Mysore
The city of Mysore is popularly known as the cultural capital of the state of Karnataka . Famous for its magnificent architectural structures, temples, gardens and Dassara festival, Mysore presents an impressive mythical and historical past.
The famous mythological legend behind the name of the city indicates that the area in and around Mysore was ruled by the demon Mahishasura and the region wasnamed after him Mahishuru. The Goddess Chamundeshwari heard the prayers of the people Mahisasuru oppressed and she in turn killed Mahishasura to free the region from his atrocities. The temple on the Chamundi Hill still houses an enormous statute of the demon. Anglicized from the word Mahishuru, the place came to be known as Mysore during the British rule.
The magnificent Mysore Palace
Mysore city palace was constructed by the Maharajas of the Wodeyar dynasty. It is the most famous sight of Mysore and one of the most impressive palaces in India.
Descendants of the Yadava community in Gujarat, the Wadiyar’s came and settled in Mysore around 1399. They have been ruling this area for about six centuries and had made Mysore as their capital.
The palace has been re-built thrice. The original palace was built in the 14th century and was replaced after it was struck by lightning in 1638, and in 1897, the wooden palace was destroyed by a fire post which Her Majesty Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna, delegated Lord Henry Irwin, to construct the new palace. The construction of the new palace was completed by 1912 and was later expanded in the year 1940 under the rule of Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.
This extravagant palace (43 m high and 3.5 sq/km large area) built in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture is considered a master piece of art and architecture.
The palace is lit by a million electric bulbs for an hour every Sunday in the evening,

Sights

• Chamundi Hills and Temple
• Mysore Palace
• Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery
• National Anthropological museum
• St Philomena Church

Nearby Destinations and Attractions

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary : 18 Km / 30 mins
• Somnathpura : 35 Km / 45 mins
• Talalkkadu : 50 Km / 1+ hrs
• Shravanbelagola : 85 Km / 2 hrs
• Nagarhole National Park : 80 Km / 2+ hrs
• Bandipur National Park : 75 Km / 1.5 hrs
• Madikeri : 120 Km / 2 hrs 45 mins

Travel Information
Connectivity :
Nearest Airport : Bangalore Airport (210 km / 4 hrs)
Best time to visit and Climate :
Mysore is blessed with a mild climate. One can visit Mysore in all seasons.