MYSORE

An incredibly breathtaking example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace is a magnificent edifice located in Mysore in the state of Karnataka. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country.

The construction of the Mysore Palace was orchestrated by the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV referred as "Rajarishi" (saintly king) by Mahatma Gandhi. It was then further expanded by his son and the last Maharaja of Mysore, Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. The facade of the palace is a harmonious blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles which imparts it a regal quality. With the Chamundi Hills towards its eastern side, the spectacle of the Mysore Palace is an enchanting sight to behold. Needless to say, it is the second most visited historical monument visited by both local and foreign tourists after the Taj Mahal. Presently located inside the Old Fort, Mysore Palace is renowned for its light & sound show and vibrant Dussehra celebrations.

On the banks of Holy river Kaveri is a tiny tranquil town of Somanathapura. Here stands the finest and most exemplary monument of Hoysala architecture known as the famous Prasanna Chennakesava Temple or simply the Kesava Temple. Consecrated in the year 1258 CE, it is a Vaishnav Hindu Temple dedicated to might and beauty of Lord Krishna (Chenna= Beautiful and Kesava= Krishna). Tourists from near and far come to visit the temple to get a view of the beautiful place. The Chennakesava temple is one of the 1500 Temples built by the Hoysala Empire kings in different parts of their kingdom, and is said to be the climax development in Hoysala temple style and yet is unique in many other ways.

A classic example of the famous Hoysala architecture, and is one of the three temples of the kind to be nominated in the Unesco World Heritage list. Unfortunately, this temple is no longer used as a place of worship because the idols have been broken and desecrated by the invading Muslim armies. However, the beauty of the temple still charms thousands of visitors who visit the site to witness the magnificent artistic and engineering achievements of the era, to seek the Lord's blessing and admire the delicate carvings and sculptures, whose beauty is unequal and as unique as the God that it houses.

The Brindavan Gardens, spread over 60 acres, is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. Built across the notable river of India, Cauvery, it took around five years to complete the project. The well-synchronised fountain show with music, boating and well-manicured grass with flowerbeds are some of the top experiences of Brindavan Garden.

Constructed in 1932 by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, Brindavan Garden is visited by millions of tourists every year. Divided into two parts, north and south, boating facility offered by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation which connects the two parts along with a walkway bridge.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo is one of the best zoological gardens in India. Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar established this Zoo in the year 1892 for the Royals. Furthermore, after the attainment of freedom, it was handed over to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the State Govt. The Zoo's meticulous planning is responsible for making it a special zoological garden. It tends to create a natural habitat for the animals in it. From Big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo. The world's first caesarian section delivery performed on an elephant in Mysore zoo gave it global fame and recognition.

Located near the palace in Mysore, The Zoological Garden covers an area of 157 acres. It is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in India. It plays the role of an orphanage to the abandoned animals. Various exhibitions are regularly held here with an insect exhibition stealing the show. Following this, the Zoo carries forward certain Education Programmes such as Youth Club activities, Literary Competitions, and Summer Camp activities. The Karanji Lake was put under Zoo jurisdiction in 1976 and since has been a calm and serene place for boating.

Situated in the royal city of Mysore, the Jaganmohan Palace is a spectacular edifice that has an illustrious history attached to its name. It was used by the Wodeyars of Mysore when their main residence Amba Vilas Palace was under renovations post a fire incident. It is one of the seven palaces that are situated in the city and is counted as one of the most beautiful contributions of the Wodeyar Kings of the city during their reign. The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into a magnificent art gallery and today hosts some of the most exquisite pieces of artwork for the public to see.

Jaganmohan Palace held an important position in the administrative and legislative affairs of Mysore for a long period. From hosting the early convocations of the Mysore University to holding the first session of the Legislative Council of Mysore, this facade has seen it all. Finally, in 1915, the palace was deemed fit to be an art gallery and is a safe house for as many as 2000 paintings which pertain to various art forms such as Mysore, Mughal and Shantiniketan.

The Chamundeshwari Temple is a traditional Hindu temple located on the eastern edge of Mysore at the height of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. Dedicated to and named after goddess Durga, the temple also has statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. Being one of the oldest temples in the palace city of Mysore, the temple is a must-visit attraction for the travellers. The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.

There are two options for the visitors to reach the Chamundeshwari temple, either by steps or by driving through the interwoven valley road. The temple showcases the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity that was held in reverence for centuries by the Maharajas of Mysore; hence deriving its name from goddess Durga. The idol of goddess Durga here is adorned every day and worshipped by a number of priests. The deity is offered a variety of fruits, coconuts and flowers to show respect and reverence.

Karanji Lake, also known as the fountain lake, is a popular picnic spot. Visitors are allowed to bring packed food, and there is a coffee shop as well. It is a beautiful place to explore the different species of birds as the lake exhibits as many as 147 species including herons, Asian openbill storks, cormorant, grey pelican, etc.

The Karanji lake is said to possess the largest aviary in the country. Its set up cost was nearly 3.8 million, and it measures 20m in length, 50m in breadth and has a height of 60m. There is a waterfall too with two water bodies alongside. The lake also consists of a butterfly park which is home to more than 45 species of beautiful butterflies fluttering their wings and flying around in brilliant colours. Nectar, as well as host plants, have been planted in the park to help the butterflies sustain. The mesmerising lake also consists of a Regional Museum of national history which is situated on the banks of the lake giving out information on the natural environment of South India and how to maintain it.

Devaraja Market, located on Sayaji Rao Road in Mysuru, is one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant marketplaces, dating back to 1886. Spread over 3.6 acres, the market is home to more than a thousand shops that sell everything from fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables to spices, incense, sandalwood products, silk saris, and essential oils. A walk through its colorful lanes reveals iconic sights such as towering conical heaps of kumkum powder and stalls overflowing with jasmine garlands, making it both a shopper’s delight and a photographer’s paradise.

Built during the reign of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, after whom it is named, the market has long been the commercial and cultural hub of Mysuru. Its structure is laid out in three main aisles lined with shops, while entrances on each side connect to key city landmarks like the Dufferin Clock Tower and Devaraja Urs Road. Today, it attracts thousands of locals and tourists daily, not only as a shopping destination but also as a window into Mysuru’s traditional trade and heritage.