Known as the 'Sandalwood City of India', the city of Mysore presents a host of spectacular tourists attractions that can be visited by the tourists during their vacation in the old city of the state of Karnataka. Once the administrative capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, the city of Mysore still retains the old world charm in the shadowed alleys and thoroughfares. The temples, magnificent palaces and luxuriant gardens are the chief Mysore tourist attractions that are frequently visited by the tourists.
Mysore Palace
In the center of the city of Mysore at Mirza Road stands in the former residence of the royal family of Mysore. The Mysore Palace is one of the chief Mysore tourists attractions and is a living exponent of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. The palace was constructed in the year 1912 for the twenty fourth king of the Wodeyar dynasty. Designed by the British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace of Mysore is one of the biggest palaces of the country.
The palatial building is also reputed as the Amba Vilas. It was built after the former wooden palace was destroyed by fire in the year 1897. The three storied building of the palace stretches across a length of 245 feet and 156 feet in breadth. The avenue standing in front of the palace is covered with a dome that rises to a height of 145 feet and is decorated in gold. The main entrance of the palace is the royal elephant gate that is decorated with motifs and bears the royal symbol of the double headed eagle. A stroll down the Kalyana Mantapa or the pavilion for the royal marriages will reveal the stained glasses, chandeliers, glazed tiles and the iron pillars gathered from different parts of the world. The tourists may visit the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e Khas. A number of temples surround the palace complex.
The palace has now been converted into a museum that is a repository of the art and architecture of the Wodeyar dynasty. The museum is supervised by the Department of Archeology and Museums. The best time to visit the Mysore Palace is on the national holidays and the festive days when the palace is illuminated with lights in the evening. The palace remains open to the visitors from 6 A.M to 9 A.M in the morning and 3.30 P.M to 6.30 P.M in the evening.
Chamundi Hills
Three kilometers to the south east of the fort in Mysore, lays the Chamundi Hills that rises to a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Atop the hill is the temple dedicated to the ancestral Goddess of the Mysore royal family, Goddess Kali who is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi. The Mahabaleswara temple stands close to the Chamundi Temple atop the hill. The Mahabaleswara temple is believed to be the oldest temple of the region constructed in the 13th century.
The stucco figure of the demon king who was slain by the Goddess, Mahishasura is placed close to the temple. On the way to the temple on Chamundi Hills in Mysore, the tourists will come across the 4.8 meter monolithic statue of the animal companion of Lord Shiva, Nandi. The statue of the bull is ornamented with anklets and a pendent bell. The elaborate ornamentation of the bull reveals the master craftsmanship of the artisans who created it.
The temple dedicated to the chief consort of Lord Shiva on the Chamundi Hills is one of the primary tourist attractions of Mysore. Prayers were offered by the king of Mysore who had his palace built on the hill. The Rajendra Vilas Palace has been now converted into a hotel which houses pilgrims who arrive to offer prayers to the Goddess and to visit the sandalwood city of Mysore. To reach the temple, the tourists may climb a flight of 100 stone steps or travel the 13 kilometer distance to the summit in the car.
Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Gardens in Mysore is one of the most famous tourist attractions not only in South India but all over the country. Covering a land area of about 150 acres, this garden has been a very popular setting for many Indian films.
The colorful fountains and lights are the major attractions of the Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. On weekends the complex and the fountains appear more gorgeous when they are illuminated with multi colored lights. The musical fountains of this place are very popular among the visitors for their beauty. The ambiance created by music, light and water make the evenings spent in the Brindavan Garden memorable one.
This famous garden of South India receives a large number of visitors every day. The garden is located at a distance of about twenty kilometers from the Mysore city, towards the northwest. The beautiful Brindavan Garden of South India is laid on the down stream of the Krishnasagar Dam. This dam has been constructed across river Cauvery for irrigation purpose. The dam was completed in the year of 1932. This dam is named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The length of the Krishnasagar dam of Mysore is about 2606 meters. It is made completely of stone in surkhi mortar.
Krishna Raja Sagara
Located at a distance of about 12 Kilometers from Mysore, the Krishna Raja Sagara dam was built in the year 1932. This marathon project was conceptualized and designed by Sir Mokshagundam Vishweswaraiah and the construction work took place during the times of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The Krishna Raja Sagara dam is about 130 feet in height and 8600 feet long. The Krishna Raja Sagara dam is an excellent example of hi- tech engineering, in fact it is the first dam in the world to use sluice gates which work automatically.
Commonly known as KRS, the name Krishna Raja Sagara has been given to both the Dam and the Lake that it causes. The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam has been erected on the River Kaveri which flows through the Madhya District near the Historical city of Mysore. Attached to the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is an ornamental garden called the Vrindavan Gardens. This garden is one of the most beautiful spot in the whole of Mysore and is therefore popular among tourist.
The Vringavan Garden is a terrace garden which elevates the beauty of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Well planned by the Diwans of Mysore, the Vrindavan Gardens is a botanical park with a number of plants, and lively fountains. One can also take a boat ride in the waters beneath the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. This Vrindavan Gardens and the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam acquires an out of the world mystic look in the night when the garden and the dam is lit up. The the sensuous combination of the waters, light, color and the music the accompanies it creates a dreamlike environment.
Karanji Lake
There are a number of interesting tourist destinations in and around the Indian city of Mysore and the Karanji Lake is definitely one of them. The Karanji Lake is located at the foot hills of the Chamundi mountains which is just behind the Mysore Zoo. The Karanji Lake is very near to the center of the Mysore city and therefore visited by tourists and locals alike.
The Karanji Lake is of an approximate size of 90 acres which is a home to thousands of birds, while some of them are permanent residents of the lake there are others to migrate to the Karanji Lake from far off lands. The Karanji Lake offers boating facilities and its a pleasure to row down the beautiful waters surrounded by the marvels of nature. Except on Tues days, the Karanji Lake is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The visitors planning to take a boat ride in the lake should preferably wear a live saving jacket.
The Karanji Lake is the home to the first ever and the largest walk through aviary and is also a butterfly park. The Regional Museum of Natural History is located on the banks of the Karanji Lake. Set amidst a natural scenario with the Chamundi hills in the backdrop, the Museum is set in a perfect location which allows an unique chance to explore nature and its intricacies. The maintenance of the Karanji Lake is the responsibility of the Mysore zoo authorities who look after the overall security and cleanliness of the place.
Kukkarahali Lake
Mysore is one of the most beautiful cities of India and in dotted with a number of Lakes and Park and the Kukkarahali Lake is one of them. The Kukkaranahali Lake is located within the Manasa Gangothri which is the campus of the Mysore University. A home to a number of birds, the Kukkarahali Lake is also a retreat for many migratory birds who fly in from the different parts of the world.
The huge and variety of bird population at the Kukkarahali Lake attracts a number of bird watchers to the area. The Kukkarahali Lake is a perfect place to witness the antics and other interesting actions of some of the rarest birds. The Kukkarahali Lake is also a favorite of the sports lovers as a number of water sports are organized in the region. The less adventurous ones can opt for boating at the Kukkarahali Lake. The Kukkarahali Lake is very conveniently located near the railway station as well as the bus stop.
Jaganmohan Art Gallery
Upholding the traditional heritage and old grandeur of Mysore, the Jaganmohan Art Gallery is a vast reserve of exquisite paintings and artifacts of the bygone golden era. Situated within the luxuriant Mysore Palace, the Jaganmohan Art Gallery bears testimony to the enriched traditional art and craft of the ancient times.
During the year of 1875, the Jaganmohan Palace was transformed into the famous Jaganmohan Art Gallery that portrays the artistic skills and creative imagination of the artists of the ancient times. The enriched imagination of renowned artists of Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and Svetoslav Roerich, the Russian painter has been captured in the colorful canvas of the Jaganmohan Art Gallery.
The Jaganmohan Art Gallery draws several admirers of the indigenous and traditional art of Mysore who are enthralled and enchanted with the delicate and fine paintings of the imperial royal period. The expressive paintings of the famous artists of the bygone era reflect the zenith of development of traditional art and craft of Mysore during the ancient times.
One of the prominent itineraries of the Mysore tourist attractions, the Jaganmohan Art Gallery has captured the imagination of the painters of the contemporary times. Drawn with precision, the exemplary relics of traditional art of painting portray the ardent devotion of the painters towards their art.
Located at a convenient position within the city of Mysore, Jaganmohan Art Gallery is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Reflecting the glory and grandeur of the ancient times, the paintings reveal much about the social systems of the traditional society.
Jayalakshmi Vilas
Constructed by the mighty ruler of Mysore, Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar for the royal comforts of his eldest daughter, Jayalakshmi Vilas reflects the rich architectural splendor of the ancient times. The magnificent building of Jayalakshmi Vilas was erected in the year of 1905 at a huge price of rupees seven lakhs that portrays the parental affection of a father towards his daughter.
A prominent itinerary of Mysore tourist attractions, Jayalakshmi Vilas draws several visitors through out the year who are absolutely thrilled with the well planned architecture of the monument. At present, Jayalakshmi Vilas is a part of the Mysore University and is known for its museum that contains numerous artifacts of the ancient period. The huge mansion boasts of a research center within its premises that offers the students to carry their projects on several important topics with much ease and convenience.
Popularly known as the Palace of the first Princess Jayalakshmi Devi, First Rajkumari Mansion or the Kebbekatte Bunglow, Jayalakshmi Vilas has several prominent architectural features of ionic columns, pilastered window sets and pediments and oval ventilators that adds o the grace and glory of the huge monument.
Located at short distance of 3 km from the bus depot of Mysore, Jayalakshmi Vilas stands tall with it's over imposing structure amidst the busy and crowded streets of the city. The well designed dancing hall of Jayalakshmi Vilas represents the zenith of artistic caliber of the local craftsman of bygone golden era. The 12 pillared Kalyana Mantap is a delight for the tourists who are awed by the rich architectural imagination of the traditional period.
Jayalakshmi Vilas is a pride possession of Mysore that adds to the charm of the ancient city.
Lalitha Mahal
The regal mysticism of the city of Mysore lies in the majestic Lalitha Mahal that stands at the summit point of the city presenting a spectacular and panoramic view of the city that lies beneath. The Lalitha Mahal at Mysore was once the residence of the guests who visited the royal family of the Wodeyars in Mysore. It is presently one of the most reputed five star hotels of the city that still retains the heritage and the royalty of the yesteryears.
The Lalitha Mahal in Mysore was constructed under the patronage of Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar Bahaddur IV in the year 1921. The palace was designed and engineered by the reputed English architect, E W Fritchley. One of the chief attractions of the white stoned Lalitha Mahal of Mysore is the flight of stairs that leads to the hall on the first floor. The staircase is built of glazed Italian marble that glistens and adds to the charm of the palace. The luxuriant lawns are punctuated with the stately trees that are a royal retreat for the tourists who reside in the hotel of the city.
The Lalitha Mahal is situated to the east of the city. The palace was once referred to as the Summer Palace and was the home to the royal guests. The hotel maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation maintains the regal atmosphere and treats the tourists with a similar regal hospitality that the royal guests received in earlier times during the reign of the Wodeyars.
St. Philomena's Church
Built in the gothic form of architecture, St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches of the continent of Asia. The church stands on the grounds where the older church built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III stood. The new church was constructed in the year 1933 by the grandson of the earlier king, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The church retains the heritage that is more than 200 years old.
The need for a church arose when the new settlement of Christian population developed in the city of Mysore in the early 18th century. The then king realized the need for a place of worship for the Christian people and built the older church. The new church is designed by the French architect Daly who laid the church in the shape of a cross. The nave of the cross comprises of the congregation hall while the two arms of the cross form the transepts. The altar and the choir stand on the crossing.
The altar of the St. Philomena's Church in Mysore preserves the relic of the saint obtained from Peter Pisani in the catacomb. The sanctum sanctorum also comprises of the marbled statue of the saint. The cross of Jesus lies beyond the altar. The St. Philomena's Church of Mysore is adorned with stained glass windows that were specially brought from France. The spires of the church rising to a height of 175 feet imitate those of the Cathedral at Cologne in Germany and the St. Patrick's Church of New York. Masses are held regularly in the St. Philomena's Church which is open for the tourists from 8 A.M to 6 P.M.
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo was established in the year of 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar. He is considered to be one of the architects of the modern Mysore city as well. To honor the famed founder the zoo was named after him as 'Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens'.
The various animals that are exhibited in the zoological gardens of Mysore are provided with large, spacious and open enclosures. This enables them to have the feeling of remaining close to nature. Many mammals, reptiles and birds are exhibited at this zoo.
Various exhibitions are organized by this zoo of Mysore. Insect exhibitions are regularly held here. World Environment Day is celebrated in the zoo. Different programs are organized on this occasion. There are also many training sessions arranged by the zoo committee. Summer camps for school goers are also organized here.
The Karanji Lake was taken over by the Zoo in Mysore in the year of 1976. There are facilities for boating in this lake. This lake amidst the vast greenery of the zoological garden creates a very serene and calm atmosphere.
The best time to visit the zoo is during the early hours of the morning when the surrounding is calm and fresh. All the animals can also be seen during that time. This is thus the best time to take your kids out for an educational trip.
The Mysore Zoo remains open for visitors from 8:00 am in the morning to 5:30 pm in the evening, except Tuesdays. The entry fee for adults is Rs 50.00 and for children and senior citizens it is Rs 25.00.
Rail Museum
This museum is located near the Mysore Railway station and is the second one of its kind established in India after the one at Delhi. This museum exhibits ancient locomotives and carriages some of which are still in working condition. The museum is situated opposite the CFT Research Institute on Krishnaraja Sagar Road. The museum has a good collection of photographs and objects related to the development of the railways. As the museum was the first one to be established it set a good pattern for regional display of objects related to the railways. A striking feature of the museum is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a distinctive and interesting collection of photographs and paintings portraying the growth of the railways.
Another unique feature of the museum is the Sri Ranga Pavilion that houses two royal coaches. These coaches belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore and give you an idea about the grand fashion in which the royalty traveled. Another interesting exhibit in the Rail Museum is the Maharani's saloon carriage that has a kitchen, dinning car unit and royal toilet dating back to 1899. Most of the exhibits in the museum were once housed in Mysore Palace. The first steam engine that was built is exhibited here and has been preserved very well. Among the other things exhibited here are steam engines, signals etc. The museum also has a battery-operated mini-train that takes you on a ride around the grounds of the museum. This toy train is the main attraction for small children.
Folk Lore Museum
The folklore museum that contains representative collections of art and crafts from allover Karnataka. The museum was founded in 1968. It is located in the University of Mysore in the Manasagangothri campus in the The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Since its foundation the University of Mysore has contributed to study of folklore, and the museum has been developed to its present level by scholars such as P.R. Thippeswamy, Javeregowda and Jeesham Paramashivaiah. P.R. Thippeswamy brought material from all over Karnataka to increase the museum's collection. As a folklore museum it not only showcases items but also elements of music, dance and drama.
The museum has a spectacular collection of more than 6,500 unique folklore exhibits. The museum exhibits have been organized in systematic order according to the folk art forms. The gallery is divided into wings for folklore, large dolls, folklife, literature and art.
With 6500 folklore articles on display, the museum is acclaimed as one of the biggest of its kind in Asia. Temple chariots, wooden images from Mekkekatte,religious objects, belonging to Soliga tribe etc. lamps,ornamental wooden altar, costumes of Yakshagana plays,masks, boundary godess, joint puppets,village deities,marionettes, saw dust dolls,wood carvings, cooking utensils, measures, churns, jewellery,metal ware, leather dolls, fold weapons, agriculture implements,pots, beads, baskets,weaving, puppets, folk musical instruments, textiles, objects of folk games, children.
Regional Museum of Natural History
The Regional Museum of Natural History at Mysore, was inaugurated on 20th May 1995. It was undertaken by the government of India, ministry of environment and forests. The museum is located on the banks of Karanji Lake, with the Chamundi Hills visible in the background. It is now a landmark in the city. The museum exhibits plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India. The galleries emphasize the conservation of nature and natural resources while depicting ecological interrelationship among plants and animals. Visually challenged students can feel the exhibits of animals on the premises. The museum provides an extracurricular activity for schools and promotes environmental awareness. The museum has a gallery with many sections dealing with the Biological Diversity, Life through the Ages, Ecology, Conservation for Development and Man and the Environment
Datta Peetham
Spread over a total area of 35 acre, Datta Peetham is a religious and spiritual dwelling of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda. One of the revered religious gurus of Mysore, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda is known for unique concept of treating patients with serious ailments through the harmonious blend of music and meditation.
Sri Ganapati Sachchidannada belongs to the lineage of Dattatreya Avadhoota and is famous for his spiritual message of love and harmony. Located at the foothills of the exotic mountain ranges of Chamunda, the spiritual ashram and meditation center of Datta Peetham draws several devotees from far and wide who have greatly benefited from the traditional method of mediation and Yoga.
The spiritual dwelling or ashram of Datta Peetham imparts classes in traditional Sankrit literature, Vedic knowledge and new and innovative methods of Yoga to the ardent devotees of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda. The devotees gain a comprehensive knowledge about the enigmatic cosmos through the various spiritual classes that are conducted within sacred premises of the ashram.
The ashram of Datta Peetham conducts religious ceremonies as per the strict ritualistic customs of the traditional times. The Universal Prayer Hall attracts devotees from all religious groups who pay obeisance to the Supreme Being through Yoga and Meditation. The holy Datta Temple which is devoted to Lord Dattatreya draws several devotees all through the year.
An innovative way to realize the spiritual energy and be close to the Supreme Being, Datta Peetham ashram is one of the important itineraries of the Mysore tourist attractions. Far from the hustle bustle of the cities, the serene and calm surrounding of Datta Peetham fills the devotees with an intense sense of satisfaction and pleasure.
Cheluvamba Mansion - CFTRI
Cheluvamba Mansion was built for the use of the third princess of Mysore, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the grand-father of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. This building houses Mysore's premier research institution, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). It s situated on the northwest part of Mysore on the Mysore-Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Road, near the Mysore City Railway Station. This is another imposing building constructed on an elevated place with an extensive area. The Mansion and the area around it are well preserved by the CFTRI.
Altogether a balanced and dignified structure. Its main facade is composed of twin towers and recessed domes, grand columns verandah, hinder motifs on the mini pediments. Like all the other mansions this one too is spread over a huge area and is surrounded by gardens. The Mansion is beautifully built like the other buildings of the time of the Wodeyars. All the rooms have splendid cravings and are a very good example of the architecture of the time.
Clock Tower
This 75-feet, square tower is topped in Indo-Saracenic style, the curvilinear chhajja lending a Rajasthani touch to the domed canopy which rests on a consoled base just above the 5-feet diameter clock. The graduated ascent of the two lower storeys is well-proportioned and there are handsome design-features like double- arches framing slit-windows of Early-
English church architecture. The structure is appropriately set on a base amidst a well-tended circular garden. The tower is among the monuments which came up during the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1927).
Chamarajendra Circle
Square in composition with Delwara style carved brackets of elaborate design, supporting sloping sunshades with rubbed dome crowning the canopy is built in distinctly Indo-Saracenic style. Terraced and hand-railed stairways approach the statue from four directions. The setting of this handsome marble statue of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar errected in 1920 is well laid out and spacious.
Devaraja Market
Mysore main fruit and vegetable market, Laid over the filled nullah the planned shopping along the Sayyaji Rao road with styled frontages and bables with a market plaza, Chikka Gadiyara breaking the more formal shop rows with open space designed for easy, traditional bargaining over fruits, vegetables, flowers and the like with a clock pavilion in the centre. The market comprises 722 shops.
Silk Factory and Sandal Oil Factory
Silk Factory The renowned Mysore silks are woven here and can be bought from the showroom at factory prices. Prior permissions needed to visit the factory that is closed on public holidays
Sandalwood Oil Factory Aromatic Oil from the Sandal tree is produced here. Prior permission is required to visit the factory.