk Weaving Factory is not far from the Sandalwood Oil
Factory and you can include it in your itinerary.
Bangalore is (140 km.) the nearest airport. But Mysore is very
well connected by trains and buses with Bangalore and other
cities. There are numerous budget class hotels around Gandhi
Square and on Dhanvantri Road. Mysore is famous for rosewood,
sand wood and ivory carvings, silk fabrics, sandal oil, soap
and incense sticks.
The following places are not far from Mysore which can also
be visited keeping Mysore as the base.
Brindavan Gardens
Nineteen km. from Mysore, Krishnaraj Sagar
Dam and Brindavan Gardens were built in 1932. The dams built
on the River Kaveri is the largest in South India having an
area of 130 sq. km. with boating and fishing facilities available.
The fabulous ornamental terrace gardens below the dam are a
great tourist attraction. It is also a popular picnic spot with
its bright flower beds, fountains, pools and illummination in
the evening, there is a beautiful Hotel Krishansagar overlooking
the gardens and reservoir.
Srirangpatnam
Sixteen km. from Mysore on Bangalore Road,
Srirangpatnam is noted for its fort, Ranganath Temple, dungeons
and museum, Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat Daria Daulat
and his mausoleum, the Gumbaz.
Sravanbelgola
Nestled between Indragiri and Chandragiri
Hill’s the ancient Sravanhelgola, is a famous Jam centre
of pilgrimage. A renowned Jam ascetic and saint Gommanteshwara
stood here for so long in meditation that creepers grew and
entwined round his motionless legs. A colossal monolithic statue
of Gommanteshwara showing his legs entwined with creepers, stands
here majestically atop Indragiri Hill. This 17 metre high statue
is the tallest and one of the finest in the world. A flight
of 614 rock cut steps leads to the statue. The spectacular Mahamastakabhishek
is eld every 12 years when the colossus is bathed in milk, curd,
honey, rice, coconut, milk, ghee, almonds, saffron, o1d coins,
etc. A special seaffold is erected for this purpose.
Other minor places of tourist in karnatak are Somnathpur (40
km. away from Mysore and famous for its 13th Century Keshav
Temple), Bandipur Sanctuary (80km. away and noted for rare specimen
of wild life), Coorg Region (125km. away and noted for its cool
surroundings, orange orchards and coffee plantation), Udipi,
Sringeri and Bijapur (the ‘city of victory’, noted
for Gol Gumhad and other historical monuments of Mughal/ Medieval
period). All these places can be conveniently visited keeping
your base at either Mysore or Bangalore.
