MYSURU in a day... 5 things not to miss in land of fragrance

5 things not to miss in land of fragrance - Mysore

let's know mysore better.....

Located in the foothills of CHAMUNDI hills, MYSORE is replete with the history of its royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, sandalwood and definitely yoga. 

Served as the capital city of the kingdom of mysore for nearly six centuries, it was merely ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty. The Wadiyar were patrons of art and culture and contributed significantly to the cultural and economic growth of the city and the state.

While on my clinical educational 4 days trip to the city of mysuru : new pronounced name to earlier Mysore, which British changed from mahishuru. Karnataka government on November 2014 changed to MYSURU.

I was able to roam and cover some of the best tourist spots around the city, which imbibe the ancient mythological history in it. 

Modern Mysuru is the First Cleanest City of India. It has good connectivity via roads, trains, and flight across India. At present Mysore, airports have connectivity to 6 routes (Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai, Guwahati, and Shillong). 

1. Mysore Palace...

Famously known as the City of Palaces, Mysore palace is a major tourist attraction after Taj Mahal with over 6 million visitors every year.  It is a historical palace and official residence of wadiyar dynasty carved with Indo-Saracenic style of architecture dome, which blends Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and gothic style architecture elements.

It is 3 storey stone building with marble domes and 145-foot tower surrounded by a large garden on all its sides.

The palace houses 2 Ceremonial meeting hall and incorporate an array of lavish corridors, courtyards, gardens, and temple.

Time you need: 2 - 3 hrs to explore...

The palace is located in the epicenter of city and one can easily reach by local, public and private commute. 

Open at 9.00 am in the morning and closes around 6pm. I would personally suggest visiting the palace in the early opening or during closing hours to avoid crowds, weekdays are preferable. Sunday and public holidays, the palace is open and often overcrowded. 

The major attraction is the evening lighting, where the entire palace is lit up after hosting the sound and light show.

  On weekdays, the palace lighting is only lit for 5 - 10 min post 45 min of sound and light show from 7.45 - 8.00pm. 

The Entry Fees - Rs. 70 

Light / Sound Show Fees - Rs. 90/- 

Timings: 7 - 8pm (ticket counter open at 6.30pm)

(45 min shows depicting arts, historical, cultural and musical journey of wadiyar dynasty) 

Best TIME to visit mysuru is during mysuru dussehra festival : 10 days festival sees major tourist visiting; the city fully lightens up and seen to be in the jovial mode of celebrating dussehra. 

Inside the Palace...

Mysore palace, in particular, stands out because of its architectural splendor and the spellbinding aura it exudes to its visitors. 

Charming Corridors and Splendid Hall

Old architecture building have an appeal of their own, but it is the corridors that make them stand out allowing onlookers to witness their magnificence. Marble Domes, Ceiling Art, Decorated carved pillars and tiles flooring make it unique to look stunning. 

Gigantic reception hall where the wadiyar dynasty rulers used to address the public. 

Second Storey

Third storey 

ceiling art work..

Outside Arena  

Few Important notes...

1. Footwear are not allowed inside palace. there is a footwear stand  at the entry gate, where its kept safe.

2. Too Many Mosquitoes, wear Jacket or Full Sleeves top and t-shirt.

3. Light and Sound Show is lengthy and could be boring if you are not well versed with state culture (last 10 - 15 min of musical skits is entertaining)

4. Beware of pickpocketing; keep your belongings safe. 

5 . Choose Evening time so you could combine palace visit and (L&S show)

2.St Philomena Church...

With the fame of being one of the largest churches in India, this majestic captivates with its architectural excellence, it also boasts of being the second largest church in Asia. It stands as an exemplary of secular viewpoint and religious harmony which existed in Mysore. This can be seen from the fact that this church was built by Mysore ruler for the European residents in the city.

3. Chamundi Hill...

Named after the goddess Chamundi, the chamundeshwari temple sits atop the main hill. The Temple has a quadrangular structure. Within the temple's sanctum stands a sculpted depiction of Chamundeshwari.  

Her cross-legged yogic posture if mastered believed to provide an added dimensional view of the universe. A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and cobra in the left. 

The Mighty Mahishasura (derived the city name mysore) was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari after a fierce battle. From the peak of the Chamundi Hills, The Mysore Palace, the Karanji lake and several smaller temples are visible  

Few Important Notes...

An early morning visit to chamundi hills is calm and pleasant, to get some fresh air and scenic view of the city. You can do small trek (not literally) - some 1800 step to the peak of a summit of chamundi hills. 

Commute via public transport is easy and comfortable, regular AC buses 

(Bus no 281) to chamundi hills from city bus stand is economical.  Ola / Uber services are available too. 

4. Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake is another tourist attraction in Mysore, right beside the chamundi hills. The lake had been taken as a part of Mysore zoo, Take a leisure walk along the lake for peaceful moments amidst the beautiful natural setting. Lake also has wide range of activity like boating, kids zone and cycling. The Butterfly park has been created on a small island within the karanji lake, till now about 45 species have been identified. 

5. Ghufa Restaurant / Silk - Sandalwood 

After all the Luxurious, Strenuous and Adventurous days in mysuru, it was time to hog on to something delicious. Dinn at one of the most famous multi-cuisine restaurant named "gufha - meaning caves". if you prefer ambiance to be equally good to food, this restaurant is highly recommended to satisfy the taste buds. Often Overcrowded, recommended doing a prior booking. Staff is courteous and the entire atmosphere is quite craving for food in the CAVES. Designed at its best, but it is slightly congested and dark. The best-recommended dishes here are Paneer kurkure, chicken karra, King Do chicken and others.

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Itinerary followed: 

1. Early Morning - Chamundi Hills (1 hr)

2. Morning - Karanji Lake + Mysore Zoo + Botanical garden (2 hr)

3. Afternoon - St Philomena Church (45 min)

4. Lunch + Coffee shop + visit Silk and Sandalwood store or factory nearby

5. Evening - Mysore Palace and Light and Sound Show

6. Night - Dinner at Gufha Restaurant 

and most important to stay healthy, energetic and to look fresh during all your journey 

Sleep Well mate... 

some random pics...

Visit Mysore.. its clean and beautiful city...

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