A royal city, Mysore is known for its magnificent palaces, buildings, sprawling gardens and tree-lined boulevards, shimmering silks and sandalwood. It possess a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity. It retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and time-honored crafts. In the hill country of southwestern India, this region is cooler than the coastal cities -- one of the reasons so many maharajahs chose to live there.

Dussehra Festival
Dussehra in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor.

Places Of Interest
Maharaja's Palace
Built lavishly in 1911, the Maharaja's Palace is an extravagance of domes, arches, turrets and sculptures. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. With vast pillared corridors and stately halls, carved ceilings, intricate mosaics, carving in ivory, stone and wood, life like paintings, antique royal weapons, this palace is a must in every visitor's itinerary.

Chamundi Hills
This is a 1150m hill that is named after Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva, who vanquished the Demon Mahishasura. From the top of the hill, one can have a panoramic view of Mysore.

Chamundeswari Temple
Built in the 12th century, a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture, Krishnaraja Wodeyar renovated the temple in 1827. The temple tower is 40m high with seven storeys. The deity is Goddess Durga. On the way to the temple, there is a monolithic statue of Nandi Bull and a morter statue of Mahishasura.

Brindavan Gardens
The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must-see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy tale quality.

Shopping
Mysore is a major craft centre with numerous shops selling an incredible range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and furniture.

Accomodation in Mysore
» Lalitha Mahal Palace