Considered as one of the prominent places in India, Mysore is a wonder of the state of Karnataka that offers rich cultural heritage and historical importance. It is adorned with stunning places to explore that will get you drooling and tickle the adventurer in you.
Mysore is also known as the ‘Sandalwood City of India’ and is a unique and much sought holiday destination for travel enthusiasts.
In order to reach Mysore, you can take flights to Mysore Airport also known as Mandakalli airport. If you wish to take the rail route, Mysore railway station is located in the heart of the main city.
The sum of architectural beauty at Mysore revolves around this palace. It is the most beautiful contributions made by Wodeyar kings. Built in 1861, the palace emanates traditional Hindu style architecture and has also been home to many historical moments at Mysore.
Jaganmohan Palace
Picture credits: www.yexplore.travel |
With majestic finish, the Lalitha Mahal stands as a royal flagship, by the then Maharaja of Mysore. The palace was designed by Maharaja Krishnaraj Bahadur Wadiyar IV. The architecture has been inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral in London and is a mixture of several architectural forms from Europe. It has now been transformed into a hotel and is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation. The Mysore Silver Thali is the star-dish of the hotel which brings out the inviting taste of South India.
Lalitha Mahal
Picture credits: Nadir Hashmi / Flickr |
This heritage destination at Mysore goes back to be around 200 years old. It is also called as St. Joseph’s Church and displays a fabulous outcome of Gothic style architecture. It is one of the largest Cathedrals in the whole of South Asia. The relics found in the church belong to the 3rd century which makes it even more fascinating.
St. Philomena’s Church
Picture credits: srikateeltravels.com |
It is also known as Mysore Maharaja Palace, and is one of the largest palaces in India. Tucked amidst the city centre, the palace was built in 1897 and was later reconstructed in 1912. The architecture is an amalgam of different styles of architecture that showcase skilful and intricate craftsmanship. The palace has a jewel encrusted golden throne that is displayed on special occasions. While it has its magnificent appeal during the day, it gets illuminated with over 98,000 bulbs at night.
Mysore Palace
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This gorgeous roaring water cascade flows from Shivanasamudra, an island town that forms these falls via River Cauvery. The waterfalls are divided as Gaganachukki Falls and Bharachukki Falls and are rated among the top 100 falls all over the world. It not only offers a spectacular view, but is known for being Asia’s first Hydroelectric Power Station.
Shivanasamudra Falls
Picture credits: Bgajanan / Wikipedia |
This famous clear water lake is situated at the foot of Chamundi Hills. The lake was constructed by the King of Mysore. It spreads across 90 acres and encourages migratory birds that flock here season to season offering a majestic sight. The lake is surrounded by a picturesque park and has a huge enclosure for birds that is considered the largest of its kind in the country. Karanji Lake also has boating facilities to take in more pleasure of a blissful day out at Mysore.
Karanji Lake
Picture credits: www.holidayiq.com |
The gardens are located below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. Brindavan Gardens commenced its construction in 1927 and completed in 1932. The entire patch spreads across 150 acres and is considered as one of the best gardens in the country. Apart from its stunning symmetric design it houses a botanical park and many fountains in various shapes and sizes that come together to form a mesmerizing view.
Brindavan Gardens
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Located at a height of 1065 m above the sea level, one has to climb a hundred steps to reach the top of Chamundi Hills. The ancient Chamundeshwari Temple is located at the top of these hills that belongs to 11th century. The temple has a 5 m tall statute of Nandi bull that was carved out of a single rock and is covered with ropes, chains, bells and jewels of stone.
Chamundi Hills
Picture credits: Saravana Kumar / Wikipedia |
If you wish to enjoy ancient, rich and splendid temples of Mysore, this one’s hard to miss. It is celebrated for its divinity and grandeur. The temple is exquisitely carved in star shape and consists of triple towers with intricate designs of Hoysala style of architecture. The temple is a World Heritage Site and is a must visit for history seekers as well as nature lovers.
Somanathapura Temple
Picture credits: confurfeo.blogspot.com |
