Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. The name Mysore is an anglicized version of Mahishuru, which means the abode of Mahisha. Mahisha stands for Mahishasura, a demon from the Hindu mythology. The city is spread across an area of 128.42 Km2 (50sq mi) and is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills.
Mysore Palace
Mysore palace is a palace situated in the city. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (royal offices). The term “palace of Mysore” specifically refers to one of these palaces, Amba Vikas.
Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is a show garden that has a beautiful botanical park, full of exciting foundation, as well as boat rides beneath the dam. Display items include musical fountain. Various biological research departments are housed here. It is situated at Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) dam
Jagan Mohan Palace
was built in the was built in the year 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in a predominantly Hindu style to serve as an alternate palace for the royal family. This palace housed the royal family when the older Mysore Palace was burnt down by a fire. The palace has three floors and has stained glass shutters and ventilators. It has housed the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery since the year 1915. The collections exhibited here include paintings from the famed Travancore ruler, Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich and many paintings of the Mysore painting style.
Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hills is close to the palace city of Mysore. Its average elevation is 1,000 meters. A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the hills. Among other landmarks, you can see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold.
St. Philomena’s Church
St. Philomena’s Church is a church built in the honour of St. Philomena in the city of Mysore. It was constructed in 1956 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. In 1926, Thamboo Chetty who was a secretary to the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar obtained a relic of the saint from Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies. This relic was handed over to Father Cochet who approached the king to assist him in constructing a church in honour of St. Philomena]. The Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation stone of the church on 28 October 1933.
Regional Museum of Natural History
This museum is located on the banks of the Karanji Lake in Mysore and has exhibits related to biological diversity, ecology and geology of Southern India.
Folk Lore Museum
This museum is located in the University of Mysore campus and exhibits over 6500 folk art and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka
Mysore Zoo
one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India. Located on the outskirts of Mysore, the zoo is home to a wide range of wild species. The official name for the zoo is Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, though it is known commonly by its shortened name. 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.
Srirangapatna
(also spelt Seringapatam; anglicized to Seringapatam during the British Raj) is a town, situated a mere 13 km from Mysore city. The entire town is enclosed by the river Kaveri to form an island. The town takes its name from the celebrated Ranganatha swamy temple which dominates the town, making Srirangapatna one of the most important Vaishnavitecenters of pilgrimage in south India. Srirangapatna became the de facto capital of Mysore under HyderAli and Tipu Sultan. Other attractions include the Jumma Masjid (a Mosque) and the Daria DaulatGardens. The Karighatta (Black Hill) and its temple of Lord Srinivasa is situated a few kilometers from the town. The deity is that of Kari-Giri-vasa (one who resides on the black hill). The famous Nimishambha temple is located in the nearby district of Ganjam. The summer palace of Tipu Sultan is also a very interesting place.
