Mysore is the second largest city in Karnataka and was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. Mysore is called the city of palaces and stands out for its beautiful architecture. This was once a quiet city, but later it became a city of apartments, complexes, supermarkets, shopping centers and IT companies. Although there is a rapid growth towards modernity, the ancient and traditional culture is still preserved.
Mysore has become one of the important tourist hubs in Karnataka and if you want to visit Mysore then you need to refer to the proper Mysore travel guide which will help you plan your trip. There is a domestic airport located at a distance of 12 kilometers from the main city. Mysore Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in Karnataka and there are frequent trains from here to Bangalore. To get around the city, you have the option of buses, cars and auto-rickshaws.
A first time traveler would love to explore all the places of interest in Mysore. If you want to visit all these places at your leisure, then you should stay in Mysore for at least four to five days. Some tour groups and state transport companies organize day trips and cover all the important places in a single day.
Mysore Palace is the important place that you must not miss to visit. This is a beautifully built palace with rosewood doors with ornate carvings and ivory inlay work. You can see life-size and realistic paintings of the members of the royal family here. The palace is illuminated with about 1,00,000 bulbs on weekends and national holidays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Brindavan Garden is one of the most beautiful places that offers a good feast for the eyes. The musical fountain and the sound and light show is everyone’s favorite. You have to stop at the main bus stand at Krishna Rajasagar Circle if you want to reach this place by bus. One of the important Hindu shrines in Mysore is Chamundi Hills and there is a famous Nandi statue located here.
Some other places of interest in Mysore are Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Lalit Mahal Palace, St. Philomenas Church, Karanji Kere, Jayalakshmivilas Mansion and Mysore Zoo. Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and millions of people visit it every year. The zoo also has animal farms and some of the animals found here are Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, white tigers, giraffes, Himalayan black bears, white peacocks, and African rhinos.
Mysore is famous for silk sarees and sandalwood carvings. If you visit the Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium located on Sayaji Road, you can buy some traditional incense sticks, Chenaptna dolls, and wooden toys and sandalwood figurines. Mysore is also noted for Mysore pak, the rectangular sweet, and Mysore Masala Dosa. To enjoy all these pleasures, you can find a comfortable place to stay and eat. A good Mysore travel guide will help you find the best Mysore hotels and restaurants.
