CITY SIGHTS
Mysore Palace
The residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched.
The Golden Royal Throne, the Durbar Hall, the kalyana Mandap, the Gallery and the Ambavillas are the main attractions here.
Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.
St. Philomena's Church
It is in Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows.
EXCURSION
Chamundi Hills
Towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from Mysore. Half way up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.
Brindavan Gardens
19 kms north west of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights transform this place into a fairy land in the evenings.
Srirangapatnam:
14 km north-east of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway is Srirangapatnam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat, built in 1784, was his favourite retreat. Now a museum, it tells eloquently of his valour and his losing battle against British expansion. It has ornate and beautiful frescoes. Tipu's Fort at Srirangapatnam holds within it a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, the tiger's tomb, with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory.
Somanathpur
35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple. The Temple is in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors depicting episodes from the epics.
SHOPPING
Sandalwood, its products and silk are Mysore's specialities, sold in Government owned emporia at fixed prices. The Government Silk Factory offers silk straight from the looms.
FESTIVALS
The Dasara celebrations in Mysore bring back the glory and grandeur of a bygone era. During Sept-Oct the entire city rejoices with colour and gaiety. The 10-days festivity culminites in a grand procession on the last day-Vijayadashami.
CLIMATE
| Season | Min. | Max. |
| Summer | 35 | 20 |
| Winter | 28 | 14 |
CLOTHING
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollens
ACCESS
| Hotels in Mysore |
By Rail Mysore is well connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi.
By Air The nearest airport is at Bangalore.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 01: Mysore: Arrive at Mysore. Sight seeing of Mysore. Overnight stay
Day 02: Mysore-Ooty: Drive to Ooty. Afternoon sight seeing tour. Overnight stay.
Day 03: Ooty-Periyar: Drive to Periyar. Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Periyar. Overnight stay.
Day 04: Periyar-Kottayam: Drive to Kottyam. Overnight stay.
Day 05: Kottyam-Alleppey: Backwater cruise & later drive to Cochin. Evening witness Kathakali Dance Performance. Overnight stay.
Day 06: Cochin-Trivandrum: Sight seeing of Cochin. Afternoon transfer to Trivandrum for flight to onward destination.
