Mysore
From World travel guide
Mysore is a city in the state of Karnataka in India's South region. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state.
Contents |
Understand
The city has recorded history dating back to a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - apparently, this was the place where the demon Mahishasura was slayed by the Goddess Chamundi. You will find a statue of the demon on the Chamundi hill which commemorates this event. In recorded times however, the city rose to prominence as the capital of a breakaway feudatory of the Vijayanagara empire, Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1584. In 1610, he shifted the capital to nearby Srirangapatna. This dynasty was overthrouwn by the Commander-in-chief Hyder Ali in the late 18th century. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tipu Sultan, who fought and lost a war with the British, dying in the process in 1799. The British restored the Wodeyars as their puppet rulers and shifted the capital back to Mysore. The Wodeyars had substantial internal autonomy and the princely state of Mysore (which comprised a large portion of present-day Karnataka) was probably the best administered in the country. On independence, the state was merged back to the Indian Union and the capital of Mysore state was shifted to nearby Bangalore where the British maintained their army. The name of the state too was eventually changed to the more accurate "Karnataka" in 1973. The dynasty is still well-loved and the people of Mysore are still nostalgic for the grandeur of the earlier times. The palaces built by the Wodeyars and the yearly celebration of Dusshera are a holdover of that period.
Get in
By plane
The nearest Airport is the Bangalore airport [1]. All domestic airlines are operating flights to and from Bangalore (130km from Mysore) to all major cities of the country. From Bangalore, there are buses to Mysore every half an hour from the Central Bus Stand and it will take about 3 hours to reach Mysore.
The Mysore airport[2] is currently non-operational, however it was recently announced that it would be reopened and expanded to accommodate small 50-seater aircraft.
By train
Mysore is also reachable by train from other Indian cities. The Mysore Junction is the main station. There are daily trains from/to Bangalore, Madras, Thanjavur and smaller and lesser known Indian cities. For train timings and on-line reservations (within India) visit the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation'swebsite. The fastest and possibly most comforatable way to Mysore from Bangalore or Chennai is on the Mysore-Chennai (via Bangalore) Shatabdi Express, which coverst the Mysore-Banglore journey in 2 hours and 7 hours from Chennai. Although slightly more expensive than other trains, the Shatabdi's coaches are all A.C and meals and snacks are provided along the way as well as drinks and a bottle of mineral water.
A round trip sleeper class ticket from Madras to Mysore costs about 430 Indian Rupees, around $US 10.00.
By bus
There are buses every 5 minutes from Bangalore. Coaches can be both air conditioned (A/C) and non-A/C. During the weekends these buses run full and getting a ticket can be a bit of a problem unless you book them in advance. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are comfortable especially the Rajahamsa (Luxury) buses.
Mysore has two major bus stands. All KSRTC buses arrive and depart from the Central bus stand while the local buses ply from the City bus stand
By car
You can reach Mysore by road from Bangalore but be warned about driving in India. It is especially dangerous driving in night, with all the lorry traffic clogging the highways. The much awaited Bangalore-Mysore expressway is likely to remain further awaited.
Get around
Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.
- Auto Rickshaws - Usually go by the meter, but drivers politely refuse to down the meters especially at Railway Stations, Bus Stations etc. The more your attire and luggage announce that you are a tourist the less the chances of drivers going by the meter.
- Tourist Cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like SriRangaPattanam etc. Costs about 5.00 Rs per KM.
Most Car rentals in India come with a driver which is possibly the best way to go. In Mysore look up:
- Kaveri Travels in Kuvempunagar.
See
- Mysore Palace - Entry is through the south side. Shoes and Cameras must be left at the cloak room. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Sundays and National Holidays between 7-8pm the palace is illuminated by no less than 5000 bulbs. A sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath.
- Brindavan Garden and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 19:00, the "musical fountain" light and music show begins.
- Chamundi Hills
- Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery - A former palace that has been converted into a wonderful art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists.
- Lalit Mahal Palace- Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, but visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea.
Do
The festival season of Dusshera (September/October) is celebrated in grand style in Mysore. On the last day, of the 10 day festival, a procession of the state's guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Learn
Buy
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varities of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road. To experience one of India's best markets head to Devaraja Market where tourists and locals alike shop for daily fruit and vegetables as well as the rows and rows of flowers and various spices. Devaraja market is on Dhanwanthri Road.
- Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Road - Sandal wood figurines and caskets
- Agarbathis (Incense)
- Chenapatna Dolls and Wooden Toys
- Traditional Deck of playing cards
Eat
Mysore is famous for its Idlis, Sambars, Masala Dosas and of course the perennial favourite Mysore Paak! Tourists should also sample some of the more unique signature dishes Karnataka, including: Bisbele Baath, Raagi and Akki Rotis and Mysore Pak - a traditional sweet
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Mysore is part of Karnataka state and the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are available easily.
Sleep
Budget
- Vyshak Residency - Seebiah Road, Devraj Mohalla
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
- Bangalore
- Hassan
- Ooty
- Tala Cauvery (Coorg Region) - The place where river Cauvery originates
- Kabini reservoir and Game lodge
- Bandipur and Nagarahole Forest Safari
- Srirangapatna
- Tippu Sultan's summer palace (Srirangapatna)
- Tippu Drop (Srirangapatna)
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (just outside Srirangapatna). At the right seasons, this place is filled top to bottom with extraordinary birds that come here for breeding. Take the boat ride.
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
