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Mysore also known as Mysuru, lies 139 km southwest of Bangalore and is situated among fertile fields and skirted by wooden hills. It is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka and served as the capital city of Mysore Princely Kingdom (Kingdom of Mysore) for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947, except for the 38 year rule of the Muslim warlord Haider Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Modern Mysore is the creation of Tipu Sultan who in 1793 levelled the old city and built the present town. Mysore is an ancient city with more than 600 years of legacy, It is one of the most flamboyant places in India. Mysore is known for its glittering royal heritage, bustling markets, magnificent monuments, cosmopolitan culture and a friendly populace. It is also a thriving centre for the production of premium silk, sandalwood and incense. Today it is also an important cultural centre with the largest university in Karnataka.
The former Wodiyar Maharaja’s huge fairytale castle palace was built at great cost by a British architect in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades was designed by Henry Irving in 1897. A part of it is still the residence of the current Maharaja. The Palace of Mysore also known as as the Amba Vilas Palace, is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. During weekends and festivals thousands of light bulbs enliven the palace’s stern grey exterior.
St. Philomena's church is a Catholic church built in honour of St. Philomena was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation of this church and this Neo-Gothic structure with a stained glass interior was completed in 1959 with a Frenchman named Daly designed the church. Its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and its one of the oldest churches in India. It is over 200 years old.
The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, housed in Jaganmohan Palace to the west of Mysore, is considered one of the best art galleries in South India as it has excellent collection of paintings and artifacts that once belonged to the Wodeyars of Mysore. The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into this art gallery in 1875. It houses an interesting collection of disparate objects including antique furniture, musical instruments, ceramics and ivory.
The gallery also has the rare and valuable art collection made by Col. Scott, a British Army Officer who served in the British Army that fought against Tipu Sultan. On its top floor is a splendid collection of musical instruments as well as magnificient paintings by the renowned 19th century artist from Kerala, Raja Ravi Verma. The walls of the third floor of the gallery are covered with rich colorful paintings relating to the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III.
The Brindavan Gardens on the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam site is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world famous for its symmetric design. It is located 19 kms outside Mysore and the dam complex creative beautification has been the achievement of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of the princely State of Mysore. This dam is India’s first irrigation dam built in 1924 and designed by engineer Sir.M.Vishweswariah. The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who financed it. The garden is designed based on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir in the Mughal style. Thousands of visitors flock to the gardens each year during the evenings to watch the illuminated dancing musical fountains.
Mysore,India
A four star grand heritage hotel, Royal Orchid Metropole is steeped in the history and culture of Mysore. Its imperial arches, imposing pillars and ornate corridors capture the old world charm of this majestic guesthouse built by the former Maharaja of Mysore in 1920 for his distinguished British guests.The rooms are well-appoin...
Mysore,India
On a low hill, just outside the royal city of Mysore, stand a shimmering white palace - a splendid Italianate palazzo, double-columned and domed - set in sparawling terraced and landscaped gardens. This is the Lalitha Mahal Palace, built by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore to host his most important guest, the Viceroy of India.&...
Mysore,India
Fortune JP Palace makes you feel the exuberance of this beautiful city with its palatial architecture, landscaped gardens, aesthetically done interiors and a magnificent view of the famous Chamundi Hills. The interiors of the rooms have been aesthetically done in contemporary style decor, and our well-equipped with an excellent ...
Mysore,India
Set by the inspiring Cauvery River and overlooking the breathtaking Brindavan Gardens, Royal Orchid Brindavan is a four star luxury Heritage Hotel. The hotel has 24 exclusive rooms. Plush, well furnished and spacious, they come with all modern business and leisure amenities...
Population: 887,446
Average Climate:
| Summer: | 22° C – 35° C |
| Winter: | 15° C – 28° C |
Best time to visit: October to March