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               MYSORE TRAVEL GUIDE

Mysore is a city in the state of Karnataka. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar
dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state.
It is the headquarters of the Mysore district and the Mysore division. It lies about 140
km south-west of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The city is spread across an
area of 129 km2 and is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills.

The name Mysore is an anglicised version of Mahishuru, which means the abode of
Mahisha. Mahisha stands for Mahishasura, a demon from the Hindu mythology.
According to this myth, Mahishasura was the ruler of the region around Mysore. He
was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari earning her the title Mahishasura
Mardhini (Slayer of Mahisha). A temple dedicated to the Goddess exists on top of the
Chamundi Hills.

The history of Mysore is closely linked to the history of the Kingdom of Mysore.
References from the times of the Mahabharata and Asoka mention Mahisha Nadu or
Mahisha Mandala. In the context of Mysore's original name, this relates to the legend
of Mahishasura, who could interchange his form between human and buffalo at will.

The earliest documented evidence of Mysore are available in the form of stone
inscriptions, known as Shaasana, dated around 1021 CE, and were discovered in
villages surrounding Mysore.

From 1499, inscriptions consistently refer to Mahisuru as the original name of
Mysore. During the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Mysore kingdom served as a
feudatory. With the demise of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1565 CE, the Mysore
kingdom gradually achieved independence and became a soveriegn by the time of
King Narasaraja Wodeyar (1637)


GENERAL INFORMATION

Time zone         IST (UTC+5:30)
Area                   129 km˛ (50 sq mi)
Elevation           763 m (2,503 ft)
District(s)          Mysore District
Population        1,038,490 (2001)
Density              385.4/km˛ (998/sq mi)


PLACE TO VISIT

Mysore Palace - Entry is through the south side. Shoes and Cameras must be
left at the cloak room. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with
inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members
of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though
age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Sundays and National
Holidays between 7:00 and 8:00 pm the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000
bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath.

Brindavan Gardens -  and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7:00 p.m., the
"musical fountain" light and music show begins.

Chamundi Hills - has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The huge
Nandi statue on the mountain is also well known. Chamundi Hills is 800 Feet above
sea level and is know for it's wild life. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's (Also called
as Chamundeshwari) idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous
architecture. It is a plastic free zone and is known for Big Cats like Cheetah, but
tourists are rarely (next to never) are attacked by them.

Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery - A former palace that has been
converted into a wonderful art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian
artists.


Lalit Mahal Palace - Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors
should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea.


St. Philomenas Church - A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval
architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic
style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty
towers.


Datta Peetham - Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a
remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene
and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which
speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks
deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the
bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come
and join in for a guided tour through the ashram.


Bonsai Garden @ Datta Peetham - The Gardens in the Ashrama have
developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of
the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut
trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are
used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine
and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started
in different areas as time went on. In the early 80’s, the beautiful, tall and robust
palm trees which now line the Ashrama’s main entrance road were planted.


Mysore Zoo - is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It was established
under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and
since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular
grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals
from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as
well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer,
Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo
is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary
sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which
attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including
painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden
with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and
abroad. Mysore Zoo is open on all days except Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The entrance fees are Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. (Below 5 years is free)

* Karanji Kere- is a small lake inside the city.You can go for a small trip of boating.
The lake is sorrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds
like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere. In local language Kere
means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji Kere.