For information on Package Tours contact:
KSTDC INFORMATION COUNTER.
Phone: 2287 0068 |
MYSORE
The royal city of the Wodeyars, Mysore has the typical air of being
one, with its palaces and a slow-paced life-style that has a charm
of its own. Mysore was earlier called Mahishapura, supposedly where
Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura.
 Mysore
Palace, the residence of the Wodeyars, is one of the largest of
its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Sarscenic style, this
palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Throne, the
Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantap, the Gallery and the Amba Vilas
are the main attractions here. Sri Jayachamarajandra Art Gallery
housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, has a collection of exquisite paintings.
In October each year, Mysore celebrates the world famous Dasara
festival for ten days with brightly lit palaces, parades, an exhibition
cum fun-fair and concerts in classical music and dances that are
held in the Durbar Hall of the Palace.
A procession of ornately decorated elephants with one of them carrying
the Golden Howdah, where the idol of Goddess Durga is placed (formerly
the Maharaja would sit here) and horses resplendant in ceremonial
finery bring the festivities to a grand close.
Chamundi Hills: The 12th Century temple here can be reached by
road or by climbing a 1000 steps.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN:
Kannada, Hindi and English.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT:
Between September and February.
REACHING THERE:
By Road: Bangalore is 140 km away. It is a three and a half
hour ride by bus
or car!
By Rail: There are several trains connecting Bangalore to
Mysore.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore.
SOMANATHAPURA
Somanathapur, a small village 38 km east of Mysore, is famous for
its 13th century Hoysala Temple. This temple is remarkably well-preserved
and has frescoed exteriors depicting episodes from epics.
There is a 62 feet high statue of Venugopala (Vishnu) installed in
the southern cell. The Keshava Temple was built in 1268 A.D. Don't
miss the three shrines having "vimanas" (air-crafts) in the shape
of a 16 pointed star.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN:
Kannada Hindi English.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT: Between September and February.
REACHING THERE:
By Road: Somanathapur is 38 km from Mysore towards the east.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Mysore, which is connected
by rail to Bangalore, Mangalore and Chennai.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore.
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