|
Karnataka (
Mysore )
Once the capital of a princely
state, Mysore is a city that retains the ambiance of
its royal past. There are palaces, parks and shady
boulevards. Up on a hill overlooking the city is the
temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess.
CITY SIGHTS
THE MYSORE PALACE
The former residence of the
Wodeyar rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in
the Indo-Saracenic style. Among its many attractions
are a magnificent gold throne displayed during the
Dussehra celebrations and a carved silver door. Its
Kalyana Mandapa or marriage hall has paintings that
depict the royal times of the Maharaja's.
ST. PHILOMENA'S CHURCH
One of the largest Churches in the
country, in the Victorian Gothic style.
SHRI JAYACHAMARAJENDRA ART GALLERY
Located in the Jaganmohan palace,
the art gallery has paintings by Raja Varma, Svetsolav
Roerich and traditional paintings in the Mysore style.
The exhibits also include carved stone, ivory and
sandalwood.
CHAMUNDI HILLS
The road winds up a gentle hill to
the 2000 year old temple dedicated to the goddess
Chamundeswari. Legend has it, that it was here that the
goddess killed the evil demon Mahishasura. Half way up
the hill, a massive monolithic Nandi-the 'vahanam' or
vehicle of Lord Shiva, guards the shrine. From the top
of the hill, there is a splendid view of the city.
ONE DAY EXCURSION AROUND
MYSORE
SRIRANGPATNA (15 KM)
The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu
Sultan is picturesque located in the river Cauvery. Within the fort
walls that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against
the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria
Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully glided and painted
interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz' - his mausoleum, are located close
to the river.
RANGANATHITTOO (18 KM)
A lush island in the river Cauvery is a sanctuary
for varieties of water birds and it is possible to see them at a very
close range. Not far from Srirangapatna, Ranganathittoo is best visited
between June and February.
BRINDAVAN GARDENS (19 KM)
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.
SOMNATHPUR (35 KM)
The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid
example of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of
finely sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and
not to be missed.
BANDIPUR TIGER RESERVE (80 KM)
This Tiger Reserve has open forests and facilities
for viewing wildlife from elephant back.
NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK (90 KM)
A fine wildlife reserve that is within easy reach
of Mysore. Its dense deciduous forests are the habitat of the tiger,
leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital or the spotted deer, wild boar,
pangolin, langur, macaques and about 250 species of birds, including
the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Black Woodpecker.
There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River
Lodge and for viewing wildlife.
|
