Majestic Mysore

Mysore is a beautiful and cultured city of Karnataka state in south India. Mysore is well connected by road and rail transportation. It is located about 150 KM from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Mysore is mostly famous for its heritage sights, the palaces and the Brindavan gardens, food specialties and silk sarees.

In our two days of stay in Mysore, on first day we visited Mysore Palace. Please read my post: Magnificent Mysore Palace to know everything about it. 

On the second day we opted for the day tour from a private bus operator. If you are here in vacation period, I would suggest to hire personal taxi for sight-seeing, as because of the rush, it becomes difficult to see each place in limited time.

The Jaganmohan palace, was formally the retreat of the Royal family of Mysore, when the Mysore palace was under construction. This palace is now Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery and open for public. The gallery exhibits many original paintings created by Raja Ravi Verma and other famous painters. Also there are weapons of war, musical instruments, sculptures, antique coins, paintings made on a grain of rice, and many more things.

The Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore

The Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens famous as Mysore Zoo is a must see place at Mysore. This is well maintained, well managed zoo and the home of a lot of wild animals, various big and small birds, Reptiles, and many other species. The entry fee is 25/- for adult and 10/- for children. It takes around 2 hours to see the whole zoo. Electric car is available to hire.

The Lion at Mysore Zoo, Mysore

The Giraffe at Mysore Zoo, Mysore 

Chamudi Hills are located at the east of the Mysore city, about 12 KM away and famous for Chamundeshwari devi temple. The top of the hills gives a magnificent panoramic view of the Mysore city and Karanji lake. The Chamundeshwari temple is really beautiful and there is also a statue of huge Nandi (bull) 5m tall and 7.5m length.

Statue of Mahishasura at Chamundi Hills, Mysore 

Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

St. Philomena's Church is a beautiful catholic church, situated in the center of the city. Famous for its German architectural design, the church's basement consists a tomb of Martyr St. Philomena. The church was constructed in 1936, by the Maharaja of Mysore.

St. Philomena's Church, Mysore

The second most famous place at Mysore are the Brindavan Gardens. It is located about 22 KMs north from Mysore city on Krishnarajasagara dam of the river Kaveri. There is a north garden and a south garden, a walk way constructed over the river between the two gardens. Both the gardens are unique in design and have lots of colorful flower plants, trees, fountains, etc. This garden is also famous for musical fountains, show timing is 7 PM. 

Fountains at Brindavan Gardens

The Royal Orchid Hotel at Brindavan Gardens

Krishnarajsagara Dam View, Brindavan Gardens

Shrirangpatna the historic and cultural town, is a great half day excursion and can be arranged with Brindavan gardens as they are on the same direction from Mysore.

Tipu Sultan Monument, Shrirangpatna

Mysore is famous for Silk sarees, there are many nice show rooms for that. Also do not miss to try famous Mysore Dosa and sweet Mysore pak. 

Magnificent Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace, Mysore

The Amba Vilas Palace well-known as Mysore Palace is the topmost attraction of the Mysore city. The palace is really huge, located at the center of the city. The Palace timings are 10AM to 5PM IST, and there is an entry ticket of 40/- per adult. The palace has three entrances - East, West and South, the south is open for the public.

Mysore Palace Gate, Mysore

East Gate Mysore Palace, Mysore 

The palace complex is spread across acres and is the magnificent display of Mysore kingdom's culture, art and history. There are guides available but I would suggest to take audio guide for the main complex. The photography is not allowed in here.

Main Complex Mysore Palace, Mysore

The main complex walls are full of colorful paintings of the kings, the stories of Mysore kingdom and festivals of Mysore, especially there is a huge painting of famous Dasara procession. 

It has many unique rooms: The Ambavilas - The decorated big hall for private assembly, The Kalyan Mantapa - A huge octagonal hall for the royal wedding ceremonies, The Diwan-e-aam - The common assembly hall. All these rooms have unique designs, huge decorated pillars, glossy mosaic flooring, floral chandeliers, which gives them a royal look.

 

The Architectural beauty of  Mysore Palace, Mysore

The palace showcases a lot of antique items. One of them is precious Elephant Howdah (Ambadi) made of 84 Kg gold. There is a Doll's gallery of traditional ancient dolls. The armory displaying ancient weapons used by the royal family. There are many European antique items too. 

Children enjoying elephant ride in Palace complex, Mysore

There are 12 Hindu temples surrounding the main complex, Someshvara and Lakshmiramana are the famous among them. The temples are having fabulous architecture and stone carving.

Temple inside the palace complex, Mysore