'''Mysore''' is a city in the state of Karnataka in Southern India. It was the erstwhile capital of the ''Wodeyar'' dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state.

Understand

The city has recorded history dating back a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - apparently, this was the place where the demon '''Mahishasura''' was slain by the Goddess '''Chamundi'''. You will find a statue of the demon on '''Chamundi hill''' which commemorates this event.

In recorded times, the city rose to prominence when it became the capital of a breakaway feudatory of the '''Vijayanagara empire''' named '''Chamaraja Wodeyar''' in 1584. In 1610, he shifted the capital to nearby Srirangapatna. Hyder Ali who was a commander in the army usurped power 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 battle 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 India. After 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.

Mysore has evolved from being a quiet and sleepy city, to a city that is touted to being the most important one in the state after Bangalore. With apartment complexes, supermarkets, a couple of proposed malls, new and improved roads, the advent of IT and BPO firms and a growing young and dynamic workforce , this regal city is trying to strike a balance between the good old days while to keep up pace with the changes affecting it.

A city that is old, yet new. A modern-day paradox in the making, anyone who lives in Mysore for long enough can't help falling in love with this place.

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Get in

By plane

The nearest domestic and international airport is '''Bangalore airport near Devanahalli''' (170km from Mysore) [http://www.airportsindia.org.in/aai/international/bangalore/blr-gi.htm].

'''Mysore Airport''' [http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/mysore.jsp] ('''MYQ''') is currently non-operational. However, it was recently announced that it would be reopened and expanded to accommodate small 50-seater aircraft. The airport is likely to become operational in March 2009.

By train

'''Mysore Junction''' is the city's main station, and there are daily trains plying the route between Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thanjavur as well as smaller and lesser known Indian cities.

The fastest and possibly the most comfortable way to travel between Mysore and Bangalore and Mysore and Chennai is on the Mysore-Chennai (via Bangalore) Shatabdi Express, which covers the Mysore-Bangalore leg of the journey in 2 hours and the Mysore-Chennai section in 7 hours. Although slightly more expensive than other trains, all the Shatabdi's coaches are air-conditioned and meals, snacks and a bottle of mineral water are included in the cost of the fare.

A one way ticket from Mysore to Bangalore on Shatabdi would cost about 305 Indian Rupees. A round trip sleeper class seat/bed from Chennai to Mysore costs about 430 Indian Rupees.

A one way ticket from Mysore to Bangalore on other express train would cost about 45 Indian Rupees. There are many trains available from Mysore to Bangalore and vice versa. Tippu Express being the famous one which covers the distance of 140 km in about 2.5 hours. Tippu Express leaves Mysore at 11AM and reaches bangalore by 1:30PM and leaves Bangalore by 2.20PM and reaches Mysore within 4:55PM.

By bus

Buses run every 5 minutes on the Bangalore route, and there is a choice of both A/C and non-A/C vehicles. During the weekends, these buses are often full, so it is advisable to reserve a seat in advance. The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are very comfortable, especially the '''Volvo''' (Luxury) buses. A one-way ticket from Bangalore to Mysore costs 225 Indian Rupees.

Mysore has two major bus stands. All KSRTC buses arrive and depart from the '''Central''' bus stand (aka sub-urb bus stand), while local buses use the '''City''' bus stand.

By car

Mysore is approximately 140 km from Bangalore, and there is a 4 lane highway (2 lanes in each direction) connecting the 2 cities. The traffic is fairly heavy but the drive is extremely comfortable.

Get around

Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.

  • '''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 Rs 6 per km.
  • '''By Car''' -
  • You can easily visit Mysore through Car. There are many Car Rental Companies available which Provide world Class Services.

    '''Enterprises Car Rental'''

    '''Savaari Car Rental''',Savaari [http://www.savaari.com Car Rental Mysore] has a reputation for providing quality luxury car rentals Mysore.For more information on online booking of Rental Car in Mysore, Website:[http://www.savaari.com/user/mysore-car-rentals/car-rentals-mysore.php]

    '''Hertz Car Rental'''

  • '''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. Price is 7.00 Rs per km, with a minimum fare of 14.00 Rs. Try to insist on meter usage, threatening to call the police works sometimes when the rickshaw driver pretends that the meter is broken so wants a flat fee.
  • At the railway station go straight to the pre-paid auto rickshaw counter and tell them your destination (you have to pay a cheap one rupee fee for this service). They will give you a slip with the fare printed ,along with the destination and auto rickshaw registration number. When you arrive at the destination you just pay what is printed on the slip given to you in advance.

    See

  • '''Mysore Palace''' [http://tours.aadyaitsolutions.com/blog/2009/03/12/13/ Virtual Tour] - 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 7PM-8PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath.
  • '''Brindavan Gardens''' and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins.
  • '''Chamundi Hills''' has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The huge Nandi statue on the mountain is also well known. Chamundi Hills is 800 Feet above sea level and is know for it's wild life. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's (Also called as Chamundeshwari) idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone and is known for Big Cats like Cheetah, but tourists are rarely (next to never) are attacked by them.
  • '''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, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea.
  • '''St. Philomenas Church '''- A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
  • '''Datta Peetham''' - Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come and join in for a guided tour through the ashram.
  • '''Bonsai Garden @ Datta Peetham''' - The Gardens in the Ashrama have developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started in different areas as time went on. In the early 80_fs, the beautiful, tall and robust palm trees which now line the Ashrama_fs main entrance road were planted.
  • ''' Mysore Zoo '''- is one of the city_fs most popular attractions. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Mysore Zoo is open on all days except Tuesdays from 8AM to 5:30PM. The entrance fees are Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. (Below 5 years is free.)
  • ''' Karanji Kere'''- is a small lake inside the city.You can go for a small trip of boating.The lake is sorrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere. In local language Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji Kere.
  • Jayalakshmivilas mansion. anasagangotri. It was built by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar to his daughter Jayalakshammanni.It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars.It is converted into a museum and it stores artefacts and archaelogical findings.

    Museums

  • ''' National Museum on Natural History''', [http://nmnh.nic.in/mysore.htm]. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India.
  • '''Folk Art Museum''' Founded in 1968 and located in the university of Mysore campus, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka.
  • '''Rail Museum''' Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi.
  • '''Oriental Research Institute''' Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts.
  • 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.
  • '''Climb up Chamundi Hills''' via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time.
  • For those with a penchant for authentic South Indian vegetarian food, especially light snacks such as dosa and idly with coffee and the like, could try eating at the Mylari hotels (located at Ittigegud and Kuvempunagar) or at Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR, Chamundipuram).
  • Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening '''strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake''', though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out.
  • Royal Mysore Walks. 6320 44188. ww.royalmysorewalks.com. Go on a Walking Tour, Get to know about Mysore's glorious past in an informative and interesting manner..

    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 [http://tours.aadyaitsolutions.com/blog/2009/03/12/deveraj-urs-road/ 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.

    Be warned however. There are quite a lot of perfume sellers that sell inferior goods, don't be tempted by nice boxes and free gifts. As a rule, if it looks like a bargain, the perfume is poor quality. The real stuff is normally found further from the centre, but is mostly for export.

  • '''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 favorite '''Mysore Pak'''. Mysore Pak is a traditional sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces (available in almost all sweet shops) and is made out of Gram Flour, Sugar (or Jaggery) and lots of Ghee (clarified butter).

    Tourists should also sample some of the more unique signature dishes of Karnataka, including:

  • '''Bisibele Baath''' - Made of Rice and Lintils with a lot of local spices. You should be able to get Bisibele Baath at most restaurants
  • '''Raagi and Akki Rotis''' - They are similar to tortillas but made of Raagi (English: Coracan, Finger Millet) or Rice flour along with Black Cumin, Asafoetida, fresh Coriander, Green chillies and finely chopped onions.
  • '''Raagi Mudde''' ? It is a staple food in some of South Indian households (especially in Karnataka). It is basically made by cooking Raagi Flour in water and later rolling it into thick-consistency balls. Raagi Mudde is swallowed and not chewed after dipping it into Ghee and Sambar.
  • Budget

  • The '''sa Hotel''', a small hotel with a garden located near the main bus station, offers excellent South Indian cuisine at very reasonable prices.
  • '''Dasaprakash''' near the city bus-stand.
  • '''Nalapak''', '''Mylary''' and '''Gayathri Tiffin Room'''(GTR) are places to find very good dosas.
  • '''Iyer's Mess''' near RTO circle. The perfect place for authentic Home cooked South Indian food served on a plantain leaf. Service is hospitable. All this at a humble price of Rs.25 per meal. Open only in the afternoons (Noon-3PM).
  • '''Kalidasa road''' in Jayalakshmipuram has fairly good restaurants like '''Green leaf''', '''Tao'''. Everybody seems to like the shawarma at '''Casino park''' and '''Lemon Tree'''
  • Hotel '''RRR''' near the bus station is a lovely place for biriyani
  • Mysore has 3 cafe coffee days, one on Kalidasa road, one on Kanthraj Urs road, and one on [http://tours.aadyaitsolutions.com/blog/2009/03/12/deveraj-urs-road/ Devraj Urs road].
  • Corner House in Vontikoppal is a nice place for ice creams
  • '''Edelweiss The Austrian Cafe''' parallel to Kalidasa Road, has great food at very affordable prices and authentic, heavenly cakes baked by an Austrian. The kitchen is open so you can see your food being cooked.
  • '''Rita's Cafe''' at Gokulam Main road offers delicious home cooked Indian food. The decor is artistic.
  • '''Sixth Main''' is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localites especially at the weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background. Definitely worth the Money!
  • Mid-range

  • '''Planet X Restaurant'''. A leading multi-cuisine restaurant in mysore serving Indian, Chinese & Continental food .
  • '''Hotel Siddhartha'''. Offers good variety of South and North Indian Vegetarian food.
  • '''Hotel Sandesh Prince'''. It is a Two Star Hotel and offers good variety of food.
  • '''Hotel Royal Orchid'''. Overlooking Brindavan Gardens - offers clean, fresh, multi-cuisine food in a very good setting.
  • '''Park Lane''' [http://tours.aadyaitsolutions.com/blog/2009/03/12/13/ Virtual Tour]. Next to the Palace.Intriguing interiors.Perfect place to enjoy your drink and try out some spicy Indian food.
  • Splurge

  • '''Hotel Regaalis''' - see Sleep listing
  • '''Hotel Metropole''' - see Sleep listing
  • '''Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel''' - see Sleep listing
  • Drink

    Mysore is part of Karnataka state where the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor, though there aren't many pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include:
  • '''Hookah Lounge''', Planet X, Maharana Prathap Singh Road, Nazarbad.
  • '''Pelican Pub''', Hunsur Road, near St.Joseph's state school.
  • '''Bopy's Pub''', Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church.
  • '''Lobo's''', Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
  • '''Opium''', Pai Vista, Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
  • '''Keg Pub''', Just Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
  • '''Purple Haze''', in Vijayanagar.
  • Sleep

    '''Scam Alert!''' - If you arrive by bus or train, you will most likely be approached by a number of young boys who tend to speak fantastic English who will try to lead you to their relative's hotel. The hotel is most often poor quality. These children are very chatty and good salesmen and you may like them, but they should be in school instead.

  • .

    Budget

  • '''Vyshak Residency''', 19 Seebiah Road (Opp. Agarwal Choultry), Devraj Mohalla. Tel:''+91 821'' 242-1777
  • ''' Hotel Maurya Mysore''', 9/5 Hanumantha Rao St, Tel:''+91 821'' 242-6677, [http://www.travelchacha.com/hotels/mysore_mauryaresidency.html]. Well-kept rooms in a convenient and pleasant location. single 140rs, double 260rs, triple 370rs per night.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Hotel Bombay Tiffanys''', 313 Sayyahi Rao Road Cross (''Opposite Main Bata''), ''+91 821''-2435255/6/7 (''[mailto:bombaytiffanys@yahoo.co.in bombaytiffanys@yahoo.co.in], fax +91 821'' 2433105). Small, clean rooms. Those near the stairwell are subject to surprisingly loud noise echoing up from the lobby well all through the night.
  • '''The Green Hotel''', Chittaranjan Palace, 2270 Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Tel:''+91 821'' 425-5000, (''E-mail: thegreenhotel@airtelbroadband.in''), [http://www.cardaid.co.uk/greenhotel/]. A palace converted into a hotel. Has a spacious lawn for outdoor drinks and a meals.
  • '''Ginger-Mysore''', Vasant Mahal Road, Nazarabad, Tel:''+91 821'' 663-3333. [http://www.gingerhotels.com/mysore/hotel_profile.aspx] Excellent and clean place, centrally located, costs 1,700rs for a double room, great food. Often full at weekends.
  • Splurge

  • '''Hotel Regaalis''' (formerly '''Southern Star'''), 13-14 Vinobha Road. Tel:''+91 821'' 242-6426/242-7427, (''E-mail: sstar@touchtelindia.net''), [http://www.ushashriramhotels.com/hotel-regaalis-mysore.html].
  • '''Hotel Metropole''', Jhansi Lakshmibai Road.
  • '''Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel'''
  • Contact

  • The '''area code''' for Mysore is '''0821'''. When calling from overseas, dial +91 821 XXX XXXX
  • Stay safe

    Mysore is known to be a reasonably safe city. But, if you are planning to take a late night stroll, it is recommended that you keep watch, since a few incidents of Chain/Purse snatching are reported every month. It is also not safe to take an Auto-Rickshaw during late evenings. You also have to be careful in dealing the amount of money paid to the Auto-Rickshaw drivers, as it is the means of transport for the poor, if you are a foreigner, they will make an attempt to take more money from you, its not generalizing, they have created that reputation for themselves. It is better to travel using a hired taxi service, there are many available, with very good drivers. The drivers of Taxis have to be very good, as it is one of the important means of transport for the rich tourists.

    The police are generally friendly especially towards foreigners. Don_ft hesitate to ask for help. You can reach the police control room by dialing 100 from land line telephone booth or by dialing 112 if you have access to a cell phone.

    People in Mysore are generally hospitable, ready to help. Although you will not find such people in the up-market areas, where one person does not care for the other. Good-looking women are advised to stay away from colleges if you don't enjoy friendly flirting.

    Cope

    Get out

  • Bangalore - Karnataka state capital
  • Bylakupee - The largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet.
  • Ooty - hill station resort
  • Tala Cauvery (Coorg Region) - The source of the River Cauvery
  • Kabini reservoir and Game lodge
  • Bandipur and Nagarahole Forest Safari
  • Srirangapatna - Tippu Sultan's summer palace, Tippu Drop and the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
  • Kokkare Bellur - A small village and a bird sanctuary.
  • Shivanasamudram - Twin falls formed by Cauvery river and place of Hydroelectric power plant.
  • Coorg: A pleasant hill station with two beautiful places to stay in, Orange County & Club mahindra's RCI Gold crown resort.