Renowned as the City of palaces, Mysore the princely state is a dream destination of many travellers with its clean streets and the cool serenity of the environment. The city is filled with aromas of different smells all over as it is blessed with some of the best smelling incense trees growing in India. Mysore is at a distance of 140 kms from Bangalore city, the industrial capital of Karnataka , Mysore in terms of beauty has a lot to offer to the visitors.


In the ancient days, Mysore was the capital of the old royal Mysore province that expands to the 'Mahishasurana Ooru' meaning the town of Mahasasura. Mysore was at length under the Wodeyer family since 14th century till the 18th century. The fragrant city for a brief period of about 40 years came under the rule of Hyder Ali and later Tipu sultan in the 17th century. The enchanting land of Mysore welcomes each and every guest to feel its quaint charms,meticulous planning, magnificent palaces,imposing structures,gardens that reminds the old heritage of the Maharaja's Capital city.


Major Attractions
» Chamundi Hills
A natural background to the city of Mysore, the Chamundi hills are at a height of 1,100 feet high in altitude. On the top of the hills is located the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswan, the family deity of the earlier royal Woodeyer's. Pligrims to the temple has to drive through a 13 km stretch or walk the 1, 000 stone steps. At the entrance of the temple lies the statue of Mahisasura, the demon killed by Goddess Parvati as Kali. There is also to be seen a majestic 4.8m huge structure of Nandi, the bull who,was Lord Shiva’s personal mount.

» Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Garden lies in close proximity to the city and is a half hour drive from the city center . The famous terraced beautiful gardens are renowned world over and enclosed by shallow waters on its sides. The well maintained gardens have manicured steps with the fountains emitting soft colours light to add to the delight.

» Lalitha Mahal Palace
Once a guest house of the Woodeyers, the great Mahal palace was created in the year 1930. Its prime attraction is the staircase made of the Italian marble. The marbled stair case branches off from a high position to reach to the first floor hall. The Lalitha mahal is surrounded by green lawns and tall trees. The Mahal has presently been converted to a grand hotel by the tourism corporation.
» Mysore Palace
Built in a sarcenic style in about 897AD, the Mysore temple can be best viewed with both the Hindu architectural influence as well as the Muslims. Designed by an English architect it was completed in the year 1912. The palace was built to replace an earlier created mansion which was burnt down in 1897. The main palace within the building is made of massive grey granite with a tower having a gilded dome. The interiors are coloured with turquoise blue, magenta, golden yellow and leaf green. The central hall was used for marriages and other major events. There is a temple and a museum situated within its vicinity.


Nearby Attractions
» Bandipur
The Bandipur forest reserve is located about 80 kms from Mysore and falls on the way to Ooty. The Wildlife sanctuary in the Chamarajanagar district exemplifies ample success towards India’s strive for natural conservation. It was earlier the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Voodiyar and later created in to a park in 1930.

The park was stretched in 1941 to merge with the Nagarhole wildlife Sanctuary lying to its northern edge and the Madumalai sanctuary lying to its southern edge. In today’s term the entire area constitute the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which comprises the tracts of protected forest. Later designated a Tiger reserve in 1973 to protect the dwindling Tiger population, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary lies to the Deccan plateau totally shadowed by the western ghats.


Shopping
Mysore is best known for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks,Tourist can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense sticks. At the Government Silk Factory visitors can see the master weavers at work and buy shimmering silks straight off the looms. The shop are at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little back streets.


Accommodation
Besides the star category hotels, there are also cheaper hotels that provide excellent accommodation to the tourist according to their budgets. The prominent ones are the 3 star Ramanashree hotel, 2 star Quality inn and the Lalitha mahal palace. The 5 star category includes the Oberoi hotel, the Leela Palace, the Taj Residency.

How to Reach
» By Air
The nearest airport from Mysore is at Bangalore140 kms away. From here one can take flights for most of the important cities in India.

» By Rail
Mysore rail station is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai through regular trains. Between Mysore and Bangalore, there are several good trains like the Shatabdi and Tipu Express.

» By Road
There are a good network of roads which connects Mysore to the other important cities of the region. Regular buses under state and public operate to Delhi-2154 km, Mumbai-1168 km, Calcutta-2147 km, Chennai-469 km and Bangalore-140 km.