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Mysuru, also known as Mysore, is a historic city in southern Karnataka, India, at the foot of the Chamundi Hills, famous for the illuminated Mysore Palace, its grand Dasara festival, the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, the fountains of Brindavan Gardens, and its silk, sandalwood and Mysore pak.
For centuries it was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore under the Wadiyar dynasty, apart from a period of rule by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, whose island fortress of Srirangapatna lies close by. The Wadiyars filled the city with palaces, gardens and broad avenues, and it remains one of the best-preserved royal capitals in India.
Visitors tour Mysore Palace and the art gallery at Jaganmohan Palace, climb Chamundi Hills and watch the fountains at Brindavan Gardens. Day trips lead to Srirangapatna, the Hoysala temple at Somanathapura and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Dasara, held each autumn, fills the streets with a royal procession, music and lights, and is the most festive time to visit.
Mysore Palace in the heart of Mysuru is the grand seat of the Wadiyar kings, rebuilt between 1897 and 1912 in Indo-Saracenic style after a fire destroyed the older palace. Inside are the ornate Kalyana Mantapa and Durbar Hall. On Sunday evenings and during Dasara it is lit by nearly 100,000 bulbs.
Jaganmohan Palace in Mysuru was built in 1861 for the Wadiyar royal family and now houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Its collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Mysore gold leaf paintings and the famous Lady with the Lamp. It is a short walk from Mysore Palace.
Lalitha Mahal is a white palace near the foot of Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, built in 1921 for Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV to host the Viceroy of India. Its domed design was inspired by St Paul's Cathedral in London, and it is now a heritage hotel whose grand halls recall the royal era.
St. Philomena's Church in Mysuru is a neo-Gothic cathedral built from 1936 and inspired by Cologne Cathedral, with twin spires rising about 53 metres. Stained-glass windows show the life of Christ, and the crypt holds a statue of St. Philomena. Visitors are welcome outside services.
Chamundi Hills rise above Mysuru and are crowned by the Chamundeshwari Temple, devoted to the goddess Chamundeshwari, patron deity of the Wadiyar kings. About 1,000 stone steps lead up the hill past a giant Nandi bull carved from a single rock in the 17th century. The summit has wide city views.
The Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura, about 38 km east of Mysuru, is among the finest Hoysala temples, consecrated in 1258. Its star-shaped platform and three shrines are covered in intricate carvings of gods and elephants. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.
The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, about 15 km from Mysuru, is a major Vishnu temple on an island in the Kaveri River, with origins in the 9th century. Inside, Lord Ranganatha reclines on the serpent Adishesha. The island town also keeps the ruins of Tipu Sultan's fort and gateways.
Daria Daulat Bagh is Tipu Sultan's summer palace in Srirangapatna near Mysuru, built in 1784 mostly of teak wood and set in formal gardens. Its walls are covered in colourful murals, including scenes of the Battle of Pollilur, and a small museum displays paintings and objects from Tipu's time.
Brindavan Gardens lie below the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam on the Kaveri River, about 20 km north of Mysuru, laid out in terraces in the style of Mughal gardens. Fountains, flower beds and ornamental pools fill the grounds, and an evening musical fountain show draws big crowds. Arrive before sunset.
Mysore Zoo, officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, opened in 1892 in the royal city of Mysuru and is one of the oldest zoos in India. Its shady grounds house elephants, giraffes, tigers, gorillas and many birds, and the wide paths are easy for families. Allow about three hours.
Karanji Lake lies at the foot of Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, next to the zoo, and is home to one of the largest walk-through aviaries in India. Paths lead around the water past a butterfly park, and boating is available on the lake. It is a calm spot for birdwatching in the early morning.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a group of small islands in the Kaveri River near Srirangapatna, about 18 km from Mysuru, and the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. Boat rides pass nesting painted storks, spoonbills, pelicans and basking mugger crocodiles. Early morning visits are best.
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