Mysore, the city of palaces is a popular tourist destination of South India. This place is renowned for its majestic buildings, grandiose palaces, well laid gardens, glimmering silk and sandalwood. Rich history and heritage of the Wodeyar Dynasty is reflected through its monuments, festivals, palaces and temples. Mysore is known for its beautiful silk sarees, sandalwood products, rosewood carved articles, agarbattis and the delicious Mysore Pak. It is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. Some of the prominent attractions of this place are:
Mysore Palace: It is the official residence of Wodeyar’s – the erstwhile royal family of Mysore. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. This palace is a three storied Indo-Saracenic architectural edifice with a length of 245 feet and breadth of 156 feet. The Muslim architectural pattern dominates the domes and outside constructions of this palace. The fascinating attraction of this palace is its intricately carved rosewood doors, ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble statues and paintings of the royal family. The royal gold throne of 200 kg is the most attractive artwork of this palace. On Sunday and National Holidays this palace is illuminated by 100,000 bulbs that gives this palace a magnificent look.
Brindavan Gardens: It is one of the most beautiful laid out terrace gardens of the world. It is built across the Kaveri river and adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam. This garden is designed in the Mughal Style on the pattern of Shalimar garden of Kashmir. The beauty of fountains, water chutes, cascading water channels, grassy lawns, flowerbeds, shrubs and trees are the features of this garden that attracts scores of tourists. Illuminated musical fountains is the world renowned attraction of this place. The beauty of this place is at its best during flowery seasons.
Karanji Kere: It is a small lake amidst the Mysore city which is famous for its lush green location which is teeming with varieties of bird species. This place is the breeding ground of bird species like Indian hornbill,wild hens, ducks, pelican and wild fowls. During the migratory season a large number of tourists thronged to this place to enjoy the beauty of nature with the glimpses of rare bird species.
The historical city of Mysore can be visited throughout the year. But the best time to visit this place is during the festival of Dussehra. This is the most extravagant festival of this place which is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm since centuries. One the tenth day i.e. on Vijayadashami the celebration reaches its zenith. On this day the Palace is open to the public, the royal throne is displayed and the whole city is soaked in music, dance, doll shows and scores of entertainment activities.
Some of the other most visited places of this city are Chamundi Hills,Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Lalit Mahal Palace, Datta Peetham and many more.