Mysore - The City of Palaces

Mysore is known as the City of Palaces and rightly so. It has emerged as a major tourist destination because of the many palaces located in the city. The city was the capital of erstwhile Woodeyar dynasty and has seen the development of a remarkable mix of modern and emerging city with the unchanged charms of an old world. Mysore is famous for its Dasara festival. It was the state capital in the past and today it is the second largest city of Karnataka. The city is located at a distance of 130 Kms from Bangalore which is also the nearest airport.

Places to visit in Mysore

There are a number of beautiful places and palaces you would like to visit while in Mysore. The city is located between two rivers Kaveri and Kabini. It is a great pleasure to visit the banks of both the rivers because they are dotted with numerous beautiful parks and gardens. You should also visit the Chamundi Hills which are located as the crown on the city of Mysore. It is believed that at the Chamundi Hills, Hindu Goddess Chamundeshwari triumphed over and killed Mahishasura.

The most important place to visit in the Mysore city itself is Ambavilas Palace which is the host of Dasara festival and is considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in India. In the palace itself, you must visit the Ambavilasa, the Kalyana Mantapa and Gombe Thotti. You should also visit the Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal.

Other important places to visit in Mysore are the three lakes - Karanji, Kukkarahalli and Lingabhumi. Of these three, the most beautiful is Karanji lake. You should also consider visiting the University of Mysore.

Must Do When In Mysore

Schedule your visit to coincide with the Dasara festival of Mysore and you would be treated to the festival of a lifetime. The ten day festivities bring out the best of Mysore and India. You would be able to see the majestic Mysore palace lighted up with 10,000 lights making it the star in the heart of the city.

However it is on the tenth day that you would be given the joy of a lifetime. The Dasara procession that is taken out on the last day is easily the best of such kinds. It is marked by richly decorated elephants and colorfully dressed dancers. Truly if you see the Dasara procession of Mysore, you would consider any carnival to be pale and colorless. When in Mysore, also make sure that you visit the beautiful Brindavan Gardens.

In Mysore, there are a number of things which you can buy and cherish for a lifetime. There is the Mysore Silk, the Mysore Rosewood, the Mysore Sandalwood and sandal carvings and sandal soap all of which make great souveniers. If you are traveling with your children, make sure that you visit GRS Fantasy Park, Planet X and Fun Fort all of which are remarkable theme and amusements parks of the city.