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Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka and is located about 140 kilometers from the state capital of Bangalore. The word Mysore originates from the name of Mahishasur, who is a demon in Hindu mythology. It actually means the abode of the Mahishasuru, hence Mahisasuru.
Mysore has always been famous for its many historical landmarks that include palaces, gardens, and temples. Among other attractions, the Mysore Zoo also deserves due consideration as it is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Sometimes Mysore is also called the Palace City of India.
The city was once the administrative capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and also known as the “Sandalwood City of India” it still retains the old world charm in its shady alleyways and busy streets. The main attractions of the city that are must-sees for visitors can be listed below:
Mysore Palace: This was once the home of the ancient Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore who ruled in it. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, even leaving Delhi’s Red Fort behind in 2006. The palace was built in 1912 for the 24th King of the Wodeyar dynasty and was designed by British architect Henry Irwin. This palace is one of the largest palaces in the entire country. Mysore Palace specifically refers to one of the palaces called Amba Vilas.
Brindavan Gardens: These gardens are the pride of Mysore. Over the years, many movies have been shot here, capturing the beauty of the water features and well-tended gardens. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in India which attracts many visitors throughout the year. Brindavan Gardens is spread over an area of 150 acres and has a botanical garden, a tourist lodge and also several biological research departments in its folds. The colored and musical water fountains are the main attraction of these gardens.
The gardens are located downstream of the Krishnasagara Dam, which was built by the Deewans of Mysore State and named after the ruler, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It stands on the Cauvery River and is entirely made of stone in sukhi mortar.
Chamundi Hills: The hill is located three kilometers from the Mysore Fort and rises to a height of 1050 meters above sea level. The top of the hill houses the temple of Goddess Kali who is the ancestral Goddess of the Mysore Royal Family and is also known as Goddess Chamundi.
Mysore Zoo – The city zoo was established by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar in the year 1892. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in the country. Mysore Zoo is home to many species of animals and reptiles that are kept in large open spaces to give these animals a feeling of being closer to nature. The zoo is considered to be one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Church of Santa Filomena: it is one of the largest churches in the Asian region and its history goes back two centuries. The Church of Saint Philomena was built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. It is built in the Gothic form of architecture and was supervised by Bishop René Fuga. It also houses the relic of the saint which was obtained from Peter Pisani, who was the Apostolic Delegate for the East Indies. It is kept in the catacomb below the main altar of the church.
There are many more places to visit in this magnificent South Indian city that leaves the visitor wanting more and more.