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MYSORE |
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The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. The Chamundi Hills that towers over the city like a colossus houses a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. About 15 km from the royal city of Mysore lies the town of Srirangapatnam where the the summer palace of Tipu Sultan is located. The Brindavan Gardens are world-famous terrace gardens bordered by watercourses. The Lalitha Mahal Palace, built in the 1930s, has now been converted into a prestigious hotel of the India Tourism Development Corporation. The Mysore Palace, built in Saracenic style, shows both Hindu as well as Muslim influences.
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Attractions |
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Mysore Palace
The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays ,the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. |
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Chamundi Hills
A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. |
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Brindavan Gardens
Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday: 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM
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St. Philomena's Church
A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
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Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which has emerged as one of finest zoos in the country to breed a wide range of animals in captivity, has embarked on a new venture to set up a state-of-the-art Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. As of Jan 2006 the zoo has prepared a Rs 5.5-crore plan to establish the centre and forwarded the same to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval. The plan envisages procuring a, emergency mobile ambulance for the animals. The zoo would become the first in the country to have an emergency mobile service to rescue animals fighting for life and cater to animals in and around Bandipur, Brahmagiri, Kanakapura, Madikeri and other wildlife sanctuaries.
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The Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich. |
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Railway Museum
The Railway museum, situated opposite to the CFT Research Institute on Krishnaraja Sagar Road, contains exhibits from the Mysore State Railways that operated between 1881-1951. Set up in 1979, the museum sets a good pattern for regional display and has a good collection. Among the exhibits are steam engines, signals and a Maharani's saloon, with all facilities built in 1899. The highlight here is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a unique and interesting collection of photographs and paintings depicting the development of the railways. It's fun cum learn museum for children.
Timings : 10.00 am to 01.00 pm and 03.00 pm to 08.00 pm. |
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GRS Fantasy Park
GRS Fantasy park is Mysore's only Amusement cum water park with numerous fun rides and multi purpose play system. The Park spreads over 30 acres with many thrilling rides offering healthy entertainment for all ages. The main attractions are the water games, amusement rides and the kid's pool. GRS is located about 5 kms from the Mysore railway station. The park is open from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and up to 7:30 pm on Sundays and Public holidays . During summer the parks open upto 7:30 pm on Saturday also. Food, beverages are not permitted inside the park. |
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By Air
The nearest airport from Mysore is 140 km away at Bangalore, from where one can take flights for most of the important cities in India. Indian Airlines has an office in the city at the Hotel Mayura Hoysala Complex, Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore
By Rail
Mysore is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai through regular trains. Between Mysore and Bangalore, there are several good trains like the Shatabdi and Tipu Express. The railway station is located around 2 km from the city center.
By Road
There is a good network of roads that connects Mysore to the other important cities of the region. The distances from Mysore to some of the other important cities in the country are Delhi-2154 km, Mumbai-1168 km, Calcutta-2147 km, Chennai-469 km, Bangalore-140 km, Tirupati-393 km, and Hyderabad-701 km. Indianvisit can arrange for you all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in Mysore and throughout the Indian state of Karnataka.
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