Mysore! There’s hardly any trace of the city so many miles away in Mumbai. Except perhaps the heady fragrance of Mysore Sandal soap or the delicious Mysore Pak. Not many know that Mysore, or Mysuru as it is now called, has some things that set it apart from others.
Mysore was the first city in India to get a private radio channel. Mysore Ink produced by Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd is the only company authorized to produce election indelible ink. The city is one of the top in the country in terms of education, sports and public facilities. It also ranked #2 in the Cleanest City competition held by the Ministry of Urban Development.
But these are not the reasons why you should be going to Mysore. Like every place in India, there is more to Mysore that meets the eye. The city is home to the Wodeyars, who have ruled Mysore for several centuries. The Wodeyars are known all over the country for being one of the most pro people and progressive states. And a visit to Mysore is evidence enough of this fact.
Mysore, to this day, has a regal look about it. The star attraction of course is the stunning Mysore Palace, which is well preserved to this day. Mysore lives and breathes in their past, with a pride not many Indians have. And yet, the city is modern. There’s so much to the city that it definitely commands a visit.
Here is why Mysore should be on your itinerary:
1. Mysore Palace:
The Palace is one of the most beautiful and well maintained palaces. Mysore citizens visit the palace in throngs every day, especially to see it lit. Watching the Mysore Palace lit is one of the most special things to experience. It’s a matter of pride that our historical monuments are so well preserved. The City Palace has an audio guide facility explaining each part. The walls of the Palace have Raja Ravi Varma’s stunning paintings which is a visual treat. This one is a must visit.
Here is a link of the Palace
2. Mysore Market:
Mysore’s market is not just a buzzing place for different sellers, it also offers a unique trip for art patrons. Also grab some sandalwood products from the market and some spices. The Devaraja Market is a confluence for all sellers to sell their wares and is a unique experience.
One of the best legacies left behind by the Wodeyars is their continued patronage of different forms of art. This has made Mysore a centre for different types of woodcraft and stonework art. There are tour companies that offer walks in these areas, but one can independently go and visit the craftsmen as well.
Here are some narratives I found :
http://www.ghumr.com/mysore-handicrafts/
https://hippie-inheels.com/mysore-art-meeting-local-artisans/
3. Mysore Silks:
Mysore is also famous for its silks. A walk down the market will have you spoilt for choice in the different shops. Trendy and traditional sarees, there will be something for everyone here.
The Karnataka Silks House also has weavers who weave the silk. There are silk tours which promise to educate those interested about the silk extraction and weaving process. Indeed, a trip to Mysore is incomplete without checking out some stunning silk. The city has taken concentrated efforts to revive the silk and the result shows.
Here are some tour operators for the silk tour:
https://www.karnataka.com/mysore/mysore-silk-tour/
4. Heritage Buildings:
Mysore has several beautiful heritage buildings and arches from the times of the Wodeyars. There are several gates to the Palace itself which are well maintained. Apart from this, the beautiful Lalita Mahal Palace is now converted into a heritage hotel. The hotel is beautifully preserved and has one of the oldest elevators in the country.
Most heritage buildings in the city are used by the Administration. In spite of being occupied by the Government, they are well preserved.
5. Temples in Mysore:
Mysore has several temples with beautiful Hoysala architecture. The temple on Chamundi Hill especially is a testament to the superior architectural prowess. The Mysore Palace complex houses several temples, which are also a visual treat.
6. Museums in Mysore:
Mysore has several museums, like the Railway Museum, the Jaychamarajendra Art Gallery, a Natural History Museum, the Private Residential Palace among others. There is also a Tribal Museum. There is also a Sand Museum with detailed and stunning sand sculptures.
Significant among these is the Residential Palace which is a private museum which showcases the life of the royals.
7. Kukkarahalli Lake:
This lake is situated in the heart of Mysore. The lake was created by Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in 1864 for the purpose of irrigation. The University of Mysore is close to the lake. Excessive encroachments had threatened the lake but significant citizen action since the past 15 years has helped rejuvenate the lake and make it a major attraction to visit.
8. Brindavan Gardens:
The Brindavan Gardens lie adjoining the Krishnarajasagara Dam on the Kaveri river. The garden is famous for the dancing fountains that is put on as a show every night.
9. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
This Sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary in the state of Karnataka. This park was also built because of the Wodeyars. Salim Ali. Roughly 170 species of birds have been identified here. This is one hotspot for migratory birds in December and is popular among bird lovers. There are frequent tours conducted by the Forest Department.
10. Shrirangapatna:
This town, though located close to Mysore is a major tourist hub in itself. It has the famous Ranganathswamy Temple.
Shrirangapatna was earlier under the Vijaynagar empire but then was taken over by the Wodeyars of Mysore. Under Tipu Sultan, Shrirangapatna became the de-facto capital of Mysore. There are several places of interest here, including Tipu Sultan’s tomb.
How to get there:
1. Mysore is well connected by road to Bangalore
2. Frequent trains run from all over the country to Mysore.
3. Mysore airport is operational but not too many flights provide services to the airport.
Here is a link of places to visit in Mysore:
https://www.trawell.in/karnataka/mysore/places-to-visit-things-to-do
Mysore is one of the most regal places in India and is definitely one that should be on your travel itinerary for the coming year.